Hell's Smitten (Gordon Ramsay x Reader)

Chapter 63- Oh Great, It's You

Thursday, July 11th, 2013

The interview team intercepts me after we finish prepping for tomorrow's service. I was hoping to relax and be in bed before ten, but it seems they want to bother me for the second day in a row.

Defeated, I follow the crew into the green screen room.

Janice waits for me to sit down in the chair across from her. She has a predatory grin that can only mean trouble.

"We're so sorry to have to pull you in, (Y/N), but you understand the rules of the job," she says with a saccharine tone. I'm reminded of the overwhelmingly sweet smell of the melted caramel and crinkle my nose involuntarily.

"So, how did you enjoy being the head chef of both the red and the blue kitchen?"

"It was exhilarating. I think I did well considering it was my first time running a kitchen. I learned a lot from the experience."

"What was your most and least favorite part?"

"I enjoyed catching mistakes before they went out to customers, but I didn't like the attitude of one particular chef."

"Ah yes, we were wondering what you felt about Pietro. Specifically, his exit from Hell's Kitchen. What do you think he meant by what he said?"

I'd been preparing for this.

"Obviously he thinks someone here is sleeping with someone who's helping them get through the show undeservedly. Maybe one of the producers? My first thought was Bella, but she seems to have settled down over the last few weeks. My next thought is that maybe Pietro is trying to stir up trouble as he seemed to stop caring about the quality of his food he sent up on the day he was eliminated." I shrug.

Janice's eyes narrow.

"Pietro has always been more aggressive towards you and Bella in particular. Any reason why?"

"Because we're both strong competitors and Pietro knew he didn't stand a chance against us. It likely annoyed him to realize we were outclassing him."

Janice scowls as I avoid her targeted questions with ease. I sit up straighter in my chair.

"Alright then, (Y/N), we're sorry to bring this up but we have to ask– we saw you almost faint in the dorm kitchen. As you know, Abel kept you from collapsing then listened to the tragic story of your parent's death." She frowns, attempting to appear sorrowful. "Do you have anything to say about what happened?"

"I'm thankful to Abel for helping me. I was exhausted after such a long day and then realizing the anniversary of my parent's death is coming up took me over the edge. As long as I get good sleep and don't overexert myself again, I should be alright."

Janice appears bored with my response. She clears her throat before her next question.

"But how do you feel about Abel?"

"He's an excellent competitor and my most difficult competition."

She narrows her eyes further.

"With all of your closeness recently, it seems like there could be some developing feelings between you two..."

Blush runs to my cheeks before I process what she'd said.

"N-no, it's not like that..." I sputter as I dip my head.

Janice starts to smile. "We've gotten very lucky having Dave and Bella– how wonderful would it be if you and Abel got along as well as they do?"

"It really, really isn't-" I start.

"Originally, we had thought something completely impossible was going on. Pietro had told us that he suspected something was happening with you and Gordon the day before he got eliminated. Can you believe it?" She chuckles, but her eyes drill into me. "He had no proof for his wild accusation, of course."