“Are you all right? You’re still trembling, baby,” Sylas asked knowing the answer. He smiled at her wanting to hear her say it.
“Sylas, that was by far the most intense sex I’ve ever had. I’m yours forever; I love you completely and fully,” Veronica laid there, starring lovingly at the man looking down at her.
“Veronica, I will love you forever and never do anything to hurt you. I have never felt like this. I need someone for the first time in my life. I need you.” Sylas slowly lowered his lips to hers kissing her gently.
Chapter 13
Veronica and Carla hurried around the restaurant making sure everything was ready for her father’s return. A few weeks had passed since his heart attack. This would be his first time back to La Joie. Veronica stood nervously, scanning the room. Her father never left the restaurant for this long before. Veronica wanted to make him proud. They were booked every night for weeks. The reviews they received so far have been nothing but amazing. Sylas really pulled out all the stops on this new menu. The kitchen has been executing better than ever. Veronica hoped her father liked what they had done while he was gone.
“Carla, straighten those table cloths over there and make sure the silver is all polished, please,” Veronica scanned the dining room for any other possible flaws.
“Veronica, we polished all the silver, everything is perfect, relax. Your father is going to be very pleased with all that you have done,” Carla’s tone reassured Veronica.
“Thank you, Carla, for all your hard work and dedication. I know the past few weeks have been tough on you. Your break up with Michael and your new romance with Rocco, it’s been a whirlwind of emotions for you, I’m sure,” Veronica brushed her hand on Carla’s arm.
“Yes, it has been but it all happens for a reason, right? Rocco is everything Michael wasn’t. He’s loving, attentive, caring and great in bed. What is it with these chefs?” The two looked at each other, laughing.
“I don’t know, Carla, they do care for their women don’t they and speaking of chefs, I need to go talk to Sylas,” Veronica turned to head back to the kitchen.
Sylas and Rocco were hustling around the kitchen hoping from station to station, checking prep levels. They tasted various sauces cooking for the night’s dinner service. Sylas really enjoyed this part of the day. He loved watching his vision being put into reality. The way his creations came to life. The pure joy for a chef is watching his brigade take his menu and breathe life into it.
“Rocco, taste this béarnaise sauce and see if it needs more salt,” Sylas liked testing Rocco’s palate. He knew it would be the greatest tool he could have. It also took the longest to perfect.
“I think it tastes fine, chef. I wouldn’t change a thing,” Rocco brimmed with confidence setting his spoon to the side.
“Very good, Rocco, you’re getting better with every service. I better watch my back. You might take over someday,” Sylas smiled nodding his approval.
Sylas turned to see Veronica heading into the kitchen. Looking at her face he could tell she seemed a bit out of sorts. Sylas knew she was nervous that her father would not be happy with some of the changes they made to the menu.
“Sylas, is everything set back here? My father will be here soon. We need to break the news about the new menu. If he’s not happy we might need to switch back to the old menu, you’re alright with that, right?” Veronica stood quiet.
“No, I’m not okay with that. This is my kitchen and my menu. We have been booked week after week and if we change back now, we’ll lose all that,” Sylas motioned for her to meet him in the office. He did not want to continue this conversation in front of the staff.
“Sylas, you need to understand, this is my father’s restaurant. He has done things a certain way for years and I just don’t know how happy he’ll be with the changes. We need to honor his wishes. I don’t want to choose between the two of you, but I will if I have to,” Veronica’s stood in quiet defiance.
“What are you saying, Veronica? If he doesn’t like the changes we’re going back to the old way? I’m not okay with that, at all and I’m not asking you to choose, I’m asking you to support the changes I made.” Sylas grew angry at the tone of this conversation.
“Normally, I would support you, Sylas, but this place was my father’s dream. I need to take that into consideration,” Veronica’s eyes were heavy. Their conversation ended abruptly with a knock at the office door. Sylas turned to answer the door.
“Veronica, your dad is here and he wants to see you and Sylas.” Carla said peaking around Sylas.
“Thank you, Carla. We can’t keep him waiting. Sylas, I love you and nothing is going to ever change that,” Veronica turned to head out to the dining room, but Sylas stopped her.
“Carla, get Mr. Chatur some water and tell him we’ll be out in a few minutes. Veronica and I need to finish our conversation,” Carla walked away as Sylas closed the door.
“I love you too, Veronica. In our relationship, you will never go against my wishes. Under no circumstances will I not have your full support. That being said, I need to punish you for what you just told me. So, lift your skirt and bend over the desk.” Sylas watched as Veronica turned around to face the desk. She reached down pulling up the hem of her skirt. She bent over and Sylas caught a glimpse of her white garter belt holding up her thigh high stockings. Veronica pulled her skirt up completely exposing her ass to Sylas. She spread he legs slightly, laid over the desk, waiting for her punishment. Sylas slowly approached her, taking in the beauty of her ass as he walked over. Sylas rubbed his hands over her cheeks preparing them for the spanking she was going to receive.
“I’m sorry, Sylas, you’re right. It will take some time for me to get used to this part of our relationship. I love you so much. I never want to hurt you. I will stand by your side forever,” Veronica braced herself.
Sylas moved to her side, he placed his left hand on her lower back as he landed the first smack with his right hand. Sylas paused for a moment enjoying the tingle in his hand after it made contact with Veronica’s ass. Her body tensed as the second swat hit her. Sylas watched her body jolt; he rubbed her ass soothing it a bit. Sylas pulled his arm back landing the third and final smack. Her ass looked amazing with the outline of Sylas’s hand on it. He gently rubbed trying to remove some of the sting. He lowered her skirt and picked her up into his arms.
“Veronica, you need to understand, I love you very much and cherish our relationship. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met and I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” Sylas leaned down to kiss her deeply sliding his tongue past her lips while holding her body close to his.
Veronica kissed him back moving her tongue with his, “I love you too, Sylas. I will always support you and follow your wishes. Thank you for guiding me through this. It’s hard for me to give myself to you completely, but I’m learning. I want to be with you also.”
After a few more kisses, they headed out to the dining room where Mr. Chatur sat at his favorite table. He held a copy of the menu in front of him: inspecting it closely. Veronica tried to tell by his face what he thought about it, but she couldn’t see it behind the paper he was holding.
“Father, welcome back, you look great.” Veronica hoped he wouldn’t be mad with the direction they took. She sat down carefully, taking a deep breath, bracing herself for his reaction.
Sylas watched as Veronica grimaced when her ass hit the chair. He knew she would remember their talk in the office; he knew she would support him 100%. Sylas patiently waited for Mr. Chatur’s opinion of the changes.
“Well, Veronica, I see you and Chef Sylas have been busy changing this menu since I’ve been gone. You couldn’t even wait for the body to be cold before you switched everything,” he lowered the paper, smiling proudly.
“Dad, that’s not funny. You shouldn’t make jokes about that and, yes, we made some changes and the guests have responded. We have been booked every night. The food is amazing, not that your m
enu wasn’t great dad. I just think, um we needed…” Veronica began to flounder as she shifted in her seat.
“I think what she is trying to say is we needed a refresh. I wanted to create something new, some new flavors, and a new direction.” Sylas hoped Mr. Chatur would understand.
“Well, chef, I was hoping you would do this. This restaurant was tired and the menu was old just like its owner. I’m actually here to discuss a few things with you two,” Mr. Chatur’s smile disappeared as his mood turned to all business.
“My doctors have told me I need to lower my stress level and take some time to relax and enjoy life. So, judging by the job you two have done while I’ve been out, this decision is easier than I thought it would be. I am leaving La Joie, my dream and my lives work in the hands of you, Veronica,” a single tear ran down his cheek.
Veronica looked at Sylas; then looked at her father. She stood up to give her father a big hug. The two embraced breaking into tears. Sylas sat touched by the connection these two have. “This is bitter sweet, dad. I’m glad you trust me well us with this. I’m sad to see you walk away. I agree with your doctors, you do need to enjoy your life,” Veronica’s face was a mix of emotions.
“Mr. Chatur, thank you for the confidence you have in us. We won’t let you down. In fact, I think with the way Carla and Rocco have stepped up we might be looking at opening a second location. However, right now I need to head in the back and get ready for service,” Sylas offered his hand to Mr. Chatur.
“Not so fast, Sylas, I have something else I need to discuss with the two of you.” Mr. Chatur’s fatherly tone caught Sylas by surprise.
“I love my daughter very much, Sylas, and I have a feeling the two of you are an item. I know you have been spending time together outside of this restaurant. I know a lot has changed in the world these days, but I believe some values never do. You take good care of my girl, Sylas, and you do right by her, or this conversation will be a lot different next time,” Mr. Chatur shook Sylas’s hand with a grip that let Sylas know he was serious.
“Really, dad, this is a bit over the top don’t you think so,” the redness on Veronica’s cheeks which let everyone know just how embarrassed this situation made her.
“Mr. Chatur, I love your daughter very much and would never do anything to intentionally hurt her. She is an amazing woman and she makes me happy every day,” Sylas knew he would never find anyone that would make him feel the way she did.
Veronica sat in silence looking at the two men she loved in her life talk about her like she wasn’t even there. Never feeling so connected with anyone in her life like she did with Sylas. She realized right then she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. Veronica looked at the clock on the wall, realizing their first reservation would be coming in fifteen minutes.
“Sylas, we have our first reservation coming in soon. We should get ready,” Veronica’s smile made both men very happy.
“You’re right; we need to get set and I think your father needs some dinner, perhaps the chef’s specialty?” Sylas turned to head back in to the kitchen.
“That sounds perfect, Sylas. Just watch the salt, I have a bum ticker,” Mr. Chatur smirked. The three of them laughed at the joke.
“Veronica, one more thing, opening a restaurant is a big undertaking. If you want to go that direction I will support you, but it can put a strain on even the strongest of relationships. Keep that in mind,” She knew her father spoke from experience.
Chapter 14
The dinner service started just like any other. It went by fast and furious tickets coming into the kitchen, food going out. The guests’ responses were favorable as always. Mr. Chatur stayed for a while watching Veronica and Sylas work. Sylas exuded a confidence while running the kitchen. Veronica buzzed around the dining room ensuring every guest left happy.
“Rocco, taste everything, you need to taste it all. Nothing leaves this kitchen without your approval. Trust your palate,” Sylas watched every move Rocco made in his kitchen. Every shift he evaluated him providing feedback.
“Yes, Chef!” Rocco beamed with pride. Sylas could tell by the way he controlled this dinner shift Rocco enjoyed being his second.
Sylas walked with a happiness like never before. He loved an amazing woman. His career in Great Falls took off faster than he could have imagined. Everything fell into place, but he couldn’t help but wonder what the rest of his life held. He wanted to settle down, get married, and start a family. If they decided to open a second location it meant more hours, more work. However, he and Veronica would do it together; they would see each other all the time.
“Rocco, I’ll be back in a bit. Take over here,” Sylas walked off the line. He wanted to ask Mr. Chatur a question before he left.
Sylas walked out in the dining room looking for him. Scanning the room, he didn’t see him anywhere. He went back into the kitchen checking the office. He found Mr. Chatur sitting at his desk packing up some belongings.
“Mr. Chatur, may I have a minute, I have a question to ask you.” Sylas didn’t want to wait to talk to him about this.
“Yes, Sylas, what can I do for you?” Mr. Chatur said looking up from his desk.
“Sir, I love your daughter with my whole heart. I have never felt like this before, she is amazing and we are happy together. I know she means the world to you and I want to do right by you and by her. I would like to ask Veronica to be my wife,” Sylas had never been nervous in his life until right now. His palms began to sweat as he waited for a response.
“Well, this is a bit sudden, isn’t it? I watch the way my daughter responds to you, I have never seen her work so hard to please someone before, not even me. She loves you, Sylas, and I think you would make her very happy.” Mr. Chatur spoke softly.
He reached into the box he was packing up and pulled out a dusty red ring box. He opened slowly, showing it to Sylas. The box contained a beautiful engagement ring. Sylas just stared in disbelief, wondering why he kept that here in the restaurant.
“Sylas, I kept this locked up here in the restaurant because I spent most of my time here. I gave this ring to Veronica’s mother when I asked for her hand. One of her dying wishes years ago was that I would give it to the man I deemed worthy of our daughter's hand. That time has come, you have my blessing,” Mr. Chatur handed the box to Sylas.
“I don’t know what to say, thank you, sir, I am glad you feel that way. I will make her happy and do everything I can to make her dreams come true,” Sylas and Mr. Chatur embraced. Sylas headed back out to the kitchen to Veronica holding a plate in her hand while talking to Rocco. Sylas could tell by her posture that she wasn’t very happy with him. He slipped the ring box in his pocket, hoping she didn’t see it. He walked over to see what the problem was.
“What’s this all about? Why is that plate not in the dining room?” Sylas’s face turned bright red. He hated when food came back into his kitchen.
“Sylas, the guest said this was way too salty and he couldn’t eat it.” Veronica held the dish up to Sylas. He dipped his finger in and tasted the sauce and it was salty. Sylas knew this plate never should have left the pass. Rocco should have caught this mistake.
“Rocco, did you taste this? It is too salty; these are the things you need to catch. More palate work for you tomorrow, but right now, remake this,” Sylas looked at Rocco in displeasure as he threw the plate into the trash. Rocco tucked his head while he walked on to the line to fix the issue.
“We’ll fix this, Veronica; it’ll be up in a few minutes. Sorry, chef, I let you down,” Rocco eyes looked down like a scolded dog.
Rocco headed back to the line to personally remake the dish to ensure its perfection this time. Sylas stood looking at Veronica smiling. He wanted to ask her right then and there, but he knew now was not the most romantic of times.
“Sylas, can we work on my palate, also, I like tasting things.” Veronica looked at Sylas with a flirty little smile.
“We can, Veronica, after work tonight
.” Sylas cracked a smile. Knowing he had a surprise for her later
Rocco came back with the dish remade and Sylas tasted it. It tasted perfect, so Veronica turned, taking it out to the dining room. The last ticket followed shortly. The kitchen fired down for the night.
****
The staff finished cleaning the restaurant. They reset for the next day. Veronica and Sylas were in the office finishing up paperwork when there was a knock. Sylas opened the door to find Rocco and Carla standing there with a bottle of champagne.
“What is that for?” Sylas asked bluntly.
“It’s a thank you for the two of you. You have done so much for the two of us we thought we would show our thanks, but if you don’t want it we’ll take it with us,” Carla just laughed at Sylas’s bluntness.
“Thank you very much, Carla. You two have done a lot for us as well, and we appreciate the gesture,” Veronica took the chilled bottle.
“You two have a great night and we’ll lock the door when we leave. Sylas, I’ll be here early for my palate training,” Rocco still hung his head over the mistake he made earlier in the night.
“Thanks, you two, have a great night,” Sylas turned back to his paperwork.
“I’ll walk you two to the door.” Veronica said, just staring at Sylas. She tried to figure out why he seemed so abrupt tonight. He seemed a bit out of sorts.
Rocco, Carla, and Veronica headed out to the dining room. Sylas grabbed the bottle of champagne along with the ring. With both items in hand, he hurried into the prep area of the kitchen where he quickly pulled out several containers of food. If Veronica wanted her palate tested he would do it tonight. He knew this wasn’t what she was referring to earlier, but the irony would be too much. He heard the click of her heels on the tile floor.
Refired Page 9
