Higher Stakes [Strings: Part 1]

Chapter 13: Cherry

“Rodriguez, are you done with the soup?”

A chef in his mid 30s was leaning over a small pot filled with bubbling Minestrone. Adding bits of herbs into the soup, he quickly grabbed a ladle stirred the soup and pour some into a bowl. “Coming Patricia!” he announced.

Patricia Watson, Bradley’s mother, was placing some toast garlic bread on a paper covered plastic basket and gave it to a female red headed waiter. She ushered her out and turned to one of the chef. “Got the exact amount of herbs in it?” she asked, checking the bowl of Minestrone.

“Yes ma’am,” Rodriguez assured. “I followed your instruction precisely.”

“Good,” she patted his shoulder. “Now, go make the risotto. Remember, put some extra-“

“Parmesan cheese,” Rodriguez finished with enthusiasm, “Will do ma’am.”

“Atta boy.” Patricia is proud of her workers. She walked around the kitchen to her family restaurant and checked the stoves. She pinched in and added a few ingredients here and there and even slices a small piece of bread to get the taste.

“Hi Patricia,” Selena greeted. She walked into the kitchen with a white box and placed it on the counter by the door. “I brought in the new batch of herbs for you.”

“Aww, sweety, thank you.” Patricia replied with a huge gentle smile on her face. Taking off her head chef hat, she moved around the kitchen and had Selena in her arms and sealed it with a kiss on her head. “How’s wizards?” she added, pulling away from the young Latina.

“Same ol Wizards,” Selena replied. “Well uh-“grabbing a stool, she hopped onto it and continued, “The reviews about the new guy are impressive. Lot of plus signs, if you know what I mean,” Nodding. “I think your son is getting there.”

“My son?” Patricia remarked. “He’s also your friend, honey. Is there something wrong? You can tell me you know. I am like your second mother. So spill it.”

She chuckled. “Nothing. Just joking with you.”

Patricia swung her spatula in between her and Selena and gave her a wink. She put it down by the huge pot which then occupied by one of her chefs. Taking off her apron and place it on the counter just by the box, she hooked her arm to Selena’s and lead her out of the kitchen.

At the main hall, the restaurant was slight packed for brunch so work is quite slow that afternoon.  Taking 2 empty seats by the grand piano with the main purpose of decoration, a waiter quickly came over and poured 2 glasses of water and placed a basket of freshly baked and cut bread sticks. “Anything else, Mrs. Watson?” the female waiter politely asked.

“No need, sweetie, these will do.” She smiled at her employee.

Selena grabbed a piece of breadstick and took a small bite while Patricia folded her arms on the table looking at her, smiling. “Anything you want to share, Sellie? Any news? Any updates? Any gossips?” she raised her eyebrow at the last one.

Swallowing another bite of the breadstick, Selena blinked her eyes and managed, “Gossips? Seriously? No way, Mrs. Watson. I don’t roll that way.”

“Well,” Patricia suddenly began, “I rarely see my son around the restaurant these past few days. And a source, a reliable one too, told me that he’s been seeing a stunningly pretty girl. Care to discuss that?”

Selena shrugged. “Don’t know about it.”

“You’re really sure?” raising her eyebrow again, Patricia stared at the girl opposite her. “C’mon, I will know eventually. No way, I am letting him to date a girl who is way out of my expectation. For examples… a liar, a gold digger, a fame digger, dirty, crazy, annoying, heart-breaker, a drug dealer or maybe she’s a slu-“