Page 59 of The Chef's Kiss
“I don’t think you know how to relax.” She swatted my arms, making me place my hands in my lap in some kind of non-threatening posture.
“Not when I have a million things to do today.” I forced a smile for the young woman approaching the table, her application clutched in her hand.
“Hi, Stefanie.” Jorgina offered her a seat at the table. “How is your mom these days?”
“She’s good; thank you for asking.” The girl instantly relaxed.
“How long has she been in remission?”
“Nearly fourteen months.” Stefanie sighed. “It’s been wonderful. And I’m so excited to get back to work.” She set her application on the table. “Oh, not that I’m assuming anything, you know.” She let out a nervous giggle. “It’s just so hard to find work when you’ve had to take a hiatus to care for family. Everyone wants recent work history.”
“That is ideal.” I glanced at her application to see the usual suspects. Local bars and grills and breakfast joints as a waitress until about three years ago and then nothing.
“But not required,” Jorgina spoke over me.
“Do you have any fine dining experience?” I asked.
“No, sir, but I can learn. I have years of experience taking care of people and their needs. At work and at home. I’m sure I can adapt to the, er … finer aspects of your beautiful establishment.”
“We will put you through all the training you need.” Jorgina nodded. “Tell us what you’re looking for in a job and what your availability is.”
“Oh, well.” Stefanie’s cheeks flushed. “I just need a job, Jorgie. I don’t care what it is. Though, it would be wonderful to work in such a lovely place.”
“Do you have much experience eating in restaurants like this one?” I asked.
“Um, well, no. Not exactly. Can’t really afford it with Mom’s medical bills, but as I said, I’m happy to learn whatever I need to know to make this a successful arrangement for both of us.”
“I believe Ms. Ashford asked about your availability?”
“Yes, sir.” Stefanie nodded. “I take care of Mom in the mornings and late afternoons. So I’m looking for lunch shifts and late evenings or weekend shifts.”
I nodded. “I think we can work with that down the road, but for the moment, we will not be open at lunch. Perhaps we can call you back for another time.” I lifted her application and put it in my “no” pile. We needed people with open availability to work when we needed them.
“Oh, sure, sure.” Stefanie nodded, moving to get up from her seat.
“When can you start training?” Jorgina asked, taking out her laptop to look at her calendar.
“Whenever.” Stefanie looked from me to Jorgina. “I can start tomorrow if you need me.”
“That would be wonderful.” Jorgina ignored my attempts to get her attention. “We’ll put you on weekend shifts for now, but as we expand, we’ll move you to the regular lunch shift so you can have time off with your kids on the weekends.”
“That would be wonderful, Jorgina.” Stefanie shot out of her seat with a grin. “Thank you so much!” She turned her attention to me. “You won’t be sorry, Mr. Silverman.”
“Chef,” I corrected her.
“Uh, yes, Mr. Chef.”
God help me, was this all I had to work with?
“Go visit Regina at the next table to get your uniform. I’ve got you on the schedule for a full day’s training tomorrow and again on Thursday.”
“Thank you.”
“Stop by to talk to Kevin on the way out. He’ll give you a copy of the menu to study tonight so you’ll be ready for tomorrow.”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you again.” Stefanie trotted away before I could utter a word of protest.
“That availability is hardly worth the trouble of training her.”
