Page 9 of It Happened Back Then
I shake my head and shrug at the same time, a clear indication of my indecision. I don’t know where I’m going or what I’m doing. Maybe my dreams are too big. Maybe I think I’m better than I really am, but I know I don’t want to start at the bottom. I want to jump right into my own restaurant, and if I stay here, I’ll be placed in a restaurant where I may not have the chance to take that risk any time soon. “I don’t know anything. I’m just thinking out loud.”
He eyes me with a look of exasperation. “Bennett, you’re a twenty-two-year-old kid who will graduate with a culinary degree. With no experience. Where do you think you’re landing? A Michelin star restaurant?”
“You know I don’t think that.” I could just let Savannah’s dad place me somewhere. He has connections with restaurant owners and told me if I wanted a spot, it was mine. He also hinted that he’d take me over to France and let me practice there. That seems so extravagant though. And while I do want to go straight to the top, I don't want it to be because someone put me there. I want to be seen and acknowledged for being the best. “I just want myown place. I want to build right away and do it on my own.”
I want Blossom to see I made it and that I can take care of her.
“Blossom?”
My eyes jump to his. “What?”
“You said you want to take care of Blossom.” He narrows his eyes. “Don't you mean Savannah?”
Fuck, I said that out loud? Savannah loves to talk and make plans, and she always layers conversations with how she expects things to happen. So, though we haven’t spoken about what comes next, it’s been assumed we’ll keep moving forward as romantic relationships do.
But how can I when Blossom is always in my head?
I thought being with someone the exact opposite of Blossom would help, but all I end up doing is comparing how she’snotBlossom.
“Yes. Savannah. I’m just thinking of home and …” My words die out because Blossomismy home and, yeah, I’m always thinking of her.
He scoffs and grabs his flashcards from the table. “And why hasn’t Blossom ever come here to visit you?”
It’s a question I’ve asked myself a hundred times since I’ve been here, but I know the reason. She doesn’t like Savannah. And I can say there’s any love lost on Savannah’s side either. I’m not sure if she feels threatened by Blossom, but she never wanted me to go back to Bluemoon after that one time we went together. Before I can answer Daniel continues, “Listen, I’d love to not start at the bottom, too, but that’s not how it works in the real world. In the real world we’re scrubbing floors first. That being said, if you do get a storefront, you better bring me with you.”
I stand and grab my backpack with my specialty knives and then clap him on the shoulder. “You got it. You’ll be the first one I call.”
BENNETT - TEXT
Blossom: So do you have your cap and gown yet? Or are you strutting across that stage naked?
Me: That would be a show! Yeah, I picked it up today. It’s real now. Can’t believe it’s almost over.
Blossom: Four years. Feels like I blinked and you became a grown-up.
Blossom: Pics or it didn’t happen!
Me: Ha. I’ll send a pic in the cap to prove it. You’ll probably cry.
Blossom: Only a little. Okay maybe a lot. I'm just really proud of you.
Me: Means more than you know, Peach.
Blossom: I wish I could be there.
Bennett: I understand. This is a busy time atthe boutique.
Blossom: So what’s next? Are you thinking about coming home?
Me: I was gonna call you, but since you asked, I got an offer at Rains Steakhouse here in Seattle. It’s a line cook position but it’s a good start. The restaurant is a top ten on Seattle’s Eatery list.
Blossom: That’s amazing, Bennett! Congrats.
Me: Thanks. It happened fast, honestly. Chef reached out after I did a showcase for the program. They said I had “a fire they want to feed.” Corny but flattering.
Blossom: They’re not wrong. You have amazing talent.
Me: I’ve worked hard for this. It feels right, even though it’s not what I expected.
