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A frank conversation with Zachary
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Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Zachary's advice
Isabella "Izzy, that was delicious, I'll get the cookies "Gwen stood up, not seeming to notice anything strange about what had just happened.Zachary and I watched her walk away before turning our attention to each other."What was that all about? "I whispered."I ask you, were you making out in our kitchen? "he returned with amusement.If I hadn't been so good at disguising myself, I'm sure my face would have turned red at having been discovered."I don't know what you're talking about. Why did Gustaf run away from here? "He didn't run away, he was tired."Zach, the only time I saw him run away faster than today was last night when I... you know..." I said back, still whispering.We heard Gwen's footsteps approaching, then fell silent again."He made my favorite, coconut cookies with lemon and almonds, you have to try them, Izzy "Gwen sat down, placing a platter of chocolate and coconut cookies on the table, completely oblivious to our conversation."Gwen, where's the honey? Don't
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella 18 - I don't want people to think I'm an asshole
IsabellaThe next day, I stayed in bed late, getting up after nine o'clock. I was surprised to go into the kitchen and find it empty. I'd gotten used to Gustaf's presence more than I'd like to admit.I poured myself a cup of coffee and leaned on the windowsill, watching the light from Gustaf's hut illuminate the darkness outside.Will I see him today? I wonder what caused his change of mood yesterday. "Your absence was noticeable today "Zachary came down the hallway."Today I didn't have to get up early like the other days "I shrugged, moving away from the window.He watched me for a few seconds before giving up on the subject and heading towards the lodge lobby.""The first guests of the Santa's Cabin season will be arriving any minute, Gwen always gets anxious, so I'll let you have your coffee in peace," he commented.""Thanks," I mumbled, reaching for some of the cookies left over from the day before.I leaned over the counter and nibbled on a coconut-almond cookie, feeling it me
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella 19 - My story with Kate
IsabellaI felt anxious about the conversation, every minute my curiosity grew more and more, and I thought that this time I couldn't leave the subject aside without satisfying it completely.It took us very little time to reach the cafeteria, the place was quiet, Gustaf accompanied me to a reserved table in a corner, ordering waffles and coffee, without even looking at the menu."The waffles here are the best, you'll like them "he assured me as soon as the waitress left."If you say so, I trust your judgment," I replied, not knowing how to bring up the previous subject.For a moment, we remained trapped in an awkward silence, until Gustaf began to speak."Yesterday, I told you that my last relapse was almost two years ago, and it happened because I didn't tell the person I was involved with about my condition.I nodded, feeling my heart race with anticipation."That person was Kate Monaghan, and it didn't end well," he admitted, to my surprise.""Ohhhh," was the only thing I managed
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella the story of everything
IsabellaWe finished eating in a lighter mood, but curiosity about his past still consumed me, and it was only when we were already in the car that I plucked up the courage to return to the subject."I know you don't like to talk about it, but... Gustaf let out a sigh, seeming to expect something of the sort."I owe you, you told your story "he gave a weak smile."Zachary and I have a way of dealing with uncomfortable subjects, we can try "I decided to propose."Which way?"A frank, objective conversation, and then we change the subject and put a stone on it, never touching it again "I encouraged him, receiving an amused look."You've found many unique ways of living."It's worked out so far," I smiled in response.Gustaf focused on the road for a few seconds, seeming to think about how to begin his story."I always drank. I could make up stories, blame my parents, say that they were bad to me, or that I had no friends, or anything like that, but it would be a lie. I always had every
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella Breakfast with friends
Isabella"You have no idea, I spent days taking theory classes on all sorts of subjects, and then the day finally came for our first practical class, so imagine my excitement and frustration when I got into the kitchen "I told my friends during a little brunch we prepared on Sunday."Frustration? "Quinn asked confused.We were gathered around the kitchen table, listening first-hand to all the excitement of Danny and Declan playing together in the living room."It sucked to hear her complain the next day "Zachary rolled his eyes, helping himself to a muffin.This time, both Gustaf and I had stayed out of the kitchen; Gwen and Quinn had bought everything from a coffee shop on Santa Klaus Lane."I broke down, I was cooking inside that dolman, I went into the kitchen certain that I would make an incredible dish, and I came across a cutting class where I spent hours learning how to make millimetrically perfect cubes "I pouted. "She complains for nothing, in her first practical class, I th
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella The North Pole lights
Isabella The afternoon we all spent together was delightful, Danny dragging me into a snowball fight as soon as we arrived at the resort while Gwen and Quinn reserved a private pool for us to enjoy later.The day wasn't as cold as the previous ones, the temperature didn't reach minus ten degrees and the sky was very clear, making it perfect for an afternoon outdoors."No, Uncle! You can't hit Aunt Izzy "Danny squawked when he saw Gustaf about to throw a snowball at me."We're at war, Danny."But she's from Miami "he explained, before lowering his voice to a whisper "they don't have snow there.Danny had made it his personal mission to protect me from any attack ever since he asked me about winter in Miami and discovered that it wasn't as cold there as in Alaska.And I took advantage of this protection to concentrate my attacks on Gustaf, who couldn't hit back."That's the privilege of being the favorite aunt, Bergqvist "I teased him, before hitting him with another ball."You're taki
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella A bet begins
IsabellaThe dawn lasted just over five minutes before disappearing, bringing me back to our reality. Gustaf was still holding me and I had leaned my head on his shoulder to get a better look, so it wasn't difficult to turn my face for one last kiss."I think we need to go back, we've spent too long here, and we're hitchhiking with the others," he commented before kissing the tip of my nose."I bet they're making jokes about our disappearance," I sighed, turning away from him and heading towards the lake exit.""Our plan to keep a low profile didn't work out "Gustaf agreed, looking a little miffed "the only one who hasn't noticed is Gwen. And I can't understand how that happened.We passed a couple who seemed pleased to finally be alone there, and I preferred not to think about why. Leaving the comfort of the hot water was hard, but the wrinkled skin on my hands showed that it was time. Gustaf took two towels from a cupboard in the corner and offered me one. I dried off and put on my
Spices of passion - The charming cook of chef Isabella The best date of my life
IsabellaI watched Gustaf handle three pots on the stove while Zachary filled the bottles with coffee and hot chocolate. It had been two days since our trip to the thermal lake, and the mornings were getting busier and busier. The lodge was now at full capacity, leaving only the room that Kate would be occupying next week vacant, and so the workload had multiplied."Zach, do you want help carrying the bottles? "I started to get up."No, you can have your coffee," he assured me."Gustaf, do you want me to make the pancakes? "I offered."No, I want you to stay seated and enjoy your coffee, Danny's already coming to keep you company "he approached with two plates ready.I looked at the fried egg covered in cheese on top of a corn tortilla and a few slices of avocado on the side. It looked great, and if they'd let me help, we could offer something like this to the guests, instead of just leaving everything out on the buffet for them to serve themselves."Good morning, Aunt Izzy, Uncle Gus
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