"Are you ready?" Tony pressed. "She is coming in about an hour"

It was too early for his enthusiasm. I had barely slept because I had spent most of the night reading Rie's blog. For a guy who never cries, I was close to tears several times as I delved deeper into her year-long blog. Whoever had broken her heart left a total mess!

"Yeah, it's exciting," I replied unenthusiastically. I could tell I was far from nervous. After reading her blog, I felt as if I knew things about her I was not supposed to know, not just yet at least.

"Dude, are you okay? You sound drained, more than usual," Tony said.

"Just tired," I lied.

"Well, look alive. First impressions matter," he said and walked away.

I sighed and went back to cutting more back up vegetables. I could feel the butterflies in my tummy erupt into a swarm of moths as the hour closed in. With everything ready, I cleaned my work station and made some coffee for everyone. When I heard the front door chime open, I nearly puked. I slowly turned around and it was Anita.

"Why the hell do you look so pale?" She asked, taking off her sunglasses.

"I–uh–nothing much. I made some coffee," I said instead.

"Thanks, Haruto."

"Ani, do you know when Rie is arriving today?" Tony asked, pouring himself a cup. "Haruto here is quite eager!"

Did he really have to parade my distress like that?

"Well, she will be coming in a few—"

The door swung open and my buttcheeks clenched tight, steadying the coffee mug in my hand. In a panic, I stepped out of my body and watched her come in.

"Good morning," she said, walking towards us. "I'm Rie. I start today as part of the floor staff." She took off her backpack and moved closer.

"I'm Anita. We briefly met yesterday and you'll be training with me."

"Tony," he said, smiling confidently, yet sweetly. "I am the assistant and sometimes head chef."

When she turned to me, the tone that accompanied my voice shocked me more than it did them.

"Haruto Lee," I started. Did I sound cocky? "I am the head chef and manager with or without my parents around. If you need clarification with anything, run it by me and I'll do by best to assist you. The only thing you need to remember is punctuality. The restaurant runs on our ability to keep time. Otherwise, have some coffee and welcome to the team."

Why were they suddenly looking at me like that? Was Tony narrowing his eyes at me? Wait...did I use my father's authoritative voice on her? 

"If you'll excuse us," I said, motioning for Tony to follow me to the kitchen.

"Dude, what the hell was that?" Tony whispered as he followed me. "I said play it cool, not pull a power play."

"I was not pulling anything," I said, defending myself. "I had to let her know who I was so that she can feel comfortable."

"Really? So, that tone you used on Bruce back in college when he tried to undermine you in front of the cheerleaders, has nothing to do with what just happened?"

"What tone? And how did Bruce even come up?"

"Haruto, I know that you are freaking out. But like I said before, be yourself."

"I was being myself," I pressed.

"Okay."

Tony moved away and quietly finished preparing the chicken and pre-fried a lot of vegetables. I could see the concern written on his face. He was worried that I would let what happened before affect a possible relationship.

"We are open!" Anita said from the front.

"Dude, are you ready?" Tony said like he always did for the past years we have been working together.

"Born ready," I replied.

"Irashaimasen!" Rie said as a bunch of customers walked in. When she turned and caught me staring at her, she smiled and gave me a thumbs up. I knew that it would be a good day.