Daisy (lashton)

Chapter 13

Ashton had always enjoyed cooking. He loved the fast paced environment of the kitchen and the art of creating edible masterpieces. So of course it was no shock to anyone that immediately following high school graduation he enrolled in culinary school and then proceeded to move to France for a year to study French cuisine with the best of the best. He'd spent the best part of his early twenties slaving away in the back of kitchens, but he wouldn't have it any other way. It was a strenuous few years, especially once Peach announced to him that she was pregnant, but nothing was going to stop Ashton from reaching his dream. And luckily, nothing did, not even knocking up his best friend at the age of 20.

Here Ashton was, a 25 year old executive sous chef de cuisine at the hottest French restaurant in San Francisco, and loving every minute of it.

"Irwin, we will be needing another tray of the pork rillettes and the reblochan tarts." The executive chef de cuisine, Clement, shouted over to him as he reentered the kitchen, his French accent was thick, but after nearly a year at his position, Ashton could easily decipher what he was saying. Clement slipped on a pair of gloves and made his way over to where Ashton and the junior sous chef, Wendell, were busy already putting the finishing touches on both Hors d'Oeuvres.

"Already one step ahead of you, Sir." Ashton smiled as he handed the trays off to one of the waiters who immediately rushed it out the door.

"Always knew I could count on you, Irwin." Clement laughed as he took a moment to survey his kitchen. "Everything is looking pretty good so far. 'Ow is the potage coming along?" Ashton glanced sideways at his entremetier who was busy ladling the Soupe a l'Oignon Gratinee into small soup bowls.

"Ready to go on your call."

"Great, great let us get that sent out immediately. And the poisson?"

"Erica is working on smoking the trout as we speak." The poissonnier looked up at the sound of her name and smiled.

"Excellent. What about the entree?" Ashton looked to his saucier and rotisseur who were in the midst of the duck confit.

"Coming along smoothly, and before you ask, Oliver and Carla have begun preparation for the vegetarian option," Ashton turned behind him to confirm with both the entremetier and the garde manger who sent him a quick thumbs up. "So both will be ready to send out in about 30. And I've already confirmed with Oliver that he'll begin the salades as soon as the entree is sent out so they will be ready to serve shortly after. Julian has also begun preparation on the fromage and dessert trays."

Clement hummed in approval as he clapped Ashton on the back. "Look at you go, Irwin. You will be running this kitchen in no time and I will be out of a job soon!" Ashton couldn't help but laugh as he began to help Wendell plate.

"No one can compare to you, Sir." Clement made his way to the door, most likely going to greet and fraternize with the guests of his restaurant, before turning back towards Ashton.

"Oh, and Ashton, feel free to take a break after the entree is served. Wendell can oversee the final courses if you need a rest." Ashton nodded, thanking Clement before he got back to helping prepare the main course.

"This must be some big wig party if Clement is sticking his nose in here every two seconds." Wendell said quietly from beside Ashton, and Ashton couldn't help but laugh as he continued cutting up vegetables.

"Clement is always breathing down our necks, what are you on about?"

"Yeah, but he's not usually so anxious about making sure you've got everything under control. I mean, he knows how amazing you are." Wendell nudged Ashton, and Ashton couldn't help the blush that began rising to his cheeks.