chapter 8

Chapter 23

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Four months passed by like a blur, and before he knew it, he was already enjoying the warmer, albeit still cool air of May. Way, way better than what the climate was a few months ago.

Of course, he still goes out with Spencer almost every day, and would sometimes come with her whenever she's off to collect some blueprints. Those smelly prints.

Apparently, he already got used to both the winter season and the nasty blue papers, thanks to his neighbor.

Unfortunately for the woman, she called in sick from indigestion not too long ago. Poor little Spencer couldn't get enough of the cheesecakes he baked for her yesterday, and now she's reaping the fruits of her labor...if he can call it that.

So being the good best friend that he is, he contacted Andrea to take care of the sick woman as he goes outside with his camera, clad in his black shirt, and ripped jeans.

Embracing the warm, sunny day, he exhaled softly and walked along the busy streets alone. He arrived at the park that's now filled with cute, noisy kids jumping and playing here and there. A smile appeared from the corner of his lips as he sat down on a nearby wooden bench. He turned his camera on and snapped a few decent photos.

Spencer would love this.

Unbeknownst to him, ever since Megan shamelessly confessed that night, his mind was eventually filled with her.

Which is natural, since he basically lives in her apartment and vice versa. Megan Therapy and Aster Pogi Therapy had become a normal occurrence for both of them, it seemed.

He was pulled out of his thoughts when he remembered that he still has to work at that restaurant they frequently go to. Spencer made him apply just recently, and so far, all things are going smoothly.

Black Oak Hound. What a nice name.

Not wasting any more time, he pushed his glasses back on his eyes, standing up and going back to the apartment's parking grounds. He opened his car's door but soon found himself hesitating to go in. Ethan's car is still nowhere in sight.

Who would feed her later? Good grief.

He opened his phone and sent a quick reminder to the sick damsel before starting the car engine and driving off.

He arrived a lot later than usual, much to the staff's dismay. He hurriedly entered the place and approached the counter, taking in the tempting smell of their signature dishes and licking his lips.

I badly need to nail that loin steak. She loves those.

Of course, it's all about Megan again. How many times has he scolded himself for thinking too much about the woman?

It's becoming an unhealthy habit now.

He headed straight to his locker, changing in his white uniform and fixing his sleeves. Taking in a sharp breath, he left his phone inside the black storage space.

"Good morning, chef." Aster nodded at the waitress and tied his apron.

"Morning."

"Miss Megan is not with you today? Strange." Lore Clermont appeared before him. He shrugged and washed his hands at the sink.

"Called in sick today. She enjoyed a hefty amount of dessert yesterday." He clicked his tongue. "That woman has a big appetite."

Lore chuckled, copying him. He stepped aside to give way for the sous chef to wash as well.

"Well, don't work overtime, then. Take care of your girlfriend, the kitchen is quite lifeless without her around."

He answered with a sigh. "For the hundredth time, Lore, she's just a friend," he looked away and started chopping the bell peppers. "A good friend."

"Nothing more?"

He nodded twice. "Nothing more."

"Fine. Let's pretend I believe you, Aster."

"Good grief, Lore. Spencer needs a decent guy." He shook his head and tilted his head to the left, not satisfied with the vegetables he unevenly chopped.

Great, I messed up because of the choice of topic. What the heck.

"Why don't you guys just date already? You barely go out without her, and she likes you. What can go wrong?" Lore handed him the loin and took away the poor veggies. "I mean, I'm not forcing you but, you can do whatever you want as long as it won't hurt others."

Firstly, her best friend is my ex. Secondly, I don't feel the same way, so it would definitely hurt.

He sighed at the thought. "Just help me cut this thing. I still have to cook for Spencer later, I bet she won't be eating dinner if I won't remind her."

"See? That woman needs you, chef."

"Shut up, she's a friend. Do I need to spell it out for you?"

Lore just laughed and continued chopping the soft meat. "Okay~" he singsonged.

"Chef Santos?"

He looked up, whipping his head towards the back. The restaurant manager caught the sight of his tall figure and sauntered towards the counter.

"I talked to the higher-ups on the branch in the Philippines. They sent two chefs to work with us for the next three weeks. You're from that country, so I was hoping you would agree to my small proposal."

He nodded. "And what is that?"

"If you can show them around and take part in leading the orientation, it would be highly appreciated."

He nodded again.

"Thank you. You may now start later in the afternoon."

"Wait, they're arriving today?"

The manager smiled, pointing at the entrance at the far end of the restaurant. "Speak of them and they will appear. Well, probably. I expect to have the kitchen cleaned up before you take your break, I want everything to be seamless." He clapped twice, earning the attention of all the staff present. "We are going to work with two executive chefs just like sir Santos here. Please work to the best of your abilities."

He turned to Aster again before looking at the food he's searing in the pan. "I will ask for you once they arrive."

"Sure, sir."

Lore stepped closer beside him, whispering to his ear, "I mean, what could go wrong?"

The next few hours were spent in a rush to cater to all customers, bustling here and there. When the clock struck three, he went straight to the office, knocking before opening the large mahogany door.

"Oh, looks like the best man has arrived!"

Best man? what the heck.

He put his hands on his back, eyeing the unfamiliar people. "Good afternoon, everyone."

"Be seated, please."

He sighed and followed the owner's instructions. He looked up again to see the chefs they will be working with for a while. One caught his gaze and sent him a smile which he responded with a quick nod. He lifted his eyes once again to look for the other one.

It was a black-haired woman, her back is turned against all the people present in the room. Her hands are swaying freely as she took in the designs on the wall beside the large wooden shelf.

They look nice enough. This will be Interesting.

"Oh, pardon me, I haven't introduced them to you yet, chef Santos. I would like you to meet Gabriel Anderson, one of the head chefs in Black Oak Hound. The Philippine branch, of course." He took the hand he offered and shook it, nodding again. He averted his gaze to the silent woman on the corner. His breath stilled as he watched her turn around, flashing a soft smile to everyone. Their eyes met and he looked away. He felt his knees weaken but his face remained stoic and void of emotion.

"And the other one is—"

"Xyrill Bliss Acosta, pleased to meet your acquaintance," she cut him off. Smiling wider, she walked towards Aster, reaching out for a handshake which he accepted, pulling out after barely grazing his hand on her warm ones. It did not go unnoticed by the woman as her smile faltered.

"I'm looking forward to working with you again," she added in a low voice. "It would be a pleasure to be under your care, sir Santos."