Chef Diaries - Kitchen Adventures

Entry #1: Curry Fried Chicken

"I'm Dean, by the way. I run the kitchen. What's yours?"

"Just call me Lisa," she replied.

"Great," I smiled. "You should try the fried chicken torqued in curry with the sauce. I noticed you hadn't ordered any food."

She gave out a nervous smile, "I really don't..."

I sat up straighter and interrupted her, "Here's the deal. I won't ask why a pretty woman is sitting here alone for hours like she's waiting for someone. In return, you try tasting the food I'm offering. What do you say?"

It had taken a few seconds before she responded with a burst of melodic laughter. Her eyes shone with amusement for the first time tonight. "You're not the type to give up, huh?"

"You could say that," I chuckled.

"Alright, I'll give in but you have to respect our agreement."

"I'm not the type to break any promises."

My answer earned a genuine smile from her. "Good," she responded. Picking up a piece of chicken with her hand, she took a huge bite and her eyes widened. "Wow! This is really good. I never thought you could have dry curry. Is it a thing?"

We have finally established rapport comfortably around each other. I told her more about the food and just let the conversation flow to wherever it may lead us. By now, the restaurant was already closed. Everyone was clearing up and preparing to leave. I was usually one of the last people who locked up, so I wasn't in any rush.

Lisa had forgotten the half bottle of red wine she swigged at a fast rate just moments ago. She opted to drink water as we shared the plate of chicken whilst exchanging meaningful wisdom about what life had to offer. I have never seen such a passionate woman. We were probably an hour in with our topic but I haven't really grasped what kind of person she was outside of this bubble we were in. Questions like, what was her day job or what she liked doing as a hobby, none of it even popped up in the conversation. It was as if she was someone who has been through a lot but had a positive drive to keep moving forward.

Without knowing the time, I finally took notice that the lights of the restaurant dimmed out, and it was eerily quiet. She also took notice and said, "Oh! I seriously didn't notice that it's closed."

"I guess we have to wrap up this meeting," I grinned and proceeded to clear up the table.

Lisa swiftly stood up to help out, "Let me help you. I'm really sorry for wasting your time."

"Are you kidding? I haven't had a real conversation in a long time. Kitchen gossip is not really a good example of personal growth." I truthfully told her.

She laughed again, "Really? Guys gossip? That's new information."

As I carried all the soiled dishes into the kitchen, Lisa followed after me. "Of course we do. It's the only thing that keeps us sane after more than a ten-hour shift."

"Must be tough working in a kitchen," she commented.

I couldn't agree more, "You have no idea. But, it has its perks... sometimes."

I started washing the dishes and Lisa started to reach for the sponge. Stopping her from doing the dirty job, I raised my eyebrow and asked, "What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm trying to help, so the job gets done and you can go home."

"No. Step away from the sink."

But of course, she didn't listen. The dishes cleared in less than five minutes and I still had to do some last-minute cleaning. We were silent the whole time, concentrating on getting everything done. Although she had every intention to bump into me just so she could try to get some reaction from me. It was nice to see her glow like that.

The lights went off and the locks were in place as we exited the restaurant. It had been a long night and surprisingly it went well for both of us. However, as the night grew darker, we had to part ways.

"So, I guess this is it."

"Yeah. Thanks for everything. You did keep your promise."

"I told you, I would."

Our eyes met, and I could see the sadness engulfing her again. In a quick second, she fought it off and finally gave me the smile that would haunt my dreams for a very long time.

"You want to know a secret?"

Curious, I played along. "What secret?"

"I ran away today... couldn't bear seeing everyone look down on me and feel their pity."

Lisa finally cracked.

"It's going to be okay," I consoled her, putting a hand on her shoulder to reassure her.

A tear fell on her cheek.

"Witnessing my husband's burial today was the most painful thing I had to endure. So no, I don't think it's going to be okay."

"I—"

For the first time tonight, I had run out of things to say. How was I supposed to reply to that? I could never wish for someone to go through that pain.

"You don't have to say anything. It will just ruin the moment. I'm really grateful. Goodbye, Dean." Lisa smiled one last time and turned her back. She walked away confidently, without looking back, braving the nightmare of a life that she was going to fight head on.