25
Classes are back in full swing after a much too short winter break. Having Britney the full two weeks made my heart sing. She’s growing up too fast and I miss her when she’s with her dad. But at the same time, I enjoy that time I have alone with Jaden.
Spring break is still three months away, but he said he’s planning a special surprise for me. I’m excited and a little worried that he’ll try to convince me to move to New York City with him. I was firm with him over winter break and he knows moving is not an option for me.
Preston asked to take Brit for spring break, so we’re switching weeks. I’ll have her for two weeks in a row, just before the break. We’ll go back to every other week when they return. Rae’s mom agreed to keep Brit extra when I need to work late.
As my students file in, I finish up their grades from the first semester. Everyone did exceptionally well and I’m so proud of all of them. I have no doubts they will be successful chefs one day.
“Good morning class.” Standing, I walk around to the front of my desk and lean against it. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jaden staring at my legs. I’m wearing a black pencil skirt and a red blouse with black flats.
“Good morning, Miss Turner.” They sit at their tables waiting for what I have planned for today’s class.
“Today, your assignment is to plan a menu for an a la carte restaurant setting. I want you all to think of the type of establishment you want to work at or own. Being a chef is one thing. Being an owner and a chef of a restaurant is a daunting task. I know each of you are capable of achieving whatever you set your hearts on.” I glance around at each student. When I look at Jaden, he’s busy writing something in his notebook.
I continue, “Take Chef Thomas at The Oasis, for instance.” Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jaden close his notes and watch me. I think I got his attention. Although, that’s not my initial intent. I’m not singling him out. I want all my students to be their best, but I also want them to know how tall of a mountain having it all can be.
Walking around the room, I say, “Now you may not know this, but he didn’t start that restaurant on his own. It was already in business for several years when he was hired as the head chef. Over time, he bought into it and is now the majority shareholder and basically the owner-operator. It took him years to build his reputation as one of the best chefs in the world. He could’ve gone anywhere once his reputation was established. Bought any restaurant in the world.” I wave my arms in a wide arch.
“But he chose to stay here and make The Oasis his own.” I pause and look at my iPad.
A text message from Jaden appears in my previews. I smile, then finish my lecture.
“So, class. I’m not telling you what to do with your lives after you graduate. I’m asking you to keep your options open. Don’t let something right in front of you fall to the wayside because you think you have to go big or go home. That’s not always the case in the restaurant world.”
“Miss Turner.” Jaden raises his arm, waving it to get my attention.
“Yes, Jaden.” I turn and face him.
“Would you give up your dream for love?”
“Um…” I pause and turn away from him. My breath hitches. My words catch in my throat. What the fuck is he doing? I draw in a breath and walk over to his and Candace’s table. Crossing my arms over my body, I try to answer him as honestly as I can.
“It all depends on the situation, Jaden.”
“What do you mean?” he pushes.
“Well, if I could still fulfill most of my dream by giving some of it up and be happy; yes. I would.”
“Really?” Candace asks.
I turn and face her. “Yes.”
“But why would you give up your dream for someone else?” she asks.
I look at Jaden, then back to Candace.
“Because sometimes dreams evolve. You’re not really giving up anything. You’re adjusting to the situation your life is in when you come to a crossroads.” I pause and walk back to the center of the room. I want to address all of my students and not just Jaden. I know why he asked me that particular question, but the rest of the class doesn’t.
I lay the iPad face down on Bob and Samantha’s table. Clasping my hand together, I continue with my off-the-cuff lecture. I want my students to go for their dreams, but also to be ready to pivot if their situation requires it.
“When you’re young, you see things in black and white. But life is lived in the gray areas. We all have big dreams as we grow into adulthood. Then life gives us tests to see if we can adjust.” I walk around and pause at each of the five tables, catching the attention of my students as I speak.
“Most people do so and live happily ever after. Some sacrifice happiness for notoriety and wealth. You…” I point around at each one.
“…have to choose what’s best for you.” I retrieve my iPad from Bob and Samantha’s table, then walk to the center of the five tables.
Looking around the room again, I see everyone staring wide eyed at me. I let out a nervous laugh.
“Oh, geez. I’m sorry. It seems today’s lecture turned a bit on the philosophical side. I certainly didn’t intend for that to happen.” I tap awake the iPad I’m still holding and say, “So, your assignment is still to create the a la carte menu for your restaurant. The one of your dreams.” I turn and walk back to my desk.
“Class dismissed.”
As usual, Jaden is the last to leave. He walks to the door with Candace.
“I’ll join you in a minute,” he says to her.
He turns around and comes toward my desk.
“Hey,” he says and sits on the edge.
“Yes, Jaden?” I keep my eyes on my laptop.
“Was any of your lecture about us?”
“You can take my lecture as you wish. I spoke from my heart and what I believe to be true. You know Chef Thomas very well.” I tilt my head and meet Jaden’s gaze.
“You can be him if you want.”
“You really are amazing, Blaire.”
My eyes widen and I correct him, “Miss Turner.”
“Oh, sorry. What I meant to say was, you really are amazing, Miss Turner.” He leans closer to me and grazes his hand across mine. He smiles and whispers, “Especially in bed.” He hops off my desk and trots toward the door. Before leaving the classroom, he blows a kiss to me.
I shake my head and smile wide.