A Deal With The Billionaire

EPISODE FOURTEEN

Theme: The Bombshell

CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

THE GOLDEN RESTAURANT

Pots and spoons clanked against each other in the bush kitchen. Each chef with their assigned duty to enable things to run smoothly and for food to be delivered on time to the anxious and hungry waiting customers.

Raven dabbed at her forehead as sweats trickled on her face. Breakfast and dinner times were the most busiest in The Golden Restaurant. They had special delicacies for both times and their customers ensured to always keep up with satisfying their hungry bellies.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

But Raven wasn’t one to complain, instead she loved her job. Moreover, the more the order, the more accolades she received for her skill. It was obvious people always enjoyed their meal which was her doing as the assistant chef.

The Golden Restaurant has been known for years, for the quality and mouth watering food they offer to their customers. Raven was beyond glad when they saw her as good enough for their amiable customers and she was brought in as their staff after stages of interviews.

Determined to make it worthwhile, Raven puts in her very best and she is good at whatever she does.

Resuming work at 5:30 a. m in the morning, Raven had gotten into work almost immediately, ordering for ingredients to be shredded, beefs and muttons to be salted and seasoned and so much more.

The head chef of The Golden Restaurant is Tiana Rowling, a boss and close friend to Raven. They had gotten off together since the very first day Raven resumed working at the restaurant and she looked out for her every time.

Even though, Tiana Rowling was the head chef, she let Raven explore as much as she wanted and never prevented her from giving orders as necessary.

Sometimes, Raven acted more of the head chef than Tiana.

“If I were you, I might take it easy on that knife before chopping a whole thumb off.” Tiana muttered behind Raven as she chewed on the carrot.

Perks of being in the kitchen and also the head chef; your mouth has no business with being quiet. There is always something to complain about, correct, put in order and also munch on.

Raven let out a snort. “This is supposed to be a rush hour. Tiana, aren’t you supposed to buss up out asses?” She feigned a smile. Although already knowing the response that would come after it.

“Oh please! We are doing just as much as we can. We are not slaves in the kitchen. If the customers are not so greedy then they should appreciates us chefs for filling their hungry bellies. I do too much around here.” Tiana faked a painful groan. She held on to her waist and threw her head back while rubbing her forehead at the same time.

Raven laughed heartily. “You are really hopeless. Tiana, isn’t it too early to be dramatic?”

Tiana grinned. “I just can’t help it. Can I?”

Raven shook her head. “Now, don’t evade the topic, what’s eating you up?” Tiana asked.

“It is Rowan!” Raven blurted out, but still not taking her attention off the slicing of veggies.

Tiana gasped hard. “Oh my goodness! What happened to my godson?!”

Raven turned to look at her friend and she rolled her eyes. “It is not exactly Rowan. Even though it is about him but it is more of my mother.” She blabbed.

Tiana stated in confusion. “Can you do me a favor and speak English?” Nothing made sense in her ears.

Raven heaved a sigh of frustration. “Mom is letting Rowan watch Jacob Miller on television. He is always so excited to watch any football match that features that asshole.”

“Oh!” Tiana mouthed, still wondering what the matter is exactly.

Raven didn’t need to tell Tiana who Jacob Miller was to her. Tiana knew practically everything about her. The both of them just clicked like that had known each other for decades. And ever since Tiana knew Rowan, She had labeled him as her godson and even treated him like a king.

Tiana Rowling wasn’t married neither did she have a child of her own. They were both age mates and it made it easier for Raven to talk to her than any other person. Moreover, Tiana Rowling was warm at heart.

“So what exactly is the problem?” Tiana demanded.

“Tiana, don’t you get it?! What if Rowan starts to notice the similarities amongst both of them? Mom knows better than letting Rowan know anything about this man.” She hissed out.

Tiana placed a hand on her distressed friend’s shoulder. “But you do know that sooner or later, you would have to tell this boy about his father.”

Raven shook her head roughly. “No. No. No. Hell no! That bastard would have nothing to do with my son!” Raven seethe her teeth.

No matter what, she would never allow Jacob Miller near her or her son. He had lost every right over the child the very day he denied him.

She had been a stupid teenager drunk in love and had failed to see that there was no future for her in the damn relationship. She was only nineteen, done with high school and had a good looking boyfriend. If felt like she had everything in the world.

So what else could she ask for? It was all good until she got pregnant and Jacob outrightly denied it. Probably he was scared of how much the responsibility would be for him especially since he was an orphan.

Raven had tried giving him a benefit of doubt but when he accused her of sleeping with other guys, she knew he had taken it too far and she wasn’t going to let in any of his bullshit.

“You are pregnant?! You can’t be serious, Raven.” He had said to her with his silky voice that made her fall for him every time. But hearing it in such time sounded bitter to her.

“Seriously, I doubt if I own that child in your belly. We only had sex once. You much have been sharing bed with other guys and lost count of who they are and which of them got you pregnant. It could be Jason. I saw him flirting with you and it seemed like you enjoyed his company.”

Each of his words has been like pelting stones and had hit her really hard. His denial rang in her ear, everyday of her life and she didn’t plan on forgetting it so soon.

Out of annoyance, she had slapped him hard across the face and walked out on him, although with the thought that he would call her back.

Weeks went by into months and he didn’t leave a message. She found out that he had left for Europe to play for a renowned football club.

Being a footballer had always been his dreams and she knew he wouldn’t have let it off not for her or any other person.

She despised his every being for making her a laughing stock in the neighborhood and for putting her mother in such distress.

Yet again, she was thankful for the beautiful gift, Rowan. He made her complete.

“Excuse me, Raven, are you still here?” Tiana’s voice boomed across the room.

Raven snapped out of thought. She blinked so hard. “Sorry… you were saying?”

Tiana rolled her eyes. “You need to snap out of your hatred for Jacob-”

“Don’t ever mention Jacob Miller’s name again.” Raven cuts in.

“But you just did…” Tiana sniffed as Raven shot her an awful glare. “What I am saying is your hatred for the man would only put a hold on Rowan’s need to meet his father. Eventually, Rowan would ask about him and I tell you, answers would be needed and I don’t think you are ready for it.” Her voice was calm.

“Still…”

Tiana held up a finger. “Don’t do that, Raven. I am not trying to judge you. I just need you to have a rethink for the sake of Rowan. When the time comes, let him be the one to decide if he wants the man in his life or not. It is really not your place. I am very sorry to say and with no intention to offend you.” She shrugged.

Raven shook her head in understanding. “It’s okay. I get your point.”

“French fries please!”

She got back to her work as an order came in.

“Raven! Raven! Raven!”

Someone rushed into the kitchen making way around it to look for her.

“Raven!” The person called out, panting so heavily.

Raven looked towards the direction where her name was being called. “Hey Jordan, what’s the matter?” She questioned.

“A call just came in for you. It turned out that whoever called has been trying to reach you all morning. So they… they… called… the restaurant.” Jordan breathed out heavily.

“And?” Raven arched her eyebrows in confusion.

“Your son has been rushed to the hospital from school!”

Jordan dropped the bombshell.