Not Always

by Ancelli

  The server marched straight to the freezer, knocked, and opened the door. “Mr. King.”

  “What!” Tyron roared.

  “Sir,” the young man’s voice rattled. Tyron managed to scare all the employees. He was a hard man to get along with at work. He wanted everything done his way. He hollered his orders, intimidating the other cooks. Tyron was one of the best cooks in the state. José respected him, he took him under his wing. José had learned so much from the man, including the kind of leader he didn’t want to be.

  Tyron stepped out, crossing his arms over his chest. “Yes.”

  “Mr. Rio wants you to meet the customers sitting at table thirty-five.” The server’s voice shook as he spoke.

  “Table thirty-five, huh?” Tyron walked over to his clipboard and searched the paper with his fingers. “I’m not his little puppet. I have a job to do.” He continued examining the paper. “Martinez!” Tyron yelled over the noise in the kitchen. “You have customers asking for you.”

  The server eyes widened. “Sir, they are asking for you.”

  Tyron peered at the man. “They are requesting the chef who cooked their food, right?”

  “Yes.” The guy swallowed.

  “Then they are asking for Martinez. If Evan has a problem, he knows where to find me.” Tyron looked over at José. “Martinez, did you hear me?”

  “Tyron, I don’t think Evan will be expecting me.” José placed the small towel on his station.

  “Martinez, we give the customers what they want, and right now they want you.” Tyron picked up a wooden spoon, stirred it in a pot, and tipped the spoon on the center of his palm and tasted it. “Needs more salt and pepper,” he said to the sous-chef. Tyron glanced over at José. “It’s time you took the recognition you deserve.”

  The sous looked over at José with his mouth agape. He always gave José the shittest duties when they would close up for night, like scraping all the stoves or washing all the pots. He knew from day one the guy had something against him. He couldn’t really blame him. Tyron had José’s back. There were still honest and kind people in this world, who didn’t expect anything in return.

  “You sure, man?” José had to admit to himself, he was proud. Cooking was his passion, and it was finally paying off. Tyron had kept his promise, he was lining him up for his position.

  “Take control of your life, son.” Tyron ambled back over to the freezer.

  José grinned, grabbed his white hat, and rushed out the kitchen’s double doors. He couldn’t believe how well things were going for him. In no time, he would be able to go get his woman. Jewel had only responded to one of his texts, telling him she loved him too. José knew she was okay. He’d passed by the house multiple times in the last month. And since he’d been gone, he hadn’t looked at another woman. His body and mind knew there was only one person for him, and if things continued the way they were, Jewel would be in his arms, permanently.

  Jose realized Phil had kept his word. He hadn’t said anything about José’s being a felon to the board of directors at her school. José had thought Phil was going to turn him in to the cops; he’d been uneasy those first couple days. But Jewel had been right about her ex. He cared about appearances. Maybe he didn’t want his colleagues to know he got knocked the fuck out. One morning he’d passed by their once home together and saw the “sale” sign on the front lawn. At that very moment he’d dialed the one person he could count on besides Jewel.

  ***

  “Evan is going to kill us,” the server said under his breath. “But I’d rather him than Tyron.”

  “I know.” José followed. He could see Evan standing next to the table. José inhaled deeply before exhaling slowly. This was the beginning; hopefully it wouldn’t backfire. What if Evan fired him? Fuck. He put on a fake smile as they ambled between tables.

  Evan’s eyes narrowed in surprise as he watched Kevin and José strolling up. “Excuse me,” he told the customers and marched in front of them before they could see the patrons. “What’s the meaning of this?”

  “Mr. King stated you wanted the cook that prepared table thirty-five’s food, right?” The server was being funny. He would pay for that later, José thought.

  “You cooked?” Evan glared at him.

  “Yes.” José rubbed his sweaty hands together. “I’ve been cooking for a while.”

  “You have.” Evan glanced back at the table. “With whose permission?”

  “Tyron’s.” Kevin answered for him.

  José clutched the hat in his fist. “Is it that much of an effing problem? I did cook their meal.” Damn, he’d changed since he left home.

  “I will have a word with Tyron, but for right now, customers are waiting for you.” He rushed past them toward the kitchen.

  “Ready?” Kevin smiled. “Just smile, and say thank you.”

  José nodded his head, and followed him over to the table. His eyes locked with those of the love of his life, and that punk Chris had his hand on hers. Jewel rapidly pulled her hand away from his touch; her eyes searched his. Emma’s eyes widened in surprise.

  “Mr. Martinez was your cook tonight.” Kevin cleared his throat and then quickly excused himself.

  “José!” Jewel looked up at him.

  “You!” Chris reeled back in his chair. “You’re a chef?”

  José hesitated. He wanted to knock Chris out of the chair. “I’m happy you guys enjoyed your meal. I hope you’ll come back and see us soon.” He copied something he’d heard the hostesses say. He glared at Jewel. His ears were beginning to burn, signaling he was about to blow. What the fuck was she doing here with…that asshole? He’d asked her to wait for him; it’d barely been one month. His plans had been working out. He was climbing the ladder to the top, making more money than he ever had as a janitor.

  Emma smiled. “It’s so good to see you here, of all places.”

  “It’s nice seeing you too, Emma.” He tried to smile. “Excuse me.” José stepped back, and darted between the tables as he left. He needed a black and mild cigar.

  ***

  Jewel watched his retreating back. He’d thought the wrong thing.

  “That’s why you wanted to come here?” Chris raised his voice.

  “Lower your tone.” Emma glared at him, her lips thinning.

  “Yes, Chris.” Jewel slid her chair back, rushing after him. “José, wait!” she managed to say before he closed the back door to the restaurant. She grabbed the handle, opening it wide and scanning the area. Jewel found him about to light a cigar. “That’s not good for you.”

  “There are a lot of things that aren’t good for me.”

  “I miss you,” she whispered.

  He threw the cigar on the ground. “I miss you more.” José took three strides, and in one beautiful move, his lips descended on hers. José’s tongue made her obey him. She parted her lips, and he took control. She could taste the peppermint of his gum. Jewel allowed him to take her to a place of peace and happiness. She’d missed him so in the last month.

  ***

  José knew she was still his. Her body told him so. Jewel hummed against his mouth. He backed her up against the wall, placing his hands around her neck. His tongue mimicked what his manhood wanted to do to her. Then, his breathing short, José hesitantly pulled away, placing his forehead against hers.

  “I asked you…to wait for me.” He caressed her cheek. “Muñeca, I miss you.”

  Jewel twisted her head to the side, and pressed her lips to his palm.

  “What are you doing with him?” he whispered.

  “I needed to see you.” She gazed at him. “And he’s the only one who could get reservations.”

  “Why didn’t you just call me?” He searched her eyes.

  “I was afraid you would ignore me.”

  “I would never ignore you. I texted you almost every day, and I only got one response from you.” He closed his eyes, inhaling her scent.

  “I needed to handle some things on my own, too
.” Jewel touched his chest. “I love you.”

  His grazed her temple with his lips. “I love you, too.” He moved away from her. “I’ll be home soon.”

  Jewel looked down at her hands. “There’s no home to come to.”

  José arched his eyebrow.

  “I sold the house. Emma and I came out to celebrate. I wanted to tell you in person.”

  He tipped her chin so she could see him. “You sold your house!” His voice came out louder than he intended.

  “Yes.” She fixed her shirt. “I told you I was working on me, too. I have nothing holding me back from being happy. Phil is out of our lives.”

  “You gave up your house.” He took her hand in his.

  “I would give up anything for you.” Jewel combed his hair with her fingers. “We can start over again.”

  “We don’t need to start over.” He moved one of her curls behind her ear. “Girl, you have me daydreaming of picket fences, Coco, and believe it or not, kids.” He touched her stomach. “I never thought I would want more kids.”

  Her lips curled to the sweetest smile he’d ever seen. “Really?”

  “Really.” He kissed her swollen lips. “A little muñeca or another lil’ me.”

  Jewel opened her mouth to say something as a loud crack made them both look over toward the entrance.

  “Martinez!” Tyron yelled, coming out the door. “I knew I would find you back here.”

  José rubbed his lips with his fingers.

  “Lip gloss, huh?” Tyron wiped his hands with his apron. “I’m guessing you’re Jewel.”

  “Yes.” She extended her hand, and shook his.

  “Tyron. It’s a pleasure to finally meet the woman that has him so sprung.” He laughed.

  “I can’t believe you said that! Who says that anymore?” José chuckled, circling his hands around her waist.

  “Nice to meet you, too. Thanks for everything you’ve done for José.”

  “Paying forward.” He turned to face José. “You have five minutes to get your ass back to work.” He stalked over to the door.

  “He doesn’t seem that bad.”

  “You say that because you don’t have to work with the man.” José leaned against the bricks, and hiked his foot up on the wall. “He’s a cool guy, though. He’s helped me out a lot. He worked around my classes.”

  “Nice.” Jewel placed her hands behind his neck, getting on her tiptoes. “We need to find a new place.”

  “When do you have to move out?” He gave her lips a feathery kiss.

  “I’ve already started packing.”

  José didn’t miss that little frown on her face. He knew she was going to miss her home. It was hers, the first thing she’d bought by herself, a sign of her independence. Jewel was a beautiful, funny, strong, intelligent woman, who could have anything or anyone, but she’d chosen him. That, in itself, was an honor.

  “I have something to show you.” José pulled her closer.

  “What?”

  “You’ll see.” He bent, nibbling her neck. “I’ll text you my address.”

  She arched her eyebrow. “I assumed you were staying in Javier and Jazmine’s house while they were gone. Where have you been staying?”

  “I moved into Tyron’s guest house.”

  “I was worried about you. Javier said you were fine, and doing great things.”

  “I needed to take care of myself before I could take care of anyone else, including you,” he said against her lips. “I know you said you could take care of yourself, and I get it. I don’t care that you make more than me. I meant emotionally, I had to be right with myself, and I’m there now.”

  Jewel’s face beamed until her eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’ve been there, waiting for you.”

  “Martinez!” Tyron hollered.

  “Come on, let’s go before I get fired.” José chuckled, opening the door and letting her enter first. “See you on Friday. Wear something nice.” He tapped her on the ass.

  “Bye.” She walked back to the dining area.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  José and Tyron were the only ones left in the kitchen, wrapping things up for the night.

  “You shouldn’t be doing all this shit.” Tyron threw the towel in the sink, pissed.

  “According to the schedule, it’s my late night.” José cleaned up his area, wiping it down with a rag. “You didn’t have to stay.” He looked over at his mentor.

  Tyron never stayed late with the staff, or him. If it was up to Tyron, he wouldn’t lift a finger in the kitchen, just give orders. José sensed something was wrong, but didn’t want to ask. He wasn’t prepared to hear what the man might say.

  “So, I gather you’ll be moving out soon.” Tyron wiped his hands on his apron.

  “Yes.” He smiled, dumping all the leftover food in the garbage. “Everything is working out as planned. I can support my family.”

  “Jewel doesn’t look like a woman who cares about that shit.”

  “She isn’t.” José picked up three bags of lettuce and returned them to the refrigerator. “It was something I needed to do for myself. That woman loves me no matter what I do.” He grinned. “I’m blessed, dude.” When he turned to look at Tyron, the older man was staring at him. The look in his eyes let José know it was serious. Fuck, did Evan fire me?

  “Son, I have something to tell you.” Tyron lowered his eyes, looking away from José.

  “What is it?” José’s nerves got the best of him; his voice was shaky. He couldn’t get fired, not now. Every time he thought his life was in order, something came along and destroyed his plans.

  “First, let me tell you I’m sorry.” Tyron placed a hand towel on the counter. “My intention wasn’t to deceive you—”

  “He fired me didn’t he?” José’s jaw tightened up, his head started pounding as he paced the area in front of the walk-in. “I told you it wasn’t a good idea.”

  “Martinez!”

  “I knew it! It was too good to be true.” José slammed his fist on the counter, and then kicked a mop bucket across the floor. He could admit he was having a tantrum like his son. “I have child support to pay!” He cracked his neck. “I was going to get a new car…shit!”

  “Martinez, you’re not fired.” Tyron laughed, showing his gold tooth.

  “Not funny.” José combed his fingers through his hair. “I need this fucking job.”

  “About that…” Tyron got serious again.

  José sighed. What is it?

  “I had ulterior motives when I started training you.” Tyron grabbed a bottle of whiskey from the bottom cabinet.

  “I knew it. No one does anything without wanting something in return,” José blurted out. “What do you want?” José glared at the man he once considered his friend and mentor. “I won’t do anything that will land me in back in jail. That’s why I quit my part-time at the fucking club.”

  “Really, Martinez, you think I would put you in that position?” Tyron shook his head, serving himself a glass of liquor.

  “Then what?” José glared at him.

  “I was training you because I wanted to see if you were good enough.” Tyron watched him as he took a sip of his drink. “I needed to know if you had what it took.”

  “For?”

  “I would like to hire you as my executive chef when I open my restaurant next month.” Tyron placed the glass down on the metal surface. “Man, you have what it takes. I’ve observed you, and you are one of the best.”

  Was he hearing right? Had Tyron just offered him the executive chef position? He jerked his head, and his heart began racing in shock; his temples started pounding even more.

  “I had to make sure you were ready.” Tyron picked up his drink. “I trust you. You’ve proven yourself. I will draw up a two-year contract if you say yes right now. Son, I can offer you more than Evan. I’ll even purchase the car you want as an incentive.”

  Everything was sinking in. If he had to choose between workin
g for Evan or Tyron, he would pick Tyron, that wasn’t even an option. He would be making what Tyron was making now. He would go from making almost minimum wage to tripling that amount. José was still shaking his head, wondering if this was real.

  “Well?” Tyron took a gulp of his drink. “Damn, that burns going down.”

  “Why do you need an executive chef?” José finally found his voice.

  Tyron chuckled. “If you’re asking will I be cooking at my restaurant, the answer is no. I’m retiring. That’s why I’m opening my own place. I’ll reap the benefits.” He pulled a stool from the side, and sat. “I’ve worked all my life. It’s time for me to rest, take some extended vacations. I’ve invested well, I have a few homes, and my bank account isn’t doing too bad. So, what’s your answer?”

  José grinned, feeling like a little boy in a candy store. The pieces of his life were finally falling perfectly into his puzzle. “Hell yeah!”

  “Grab a glass. Let’s celebrate,” Tyron lifted the bottle in the air.

  José searched for a plastic cup, and found one next to the sink. He walked up to his mentor. Tyron tipped the bottle and poured him a shot.

  “Here’s to our partnership.” Tyron touched his glass to José’s cup. “You won’t regret it.”

  José grinned. “Here’s to taking control of my life.”

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  “Jazmine, I’m supposed to meet José at seven.” Jewel held the phone to her ear, using her other hand to steer as she drove down the highway. She wanted to see her man. They hadn’t sat down and talked without interruption since he’d left over a month before. There was so much to talk about. She missed telling him about her day. José always found a way to make her feel better when she’d had a lousy day. He also texted her and said he had a few things to share with her. The kiss they’d shared behind the restaurant was still imprinted on her lips. All week, all she could think about was José, and now, when she was supposed to be on her way to meet him, her baby sister called with some of her shit.