448 A Letter to Impress

(Cass)

Henry's little giggles fill the room as I kneel on the floor, arms wide open. "Come here, you big guy!" I say, trying to keep my voice steady, but damn, my throat feels tight seeing how much he's grown.

He crawls over, with his big grin. He remembers me, and that makes me feel good. I know it's only been a few months but he's only an infant.

I scoop him up, hugging him close as his baby scent fills my nose. It's like a mix of milk and sunshine, and it nearly wrecks me.

"Look at you, Henry," I whisper. "You're so big now."

He grabs my hair with his tiny hands, giggling. His face is brighter than I remember, more expressive. It's like I've missed a lifetime in just a few months.

Winona leans back, crossing her arms. "So, what's your plan now that you're here?"

I shrug, leaning against the couch. "Find work. Maybe I'll need a car when I get work. I have this." I pull out the envelope Thierry gave me and place it on the table.

"What's that?" Winona asks, picking it up but not opening it.

"A letter from the last chef I worked for. He said it'd help me get a job."

Winona looks at me skeptically, turning the envelope in her hands. "Cass, no offense, but wasn't this guy from some tiny village pub?"

"Yeah."

"So, how much pull do you think his letter will have?"

confident. Said I

the letter against her palm, her expression softening. "Well, the chefs at the estate are top-tier. I'm sure they could use some help in the meantime. Test the letter out."

***

ever seen. It's massive, a

hit me first-bread fresh from the oven, something rich and meaty simmering away, and the sharp, clean scent of freshly chopped

says with

your place is called the cottage. Who do

into an event place, and tourism. Make it self-sufficient and a training venue too." "That makes a lot

tattoos, and piercings. I feel like a sore thumb in this world of crisp whites and polished perfection. "Just be

clutch the envelope in my hand. I'm not sure what I expect to happen here, but at least

Nolan. She's had experience in kitchens and she's looking for a job locally." "No.

letter of recommendation. I want you to look over it and see

to resentment," he says,

I cut in, my voice steady despite the knot in my

eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Did you, now? Let's

opens it. His expression remains neutral as he scans the page, but then, something shifts His eyes widen slightly, and

QUMS

he

I reply, frowning.

counter. "You all need to see this," he says, holding

ripple is instant. Heads turn, whispers spread, and the massive kitchen atmosphere changes entirely. One of the chefs-a woman with silver hair, actually gasps with her

who looks just as confused

his demeanor entirely different. "You worked under

blink. "Uh, I worked for Chef Thierry. Who's

a short

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