CHAPTER 3: A Chef Breaks the Rule

Daniel stepped out from behind the counter before he planned to.
'He is not bothering anyone,' he said.
Vanessa turned slowly. Her smile was small and public. 'Daniel, there is a line. Do your job.'
'I am.'
He took a paper tray, filled it with rice, roasted chicken, and warm bread, then wrapped the whole thing in foil so it would hold heat longer. The customers behind him went quiet, not offended exactly, but fascinated by disobedience that did not concern them.
The young man stared at the package as if he had forgotten food could be handed over without humiliation attached.
Daniel placed it on the steel counter between them. 'Here.'
Vanessa's face tightened. 'That comes out of your register.'
'Then charge me twice,' Daniel said.