"People know we are hooking up." I take another drink, trying to find courage there. "You didn't try it because you wanted to seem impartial."
"Is that what I was doing?" He cocks a dark brow as he takes a seat. "You're a young chef, Cadence. Maribel has years on you. Her dish was better."
"I respect your opinion, Chef." I cradle the tumbler in my palms. "All I ask is that you respect my position as one of your employees."
He pats the cushion next to him. "Come sit with me. I can explain all of this to you."
I linger where I am. I don't want to fall into a kiss or more with him right now. We shouldn’t be having this discussion with a drink in our hands and his bed in the next room. "I had no warning about Maribel taking my place on the morning show. I would have appreciated a heads-up."
"The segments on the show are meant to highlight the best of what Nova has to offer." He empties his glass for a second time. "Maribel's dish is our newest menu addition so it seems fitting that she should be there to prepare it."
"I understand that." I look down at my drink, debating whether I should have more or not. I shakily place it down on the coffee table. "I was under the impression that I would appear with you again. I was surprised when you announced that she would be taking my place."
He places his empty glass across the table from mine. "It wasn't your place, Cadence. It's a spot reserved for me and whoever I feel will represent the restaurant best."
The show isn't really the issue. I enjoyed the times I was on it, but my passion is my food. I prepared an excellent dish that apparently didn't meet his standards, I can accept that. I need to. "Maribel will do that well. I'm sure she'll make a great impression."
"We'll talk about seasonings after work one day next week." He tilts his head as he studies me. "I can help you prepare the halibut the way it should be prepared. You have the basic foundation down. You need to work on finessing."
I hear the compassion in the words. He's offering to help. "I appreciate that, Chef."
"You're better than I was at your age." He's on his feet now. "Don’t be afraid of the food. Explore and experiment. If you don't, you'll never shine the way you're meant to."
My head cants to the side as I study his expression. He seems sincere. "Thank you."
"What happened today had nothing to do with the fact that we're involved." His hands reach for my shoulders, settling there, squeezing the stress away. "I made a decision based on what was best for my restaurant. That's all it was."
I nod, closing my eyes to relish in the feeling of the motion of his hands. "I'm going to go to my place tonight."
"I want you to stay."
I look at him under heavy lids. "You want to fuck me."
"Very much." He leans forward to kiss my cheek.
"Not tonight," I whisper as he embraces me. "I need time tonight. Time just for me."
CHAPTER 19
I walk down Broadway in search of just the right spot to have lunch on my day off. It's Friday and although I could have easily called Sophia to meet her for a bite, I wanted this time all to myself.
Work has been busy, so busy that Tyler and I haven't had more than a minute alone. On Wednesday morning he reiterated what he'd said to me on Tuesday night. He choose Maribel's dish because it was the best. He wanted me to understand that our relationship won't impact my work at Nova. I believe him, especially now that he's promised to work with me tomorrow night to perfect the seasonings on the halibut dish I created.
I stop at a bistro to read the outdoor menu. It's simple, which is often a sign of food prepared with care and love. I motion to the hostess that I'm going to settle in next to one of the small circular tables outside. It's summer in New York which typically means full patios but today is chilly so most who are dining here have opted for a table inside.
I pull up the video of Tyler and Maribel on the morning show from earlier today on my smartphone. I'd slept right past my alarm, tucking my head under the covers when the sunlight started to invade the space through the curtains that cover my window.
I laugh as I watch Pamela greet Tyler with a full-on bear hug. To the casual observer, they'd see a seasoned co-host happy to see a returning guest. I know better and when he finally disengages from her, her tight nipples are visible through the thin material of her cream colored dress.
Maribel handles herself well, speaking clearly and succinctly about her dish. She panics briefly when Percy tells her that they only have thirty seconds left.
He tries the dish and raves about it. It's not insincere. I had a bite yesterday after lunch service was over. It's delicious and not only that, it's seasoned to utter perfection.
"Would you like a glass of wine to start?"
I smile up at the male server, shielding my eyes from the sun so I can make out his face. "What do you recommend?"