Page 37 of Babydaddy To Go
“That was great,” a man with a clipboard says. I’m guessing he’s the producer for Nate’s show. “Can we get some shots of the kitchen?”
“Of course,” Nate says. He continues to hold my hand as he finishes up the tour. Being on camera is still nerve-wracking for me, but Nate squeezes my fingers to let me know he appreciates the brave face I’ve put on for him. I squeeze back so he knows I’m here for him.
The kitchen looks like most restaurant kitchens. Everything is sterling silver and clean. This room is extra sanitary since it has never been used. By the end of the night, it won’t look as shiny.
Nate drones on about the various surfaces throughout the kitchen, but it’s nothing new. The cameramen are eating it up, though. I suppose the viewers for his reality and cooking shows are interested in the makeup of a commercial kitchen. Watching the show will probably be the first time any of his viewers see behind the scenes at a fine-dining establishment.
“Nathaniel?” a young man, probably a year older than me, says, walking into the kitchen. “We’re five minutes out, so we should get into position.”
“Of course, Stephen,” Nate says. To the crew, he adds, “You’ll want to get set up for the official opening.”
The producer escorts his men back into the dining room to prepare. Stephen waits patiently for Nate and me to follow him.
“Stephen, this is my date, Alyssa,” Nate introduces. “Stephen is my assistant.”
“Nice to meet you,” I tell him, shaking Stephen’s hand.
“You, too.” Stephen focuses his attention on his charge. “We’ll have you stand at the hostess stand as people walk in. The cameras will capture the surprise when our guests discover you’re behind the restaurant. A bit of schmoozing and chatting, then we’ll seat everyone and move you to the kitchen. The network wants footage of you cooking the first meal, then we’ll send you back into the dining room while the executive chef takes over.”
Nate claps Stephen on the back. “It’s not my first rodeo, Stephen.”
Stephen flushes. “I’m sorry, sir…”
“No need to apologize! It’s going to be great. Shall we?”
The three of us make our way to the mahogany hostess stand. Tomorrow, when the restaurant is open to the public, there will be someone else here to guide guests to their seats. For today, Nate is that person.
Guests flood through the doors. Stephen was right; everyone is shocked to find that Nate is the chef behind the restaurant.
No one pays me any mind, and I’m okay with that. I like watching Nate in his element. He’s a different person than the teacher and the lover. It’s amazing how many sides to this man I’m discovering, and I like every single one.
Everyone gathers in front of the bar. For one night only, the bar is free, so Nate’s guests help themselves to drinks. Someone hands Nate and me each a glass of dark red wine.
Nate taps on his glass. “Thank you everyone for coming!” he shouts over the noise. “I’m excited to share my newest vision with the world. Please, enjoy a drink and take your time finding your seats. This is a party, and I want everyone to have a good time!”
The crowd cheers. He leaves me with Stephen so he can do a cursory greeting with all the guests. He offers to let me come with him, but I’m overwhelmed by the celebrities in attendance. I wouldn’t be able to get out two words, so I’m better off here.
A few people look in my direction and whisper, probably wondering who I am. I scan the crowd for Nate, but I’m met with eyes I recognize instead. My classmate and apparent enemy stands beside a couple who could only be her parents. She’s the spitting image of her mother. Samantha is staring in my direction with a hard look on her face.
What will happen if she tells someone at school that I’m here with Nate? Is there a rule against us going out? I have no idea, but there probably is!
I’m tempted to go tell Samantha to shut her mouth, but Nate introduces himself to her parents instead. From my vantage point, it looks like he’s schmoozing the hell out of them. Hopefully, that keeps Samantha from making a big deal out of what she saw.
I won’t hold my breath. She seems like the vindictive type. She hated me already, and I didn’t do anything. I imagine she’s going to be way worse in class tomorrow.
After less than ten minutes, Nate is back by my side. “I need to go cook,” he informs me. “Will you help me?”
My eyes widen. “You want me to do what?”
“Help me cook the first meal! You’ll do great, and it’ll be good exposure for you.”
I grip his arm for stability. These heels aren’t made for freaking out.
“I can’t help you in the kitchen!” I whisper. “This is the grand opening of your restaurant.”
“It’s not like we’ve never cooked together, and you’re doing great in class.”
“It’s been two days! And I left early today because you were mean to me.”