Chapter 101
The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering tomato sauce fills the air as I sit at my desk,

reviewing the inventory for the week.

It’s still early in the day, but the restaurant has already started to come alive. My eyes flit over numbers

and figures, but my thoughts keep drifting to the chaos of last night—Karl, John, Ethan, and that cook-

off looming in the future like a beacon of both opportunity and uncertainty.

As I’m about to turn my attention to the newly arrived email from Calvin, there’s a soft knock on my

door. “Come in,” I call out, hoping it’s not another crisis that needs immediate attention.

The door opens, and it’s John, looking a little sheepish. “Hey, Abby, you got a minute?”

I nod, gesturing for him to take a seat. “Sure, what’s on your mind?”

He hesitates, choosing his words carefully. “Look, about last night—I lost my cool, and I shouldn’t have

said what I did. I was…riled up, and I didn’t mean it. It was a long evening.”

I eye him skeptically, remembering his cutting remarks and confrontational demeanor. “You think?”

He winces. “I do. And I’m sorry. If you’re willing to forgive an old dog for his foolishness, I promise I’ll

train Karl properly and be more respectful. To everyone.”

The sincerity in his voice tips the balance for me. We’ve been through a lot, John and I, and though

an important

I say, extending my hand across the desk. “Apology accepted. Let’s move on and make

for everyone.

he agrees, shaking

out there; dinner service won’t prep itself,” I say, and we both stand to head

to the kitchen.

can’t help but feel a small sense of relief.

many

staff bustling around the kitchen as orders start

atmosphere. John’s tone is softer, more instructive, less caustic.

sauce reduction to Karl, who listens intently. My

moment, and he gives me a

dinner rush kicks in, and everyone springs into high gear. Plates are

with the tantalizing smells of grilled meat, sautéed

an underlying current of teamwork

ready to go, Abby,” Ethan calls out, sliding the plates onto the counter. I

everything

move, people!” I yell, and servers swoop in to whisk the dishes

John’s voice, commanding but not

Karl, it’s all about balance. You want enough sauce

so much that

listen,

his tone earnest. He adjusts the

the plate, a garnish

comments, and Karl beams, clearly pleased by the

like a giant leap forward

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