Book 3 - Chapter 40 : Build Your Own Dinner - Part 3

Heather and I sat down and waited at a nearby table while our food was being prepared. Many of those waiting to be served eventually got their trays claimed, and most of the crowd began to disperse to various tables in the Cantine as we all waited patiently for the chefs to create for each person their custom meal.

"It is amazing that we get to see our chefs so hard at work like this," I said, marveling at the expertise and finesse of each chef at their stations. 

"I know. It's much better than watching all those cooking shows; once the food is made, we get to eat it!" Heather grinned, rubbing her hands together eagerly. 

"So, do you have plans after this?" Lawrence asked as he joined us at the table. 

"No, not really; I guess it's going to be an early night for me," Heather replied and shrugged. 

"Hey Lawrence, our food!" Mrs. Smith from HR said as she walked past our table to get her food. 

I looked over to watch how they collected their food; once the food was done, the trays were put on the window sill and their names were called out. Lawrence quickly got up again and trailed after Mrs. Smith.

"Wait, how do we know when it's our food? We didn't tell them who's food is who's," I started but was cut off when Heather suddenly stood up, a look of pure delight spreading across her features.

I turned to see Ms. Jun appear through the steam and slam down Heather's tray on the window sill.

"Oh, you just know, trust me." Heather winked and heading over to the window sill to get her meal. 

" - And don't ask for more parmesan. I swear you might as well eat the stuff by the jar, with the way you shower your food with it," Ms. Jun chided Heather as she happily scooped up her tray. 

"Yes, Daddy," Heather said, sticking out her tongue and running away before Ms. Jun could take a swipe at her.

"Next Friday, ask someone else, you cheese monster!" Ms. Jun scowled and turned to disappear back into the steam of the back kitchen area. 

Heather, on the other hand, was unfazed. When she placed the tray down, I knew that she would be torturing Ms. Jun next Friday with another request for the same amazing meal.

"Is that…baked rice? Why is it glowing like that? It looks too heavenly! And it smells divine…" I said, practically drooling at the sight of it. 

The crackled layer of pastry seemed to sparkle, and over it was a thick gravy still popping and crackling. Mayonnaise covered the gravy in a crisscross pattern, and the whole meal was garnished with dried oregano flakes.

"If you think this is amazing, wait until I break into it," Heather said, reaching for the utensils already provided at every table. 

Heather merely had to press her knife to the top layer of the baked rice, and the cheese broke apart. Hot, molten cheddar spilled out, mingling with all the other sauces in a smell too rich and too divine to be real. 

Heather used her spoon to scoop out a heavenly bite. The rice was fluffy and golden, and chunks of glossy chicken and peas were mixed with each delectable grain. Heather chopped down on the spoon and pulled it out clean with an expression of pure delight.

"This makes counting numbers all week worth it! This is the reason why our cafe is so profitable time and time again! Ms. Jun's magic hands are to die for!" Heather gushed.

"May I?" I asked, so curious.

"No! Absolutely not. If I give you a bite, everyone else will start asking for one; there will be no end to it!" Heather said, protectively guarding her food with her free arm.

"But earlier, you said-" I started.

"Just because I say things constantly doesn't mean I mean it!" Heather pouted and began shoveling food into her mouth rapidly. 

I leaned back and laughed. " Omg, slow down! I won't take any, I promise," I said, wiping a tear from my eye from laughing so hard.

"God, the three of you are so weird about food! How obsessed you all are! No wonder you set up this cafe together!" I teased, grinning as I watched Heather still protectively guard her good while she savored each bite.

"Hey, passion looks different on everyone. I don't know how to cook, but I can appreciate it," Heather said sulkily, with a mouth full of food. 

"Ew, don't speak with your mouth full of food like that; it's gross," I said, shaking my head. 

Heather made a face but straightened up and started eating properly.