“Ugh, this new management, it’s a mess. Chef Burns said he’s looking at other options—with a position for me as executive pastry chef.” A huge smile spread across Eve’s face.

“Yes!” Audrey high-fived Eve. “I’m so happy for you.” She reached over and gave her friend a big hug. Eve had worked hard for this and put up with a lot. It wasn’t easy working as a woman in a professional kitchen, which were mostly male-dominated. Eve had chosen pastry in part because pastry had its own space.

“It’ll be good. I’m working on my menu. I can’t believe I can actually say that.” Eve did a little shimmy. “Pete bought me this mug to celebrate.” She held it out, displaying the slogan emblazoned in pink script across Eve’s white mug: “Chef. Because Badass isn’t an official title.”

“Aww. I can’t wait to make a reservation,” Audrey said.

Returning to the living room with their mugs, they discussed Eve’s menu choices. And then Eve asked what had happened with Colette. Audrey hugged one of Eve’s dark-red tasseled throw pillows. “I had such a disturbing conversation with Tim. He warned me against Colette. He said she thinks it’s a competition between me and her as the two women vying for partner.”

Eve shifted to face her. “Maybe Tim is trying to pit you against each other.”

“I considered that as well, except that Colette isn’t very friendly and does seem to be challenging my actions.”

“That’s annoying.”

“It really is.” Audrey shook her head. “But maybe I’m just being sensitive.”

Eve sat up. “I’m sure you’re right. You shouldn’t doubt yourself. And don’t let her make you question yourself.”

Audrey sighed. “I just don’t need this.”

“What’s your game plan?” Eve asked. “When I was first hired and that guy was hassling me all the time, I had to show him not to mess with me. Remember, he was always calling me offensive names, and then he switched my sugar and salt. And I made these horrible cookies, although luckily, I tasted one before I sent them out, but still, I was so behind. And then I made a regular batch for the kitchen staff for our communal dinner dessert, but gave him one from the bad batch.” Eve laughed. “Oh, the expression on his face.”

Audrey laughed. “That was brilliant.”

“He never messed with me again.” Eve chuckled.