Monroe follows him, and I'm right there with him. My brother sets her down on the sidewalk and stands in her way so she can't come back inside.
“Get out of my way!”
“I don't think so.” Tom's arms are hanging at his sides, ready to catch her if she tries to dart past him. “You're not doing this to my friend or my sister.”
“Cheryl,” Monroe says, grabbing her attention. “You're fired. And if I catch you trying to come on this property again, I'll call the cops.”
“Screw you, Monroe! I don't want this stupid fucking job anyway. You're an asshole!”
“Then you'll have no problem leaving. No one wants to work for an asshole,” my brother says. “Go on, get out of here.” He flips his fingers a few times at her, encouraging her to walk away. “Unless you want a criminal record. I just hope you realize you're going to have a hard time getting hired if you do. No employer wants to hire some unhinged person.”
“Fuck you too, Tom. This has nothing to do with you.”
“I think it does,” Monroe says, “This is not only our liquor dealer, but he's also one of my customers. I won't let you harass him.”
“Harass? Are you fucking kidding me? You screwed me out of this opportunity! I'm supposed to be the one in there.”
Monroe holds out his hand. “No, you're not. Arisa earned this spot, she's a damn good chef.”
“Right. “Earned it.” She uses air quotes as she rolls her eyes. “So, if I fucked you too, would I have the chance? We all know that she's only here because you got bribed and she's easy.”
My teeth clamp down hard, jaw crooking to one side. I want to punch her in the face. My fists are clenched at my side and the adrenaline is building inside me. “Fuck you,” I bark.
I make a quick jump forward, but Monroe grabs me, and holds me back. “She's not worth it, Arisa. You're better than this.” His eyes beg me to calm down, to rise above, and not stoop to her level.
I'm barely holding myself together. The anger is boiling, bubbling so intensely under the surface it feels like my blood is on fire. But his eyes, his eyes call to me. I take a few deep breaths, and step away.
“Monroe, you really need to get back inside,” Tom says. Monroe flicks his eyes to my brother, then at the restaurant. Tom nods for him head in. “Go, I've got this. She won't bother you anymore tonight.”
“Fuck you!” Cheryl screams.
“Yeah, yeah, fuck me, I know,” my brother says back. “Either way, I'm not going anywhere.” Tom folds his arms, taking a stance in front of the door. He grabs the handle as Monroe and I step up. “Good luck, man,” he says.
“Thanks, I think I owe you another one.”
“Nah, we're good. Just don't let this ruin your night.” Tom smiles as he shuts the door behind us.
Monroe takes a deep breath, his chest puffing up and out. His fingers wiggle at his sides as he exhales. “All right, let’s cook our asses off.”
“That's why I'm here.” I braid my fingers in his, giving him an encouraging smile. “Let’s cook.”
He starts to move back to the kitchen, then stops in his tracks. “I need a second,” he says. “Go start the salmon, and the cherry reduction. I'll be right behind you.”
Monroe gives me a little push forward as he diverts and heads over to Dariel's table. I can't hear what he's saying, but he's smiling. A real smile. A friendly, welcoming smile. And Dariel, unfortunately, he's not as welcoming. His lips are taut as he chews. He's wearing a deadpan expression as he nods gently, then drops his eyes back to his food.
I'm not sure what that means exactly. After Cheryl's little intrusion and outburst, who knows if this man is going to give Monroe negative stars. Nothing is less satisfying than trying to enjoy a meal and have it derailed by a screaming match.
“Well?” I ask as Monroe comes back in the kitchen.
“Well what?”
“Does he seem angry? He certainly doesn't look happy. I mean, how can he enjoy your food when—”
“We need to keep going. How's the fish?” Monroe asks, changing the conversation completely. “Don't overcook it.”
“No problem, I'm on it.”
“I'm going to grab the brisket. I wasn't planning on using brisket, but now I'm not leaving any room for failure. Get that reduction going too.” He walks away from me, and I'm left with my thoughts.
They're running wild. Is it that bad? Did Dariel tell him to just get this over with so he can leave? Did he give him the cold shoulder? Damn Cheryl! She knows how important this is for Monroe!
My teeth clench as I start the reduction. I'm whisking angrily, stirring and stirring with forceful circles. If she sabotaged this for him, if she destroyed this opportunity for his restaurant to rise to a new level, I'll never forgive her.