Page 33 of Honey's Special Roux

Her statement piqued my interest.

“At the end of the month, I’m headed to Los Angeles to open my own American-style bistro. There will be steak, chicken, and beef dishes on the menu. I think you would be the perfect head chef for my establishment.”

My jaw dropped. “Me?”

Was she serious? I hadn’t even gotten my culinary degree yet. This was a huge opportunity.

“Yes, you. I know you have a few more hours left before you complete your culinary program, but the position is yours if you want it.”

“This is a huge opportunity. I have a lot of family here and would need to get their blessing before I uproot myself to another time zone.”

“I understand completely. I’ll hold the position for three months. That should be more than enough time to decide, get your affairs in order, and get back to me.”

“Yes. Thank you so much. I am grateful you considered me for the job.”

“Absolutely. We all see how well you work in the kitchen. I’d be a fool to pick anyone other than you.”

Before I could respond, her phone rang. She answered it and spoke in a hushed tone. A few moments later, she placed the call on hold.

“They are patching me through to a woman. She is requesting to speak to you. It sounds urgent.”

My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. Was it granny’s health? Had something happened to my parents? Was Marquise in trouble?

She held the phone out to me and stood up. “I’ll give you some privacy. Find me in the kitchen when you’re done.”

I nodded as she exited the office.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Honey.”

Dayari’s voice on the other end told me everything I needed to know. It wasn’t my grandmother or my parents. Something had happened to my gang banging boyfriend. My hands shook as I cleared my throat.

“What happened, Day?”

“Don’t panic, but Marquise got into an altercation and is in surgery.”

“What? What happened?”

“He got shot.”

My heart sank. He’d been in a few shootings over the years, never as the victim, always as the assailant. Now, as I listened to her give me a summary of the events that took place, my heart ached. My fear of the worst almost made me sick to my stomach.

“It wasn’t too major, but they are removing the bullet and stitching him up. He should be out of surgery in the next hour. I’ve already called my mom and dad, and they are about fifteen out.”

I rubbed my hands down my face.Fuck. Why does he have to do stupid shit like this?

“Thank you for calling me. Text my phone with the hospital information. I’m going to finish up here and head that way.”

“Don’t be mad at him, Honey.”

“Save it, Day. Knowing him, this was probably one hundred percent avoidable. Does he need anything? A change of clothes or something?”

“Probably a warm meal and something comfortable to wear. You know he’s not gon’ be happy in that thin hospital gown.”

“Oh well. He needs to be uncomfortable to learn to keep his temper in check. I’ll be on my way soon.”

“See you.”

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