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  “So what’s going on? Why do you seem sad?” She plops down on the couch, prompting Sophia to spring off of my chest, her nails thankfully retracted. I sit up and take a beer from her outstretched arm.

  “I don’t know. This whole Taryn thing is just eating me up. I get mixed signals from her. I know she’s gay, but I also know she’s with someone, so maybe I’m reading too much into her actions. Does that make sense?” I rub my forehead and try to relax. Maybe Jessie will have something profound to share with me.

  “Has she said anything to you yet?” she asks.

  “Meaning?”

  “Has she hit on you, asked you out, made it clear she’s interested? Do you think you could be reading too much into it just because you know she is a lesbian?” Jess asks. Too many questions. I groan in frustration.

  “No, she hasn’t said a single thing, although she did ask if you and I are together,” I say.

  Jessie almost spits out her beer. “When was that?” She wipes beer from her mouth onto her shirt. If I tell her the truth, then she’ll know we have been texting. Not a lot, but an open form of communication that is always there if I need it.

  “Today. Before other students got to class.” I don’t want her to know yet.

  “How did it come up? Did you talk about Mallory?”

  “No, she just asked me if we were together, that’s all. Don’t you think that’s weird?” I ask.

  “Because of me, or just weird that a teacher would ask you that?”

  I laugh. “Not because of you, dork. Maybe that she even asked at all. Usually people who do are interested.”

  “And maybe you’re dreaming.” She nudges my knee. “Seriously, unless she asks you out, or gets you in a dark corner and kisses you senseless, better just assume you two are only friends. Keep it teacher-student until the semester is over.”

  I sigh. “I know. It’s just that I feel like there is something there, or could be something there, and I don’t want to miss it because I’m reading the signs wrong.”

  “How about once you receive your certificate, you walk up to her and ask her out. Better yet, offer to make her dinner. From now until then, think of the most perfect meal you could cook for her. Just for her. If Mallory is there, I’ll distract her and you can make your move.” She winks at me and we toast our beers. It’s a dream, but kind of a fun one.

  Chapter Nine

  “So my teacher and her daughter might show up today.” Bud and I are grilling up breakfast early Saturday morning. I picked up Morgan’s shift so that she could visit her in-laws with the new baby. I don’t mind.

  “So that’s why you have such a spring in your step.” Bud high fives me. I can’t stop smiling.

  “Be nice to her when she gets here,” I say.

  He waves me off. “When am I ever not nice?” I snort. Bud is almost three hundred pounds and well above six feet tall. When he’s not smiling, he looks like he’s posing for a prison mug shot. “Well, okay. I’ll be charming and nice. At least to her daughter.” I’m thinking once he sees Taryn, he’ll be even more charismatic.

  Breakfast is a breeze. I know the menu by heart. I’m more excited about lunch. I brag enough about my fried chicken, so I’d better deliver.

  “Hey, quit blocking the doors,” Ashley says. She’s trying to deliver a few last minute breakfast plates and I’m face planted against the windows looking out into the diner, waiting for Taryn and Olivia. I scoot over so that she can open the door.

  “Sorry. Just waiting on somebody.” She winks at me. Everybody knows. Another good thing about the diner. We really are a tight knit family.

  “I promise to let you know when they get here. Pretty girl, cute kid. I got this,” she says. I smile and get back to the kitchen. It’s almost lunchtime, so I heat up the deep fryers and start prepping the chicken. Bud’s making my rosemary parmesan roasted potatoes and after careful consideration, we decide on garlic creamed spinach as the vegetable side. It’s a bit upscale for normal diner food, but Bud knows our customers will like it. I take a moment to tune everything out and get into the zone. Once I hit it, I forget about the hustle and bustle around me. I add a dash of paprika for extra sweetness and kick, and start blending the small ingredients into the flour. I start frying chicken as the orders come in, Taryn and Olivia momentarily forgotten. I’m pleased with the crunchy skin and juiciness of the meat.

  “Ki,” Ashley says. I look up at her, still in my zone. “They’re here.” My stomach lodges in my throat. I swallow hard. Nope, still there. I take a quick drink of water and wash my hands.

  “Quick, how do I look?” I ask her. She straightens out my jacket and wipes flour off of my cheek.

  “You look fantastic. They’ve ordered their drinks. I’ll go get them, you go say hello.” She marches back through the swinging doors and I get a quick glimpse of them before the doors settle. Olivia is on her knees on the bench coloring. Taryn is reviewing the menu. I know she probably isn’t impressed yet, but that will change the minute she tastes the food. I take a deep breath and walk through the doors.

  “I’m glad you two made it,” I say. Taryn smiles at me warmly.

  “Hi, pie,” Olivia says. She’s so cute. It’s hard not to reach out and squeeze her.

  “So, your famous fried chicken, eh? With interesting sides for a diner,” Taryn says.

  I smile at her. “They cater to my whims on occasion. I hate it when they have corn on the menu. Who eats the corn? Like two grandpas in this town actually eat the corn. It’s such a waste,” I say. She laughs.

  “So garlic creamed spinach is better?” She winks at me.

  “Well, maybe not with the kids, but the adults like it. Olivia, are you going to eat my chicken, or do you want me to make you something else?” I ask. I can feel Taryn watching me as I interact with Olivia. My peripheral picks up her looking me up and down. I don’t think I’ve ever been more self-conscious.

  “Can I have a hot dog?” she asks. “And some fries?” I just shake my head at her.

  “Really? I can cook you anything you want and you decide on a hot dog?” She giggles at me. “You don’t want to try my chicken?” I already know it’s too spicy for her, but it’s fun teasing her.

  “You can have a bite of mine,” Taryn says. “I guess she’ll have the hot dog and fries and I’ll have the fried chicken special.” She raises her eyebrow at me.

  “You can’t grade me here, Chef.” Suddenly, I’m doubting myself.

  “Oh, stop. You’ve been talking about the diner and your fried chicken for so long that I had to come here and taste it for myself.” Ashley shows up with their drinks so I nod and slip away, anxious to get their food started.

  “So, they showed up, huh?” Bud asks.

  “Finally.” I push up my sleeves a bit and set out to tackle a few more orders ahead of theirs. When their orders come up, I pull the best chicken I can find, ensure that it is properly coated, and gently place it in the fryer. The potatoes are still hot and fresh, so we only have to wait on the chicken. I say a little prayer that it cooks perfectly and work on Olivia’s meal. Hers only takes a few minutes. We get a lot of children in on Saturdays since kids’ meals are half price all day.

  The chicken looks crispy and delicious when I pull it from the fryer. I pick the best looking potatoes from the pot and wait for the creamed spinach to drain a bit before plating. I don’t like my foods to touch. I think that’s common for most chefs. I quickly make a French fry tepee for Olivia. Everything looks great. I’m careful when I deliver the food, hoping Taryn doesn’t see my hands shake when I put the plate in front of her.

  “Wow, Ki, this looks fantastic,” Taryn says. I watch as she turns the plate, looking at the components. “Good coloring, great smells.” I want to sit down with them, but I know it’s rude. Besides, she hasn’t invited me. Olivia is beside herself over the tepee.

  “Can I eat this?” she asks.

  I laugh. “Of course. I was just having fun in the kitchen. Well, enjoy. I’ll
come by later.” I casually head back into the kitchen and do a little dance behind the doors. I peek through the round windows again and watch both of them dig in.

  “Is it going to be like this all day?” Ashley asks. She’s trying to get around me again. Even though she’s acting perturbed, I know she is just playing with me.

  “Just until they leave,” I say. Bud comes up behind me and looks out of the window.

  “That’s her?” he asks. I nod and sigh. He gives a low whistle. “I sure hope your chicken is good today.” I elbow him and am rewarded with a grunt. “Come on, we’ve got more orders to fill.” I reluctantly leave the window and return to the fryer. When things slow down, he motions for me to go. I can’t get out of the kitchen fast enough. I slowly push the doors open and walk over to their booth. I see Taryn’s clean plate and give a silent whoop of joy.

  “So, what did you think?” I ask.

  “Fantastic. Well worth the trip down here,” Taryn says.

  My smile is huge and I don’t care. “Did you like your hot dog?” I ask Olivia.

  “I liked the chicken better,” she says.

  I roll my eyes exaggeratedly. “I told you.”

  “Can you sit with us?” Taryn points to the extra spot next to Olivia. I slide in the booth, gently knocking Olivia. She giggles. I’m so in with this kid.

  “Okay, give it to me straight. Likes and dislikes,” I say.

  “Love the crunchy and tasty skin. The meat was juicy and tender. Spicy with a hint of sweet. The potatoes were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. And the spinach was excellent. Right amount of garlic and the almonds added a nice texture to the dish.” I kind of want to reach over and high five her, but that seems immature, and I’m doing my very best to impress her in every way I can.

  “In all fairness, Bud made the potatoes.”

  “But your recipe, right?” she asks. I nod. “Very good meal. I’m almost positive I don’t need to eat dinner tonight. Incredibly filling.”

  “So you’re Ki’s teacher?” Bud walks over to us. He introduces himself to Taryn, instantly charmed by her smile. Olivia looks scared. I want to crack up at her, but she’ll figure him out soon enough. “And who might this little beauty be?” He leans toward Olivia and she leans into me.

  “He just looks mean, but he’s a teddy bear, trust me, Olivia,” I say. I introduce them and Olivia eventually warms up to him.

  “Ki’s been telling me how wonderful your diner is and how much she has learned from you,” Taryn says. I think Bud actually blushes. I’ll tease him about it later.

  “She’s taught us all so much here,” Bud says. Now I’m the one blushing. They discuss recipes and I sneak back into the kitchen to fill the rest of the orders since Bud is in no hurry to get them done. Another fallen victim to Taryn’s charms. I can’t blame him or anyone really. She’s spectacular.

  Chapter Ten

  “Hi.” I know it’s Taryn calling so I’m not even going to pretend.

  “How are you?” She sounds sad.

  “I’m okay. You don’t sound good. What’s wrong?” Her little laugh sounds strained and I’m struck with a heaviness that makes me sit down. Whatever is bothering her isn’t good. “Does this have anything to do with why you were late to class today?”

  “I’m afraid it does.” She sighs and I lean back in my chair, bracing myself for whatever she is going to say. “So, apparently some people don’t like the fact that you and I have a friendship. I’ve been accused of playing favorites and I was told that we couldn’t be friends anymore. Teachers and students can be friendly, just not friends.” I’m stunned. I don’t know what to say. “Ki? Are you still there?”

  “Uh, yeah. I’m just processing it all.” I’m so mad right now. “What did they say exactly?”

  “Just that we shouldn’t spend time together outside of the classroom.”

  “It was that little prick Scott.” I’m livid. I’m actually shaking. “He’s so threatened by me, by us, that he wants any edge he can get. What an asshole.” A part of me wants to cry. Nothing has happened between us, but now he’s made whatever could happen impossible.

  “I think it was him, too. Nobody has seen us out together except for him.” She sighs.

  “Did you get into trouble?”

  “No, not really. More like a slap on the wrist. They are bringing in another instructor or someone to taste food just to make sure my marks match the food the scholarship students are preparing.”

  “Are you kidding me? That’s ridiculous.” I’m so mad. “We haven’t done anything wrong. We just happened to be at several places at the same time. Scott sucks.”

  “That just means you’ll have to be the better chef from here on out.”

  I’m not even worried about the scholarship at this point. “I’m sorry if I got you into trouble, Taryn. I just enjoy spending time with you and Olivia. I know you’re in a relationship and I want you to know that whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it. You are the best teacher I’ve had at the academy and I don’t want to jeopardize anything for you.”

  “That means a lot to me. You’re a great student and a good friend. When the semester is over, I will cook us dinner to celebrate your graduation, possible scholarship, and the resumption of our friendship.” My heart sinks. I’m not ready to let her go. Whenever I see her, my breath catches and I feel my heart race. She is trying to make me feel better about this, but it’s not working. “And it’s only for six more weeks.”

  “I know. Well, try not to let this get you down. I will cook my heart out and make you proud.”

  “I’m already proud of you.” We sit there in silence for a few moments. I don’t even know what to say at this point.

  “Okay. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. Take care.”

  “You, too.” I hang up. I want to find Scott and kick his ass for being a giant asshole. I hate being accused of something that isn’t true. Injustice is one of my biggest pet peeves. I feel my phone buzz.

  I’m not in a relationship.

  I read the message over and over again. My heart is pounding, the sound loud in my ears. Why would she tell me this? You aren’t with Mallory?

  No.

  Well, she wanted the world to know that you were together at the concert. I can almost feel our relationship changing as I wait for her response.

  Yeah, and that was obnoxious. I don’t bring anybody I date around Olivia.

  Do you date a lot? Ha ha ha. I have to keep it light because if I read too much into this exchange then I will slip and fall hard.

  No. I haven’t dated anybody in a long time. Mallory thought she was my date but she was with my friends. I wasn’t happy at all at the concert. Only when I spent time with you and your friends.

  My friends are pretty cool. Maybe when school is over we can all get together for a picnic or barbecue.

  I would like that. Her text makes me smile.

  Bring Olivia. She’s sweet.

  We should make your friends cook. Taryn doesn’t know how spoiled my friends are. I can’t imagine they would jump at the opportunity to cook for two chefs.

  LOL that would never happen.

  After about half an hour of texting, I reluctantly say good night. I’m exhausted mentally and physically. Not to mention that I still don’t know where our relationship is. Are we still on the safe side of friendship, or have we approached the line that flirts with deeper emotions?

  Chapter Eleven

  I keep my distance at school just to make everybody happy, except for myself. Dr. Wright, the culinary administrator, has been lurking around, watching the classes from the lobby. It’s hard to pretend not to know why he’s there, but I do my best. I don’t want Taryn to get into any more trouble because I’m the one with the crush. Scott is just a complete asshole. Every time I see that smirk on his face, I just want to rub food all over it, and not in a good way. Taryn’s also taking a step back. She gives me very little attention in class, and what she does, seems forced. I’m su
re nobody really notices it, except the three of us. The only real satisfaction I get is that she completely ignores Scott unless it’s culinary related. He’s finally getting the hint. I take great satisfaction in knowing all of his attempts at flirting and charming Taryn are for naught. After a week of virtually zero communication with Taryn, I cave. It’s Friday night, and I am on my couch petting Sophia, listening to sappy music, and flipping through a month old gossip magazine.

  I hate Scott. It’s a simple text, but sums up everything nicely.

  Thankfully, she responds right away. I know. He’s not my fav either.

  I smile. At least she understands. What are you doing?

  O and I are watching a movie. She’s about ready to fall asleep though.

  What movie? I’m on the couch with Sophia reading a mag.

  Mary Poppins. It was my favorite growing up.

  Our texts are nice, but too much time passes between them. I know she’s busy with Olivia, so I pout and turn on the news. My phone rings fifteen minutes later. I freeze when I see her name on my phone.

  “Hi. How are you?” she asks.

  “Okay. Happy you called me.” I cringe at my honesty.

  “Well, it’s faster than texting. I’m not great at that. It’s a generation thing,” she says.

  I laugh. “We’re the same generation. You’re probably only a few years older than me. What are you? Thirty-one?”

  “I’m twenty-four.” We both laugh. “I’m thirty-six going on eighty because I have a six-year-old who is aging me.”

  “She’s adorable.”

  “She’s inquisitive. She’s at the ‘why’ stage of life. Mummy, why does it rain? Why does it thunder? Why is the sky blue? Why? Why? Why? I might have to go back to school just to keep up with her.”

  “That just means she’s creative. She wants to learn things. At least she isn’t like a lot of kids who only want to play video games all the time. And she’s crazy about swimming, right? Do you have a pool?”