The Village Inn of Secret Dreams by Alison Sherlock

Author:Alison Sherlock [Sherlock, Alison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books

31

There remained one last test for Brad, the new commis chef, to overcome. Unfortunately it was quite a big one, thought Belle as she introduced the young man to Andre.

Andre gave Brad a narrow-eyed stare as he looked him up and down, although it was mainly up as he was so short and Brad was quite tall.

‘Hands,’ he snapped.

Brad looked bewildered and glanced at Belle for help with wide eyes.

‘Show me your hands,’ said Andre, rolling his eyes. ‘I need to check them for cleanliness. I won’t have bad hygiene in my kitchen.’

Brad clenched his hands briefly by his side as if he was going to throw a punch at Andre. And who could blame him, thought Belle. Having only met him twice, the new chef had brought on her own daydreams of accidentally dropping a large saucepan over his head. She was hopeful that his credentials were true and that he really was a talented chef. But his people skills left an awful lot to be desired.

Finally Brad held out his hands for inspection. Andre leaned forward to study them closely before straightening up with a nod of approval.

‘Well, that at least is acceptable,’ he replied. ‘But your clothing is not.’

Brad was wearing jeans and a green sweatshirt. ‘I don’t wear this when I’m cooking,’ he said, his tone sullen. ‘I have my own chef’s jacket and trousers, of course.’

Andre’s eyebrows rose slightly, as if almost impressed. ‘I’m glad to hear it,’ he replied. ‘Now, let’s see if you are worthy of the title of being my commis chef.’

Belle felt her nostrils flare in irritation. ‘We have already employed Brad and he will be here for a three-month trial, just like you,’ she snapped.

Andre turned to look at her. ‘But this is my kitchen. My empire,’ he said smoothly at her.

‘It’s okay,’ said Brad quietly. ‘I’m good enough.’

Belle glanced over at the young man, who was suddenly looking very determined.

‘Well then, let’s see,’ said Andre, walking towards the long kitchen counter. ‘I need these vegetables finely chopped.’

Brad grabbed the small rucksack he had brought with him and produced a couple of expensive-looking knives.

‘Good brand,’ said Andre with a nod of what appeared to be approval.

‘Saved up for them ’specially,’ said Brad, looking proud of himself.

Brad almost strutted over to the counter, thought Belle. He was confident of his abilities, she realised, with hope filling her heart. He just needed to be given a chance.

But even she was amazed when his knife flew over the vegetables in a matter of seconds. It was as if a film had been sped up, such was the speed at which he prepared the vegetables.

Having completed his instruction, Brad stepped back, a smug look on his face.

Andre leaned down to study the chopped vegetables in silence before straightening up once more. ‘Not bad,’ he said eventually.

Brad appeared to grow taller in that moment at the unexpected praise. Belle thought that Brad hadn’t had much encouragement in his life so far. He looked proud of himself, as well he should.

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