Chapter 15
1001 Words
Kelly didn't have to return to the kitchen after their break. She had to put the interns through some things which didn't require cooking practical, so that saved the day. Xavier was supposed to be the one handling the interns for that class but for some reasons, he asked Kelly to step in for him. She was so happy when he pushed the task to her. After making such silly mistakes in the morning, twice in a row, she was slowing losing her confidence and feared she would continue with the mistakes if she returns to the kitchen.
Andrea figured this out when she saw the reluctance on her face the three times she asked that they resume their shift. Kelly would just cover it up with something else while pretending as if she doesn't know it was time to get back.
Andrea's suspension was confirmed when Kelly got the message from Xavier about attending to the interns. She jumped up and left almost immediately after informing Andrea.
"You know that was just a one time thing right?" Andrea said as she hurried after Kelly.
"It doesn't mean you've lost your touch. I know it doesn't." Andrea assured her before they both went there ways...
The rest of the day went by so quickly and in no time, they were done for the day and everyone back to their house. Kelly devoured the food she brought from the restaurant and enjoyed it over a chilled fruit juice.
She was still at this when her doorbell rang. She wondered who it could be as she went to get it. She held her hand over her mouth and let out a broad smile as she saw who was standing in her doorway. It was Steve, Andrea's boyfriend.
"Oh my God, Steve!!! Is that you? Is this a sort of dream or something?" Kelly exclaimed while Steve just stood there laughing. Andrea wasn't having any of their drama so she left the two at the door, went in, made her comfortable and then continued where Kelly stopped at the table...
"Ohhh please, you're just being dramatic..." Steve replied as he pulled her in for a hearty hug.
"You really think I'm being dramatic right now? When last have you been here? I can't even remember. Now, you show up out of nowhere and you think I'm being dramatic." Kelly let out after the hug.
"Please, come in." She added while pointing him in the way like he doesn't already know. She closed the door behind him and they both joined Andrea.
"Don't tell me you're already through with your chit chat? Please, by all means, take your time and catch up more." Andrea said with sarcasm while Kelly and Steve shared knowing glances.
"Someone is jealous..." Steve replied while tickling her by the sides making her giggle lightly despite her trying so hard not to.
"Jealousy actually looks so good on her." Kelly said with sarcasm.
"And who said you can eat those?" She playfully asked while staring at the table which was now almost empty. Andrea must be so hungry to have eaten so much in such a little space of time.
"I'm so famished. I was just starting to eat when Steve got to my place to pick me up. And he didn't even tell me beforehand, can you imagine?" Andrea explained while giving Steve a pretend angry look.
"Thanks Steve, it's not easy being in this big house alone, it's starting to get so lonely at night and it's only just a few days." Kelly said with a little emotional touch at the end. She looked around the the living room and took a deep sigh. Andrea looked at Steve to say something since that was the reason he wanted to come. He was at the birthday party but didn't know about the breakup until later that night when Andrea told him.
He felt so sad and sorry for Kelly. He and William are quite close and despite not suspecting a thing, he felt Kelly would think he knew. Andrea assured him that Kelly isn't like that and wouldn't fault him. He was relieved knowing this and then planned to come see her but work has been so hectic and busy. He has been coming from work every evening so stressed out and tired, and that's why they had to hold off on their plan to move in together.
When Andrea came in the morning and told him about Kelly's lateness to work and how she almost got fired, Steve felt bad again and was left with no other choice than to include her in his tight schedule.
Work was extremely hectic today and he almost cancelled his plan to come see Kelly but just had to. Kelly isn't someone that would use work as an excuse when it comes to her friend no matter how tight she is. The fact that she is even going through a terrible breakup like this is so disheartening...
"How are you holding up?" Steve asked as he leaned forward and let out a comforting smile.
"Terribly, if I'm being honest." Kelly replied with an obviously fake laugh. Deep down, she had a gloomy look. Steve then moved over to her side and sat on the arm rest while holding her hands.
"I know right, just hang in there, it's just a matter of time, everything will eventually fall into place." He said gently while Kelly gave a affirmative nod. She tried so much to fight back the tears that was now welled up in her eyes. Steve was digging up a part of her that she was just starting to bury into the past - She probably didn't bury them deep enough...
William and Steve work in the same office, and talking like this made Kelly want to ask about him. She wasn't necessarily after the answer, she only wants to know if he is just as affected by the breakup as she is...
- Writer
