26
Iwalk into the coffee shop with my phone in hand. A text message from Dave asks if I can come in early. Chef Tomas needs to talk to me. I reply
I’ll be there as soon as I can.
Candace’s hand waves me over to her.
“Hey, Jaden. Are you ready to start on the task from Miss Turner?”
I stand next to her and say, “I need to get to The Oasis as soon as I can. Raincheck?” I raise my eyes and twist my mouth.
“Oh, yeah. Sure.” She slides her notebook back into her bag.
“One thing before you go…” She bites her lip as she stands next to me.
“What’s up?”
“Well, I got the feeling Miss Turner was trying to tell us something this morning during her lecture. That stuff about dreams evolving. What was that?” Her shoulders lift and she holds her hands palm up.
“I don’t know. Maybe she wanted to own her own place when she was our age and instead, she got married and decided to be a teacher.” I check my watch and say, “I gotta run. We’ll catch up another day, though.” I smile down at her.
“No problem, Jaden. Works, work. Right?” She gathers her backpack, hoisting it onto her shoulder.
“See you later.”
I turn and walk out of the coffee shop. Heading to the student parking, I see Blaire walking into the teacher’s lounge.
“Hey Bl—” I correct myself and call out, “Miss Turner.”
She turns my way and waves. I rush to catch up to her before she goes into the lounge.
The closer I get to her, the more my blood rushes to my cock.
Dammit!
She has this enchanting effect on me that I can’t control. I cannot wait to graduate and be done with this college and its rules.
“Hey,” I pant out as I bend at my waist and place my hands on my knees, sucking wind, and trying to catch my breath.
Her hand lands on my shoulder and my cock is hard. I close my eyes and try to ignore her touch, but it’s useless. I straighten up and stretch my polo to cover my obvious desire for her.
Catching her gaze, the corner of my mouth tugs up and I wink.
“What can I do for you, Jaden?” She leans against the tile wall, her eyes on mine.
“I wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your lecture this morning. I have a lot to think about now. So, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I want all of you to be open-minded about your futures. I’m confident you’ll be a huge success wherever you go.” She glances up and down the corridor.
“Didn’t you have a coffee date with Candace?” she asks.
“It wasn’t a date,” I correct her.
“But yeah, I did, but Dave texted me. He asked me to come into The Oasis early. There must be a big party coming in and he needs me to set up early.” I shrug.
“Guess I better go.” I step closer to her. Before I touch her, I make sure the hallway is empty, then I slide my hand into hers and thread our fingers together.
She tilts her head up. Her stunning blues sparkle as she smiles and pinches my hand. She nods, then releases my hand.
“You should go to work.” She crosses her arms over her body.
“Yeah, I should. Later?” I ask, lifting my eyebrows and closing one eye.
“Maybe,” she says and turns toward the teacher’s lounge door.
“Bye, Jaden.” She pushes the door open and disappears inside.
I walk briskly down the hallway and to the student parking lot.
“Hey, Jaden,” Dave calls to me when I enter the backdoor of The Oasis.
“Hey, Dave. What’s up?” I slide my phone into my back pocket and reach for the black apron I normally wear to do the barback duties.
He waves his hand and says, “Not the apron, dude.” He walks toward the closet that holds Chef Thomas and Gina’s chef jackets and aprons. He brings out a white apron and hands it to me.
“This is the one you’re wearing tonight.”
“What…” I furrow my brow and scratch my jaw.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“Chef Thomas wants to mentor you. You’ll be his assistant.” Dave shakes the apron in front of me. “Here, Jaden. Put this on. Chef Thomas will be here in a few minutes. I asked him to let me tell you the news.”
“But what about the bar?” I ask as I slip the apron on. All I want to do is call Blaire and share this news with her. My body fills with mini explosions of excitement, knowing I’m going to be mentored by Chef Thomas. A dream come true. I blow out a breath and smooth the apron with my hands, then look at Dave.
“Man. Don’t worry about the bar. We’ve got it covered. Besides, the kitchen is where you belong.” Dave holds his fist out.
I raise my fist and bump his. He reaches for me, and bear hugs me.
“So proud of you, kid. You’re going to be great.” He squeezes me hard, then lets his arms drop and steps back.
I nod and look down at the white apron, then back to Dave.
“Thanks. I… Jesus, I…” My words catch on the lump in my throat. I shake my head, then say to Dave, “I never expected to be this emotional about going from a barback to interning with Chef Thomas. That wasn’t even on my radar. We never talked about me assisting him. I’d helped Gina a few times and learned a ton from her, but this? I…” Blowing out my breath, I drag my hand through my hair.
“Jaden, this is the next step for you. And a great opportunity to learn from a great chef.” Dave pats my shoulder as we walk out to the bar. I sit on a stool, and he stands behind the bar.
“Do you know Chef Thomas’ history here?” he asks.
I smile and nod.
“Funny thing about that.” I tap my fingers on the bar.
“Why?” Dave leans against the counter, his thick arms folded over her body.
“Blaire gave a lecture this morning about our futures, and she mentioned Chef Thomas and how he started here.”
“Blaire? You’re on a first name basis with your teacher?” Dave winks.
I laugh and nod my head.
“Sort of.” I smile.
He unfolds his arms and offers his fist again. I bump his with mine, then slide off the stool and stand.
“Is there anything I can do to help you before Chef Thomas gets here?”
“Nah, I’ve got this. Go into the kitchen and relax. I guess I’ll be calling you Junior now.” Dave lets out a laugh.
Puzzled, I squint. Then it hits me. As Chef Thomas’ assistant, I’m now a Junior Chef and no longer the barback at The Oasis.
“I guess so.” I turn and walk toward the double doors leading to the kitchen.