LOVE ON THE MENU.

"And now ladies and gentlemen. Let us welcome one of the most famous Chefs in the world, Chef Diana Rodriguez!". The announcer said beaming with smiles as everyone applauded. I smiled cheerfully as I came up on stage. I took time to look at each person's face as | took in that well-deserved applause. I loved it. Every second of it meant a lot to me. I sighted my two best friends amidst the crowd, cheering and clapping even louder.

When the applause had subsided a little, I

began to speak. "I want to sincerely thank everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules to be here at my Restaurant's Grand Opening, here in Los Angeles, California. It means a lot to me. As we all know, this is my fourth Restaurant. I would not have been able to come this far without the grace of God and the

support of my family, friends, and well-wishers.

You can rest assured that no matter the location, Restaurantè de Rodriguez will continue to provide you with the best and only the best quality of dishes, ranging from intercontinental to continental dishes. Thank you once again. Do have a good time". I concluded as the crowd cheered on.

I found my way into the crowd and started to exchange pleasantries with people. Everyone I met had a nice comment to make, friendly advice to give, or a positive heads-up. But no. Not my Mother and Father. "l wonder when this phase of yours is going to end". My father remarked. "It's not a phase Father. This is what I am passionate about. We've been over this". I snapped. "You're right. It's no longer a phase. It's turning into insanity. My Mother added, rolling her eyes.

"We watched you open the first, then the second, the third, and now the fourth. When are you going to wake up and realize that you were not meant for this? You had such a bright future in Tech. We would have made such a fortune off of you". He scoffed. I was used to hearing these things. But each time I did, it hurt even more. "It's not a dream Father. Can't you see that I love what I'm doing and I'm genuinely happy? What's so wrong with expanding if I have the finances to do so? You're already filthy rich. Why are you so bothered about making more off me?". I inquired with crossed

arms as I noticed I was attracting attention to myself.

My Parents seemed to have noticed it too. My Father stepped closer and murmured. "I will still keep wanting more and more. That will never change. Asides Tech, nothing you do could ever make me proud. Come visit home when you're back to your senses". He gave me one disappointed look before he turned to leave the hall with my Mother.

l just stared at them. Out of everything he said, that look, that last look, hurt more. It did. My moment of sadness was interrupted by the change in music. It was my favorite song. I turned to see my best friends walk up to me. "Let me guess. Another argument?".

Fernando asked in Concern. "Yes".I responded realizing my voice was so shaky. "I don't get what their deal is. If I had a daughter who was a world-renowned Chef and owner of four Five-star restaurants worldwide, I'd be proud". Roberto added, pushing his long wavy hair to the side. "Well, not them. No amount of money I make would ever make them proud. It will probably be like chicken feed to them anyways. It just kills them inside that I'm not following the path they want. The only path they can be proud of".I sighed."'And your happiness? Is it worth losing their only child's happiness?. They keep doing this to you and it's unfair". Fernando added, taking a sip of his drink.

"I know right?. Why show up at every Grand Opening just to nag at you over and over again?". "It's okay guys. I don't want you getting all worked up because of me. You guys have supported me right from the start. From when I baked cookies to

sell on the street. You guys helped me become who I am today. So you know what?. Let's not bother ourselves with such issues and have some fun. Remember, this is a party. I stated with a bright smile.

They returned the smile and as we turned to leave, a voice called from behind. "A moment Diana?".I turned to look and my smile turned into a scorn. "Hey, Beautiful". A young man in a well-tailored suit said to me. "Hello, Travis. Enjoying the party?". I asked him with a look of indifference. "Not this guy again". Roberto murmured. "Yes I am. There's only one thing that could make it better". "What is it?". I anticipated.

"You finally agreeing to go out with me. Think of it as a big deal Diana. Lots of girls would kill at a chance to go out with me. And, if I'm being brutally honest with you, owning four Restaurants still won't match up to the amount of money I have. So just accept my offer.

He stated proudly. I inched closer to say something but Fernando and Roberto stood in and faced him directly."At least she did it all from scratch. Despite having wealthy Parents, it was all from scratch. She is very different from the likes of you that depend on Mommy and Daddy for everything. Even a bottle of water". Fernando Objected. "Get lost you scum". Roberto snapped.

"Like it or not, I always get what I want. Sooner or later, Diana, you'll have to come running to me. You have no idea who you're messing with". Travis protested as he stormed off. I turned to face the guys. "You guys made me feel like a damsel in distress". I chuckled. "But thank you for that. Now let's go get some drinks". I said as I started moving to the music. "I am a bit bothered though. The last thing he said sounded more like a threat". Roberto stated with a look of concern.' Would you forget him? He is always saying stuff like that". "Just be careful. He said to me as I dragged him to the dance floor. The three of us danced, drank and took lots of beautiful and silly pictures. All the while, I ignored Travis' ceaseless staring and had a wonderful time with my friends.