Chapter 6
1006 Words
"Xavier, I am deeply sorry for what happened this morning. If only I could go into details about what happened but I would only be boring you out with the story. I just want you to know that I would never intentionally sabotage you." Kelly explained with much enthusiasm. It was evident in her voice that she was remorseful. She took a deep breath and was expecting Xavier to come in at this point, either to lash at her or acknowledge her apology. Either way, it would give her much relief as oppose his disturbing silence and intense scrutinizing look.
She cleared her throat softly to even cue him in when he wouldn't say a word. Still, Xavier didn't bulge, he just kept looking at the both of them. Andrea was lost at this point too but she was still holding firmly to her hand. She gave Kelly a light and subtle pinch in the hand to go on. At least, one of them has to talk, they can't just sit in the awkward silence.
Kelly got the hint and then proceeded to talk. She freed her hand from the Andrea's friendly grip and then leaned forward as if that would her Xavier get a better understanding of what she was saying. She then took off her shades which she has had on since she pulled into the restaurant. Drinking and worrying as never done her any good as they always left their print on her. Last night wasn't any different. Anyone who saw her eyes can easily tell she had been drinking all night. She didn't want anyone to see this especially Xavier. He would never understand her if he did. Andrea was able to understand because she was aware of what transpired which made her resort to finding solace in the company of alcohol...
Kelly had forgotten all about this when she took the shades off and revealed her bloodshot eyes to Xavier. Andrea would have stopped her if they were still holding hands but since they weren't, there was nothing she could do.
Xavier's eyes lit up in anger when he saw this while Andrea also gasped. It was their odd reaction that jerked Kelly into the realization of what she had just done. Before she could saw a word in her defense, Xavier jumped up and the two friends could have swore they saw a flash of lightning in his eyes.
"You were out partying and drinking?" He exclaimed while he bent slightly over the table and gave Kelly a more intense look.
"Xavier, it's really not what you think. Something really bad happened last night, and trust me, we are not trying to make excuses here. I was right there when it happened. I'm sure that was what caused the lateness this morning." Andrea quickly stepped in and defended her friend. Kelly, who didn't know whatelse to do or say in that moment, nodded in affirmative as Andrea explained.
Xavier didn't look too convinced with the explanation but the anger on his face went down a bit. He retreated and sat back down.
"Do you have an idea of what you could have cost this restaurant because of what you did? I trusted you and that was why I gave you such huge responsibility. Or do you think you got it cause you're the sous chef?" He asked and then took a short pause. Kelly assumed it was a rhetorical question and so, didn't bother to answer.
"I've studied you ever since our first day as an intern here, always focused, organised and excellently skilled. That was why I didn't hesitate to hire you when you came back to work here. It's been years of working together and not even once, have I ever regretted my decision to have you as one of the chefs here. Today was the first. I was almost stranded with nowhere to turn to. Of course, I could handle the two events if it wasn't last minute and I would still have managed to scale through despite it." Xavier let out in utmost anger while Kelly silently prayed it would only end with the outburst.
"You should be thanking your friend, Andrea, who stepped in and saved the day, if not for her, I doubt if I would have even given you an audience at all." Xavier continued. Kelly gave Andrea a grateful look just then. Andrea in turn gave her a reassuring look that everything would be fine.
Thankfully, Kelly and Andrea were able to convince Xavier and make him reason with them. They explained what happened while keeping the major details away. Kelly has been a good and excellent chef since she started working at the restaurant. It was through hard work that she climbed her way from a chef interning to a sous chef. Because of this and her immense contribution to the growth of the restaurant, Xavier decided to let it go while also giving her the day off to rest. Her bloodshot eyes wouldn't help much in the kitchen anyway.
As the two friends made their way out of the office, Kelly thanked Andrea again for stepping in for her. Andrea would do anything for Kelly and vice-versa. Whenever they help each other with a favour, they dislike the other dwelling on the gratitude, so when Kelly started to thank her, Andrea quickly changed the topic and asked how she was holding up.
"Honestly, I don't know. Everything just feels like an expensive joke. I keep hoping it's a dream and that I would soon wake up to my usual life." Kelly explained in a very low tone.
"What did William say about all this when you got home last night?" Andrea asked in a concerned tone.
"I got home to an empty house last night. He moved out. William moved out without a notice." Kelly answered in a shaky voice.
"What?" Andrea exclaimed as she quickly dragged her friend from the prying eyes around and they hurried into her car...
- Writer
