GuiTara

🎵~25

🎶There's nothing holding me back ~ Shawn Mendes

The following day

●Tara Afua Henrie●

Bustling past the pantry doors, I stepped into the kitchen. As usual, it was a whirlwind of activities mixed with the aroma of freshly cooked meals that instantly made my mouth water.

As I navigated through the maze of activity, greeting Maria and Zazu along the line, my eyes caught sight of a nearby tray filled with freshly baked conchas. The bread rolls just sat there, unattended, almost as if they were begging me to come consume them.

I shot a quick glance around. They all seemed super busy.  No one would notice if one went missing, right?

Unable to resist, I quickly grabbed one, feeling the warmth seep into my fingers. I took a bite, the sweet vanilla topping melting in my mouth, and I couldn't help but moan. "Mmm."

"I should sue you for that."

The familiar voice had me whipping around.

Pam stood behind me with a hand on her hip.

"I was just tasting them," I mumbled before shoving the last bit into my mouth.

"Yeah right." Her lips pulled into a small smile, and then she stepped past me to pick up the tray. "What are you doing here anyway? Aren't you a bit too early for your band rehearsal?"

"Yeah, and there's a reason. I was hoping to talk to you before the others show up." I followed her to an unoccupied workstation, where she carefully arranged the baked treats on a large, rustic wooden platter.

"Really? About what?" Pam placed a small bowl of hot chocolate in the centre of the platter.

"I don't know how to say this..." I sighed, scratching the back of my head. "But umm... I need your help convincing the others to turn down the contract."

Pam turned to me, surprised. "The contract? You mean the two-million-dollar one? Why do you want to turn it down?" Her forehead creased in wonder. "It seems like a good deal."

"Why is everyone focusing on that part alone?" I huffed. "Look, Pam, if we sign the contract, the Originally Afro-Mex Night of Music will become a thing of the past, which I can't let happen. This place means so much to me, it's my starting point. As a singer, I've grown so much here; it feels like home. I just don't want to lose that."

My sister's expression softened, and then she picked up the concha platter and handed it over to a passing waitress. "Take this to table three, please."

The waitress nodded and hurried off with the platter. 

Pam then turned back to me. "Come with me." She led the way to her office.

As soon as the door closed behind us, Pam turned to face me, perching herself on the front of her desk. "Alright, Tara. Tell me." She crossed her arms. "What's holding you back?"

"Nothing, it's just..." I rubbed my temples. "This... this contract, this change is a lot to take in. I always wanted a big break for me, Jax, Eden, and Carlos, but I didn't think that we'd have to give up what we already had to pursue greater things. This restaurant has been more than just a gig for us. It's where we found our sound, where we connected with our audience. We've built something special here, something that feels real and authentic. I don't want to lose that by signing a contract that could take us away from it all."