Abby

The restaurant is closed for the evening, and it’s about time that I gather my team for an impromptu

meeting.

“Listen up, everyone. I know it’s been a long day, but we need to talk about something important.”

My eyes scan over the faces of my staff: Anton, the homeless chef who turns out to be a culinary genius;

Daisy, our beloved waitress who once worked the streets; Ethan, a war veteran with a limp who has

become my trusted restaurant manager; John, a single father with a past alcohol problem; and finally Karl,

my ex-husband turned line cook.

Anton sets down his ladle and wipes his hands on his apron. “Is everything okay, Abby?”

Enter title…

aware that I’m opening a can of

we need to be prepared for whatever comes

eyes narrowing. “So what are you saying? We should prepare

cautious,” I say. “I mean, come on, let’s be real: Anton,

to move away from. Ethan, you’ve got your own

scars, and—”

look in his eyes that I’ve never seen

you’re ashamed of

face flush. “I’m not ashamed. You all are

for. But I have to publish

leans against the counter, shooting me a sideways look. “What

show? Make the place seem more ‘normal’, like we’re not a bunch of

be good to be proactive

“What are we gonna do? Put out a press

our staff is just as messed

laugh despite myself. “Well, when you put it that way, it does sound terrible,

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