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21.

"Look, I just want you to know, I had no idea what he was planning. None."

Lukas's face was drawn and shocked and he appeared as equally upset over the news as Bradley, who had caught him on the way out to give him the heads-up.

"I know you didn't," he sighed, clapping him on the shoulder. "Just wanted you to know what you were walking into. I owe you that much, man."

Lukas shook his head. "No way. It's me that owes you everything, Chef. I wouldn't be half the cook I am if it weren't for you." He rested against the door to the walk-in, a look of determination clouding his eyes. "I'm going to turn him down."

"Lukas--"

"No, he thinks he can pull this manipulative bullshit and let you go for no valid reason? I don't have to agree to anything. The crew is going to go into a fucking uproar when they find out you're gone."

"The crew is exactly why you need to stay," Bradley put a hand on his shoulder, looking him in the eyes. "Who knows what this assistant he's hired will be like. You're the only one who can lead them. They respect you."

"This blows." Lukas rubbed at his eyes wearily. "I'm sorry, Bradley."

"I'll be fine."

It sounded unconvincing, even to him, but what else was there to do? Tear apart James's office? Go off, tell the entire crew what an asshole their boss was, how blindsided he'd been? No, he wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

"You sure? You don't look good, no offense."

Truth be told, he had felt all the blood drain out of his face when he was in the office. Sweat gathered at the base of his neck. He realized he was more than likely in shock but there wasn't much he could do about it.

"I'll be okay," he reiterated. "Once shit blows over in a day or so, I'll swing by when he's not here to say goodbye to them. Can you let everyone know?"

"Yeah, of course." Lukas assessed him, shaking his head. "What are you gonna do, bud?"

"Right now, I'm gonna go home. Sit in it for awhile before I grab Lea."

"That sounds good."

"Listen, Chef, you need to make me proud. You're more than capable of running that kitchen. All of my recipes, the entire binder? That's yours, man, alright? I know if anyone can execute them beautifully, it's you."

It was hard to get past the lump in his throat but Lukas understood, shaking his hand vigorously. "Like I said, I owe you everything, Bradley."

"Only thing you owe me is to kick ass and not let him break you down. That's it. And you and I are friends, that's what I'm gonna take away from this. You're welcome at our house anytime."

"Thanks, man. Same goes for you and Stefani."

As he walked out into the dining room, he made certain to seek out Sam, explaining quickly what had happened and immediately, tears formed in the older man's eyes.

"He's a snake in the grass, that one. Just waiting for the opportunity to spring. I'm sorry, Chef. You deserve better."

Bradley patted his back, "I appreciate that, Sam. It is what it is. Caught me off guard is all."

It had done more than that; it had spun everything completely out of orbit but he slipped on that old familar mask so no one would be privy to his racing thoughts.

"Well, listen here, if you need anything, Bradley, anything at all, you know where to find me. I mean it. Katharine and I are here for you."