In Over Her Head: An Anchor Island Novel by Terri Osburn (reading eggs books .TXT) 📗

that yesterday did not go well,” she said, addressing the room. “I’m at a disadvantage in that you all know each other, but you don’t know me. Despite how some of you may feel, I am the head chef in this kitchen. If I want something done a certain way, it’s for a reason, but at the same time I understand that for many years this was your kitchen and you did things differently.”

Lauren paused long enough to hear a huff come from the back of the room. Her eyes caught Mona’s and the woman had the grace to look away.

“We have ten days before we open the doors. That means we don’t have time to dance around each other so we’re going to speed things up. Today, I’m willing to discuss the setup of the kitchen. You show me your way and we see if it works for what I want to accomplish.”

Several sat up straighter, signaling she had their attention. Now, for the twist.

“Tomorrow morning, I need the cooking staff to be here by six thirty. We’re taking a field trip.” Confused glances were exchanged as a low murmur developed. Lauren waited for them to grow quiet before continuing. “We’re visiting the Defying Gravity Adventure Park in Nags Head to do some team building exercises.”

“You cannot be serious,” said Deborah.

“I don’t think so,” echoed Mona.

“This is mandatory,” Lauren cut in, gaining their attention once more. “Look, I don’t want to have to change crews. At this point, I’m not even sure I could without delaying the opening. But if we’re going to be in the fire together, then we need to trust each other. You’ll be paid for the time we’re gone just as you would be if you were working in the kitchen. This is another workday, except instead of knives, we’ll have harnesses and zip lines.”

No one spoke for several seconds until Jackson finally said, “I’m in, Chef.”

“You’re afraid of heights,” Mona reminded him.

The man turned to face his coworker. “Chef is right. We have to work together and if she’s willing to give us another chance after yesterday, then I’m willing to strap on a harness and make this work. What are you going to do, quit? You know you don’t want to lose this opportunity. You’ve seen the menu. Where else are we going to get the chance to make food like this?”

Lauren hadn’t expected such support after the “I don’t like her either” comment the day before. Then again, Jackson had made it clear that he needed this job.

“I shouldn’t have to haul my ass up a rope ladder to prove I can cook,” Mona argued.

“And I shouldn’t have to argue over where a garbage can goes,” Lauren cut in, “but here we are.”

Mona went silent and Deborah said, “Count me in. I’ve always wanted to zip line. Even better if I can get paid to do it.”

The remaining four cooks followed suit until Mona was the only dissenting voice.

“Well?” Jackson said. “Are you with us or are you out?”

“Shit. You know I’m going,” she said, her bottom lip jutted out. “I don’t like it, but I’ll do it.”

“Good.” Lauren rose from her chair as a voice sounded from the back.

“I want to go.”

She looked up to find Brendon the dishwasher wearing a hopeful expression.

“Sorry, but I only got approval for the cooking staff.” When he looked defeated, she said, “Maybe if we have a successful launch, I can get Will to send the rest of the staff.”

“Yes.”

The team headed for the kitchen while Jackson approached Lauren. “I owe you an apology, and I just wanted to say thank you for giving us another shot. After how we acted yesterday, I’m not sure we deserve one.”

Not ready to trust him just yet, Lauren nodded. “Apology accepted. Why don’t we consider this the first day and move on?”

“Yes, Chef.” He hesitated another moment and she waited for him to say what was on his mind. “I really am afraid of heights. How far up are we talking?”

She considered lying lest he back out, but she couldn’t be that mean. “The top is fifty feet but some are as low as ten.” Jackson swayed as if she’d hit him with a blow dart. “There might be something we can do on the ground,” Lauren added, afraid he might faint. If this was his reaction just hearing about the place, then tomorrow was going to be a real challenge.

He rubbed the back of his neck. “That would be good. But I’ll do my best to keep up with the group. No matter how high.”

“I appreciate that. Thanks for convincing them to go.”

“Ah, they’d have gone. We all want to be here. We just aren’t used to change, that’s all.”

And she wasn’t used to compromise. They all had something to learn.

“Then let’s see what we can keep the same, shall we?”

With a grin, he said, “Yes, Chef,” and took off toward the kitchen.

“Why didn’t you call me back?” Mia demanded as she stomped into Nick’s kitchen. He’d worked the lunch shift after a long, sleepless night and the last thing he wanted to do was to deal with his sister.

“I was busy.” He slid the creamy sea urchin soup her way. “Eat.”

Lifting her spoon, she took a deep sniff over the soup. “How did I get so lucky to have a chef for a brother?”

“You must have done something good in a former life.”

The first bite went in and she sighed. “Something really good. Now back to my question. What happened last night?”

“I had unexpected company.”

“Who was it?” Mia asked, filling her spoon for another bite.

“Nobody.” Nick finished filling his own bowl, grabbed a spoon, and rounded the island to take a seat at the table across from his sister. “What are we going to get for Mom?”

“You’re being suspicious,” she said, ignoring his attempt to change the subject. “Who is nobody?”

Realizing he forgot the drinks, he returned to the kitchen. “Not everything is your