Sidney Berry had her life planned out: after high school go to culinary school, become a world-renowned chef and marry her childhood sweetheart, Aiden. But after a tragic incident that shakes her world at the end of her senior year, her plans derail...
"These are some renderings. I want to do elevated American cuisine. What do you think?" Nissan asked her. It was weird for her to be there. Asked to give her opinion about one of the most important parts of a person's life. She looked over the rustic chic design and automatically felt like she wanted to be there. It was more gritty than Ito. Ito was pure elegance pushed into every corner with its chandeliers, crisp white linens, and minimalistic style. Nissan's restaurant, it felt like it was built for family. Sid thought of her father and imagined that he would have decorated his restaurant the same way. Gruff, soul-food, with paper table covers and large comfortable seats.
"It's amazing. I think it'll be perfect. Millennials will love it." Nissan chuckled and lit up, like her approval really mattered. It made her want to throw off her apron right then and there. But she knew she couldn't.
"Where are you opening it?"
"Back home. In Massachusetts."
Wow. Sid nodded and placed her hand over her mouth. She wanted to be able to say that she would go. But leaving would surely make Aiden take AJ. There was no way she could fight for a child in a different state away from all her friends and family. But she wanted a new life so badly. A fresh slate to start over from.
"I don't know."
"Don't make a decision now. Like, I said. This isn't happening for another few months. But...my offer is on the table."
"Thank you...this is...it means a lot that you would consider me."
Nissan waved her off. He was just as bad as taking compliments as she was. She smiled, left the office and returned to the soothing buzz of the kitchen. Sid let a heavy sigh escape her. Even the best things happened for her at the wrong time. She wanted to call Tomi and tell her immediately. It felt wrong keeping anything from her now that she spilled all the beans about everything that was going on.
It could wait until the morning though. They had enough excitement for one day and besides she had a shift to finish before she had to face Aiden tomorrow. She texted Phil instead.
Sid: Guess what?
Phil: What? Btw this food is bomb. I'm going to need some more.
Sid: lmao. Sure thing. But my Exec chef just offered me a position at a new restaurant he's opening.
Phil: That's big time! Congrats. You deserve it.
Sid: No congrats yet. It's going to be in Massachusetts :-(
Phil: Massachusetts is dope. Weed is legal there.
Sid: Of course you would know that.
Phil: Got to keep track of the important things.
The pressure of making a decision and what that would mean for her lifted off of her shoulders. She couldn't help but notice that Phil had the capacity to do that often. His gift at dulling the harshness of the world was refreshing to her. She needed it more than anything right now. She shot off another quick text to him before returning back to work.
Later that night, her white jacket hung over her arm as she turned off the kitchen lights after closing. She made her way to the lobby on exhausted legs. Phil had texted her throughout the night, keeping her company during her shift until he had conked out and stopped responding to her random text messages. She thought about just letting him sleep and returning back to Tomi's and rest before morning. Tomorrow held a talk with Aiden that she wasn't sure of how it was going to turn out but whatever it was going to be she wanted to be well rested and ready to spar with whatever bull he threw at her. But it was like Sid's body pulled her toward the elevators instead of the humid night. She just wanted to lay with him for a moment. Recharge her batteries with his energy.
She made her way onto the elevators, another order of Chicken Katsu Don she prepared for herself but would be happy to share with Phil tucked into her purse. Sid made sure to keep out of sight of the nosy Front Desk attendant. A few moments later she stepped off the elevator. She noticed the spring in her step even though her body felt tired and heavy. She couldn't help but think that the extra pep in her step was due to her finally getting some earlier. Sid thought of her time with Phil earlier, and found herself covering a smile that crept onto her face. She would never have thought of dating a younger guy, or anyone for that matter, but Phil made her forget about all of that. Hold on, pump your breaks. Nobody said that we are were dating. Though Sid was alone in the hallway she still looked around with embarrassment. Hoping that no one caught her pining over some guy. The best thing she could do was take things slow. She had a lot to figure out in her life before she even considered a relationship. They would talk and take their time and see how things went. Well...she would be okay if they kept getting physical like they had. She couldn't complain about that.
With a smile on her face, Sid slid the key into the door of the apartment and shut it quietly behind her a moment later. Peering into the dimly lit room Sid's heart sank into the bottom of her gut.
"Hi, Sidney." Chills spread down her core and froze her in place as Kru's voice filled the room around her. "I understand you have my money?"
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