Page 44 of The Family Man

She slides into the booth and takes off her jacket. “I’m amazed, this grey velvet on wall paper, I have never seen that before. But Zac, this design is so modern, relaxed with hints of traditional. It shouldn't work but it does.”

I will be getting many reviews in the coming weeks. However, her review feels like it has more meaning.

“Are you going to show me the kitchen?” she asks, her nails tap against the table top.

“Sure, come this way.” I’m still in shock that she wants to see the interior of the beast.

I push open the door and its stainless steel, everywhere. The only sounds around us are the humming of the walk-in freezer and cooler.

“This is nice,” she says. She nods while looking around. I know she may be clueless restaurant kitchen, but having her nod in approval means a lot to me.

“Stainless steel is not sexy, but it’s where the magic happens.” I show off my kitchen like I am fucking Vanna White on the Wheel of Fortune.

“This is called a Zone style design,” I said.

“Is it because everything has its own place?” She runs her fingers over my two stoves, and two deep fryers.

“Yes, you would like the order.” My hands are shaking, why are my hands shaking? “The kitchen is set up in blocks, dishwashing area, storage delivery area.”

I knock on the door of the walk-in freezer.

I walk to the long stainless-steel table, “This is the food prep area, double sinks. The end where you are standing is meal cooking, then the service area.”

“I thought it would be bigger. But I love the organization you are right.”

“Maximum seats means minimum kitchen space. I run on efficiency and great quality products.”

She shakes her head and points to the back. “What’s there?”

“Dry storage shelves, and equipment.”

“Zac, The Whole is an amazing restaurant,” she says. My heart thuds.

“Mid-scale dining at its best. Now let me feed you.” I push the kitchen tray as I usher her back to our seats.

“That is a lot of food Zac,” she chuckles as slides into the booth.

“Yes, we have lemon meringue pie, mini hot browns, shrimp and grits.” I take them off the tray and begin to lay them on the table. Warm covered buttermilk biscuits, berry beignets, southern seafood gumbo, cajun shrimp, fried lobster tail with a truffle butter sauce, pecan pie and lastly lemonade. Yeah, I went overboard.

She rubs her hands together “Ok let’s dig in.”

* * *

SAGE

Someone will have to roll me out of here. I’m not even embarrassed, I sampled everything. He looks so handsome today. Who knew a chef jacket could be so erotic. His exposed forearms are laden with tattoos. The tattoo sleeve does add the element of a sexy bad boy chef. The bachelor chef: girls will be head over heels for him. I should focus on something else.

“That was a five-star meal Zac.” He clears the dishes earlier and now we are sitting with two glasses of lemonade between us.

“Thank you.”

“Who taught you to cook like this? Other than culinary school?” I had a feeling there was more to his talent.

“My grandfather had a Black housekeeper, Esther, she was from Louisiana. She taught me southern cuisine.” His eyes lit up when he spoke about Esther.

“She did a great job. Where is she now?” I would like to meet Esther and tell her thanks, and send Anise for some cooking lessons at her house.

“Interesting story. Sadly, my grandma died. Now she and my granddad are happily married and living in Georgia.” He smiles broadly.

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