As Caroline opened the door, Emily darted forward, a bright grin on her face. “Mom, I missed you!” she said, wrapping her arms around her mother’s waist.
Caroline bent down, hugging her back. “I missed you too, honey. How was school?”
“It was good! I even had ice cream with Noah before we came home. It was so yummy!” Emily replied, bouncing with excitement.
Caroline chuckled, brushing a few strands of hair from Emily’s face. “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Now go wash your hands and change your clothes. We’re going out today.”
Emily’s face lit up as she slipped out of her shoes and dashed down the hall, her footsteps echoing up the stairs.
Watching her, Noah glanced at his mom, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You ready for the interview, Mom?”
Caroline gave him a reassuring nod. “I am. I’ve been practising recipes all week, and I feel good about this.”
“Good,” Noah replied, nodding. “I’ll go change too. We’ll head out in a bit.”
Noah had already ordered an uber earlier, so it arrived on time.
Soon after, the family piled into the car, and they were off to An’s Gourmet. Upon arriving, Noah could see the faint glimmer of recognition in the attendant’s eyes.
He quickly met the attendant’s gaze and gave a subtle shake of his head, a silent signal to keep things low-key.
The attendant immediately picked up on the cue, turning back to the family with a polite smile. “Good afternoon! How may I help you all?”
“My mom here has a job interview for the chef position,” Noah replied smoothly.
The attendant nodded. “Oh, of course! Bear with me one moment. I’ll get the Deputy Manager to come and speak with you.” He hurried off, leaving the family standing near the entrance.
David glanced around the dining area, taking in the stylish decor and soft lighting. “This is a nice place,” he commented. “It’s calm, relaxing… I think you’ll enjoy working here, Caroline.”
Caroline looked around, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I hope so. It’s exactly the kind of place I’d love to work at.”
Noah stood by with a faint smile, watching his parents take it all in. Moments later, the Deputy Manager appeared—and Noah couldn’t help but smirk when he saw who it was.
“George!” David exclaimed, his face breaking into a grin as he recognized Aiden’s dad. “You’re the Deputy Manager here? How come you didn’t mention it?”
George glanced at Noah, catching his subtle look that clearly said, Don’t spill any details. George played along, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. “Well, I just started here a couple of weeks ago. Haven’t had the chance to catch up with everyone yet, you know?”
David chuckled. “Still, it’s a surprise! So you’ll be the one interviewing Caroline?”
George nodded, then shot a quick glance at Noah before turning back to David. “Yep. We’ll just run through a few questions and a quick cooking test. Pretty straightforward stuff.”
David clapped him on the shoulder. “Thanks for helping us out, George. It’s good to have neighbours like you around.”
George gave a modest smile. “No problem, David. We’re practically family. Anything to help out a neighbour.”
Noah watched the exchange with an amused look. His dad, still oblivious to the reality of the situation, seemed completely at ease. Caroline, on the other hand, looked both relieved and excited.
“Well, let’s get you started, Caroline,” George said, gesturing toward the kitchen area.
She took a deep breath, then turned to Noah and David. “Wish me luck!”
“Good luck, Mom!” Noah said, flashing a supportive smile.
“You’ve got this, Caroline!” David added, giving her an encouraging nod.
Caroline beamed at them before following George into the back. As they watched her go, David turned to Noah with a satisfied expression. “Feels good knowing George will be overseeing things. He’ll make sure it all goes smoothly.”
Noah nodded, glancing around as he relaxed against the wall. “Yeah, Aiden’s dad is a good guy.”
An hour passed before Caroline and George emerged from the kitchen, Caroline’s face glowing with excitement and a hint of disbelief. Seeing her, David jumped up, concern and anticipation mingling in his expression.
“How did it go?” he asked, eyes searching her face.
Caroline broke into a wide, almost tearful smile. “I’m hired, David! I got the job!” she exclaimed, rushing into his arms, tears slipping down her cheeks.
David held her close, his face breaking into a grin as he gently stroked her back. “I’m so proud of you, Caroline. You did it! I knew you would,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so proud I could burst.”
Noah stood nearby, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched his parents. “Well done, Mom,” he said, his voice warm with quiet pride.
Caroline looked over at him, still holding onto David, her eyes bright. “Thank you, honey. Without you guys encouraging me, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to even try.”
Noah gave her a small nod, his smile growing. “You’ve got talent, Mom. It was only a matter of time before people recognized it.”
George cleared his throat, a smile playing on his lips as he watched the family celebrate. “Congratulations, Caroline. And David, you should know, we’ve got everything squared away. The contract is signed, and Caroline’s official starting salary will be $5,000 per month.”
David’s jaw dropped slightly. “Five thousand?” he echoed, clearly taken aback.
Even Emily, who had been sitting quietly nearby, widened her eyes, whispering, “That’s a lot of money…”
Caroline, who had already heard the news, let out a small laugh. “I know, I still can’t believe it either.”
George chuckled at their reactions. “To be honest, I think that’s a steal. Our head chef was really impressed, Caroline. He said he’d never seen someone handle a kitchen that well on a trial run, so he insisted you be brought on as our Sous Chef, right under him. The head chef doesn’t hand out titles like that lightly.”
David shook his head, clearly astounded, as he took Caroline’s hands in his. “A Sous Chef? That’s amazing, Caroline! You deserve every bit of it. You’ve worked so hard, and now everyone else can see what I’ve always known—you’re extraordinary.”
Caroline’s smile was soft, almost shy. “Thank you, David. I just… I’ve been cooking for our family for so long, I never imagined it would lead to something like this.”
George nodded with a smile. “Our head chef mentioned it too. He said you’re not just a regular cook—you have a real instinct for it. It’s not something you can learn; it’s something you have in you, and Caroline, you definitely have it.”
David squeezed her hands, pulling her close. “See? I knew you were something special from the very start. And now, everyone else is going to see it too.”
Noah watched them, a small but sincere smile lingering on his face. He knew his mother was capable, but hearing everyone else acknowledge it felt like vindication. “Mom, you’re gonna do great things here. They’re lucky to have you.”
Caroline reached over and squeezed Noah’s hand. “Thank you, sweetheart. This wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for your faith in me.”
George glanced between them, still grinning. “Well, we’re lucky to have you, Caroline. I think you’re going to change the whole atmosphere here at An’s Gourmet.”
Emily piped up, her eyes shining with excitement. “Mom, can we come to the restaurant and watch you cook sometimes? I want to see you in action!”
Caroline looked at George who had a wry smile on his face. “Of course, she can come anytime she wants.”
“How could I say no to the owner’s little sister, if I do I’m practically asking for death” Thought George, as he looked at Noah who had a satisfied look on his face.
Caroline laughed, ruffling Emily’s hair. “Seems like you can Honey,”
David chuckled, throwing an arm around Caroline’s shoulders. “Looks like we’ll be regulars here from now on. And don’t worry, George, we’ll be discreet fans. You won’t even know we’re here,” he said with a wink.
George laughed, waving it off. “You’re welcome anytime.”
Caroline glanced around at them, her eyes shimmering with happy tears. “Thank you, all of you. I feel like… I’m finally taking a step towards something that’s mine.”
Noah felt satisfied and fulfilled. His mom was on the path she deserved, one that would let her shine and show her excellence. If it weren’t for her constantly taking care of the family, she wouldn’t have just been a house cook, but a world-class chef and Noah wanted to rectify that and give her the opportunity she deserves.
Leaving the restaurant after some small talk with George, Noah ordered an uber for his family home.
“Mom, Dad you guys head home first. I was invited to dinner at a classmate’s house, I will be late today most likely,” said Noah.
“Alright son, stay safe,” said David.
After watching the Uber disappear down the street with his family inside, Noah’s expression shifted, the warmth he’d shown earlier slipping away as he turned back toward the restaurant.
There were some things he needed to set in motion, and he wasn’t one to waste time.
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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