Unlicensed Driver

"Sweetie, go take a break and tell Jasper about the restaurant," Travis urged when he saw my exhausted state.

"There's still things to do," I said, my voice betraying my reluctance to step away from the whirlwind of tasks. "Chef Ricci—"

"Mario has got the kitchen under control, he's working really hard training people with the process. He's even showing them which things to pick from your garden." Travis reassured me, brushing off my concerns. "You're doing more work than a young master should. Go get some fresh air."

"What will you be doing?" I asked, curious about Travis's plans.

"Plate sets," Travis replied, flipping through a book of fancy expensive plates that we didn't need.

"Is all you know how you to do is spend?" I scoffed.

"Yes," Travis flipped me off. For that, I made sure to take his car keys.

As I settled into the driver's seat and turned the key, a rush of excitement and freedom washed over me. The engine roared to life, and I felt the power of the vehicle beneath me. Pulling out onto the open road, I felt a sense of exhilaration as the wind whipped through my hair and the scenery blurred by. With each turn of the wheel, I reveled in the sensation of control and independence, relishing the opportunity to explore the world at my own pace. It was a feeling of liberation, as if the whole world lay open before me, waiting to be discovered.

As I sat in Travis's car outside the police station, the minutes ticked by slowly, anticipation gnawing at the edges of my consciousness. With each passing moment, my nerves grew more taut, the weight of unresolved emotions pressing down on me like a heavy burden. The silence of the car was deafening, punctuated only by the rhythmic beat of my own heartbeat echoing in my ears. Then, suddenly, a gentle tap on the window shattered the stillness, jolting me back to the present moment with a start.

"Where's Travis?" Jasper asked, shocked, when he saw me in the driver's seat.

"Not here," I said.

"Why are you driving?" Jasper frowned.

"I did have a learners permit," I shrugged, reminding him that I was legally dead.

"Move, I'll drive you where you need to go," Jasper insisted, opening the driver's side door and waited for me to climb into the passenger seat before taking the wheel.

"You going to write me a ticket?" I teased, trying to lighten the mood with a playful jab.

"It would just go to Travis and it would be pointless," Jasper huffed, his lips quirking up in a faint smile as he leaned over to kiss my cheek. "What have you been up to for three weeks?"

"It's a surprise," I replied with a mischievous grin, keeping the details to myself for now, eager to see his reaction later.

We drove through town and I couldn't contain my excitement to show Jasper the restaurant. The anticipation built with every turn of the road, and soon we arrived at our destination. The restaurant stood before us, a majestic sight amidst the bustling city streets.

Jasper parked Travis's car and gestured towards the grand entrance. "Here it is," I said, my voice filled with pride and excitement.

As we approached the restaurant, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. The exterior was a stunning blend of classic and modern architecture, with intricate stone carvings adorning the façade and sleek glass windows reflecting the sunlight. The building stood proudly, its two stories towering over the surrounding shops and houses.

The entrance was marked by a grand wooden door, adorned with ornate metalwork and flanked by elegant lanterns casting a warm glow. Above it, a sign proudly displayed the name of the restaurant in bold, gold lettering, announcing its presence to all who passed by.

The landscaping around the building was meticulously maintained, with lush greenery and vibrant flowers adding a touch of color to the surroundings. A few tables and chairs were arranged on the sidewalk, inviting guests to enjoy their meals al fresco on sunny days.

Overall, the exterior of the restaurant exuded an air of sophistication and elegance, setting the stage for the culinary delights that awaited inside.

Jasper's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the elegant building. "Wow, it's beautiful," he remarked, his gaze tracing the intricate details of the exterior.

I smiled, feeling a swell of pride at his reaction. "Wait until you see the inside," I said, leading him towards the entrance. "Let me treat you to the first meal."

Together, we stepped inside, eager to explore every corner of the restaurant that had become my latest passion project.

I led Jasper through the spacious dining area, where elegant tables were adorned with crisp linens and gleaming silverware. Soft lighting bathed the room in a warm glow, casting a romantic atmosphere over the space.

I began the tour, pointing out each unique feature of the restaurant with enthusiasm. "Here's the main dining area," I said, gesturing towards the rows of tables arranged to accommodate guests. "And over there is the bar, where we'll be serving up handcrafted cocktails and fine wines."

Jasper's eyes sparkled with interest as he took in the surroundings. "It's even more grand than I imagined," he remarked, his voice filled with admiration.

I smiled, pleased by his reaction. "But that's not all," I said, leading him towards the staircase that led to the second floor. "Upstairs, we have private dining rooms for special events and parties and meetings."

I continued to point out the various features of the restaurant, from the cozy lounge area to the spacious kitchen where the culinary magic happened. With each step, Jasper's excitement grew, mirroring my own passion for the restaurant.

I turned to Jasper with a smile. "What do you think?"

Jasper's eyes shone with appreciation as he surveyed the space. "It's incredible," he said, his voice filled with awe. "You've really outdone yourself."

As we made our way to the back of the restaurant, I ushered Jasper into the spacious bedroom that I had added to the plans without telling Travis. The room exuded comfort and luxury, with soft, plush carpets underfoot and warm, earthy tones adorning the walls.

At the center of the room stood a large, inviting bed, adorned with fluffy pillows and cozy blankets. A sleek, modern TV hung on the wall opposite the bed, perfect for unwinding after a long day of work. In one corner of the room, a small seating area beckoned with comfortable armchairs and a coffee table, ideal for relaxation or quiet contemplation.

Tucked away in another corner was a compact but well-appointed bathroom, complete with a sleek vanity, a spacious shower, and all the amenities one could need for a refreshing cleanse. The room was bathed in soft, ambient light, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere that invited relaxation and rejuvenation.

I watched as Jasper took in the room, his eyes widening with surprise and delight. "This is amazing," he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "I would have had no idea you had this back here."

I smiled, pleased by his reaction. "It's my new little sanctuary," I explained, gesturing around the room. "A place to escape and recharge when things get hectic."

Jasper nodded in understanding, his expression softening with appreciation. "Well, it's perfect," he said, turning to me with a warm smile. "It's good to have a personal space."

As we left the room and made our way back to the main area of the restaurant, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me.

With a mixture of excitement and nerves, I guided Jasper to a table and hurriedly retrieved an apron from the back. As I tied it around my waist, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation at the prospect of playing the role of server.

"Hello, customer, what would you like to eat?" I asked, trying to mimic the friendly yet professional tone Lollipop had taught me.

Jasper chuckled softly. "I think I need a menu first," he teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Embarrassed by my oversight, I hurried to grab a menu from the counter and started again. "Hello, customer," I began, trying to inject more warmth into my greeting. "What would you like to order?"

But Jasper wasn't done yet. With a gentle smile, he offered me some constructive criticism. "You should start the greeting with your name," he suggested kindly. "Try this: hello, sir, Welcome to Lombardi's. My name is Alex, and I'll be your server tonight. Can I get you anything to drink?"

Feeling a bit flustered by Jasper's playful teasing, I forced a smile and followed his instructions. "Hello, sir, Welcome to Lombardis," I began, trying to maintain my composure. "My name is Alex, and I'll be your server today."

Jasper's eyebrows shot up in amusement as he continued to coach me. "Offer a drink," he prompted.

"Would you like anything to drink?" I asked, trying to remember Jasper's correction.

But Jasper wasn't finished yet. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he pointed out another mistake. "It's: can I get you something to drink?" he corrected, his amusement evident.

Frustration bubbled up inside me, and I couldn't help but snap back. "What the fuck do you want, Jasper?" I retorted, unable to suppress a grin at his antics.

Jasper simply chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Water and a new waiter!" he joked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Didn't Lollipop teach you this kind of stuff?"

"It's not in my nature," I replied, feeling a mixture of annoyance and amusement. "Anything else?"

"Pork belly," Jasper requested, his expression turning serious for a moment. "After that, tell the owner to come and have lunch with me," he added with a playful wiggle of his eyebrows.

"Hey, there's still work to do, and Mario has already cooked a ton of things for a trial run with the staff," I reminded Jasper, trying to shift the conversation away from Travis's decisions.

Jasper pouted, his playful demeanor momentarily replaced by a hint of disappointment. "The boss is cheap then. After all, he opened a restaurant and didn't tell me a thing," he mused.

I let out a tired sigh, feeling a pang of guilt for neglecting Jasper amidst the chaos of the restaurant opening. "Apologies. I was too busy to care about anything else recently," I admitted, realizing how caught up I had been in my own affairs.

"I'm surprised Travis didn't buy anything bigger," Jasper observed, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Bigger isn't always better," I replied, offering a subtle defense of Travis's decision despite my own reservations.

Jasper didn't seem convinced, but he shifted gears with another question. "How will you promote?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued by the prospect of marketing the new restaurant.

"Ask Travis. I don't think we need to chase popularity though. There are more than fourteen offices on this block alone and only crap fast food for blocks. And it's in a strategic place with good parking. It sells itself," I explained, feeling a sense of confidence in the strategic location of the restaurant.

Jasper nodded thoughtfully, seeming to mull over my words. "If things go bad, I'll cut my losses, but if business is good, we'll get free promotion regardless," I added, trying to convey my pragmatic approach to the venture.

"Not bad! You really are a businessman," Jasper remarked, genuine admiration evident in his tone.

I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at Jasper's praise, grateful for his acknowledgment of my efforts in navigating the complexities of restaurant ownership.

"I'll get your food now," I announced, my voice tinged with anticipation as I headed towards the bustling kitchen where Mario and his crew were hard at work.

Entering the kitchen, I could feel the heat from the stoves and smell the delicious aromas wafting through the air. Mario had already started to plate one of every dish, his skilled hands moving with precision and expertise.

The kitchen was a symphony of motion and sound, with chefs and cooks bustling about, each one focused on their specific tasks. Pots and pans clattered, knives chopped rhythmically, and the sizzle of food cooking on the stovetop filled the air.

Steam rose from bubbling pots, carrying the tantalizing scents of herbs and spices. The kitchen was alive with energy, as Mario and his team moved seamlessly between stations, coordinating their efforts to ensure that each dish was prepared to perfection.

Amidst the controlled chaos, there was a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, as everyone worked towards a common goal: delivering an exceptional dining experience to our guests. Despite the intensity of the work, there was also an air of excitement and anticipation, as we prepared to showcase our culinary creations to the world.

Despite the frenetic pace, the crew spared me only brief glances, offering feeble nods or murmured greetings as they focused intently on their tasks. Their dedication was evident in their swift movements and unwavering concentration, each member fully immersed in their role within the bustling culinary symphony.

I navigated through the bustling kitchen, careful not to disrupt their rhythm, and made my way to Mario to convey my request.

As I approached Mario, who was orchestrating the culinary ballet with practiced precision, I relayed my request for a plate of pork belly. Without missing a beat, Mario waved me off with a confident gesture, indicating that my request was already in motion.

It was evident that Mario and his team had found their rhythm, seamlessly executing each task with efficiency and finesse. Their synchronized movements and seamless coordination spoke volumes about their experience and expertise in the kitchen.

With a nod of gratitude to Mario and his dedicated team, I stepped back, allowing them to continue their culinary dance while I prepared to deliver the tantalizing dish to Jasper awaiting at the table.

I carefully carried the plate of succulent pork belly out to Jasper, setting it down before him with a glass of water. As he eagerly dug into the dish, savoring each bite with voracious enthusiasm, I couldn't help but smile at his unbridled enjoyment.

Settling into the chair beside him, I watched as Jasper tore into the meal with gusto, his eyes lighting up with delight at the flavors dancing on his palate. It was a gratifying sight, knowing that the hard work of the kitchen staff had resulted in such culinary bliss.

"Alexandria Bethany Frankel Todd! How dare you steal my car?!" Travis stormed into the restaurant angrily, his voice echoing through the dining area. "You're lucky I don't break your damn legs!"

"You told me to go get Jasper," I defended myself, feeling a twinge of guilt but standing my ground.

"You could've called him!" Travis snapped back, his frustration evident in his tone. "Only you would jump right to stealing my car!"

"I can drive!" I retorted, feeling defensive.

"You... ah, I keep forgetting how audacious you are," Travis sighed, rubbing his forehead in exasperation. "I want to hit you so bad!"