Hell's Smitten (Gordon Ramsay x Reader)

Chapter 55- A Date with the Chef Part 4/4

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

We emerge from the secluded path into the clearing where our helicopter is waiting for us. The pilot has thankfully left the rotor blades off, so I don't have to worry about sticks flying at my face.

We stow our basket and tablecloth in the hatch on the side.

Gordon helps me in then slides in next to me.

"Did you two have a good time?" the pilot's voice crackles in over the headset.

"It was absolutely amazing, Travis, thank you for taking us," Gordon responds.

"Not a problem boss!" Travis happily responds as the helicopter begins to lift from the ground.

I'm much more excited about being in the sky than I was on the way over. I don't know if I'm starting to get used to it or if I'm already so elated that nothing can get me down, but either way the flight back to the mainland is wonderful.

"Are you excited for dinner service tonight?" Gordon asks over the comms, turning to look at me with a grin.

"Oh yes! I can't wait for the opportunity to lead the brigade."

"I'm sorry we ran short on time to discuss your duties, but if you have any questions now might be the time to ask."

I ponder for a moment.

"Can you just give me a general overview of what you think is most important to know, Chef?" I ask, tilting my head.

"Let's see. There are the basics– like calling out tickets, making sure everyone is working, keeping up with the times, and plating. Then there's the more in-depth aspect of the job where you have to provide instruction when you see a chef struggling, catch minor and major mistakes, and talk to the  customers should they approach the kitchens."

I make a mental checklist. None of these things sound particularly difficult, but I'm thankful that I'll have Gordon there to guide me. Hopefully, I will perform perfectly and impress him but this is a huge step up from what I'm used to and I'm bound to make a mistake at some point during service.

"It's crazy how you can run two separate kitchens so well. One kitchen is already tough, but two doubles the work," I say, admiration lacing my words.

He nudges my side with his elbow.

"You'll be the first contestant in Hell's Kitchen history to run both the red and blue kitchen simultaneously. Not many chefs run two kitchens at once ever in their lives– you're very much correct about it being difficult. Not even I can do it perfectly, every once in awhile a raw steak slips past or I accidentally add a sauce that the customer requested to be removed. Don't be too hard on yourself for your first time, yeah?" His eyes twinkle as he smiles at me.

"I'll try not to be, Chef," I affirm, proud that he's trusting me with such an important role.

The helicopter lands in a field, the jolt of touching the ground sends nerves shooting up my body. I handled the flight well, but any sort of bump will never stop being terrifying. Gordon's beautiful Ferrari glints in the receding sunlight far off in the distance.

Gordon hops down after removing his headset and opens his arms to help me down. I place my headset in the chair and Gordon wraps his hands around my waist, lifting me and setting me on the ground. Our pilot waves to us from the cockpit and we wave back before heading through the field towards his car.

Once we're close, Gordon stops just in front of the car. I stop and stand alongside him, wondering what he's thinking.

"Would you like to drive?" he asks after a moment.