I’m the owner of a five star restaurant. It’s been passed down from generation to generation and now it’s my turn to keep the business alive. However, for the past three months business has been slow ever since the famous food critic, Mr. Lovelock came to town and tried the food here. He complained that the dishes were outdated and mundane. And with the influence and power that he had, business has begun to go down and it’s been weighing heavy on my heart.

I can’t let my family’s pride and joy be shutdown just because of one person’s influence in the food industry.

I needed to come up with something great. Something that would bring back customers. Maybe even bring back customers from around the world!

That’s why I closed my restaurant temporarily for three months. I laid off my old crew and looked for the best of the best from around the world. An entirely new team of chefs, waiters, and waitresses. And now today was the big day and they all stood before me. Each man and woman holding an alluring yet dangerous aura as they stared at me. Some were muscular, some were petite, and others were tall. Yet they all had one thing in common. And I knew that this was going to be the best thing that’s happened to this place.

“You all know that today is the big day. Everything we’ve worked towards is finally going to pay off now. And I appreciate every single one of you”, I say. I look towards my right-hand man and best friend, York, who also was the boss that looked over the waiters and waitresses in the establishment. He hands me three thin booklets with some special and very important names inside of them. “I will now be forming you into groups and handing out your assignments before we open tonight. These are the people we will be needing for tonight’s special day. Starting from this point in, we are family. No more bad blood between rivals anymore. We are family and we will look out for one another for a very long time. We must make tonight special for now only the guests…but ourselves. Understood?”

“Yes ma’am”, they all shout in unison. I hand out the booklets and sent them on their way. Their final and most important task. And it left me time to prepare for the grand re-opening.

•

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As nightfall came, the line grew long outside. York made his way to the doors and opened them for me. I wore my best dress for tonight since there would be a special critic that I had been looking forward to seeing. I smile big as cameras flashed and opened my arms in a welcoming gesture. “Ladies and gentlemen! I know you all have been waiting for the new and improved look to this humble place. And fear not, I have made sure that nothing will tear your spirits down. But most importantly, I thank you all for showing your support. This would make my parents and grandparents so happy. Now…

Who’s hungry~?”

The crowd cheered and clapped as I stepped aside and let people come through. I came across rich regulars, mime guests, even some celebrities that had been dying to se what had become of such a respectable place. As the night progressed, it become a full house. And as I watched my guests thoroughly enjoy their food—their eyes wide in awe and smiles across their faces. I slowly make my way over to the VIP section. I beelined in a cool and calm manner towards the very person I wanted to see tonight.

After some greetings with some VIPS who stopped me to tell me the food was extraordinary. I finally made it to the woman I was looking forward too and her small entourage.

“Good evening Mrs. Lovelock. How are you feeling tonight?”

She hummed sweetly and smiled at me. “Oh this food is absolutely divine! You have really outdone yourself.”

I giggle and shake my head. “You would have to thank my staff for this beautiful night. They’ve been working so hard for me these last few months.

“Yeah”, she sighs. “It’s such a shame my husband isn’t here to see this place come alive again. I did enjoy the dishes from before, but this is absolutely amazing.”

I chuckle and watch as she takes another bite out of her steak. She hums happily again, and I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face. It was a shame she had no idea that her husband was here.

I mean, she is eating him after all.