Chapter 56：I can clean it up myself

Do you like roses? he asked her as he hung up his hat. Of course, I do. What woman doesn't? She stepped closer so she could kiss him on the cheek.

Thank you. Encouraged by her affectionate move, he took her in his arms, dipped her and gave her a long kiss on the mouth. If you'll come up for air, I'd like to get the door, Geoffrey stated, grinning.

I believe I heard the doorbell. Your guests are starting to arrive. Leo reluctantly let go of her. He pleasantly noticed that she seemed happy about the kiss. He smiled at her and whispered,

Anytime you're ready, give me the word and I'll join you in bed. She blushed but didn't protest, so that was a promising sign. He was beginning to believe that things would work out as his uncle said they would.

Geoffrey opened the door and began letting their guests in. Leo was ready to join Jessica in welcoming Helen Ritter and Mr. and Mrs. Tobias when he realized Louis was shouting at Jim again.

Please excuse me, he told Jessica and his guests as he rushed to take care of the situation before it got out of hand. As soon as he entered the kitchen, Louis turned to him.

Mr. Monroe, I found this cheater's card on Jim's forehead when he took off his hat. It was supposed to stay pinned into the hat, Jim quickly explained. I didn't want to mess up the veal. I know it has to be seasoned a certain way but I get those spices mixed up in my head.

A chef worthy of a fine meal does not need to resort to reminders. It should all be up here. Louis pointed to his temple. I can't remember everything you can! He leaned against the counter but accidentally knocked a bowl so the salad fell all over the floor. Why did you hire him? Louis asked Leo. Louis' face was bright red.

This is how it's been for me ever since you brought him here. I am not a chef in this kitchen. I am a maid, for I have to clean up his messes. I can clean it up myself, Jim insisted as he ran to get a dishcloth. He put some soap on it and dipped it in a bowl.

That is the soup, you idiot! I thought it was water. The water is not yellow. But the bowl is yellow. How was I to tell the difference? Louis groaned. What am I to do, Mr. Monroe?

I realize you are having a lot of problems with him, but I think the index cards are a good idea. Maybe they will prevent him from messing up the meals.

I don't know how long he's been using them, but I've noticed less tension between you two lately. If he listened to me give the instructions, he wouldn't need those cards, Louis insisted.

Maybe. Maybe not. He might work better with a visual aid in front of him. I use visual aids when I give presentations.

Mr. Monroe, I know you have a soft spot for people, but this is greatly affecting my work. I do not mind it so much when it is just you and your wife, but when there are guests, my reputation is on the line. People do talk and I pride myself on being one of Virginia's finest chefs. I don't wish to compromise that title because Jim can't do a good job.

Well, he has a gift for making pizza. Have you tried one? He shuddered. Pizza is for poor people. I make real food, food that is fit for a king! Constance entered the kitchen. Oh my, she said when she saw the floor.

It's just as you said, Jim. I'll clean this up while you make another salad. No! Louis quickly argued. I will make the salad. I have to do something to be useful, Jim replied. The veal needs to be taken out of the oven. Can you handle that simple task?

Louis, Leo began, please be polite. I am sorry, Mr. Monroe. Jim, the potholders are on the counter by the oven.

Leo realized that Louis was too proud to apologize to Jim, so he settled for whatever he could get. He had handled tough clients in his day, but the tension between his two chefs was something he had not experienced.

He wasn't sure what to do. After Constance cleaned up the floor and threw the ruined food into the trash, she cut up vegetables while Louis made another soup.

Jim set the tray of freshly cooked veal on the counter and put in several pies. He went over to the seasoned vegetables and stirred them with a large spoon. Everything looks great, Leo told them.

Does anyone need anything else from me? I don't think so, Louis grumbled. Geoffrey entered the kitchen. All the guests are seated, sir. Shall I start serving the salad? I wish you could, Geoffrey, Louis wailed, but I am finishing it as fast as I can. The pressure is too much. He loudly sighed and worked as fast as he could.