Fifty Recipes For Disaster

by Carla Coxwell

  “Be honest,” Chase says in a lowered tone. “Do you really believe that the police are about to find Robbs? Or were you just saying that to make Jenny feel better.”

  “I was just saying it to make her feel better,” I reply honestly. “But I really hope it’s true.”

  ***

  “All right, ladies, two pancake platters with bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns. It’s refreshing to see young girls who aren’t afraid to eat. Can I get you any refills?” Marsha, our perky waitress, sets our breakfast plates down on the table.

  “Another pot of coffee would be great,” Jenny replies. A week has passed since the night Robbs tried to break in to our apartment. He hasn’t made a move since, and this morning I was finally able to talk Jenny into getting out.

  “You were right. I needed this,” she tells me between bites of bacon.

  “I thought some fresh scenery would make you feel better. I know that you’re on edge but staying cooped up in the apartment isn’t going to help anything.”

  When we left New York, I’d hoped that being back home would help Jenny heal. And in the first few days, that seemed to be the case. But after Robbs showed up at the apartment, she became even more reserved than before. I want to help her but I’m not sure how.

  “I haven’t felt like facing the world,” Jenny admits. “I reach for my belly sometimes when I first wake up. I forget that she’s gone until I feel my empty stomach. I guess I’ve been trying to figure out how I’m supposed to go on without her.”

  “I can’t imagine how hard that is. Chase mentioned something last week. He thinks that we should talk to a professional, or at least someone who can empathize with what we’re going through. I’ve done some research, and there’s a domestic violence survivors’ group that meets at the Methodist church down the block from the apartment. They have meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. One of the ministers’ wives is a therapist, and she leads everything. Does that sound like something you’d be willing to do?”

  “At this point, I’m open to anything that might help. But I think that what I really need is a job. I feel like a burden on you, and I want to start pulling my own weight.”

  “Jenny, don’t ever feel like you’re a burden. I’m making plenty of money right now, almost as much as O’Toole was paying me at The Madden Crowd. I don’t want you to jump into anything you’re not ready for because you’re worried about a paycheck.”

  “It’s not just the money,” Jenny explains. “I need to find a purpose. A few months ago, Maggie was my entire reason for existence. I need to find something to fill my time so I can ignore the void.”

  “I can understand that,” I tell her. “I’m not thrilled about working for Paul again, but when I’m in the kitchen, everything else just disappears. All that matters is that the best food possible gets put on the plate. And I’m better at doing that than handling everything else that’s going on.”

  “That’s exactly it,” Jenny agrees. “I need to feel like I’m good at something again. Honestly, I don’t remember the last time I felt that way. It must have been during the apprenticeship competition, before I fucked everything up.”

  I’m suddenly struck with an idea. “Why don’t you come back to the restaurant? Paul has been surprisingly great about everything, I’m sure he’d give you a job.”

  “I don’t want to be a chef anymore,” she tells me. “I’m not sure of much, but I’m sure of that. Besides, I doubt Paul wants me anywhere near his restaurant. It would be too awkward being around him all day.”

  “So you could wait tables. I know he’s hiring servers right now. Five of them followed Patrick to his new place. Think about it. You’d make great tips, you wouldn’t have to be in the kitchen with Paul, and Chase and I will be close by in case anything happens. I’ve hated leaving you alone while I’m at work. This would solve all of our problems. Consider doing it until Robbs is captured, at least.”

  “The waitresses there do make really good tips,” Jenny agrees. “And I do have serving experience. I guess I’m in, if it’s all right with Paul.”

  “I’m sure it will be fine,” I assure her. “I’ll talk to him about it tonight. How’s your shoulder been feeling? Do you think you’ll be able to carry a tray?”

  The doctors in New York City had scheduled an appointment for Jenny with a local orthopedic surgeon, but she’d missed the appointment. She doesn’t have health insurance, and I know she was too proud to ask for my help with her medical bills. Instead, she’s been doing rehabilitation exercises she found on YouTube.

  “My shoulder’s getting stronger, I think I’ll be able to manage,” she answers. “If not, I can always carry the trays with my other arm.”

  “It’s settled then. Once you’re on Paul’s payroll, you’ll qualify for the health insurance again. And I’m not going to take a dime of money from you for bills until you get checked out by the orthopedic surgeon.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” she insists.

  “I know that. But I’m going to do it anyway.”

  Chapter Six

  I knock anxiously on Paul’s office door. Our seafood vendor missed today’s delivery, and dinner service was an absolute nightmare. I know that Paul’s in a horrible mood, but I promised Jenny that I’d come home with an answer about the waitressing job.

  “Come in.”

  I crack open the door and stick my head inside. “Are you busy? Or do you have a minute to talk?”

  “I have a minute, but not much more,” he says impatiently.

  I step into the room and close the door behind me. Paul is bent over a pile of paperwork and nursing a pint of beer. “I know you’ve been slammed today, but there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

  “Slammed is an understatement. If I’d known that Patrick was going to steal half of my staff on his way out, I’d have started interviews a month ago. The overtime I’m having to pay everyone else is about to break me.”

  “That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I was hoping that you’d let Jenny take one of the serving positions.”

  Paul’s mouth drops, and he takes a moment to recover from his reaction. “I’m sorry, but that’s a horrible idea. I know that you’ve forgiven Jenny, but I don’t trust her. And I can’t have someone I don’t trust in my restaurant, handling my money.”

  “Paul, please just consider it. I know that what Jenny did was awful. She knows it, too. She thinks that losing her baby was punishment for lying to you about being the father. She’s really changed, and she needs this. And I would feel better if she’s here instead of home alone. Until Robbs is captured, she’s a sitting target.”

  “That’s not my problem, Kiara. To be honest, I don’t know how or why you’re friends with her again, let alone living with her. I hate that she lost the baby and no innocent child deserves to have their life ended before it even begins. But Jenny’s already proven who she is.”

  “She made a mistake, Paul,” I remind him softly. “And if I’m recalling correctly, we were all guilty of that. You knew better and you slept with her anyway and I told almost as many lies as she did. We’re no better than she is, and Robbs manipulated us all. It’s time for us all to be better people. You said that you gave me the sous chef position to make up for bringing Robbs into my life. If that’s true, you owe the same to Jenny.”

  Paul is quiet for a minute, and I know I’ve made a point he can’t argue with.

  “All right,” he finally agrees. “I’ll give Jenny one of the serving positions. I’ll pay her the standard starting wage and the first hint I get that she’s being shady, she’s out of here.”

  “That’s not going to happen,” I assure him. “You’ll see. Thank you for giving her another chance.”

  “I’m not doing this for Jenny, I’m doing it as a favor to you,” he replies. “And I’m going to expect a favor in return.”

  “Paul, I’m not going to sleep with you,” I say sternly.

  “That’s not
the kind of favor I was talking about, but it’s nice to know where your head is,” he replies. “The next time I’m in a jam, I expect you to bail me out. I’ve got two holes in tomorrow’s schedule. Do you think Jenny’s up to working a double?”

  “I’m sure she’d be thrilled to. Chase and I will give her a ride when we come in in the morning.”

  “Is there anyone else in your building who needs a job, or can I get back to work now?” Paul asks sarcastically.

  “No, that’s all. Thank you again. You’re not going to regret this.”

  “I hope not, because if I do, I’m holding you responsible.”

  ***

  “Are you sure you’re ready for this?” I ask Jenny as Chase drives us to Fission. “It’s not too late for me to call Paul and tell him you’d rather start tomorrow.”

  Jenny shakes her head. “I’m grateful that he’s giving me a chance, and I’m happy to have somewhere to be. I can’t call in on my first day. I have to prove to him that I’ve changed. I just hope that Robbs stays clear of Fission. I know that you guys will be in the kitchen, but even that will seem like a long way away if he shows up and tries anything.”

  “Everyone at the restaurant knows what’s going on with Robbs,” Chase tells her. “They’re all going to keep an eye on you and make sure you’re safe. And if he does try to attack you again, there will be plenty of people to grab him and hold him until the cops come. I really think you’ll be okay.”

  “I think you’re right. I’m anxious right now, but I know I’ll feel better once I’m actually working.”

  “It will be nice, all of us working together,” I comment. “Maybe we can run to the café and relax for a while between the lunch and dinner rushes.”

  “Is it strange, Kiara? Being back at Fission, I mean. We both left thinking we’d never see the place again. I’m kind of afraid that going back will feel like defeat,” Jenny confesses.

  “I had the same worry, but when I walked in, I felt like I’d never left. This will be good for you. Being back at the restaurant has made it easier for me to pretend that New York never happened.”

  “I’ll never be able to pretend that,” she says sadly. “But I’m looking forward to the distraction.”

  “Well, ready or not, here we are,” Chase announces as he pulls into the Fission parking lot.

  “Talking to Paul will be harder than anything, and I’ll be with you for that,” I assure Jenny as we exit the car. I put a comforting arm around her as we walk toward the kitchen entrance, but she brushes it away.

  “I love you, Kiara, but I don’t want them to think I’m fragile,” she says in a low voice.

  “Of course, I’m sorry,” I reply.

  Chase holds the door open for us, and we step into the kitchen. Raoul, Robbs’ replacement, is already hard at work at his prep station. The rest of the kitchen is empty.

  “Good morning, guys,” Raoul greets us. “This must be Jenny. I’m Raoul, it’s nice to meet you.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, too,” Jenny replies. I watch the tension disappear from her shoulders, and I’m thankful to Raoul for his friendly greeting.

  “Jenny needs an apron and a ticket pad,” I explain to Raoul. “Is Paul here yet?”

  “No, he called about ten minutes ago and said that he won’t be in until the dinner rush. Rachel has you stuff in the dining room, Jenny. She’s ready to start your training whenever you are.”

  “Has anyone made coffee?” I ask.

  “There’s a fresh pot at the bar,” he answers without looking up from the scallions he’s chopping. “Would you mind bringing me a refill?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Good luck, Jenny,” Chase says as he pulls on his chef’s jacket. “I’m going to start on my prep list, but Kiara and I will be right here if you need us.”

  “Thanks,” she replies anxiously. She lowers her voice so that only I can hear her. “Will you find a way to warn me when Paul gets here?”

  “Sure,” I tell her as we step into the dining room. “But if he comes in through the main entrance, just smile, say thank you, and go on about your business.”

  “You must be Jenny,” Rachel says as she approaches us from the hostess station. “I’m Rachel, I’ll be training you. Paul tells me that you already know your way around this place, so the next couple of days are more of a formality than anything else. Are you ready to get started?”

  “Absolutely,” Jenny replies eagerly. “I’ll see you after lunch, Kiara.”

  “Good luck.” I smile and squeeze her hand. Rachel leads Jenny to a booth and starts going over the table sections while I pour three steaming mugs of coffee. I return to the kitchen and see that Claire has arrived in my absence.

  “Good morning, Kiara, is Jenny here yet?” Claire asks.

  “Yes, Rachel’s training her now. I guess Paul let everyone know that she’s back?”

  Claire nods. “He sent out an email last night. I’m surprised you talked him into giving her a job again, but I’m glad that you did. I’ve always liked you and Jenny. You both caught a raw deal having to work with Robbs and I’m glad that Paul’s doing something to make it right. I’ve told him a million times that he needs to run background checks before he hires people.”

  “It’s not Paul’s fault,” I tell her. “No one could have predicted how crazy Robbs would get.”

  “That’s bullshit, I spotted the little weasel for what he was the moment I laid eyes on him,” Claire argues. “I know that he had Jenny convinced for a while, but how Paul didn’t see through his act is beyond me. If I’m correct, you’ve shared my opinion of him since the beginning.”

  “You’re right, he always gave me a creepy feeling.”

  “Is everything still quiet at your place?”

  I nod as I pull on my chef’s jacket and retrieve the prep list Paul left at my station. “Yes, he hasn’t been back since last week. Not that we know of, at least.”

  “He’s not going to come near them as long as I’m around,” Chase calls out from his corner station.

  “You’re lucky to have such a great friend,” Claire tells me with a laugh. She follows me to the walk in and helps me load chafing dishes with today’s ingredients. “So what’s going on between you and Chase? It’s just us girls in here, so answer honestly.”

  “Chase has been amazing,” I gush. “I don’t know how I’d have gotten through the last few weeks without him.”

  “You realize that he’s in love with you, right?”

  “We started dating a little before I moved to New York,” I admit. “We were taking things slowly and then O’Toole called and offered me the job again. Now I wish to God that I’d turned him down, but at the time it seemed like the perfect escape. I know that Chase wants to pick up where we left off now that I’m back. I want that, too, but I’m just not ready for it yet.”

  “Does Paul know that the two of you dated before?”

  “No, and I’d appreciate it if you don’t mention it. Chase deserves this apprenticeship. I don’t want him to lose it because of Paul’s jealously.

  “I understand completely. For what it’s worth, I really like you and Chase together. He’s a real gentleman, unlike Paul the Neanderthal.”

  “I didn’t realize that you have a problem with Paul.”

  “I don’t, but I’m just his employee. If I were you, I’d have a huge problem with him. I like that you’re back here. With you and Chase in the kitchen, Paul keeps his distance. I cook better when I don’t have to deal with his attitude.”

  The door of the cooler swings open, and Chase appears in the doorway. “What’s the holdup, ladies? This food isn’t going to prep itself.”

  “Thanks for that earth-shattering revelation,” Claire teases with a smile. “We were just having a little girl talk, nothing to concern yourself with.”

  Claire and I step out of the cooler and deposit the food on my station. “I’m going to set my dough to knead and then go get some coffee. Does anyone ne
ed anything from the dining room?”

  We all assure her that we’re fine, and I focus my attention on the food in front of me. Today’s lunch special is a seared Ahi tuna with a wasabi crust and fennel lime dipping sauce. I start slicing the whole fish into steaks and, just as I’d described to Jenny, all thoughts of what’s happening outside of the restaurant are pushed from my mind. The other scheduled chefs file into the kitchen but I hardly notice them. All that matters is that I do justice to the amazing ingredients in front of me. Before I realize it, the lunch rush is over and the kitchen staff dwindles down to me, Chase, and Raoul.

  “Oh my God, is it already two o’clock?” I ask, finally looking up from my station.

  “Yep,” Raoul replies. “There are a few late customers in the dining room, but the real crowd has cleared out. Your tuna looked delicious. Is there any left?”

  “There are a couple of crusted steaks I haven’t seared off yet. Do you want me to make one for you?”

  “I can do it, I’m sure that you want to check on Jenny,” Raoul replies.

  Jenny! I forgot she was here! Surely everything’s fine or someone would have come and gotten me.

  I wash my hands at the sink, pull off my chef’s jacket, and walk toward the dining room. I’m anxious to hear about Jenny’s first shift but I try to appear calm and nonchalant as I approach Rachel.

  “Is Jenny still here?”

  “Yes, she just ran to the bathroom. She did really good considering how long it’s been since she’s waited tables. There was one weird moment when she spaced out on me for a second, but she recovered well and I don’t think that the customers noticed.”

  “She zoned out at a table?” I ask. “Who were you waiting on? What type of customers?”

  “It was a young couple and their baby.”

  Oh no! Seeing the baby must have brought back all kinds of emotions.

  “Like I said,” Rachel continues. “Jenny recovered pretty quickly and the customers didn’t notice anything.”

  “How long ago was this?”

  “A couple of hours maybe. To be honest, I lose track of time when I’m on the floor. She’s been fine ever since though. I’m happy she’s here. As soon as she’s trained, I’m taking a day off.”