Page 16 of Babydaddy To Go

As angry as I am, I know Nate is right. I write down everything he puts on the board as he drones on about knowing how to choose the right vessel for the meal we’re making.

“Let’s say you’re making spaghetti for 10 people. Which of these pots would you use?”

Nate gestures to a tall pot, a strainer that would fit inside, and a small saucepan. I raise my hand immediately, knowing the exact answer. Our instructor completely ignores me and calls on a student further back.

“The pot,” the kid says confidently. He’s probably fresh out of high school based on his young looks and steady voice.

“Is that your final answer?”

He hesitates. “Yes?”

“Would anyone else like to amend his answer?

I raise my hand again, only to be looked over in favor or Samantha.

She shoots me a smug look before answering. What’s that about?

“You’d put the strainer in the pot to make it easier, especially with such a large quantity of pasta being made.”

Nate beams at her, making my stomach sour. Is he flirting with her right now? After our amazing date last night?

“Excellent, Samantha,” he says. I note, for some reason, that he knew her name but not the boy’s name who got the answer wrong.

“Everyone make a note of that,” Nate continues. “Sometimes the best piece of equipment is a combination of multiple pieces.”

He goes over a few more things at the front of the room, peppering us with questions as the demonstration proceeds. I’m paying attention, but it’s extremely difficult. Even though I slept late this morning, I’m still exhausted. My sleep was fitful at best. The stress of figuring out Nate’s identity and my first day at school made it hard to stay asleep. It’s no wonder I snoozed through my alarms.

A yawn escapes from my lips.

“Are we boring you, Miss Hall?” Nate asks, startling me. My cheeks are going to be permanently red if Nate insists on embarrassing me so much.

“No, sir,” I respond quietly. “I had a long night.”

The reference to our date catches him off guard. He swallows hard and turns back to the board. From the corner of my eye, I catch a dirty look from Samantha.

Does the blonde Barbie realize this isn’t a competition? It’s not like we get a prize for finishing the class. No one will be eliminated, that I know of. She’s being a bitch for no reason! Samantha doesn’t even know me, yet I can tell she doesn’t like me. I wish I knew why.

“I would like you all to take your spaces in the kitchen labs. As I mentioned earlier, your desk partner will be your kitchen partner.”

I stifle a groan. Samantha and I have to actually work together? I might have to beg for a new partner. I’m sure I can get one of the boys to take Samantha off my hands. That is, I could if I could figure out how to talk to them.

Without a word to Samantha or anyone else, I shuffle into the kitchen that matches the number on our table. From far away, I couldn’t tell how big the kitchenettes actually are. Though there is a single sink and fridge, there is a lot of counter space as well as two stoves and two ranges. I guess that means Samantha and I won’t be collaborating as much as I’d worried.

“Your seat mate will be your partner for some things, but for the most part you’ll be cooking alone,” Nate growls, reading my mind. “For this activity, you’re to work as a team. I’m going to read off a dish and you’ll put everything you need to make that dish onto the counter. This is your first quiz, and you will be graded. Use teamwork to ensure the highest possible score.”

This actually sounds kind of fun. I didn’t know we’d be playing games on our first day!

“We’ll split the kitchen,” Samantha says. “You take that side, I’ll take this side.”

Not wanting to make her angrier than she already is, I accept Samantha’s leadership role. It’s a good idea. While Nate prepares, I peek through the cabinets on my side to get a feel for what we have and where it is. Behind me, Samantha does the same thing.

“Okay! Your first dish is chicken parm for two with freshly grated cheese, homemade sauce, and fried chicken.”

My side has the grater, sauce pan, and strainer. I also pull out a few plates for serving and preparation. Samantha pulls out everything else, including utensils and a cutting board.

We’re among the last group to be judged. Nate doesn’t say anything other than, “Great job.”

“You all did well,” he says back at the front of the room. “It’s going to get more difficult from here on out.”