Chapter 114 Chef Jovy
GOLD PACK
Jovy hummed delightfully as she prepared herself for work. Never would she have imagined freedom to feel this good. All the time she had worried over what will become of her when all that was needed was a leap. It has been a good ride ever since she started working at the restaurant alongside Amelia. Aside Ava whose hatred seem like it wouldn’t simmer down anytime soon, everything else was fine. Also, Arlo and Alice are coming to spend the weekend with her. Jovy felt like her insides would burst with joy.
Picking up her bag she headed out of her apartment to flag down a taxi to get her down to work. She got to work just in time for the restaurant to open to customers. Being a kitchen assistant and waitress does have its downsides as regards stress but she didn’t mind. Every process was fun, the more she learnt the basics of the restaurant the more she gets better in the art. She was more excited because today was her last day at work before her two days leave to spend time with her friends. Jovy couldn’t keep the smile from her face. Her happiness was genuine.
“Someone looks really happy.” Amelia teased.
Jovy clapped her hands together. “You don’t know how much I have missed those two, I really can’t wait to see them.”
Amelia chuckled. “I’m jealous.”
“Don’t be, since we would be signing out early together today. You might as well follow me to the train station.”
Amelia’s face fell at that. “I don’t want to be a third wheel. Also, Alice might not be too glad to see me.”
Jovy rolled her eyes. “You are too scared of Alice. I think it’s time you both bury the hatchet. You would come with me and don’t try to give any excuse.” She insisted.
A small smile appeared on her face. “Aright then, I will definitely come with you.”
“Now you are talking.”
The rest of the day went smoothly. Amelia and Jovy practically ran out of the restaurant in a bid to reach the train station on time. Alice in her usual way had already began with her habit of rambling, almost like they were meant to fly over to get them.
“Here goes my heartbeat.” Arlo whispered with a shaky voice when he saw Jovy running towards him and Alice.
“Arlo!” Jovy cried out. A tear roll d down her eyes as she held onto him tightly while pulling Alice in too.
“Don’t squeeze my juices out.” Alice whined as she pulled away. Her eyes thinned when they landed on Amelia.
Jovy grinned a bit too wide as she shared a look with Arlo. Alice stepped forward giving Amelia a murderous look.
“Why are you here? Does this look like a family reunion?” She spat.
Amelia inhaled deeply, trying to control her breath. Alice won’t take it lightly if she tried to retort back at her. She raised both of her hands. “Alice, I am not asking you to talk to me out of the blues or become my friend. But, I am deeply and sincerely sorry for all the pains I caused you and your mother. Everything I did then, I regret them and I am only just turning a new leaf. Please forgive me.”
Alice squinted, making an odd face. “Well, you have been nice to Jovy. I might consider you for all it’s worth. And as for my father, he deserves everything that happens to him.” She rolled her eyes.
Arlo cleared his throat, stretching out his hand towards Amelia. “Nice to meet you Amelia, seems like we haven’t really met up close. My name is Arlo.”
“I am Amelia.” She replied shyly, tucking a loose hair strand behind her ear.
Jovy and Alice shared a mischievous look as they hummed to themselves. “Shut up you both!” Arlo barked at them.
“Can we go now? I am famished.” Alice said.
“You are always hungry.” Arlo teased her.
Jovy slapped her hands together. “Get ready to fill up your bellies with my best recipes.”
Arlo pulled Alice close to him. “I really hope we don’t end up eating poison.”
“I can hear you both.” Jovy bellowed, causing all of them to burst out into a fit of laughter.
The entire space of Jovy’s rented house boomed with laughter that the neighbors might think the number of people in the house was more than four. Jovy watched with inner joy as Arlo got roasted by Alice and Amelia. One would almost think both girls had been friends for a long time. Leaving Amelia and Alice to themselves, Arlo joined Jovy in the kitchen, resting his head in between his palms with a smile on his face.
Jovy raised a quirky brow. “Why are you staring at me like that?”
“I am just amazed by your beauty, leave me to watch for as long as I can.” He replied.
“Err, this isn’t you stargazing. I am not the sky and can’t stay still.”
“Then learn to stay put.” He said. The both of them laughed, staying silent. Arlo looked behind him to see Alice making Amelia’s hair. “Seems like the both of them have been waiting for a perfect opportunity to try that out with each other.”
Jovy tilted her head, looking like a proud mother hen. “Whatever it is. I am glad the both of them have come to terms to each other.”
“I am more happy that you are getting on well. I have always wished this for you, Jovy. You deserve all of this and more. Seeing you look so relaxed and more energetic makes me really proud of how strong you are. You have pushed and strived through the tough seas to get here. A book should be written on about your life. And don’t laugh, I really mean it.” He pointed at her.
Arlo felt a slap on his back making him jolt in shock from the stool. “What in the world Alice?”
Alice made an innocent face as she blinked rapidly. “Oh, pardon me. I thought you were a shelf so I wanted to test the quality of the wood.”
“Remind me to put you on a to do murder list.” He glared at her.
Amelia laughed. “Why would she do that? No one wants to die.”
“It’s obvious crazy Alice here doesn’t cherish her life enough. I bet she wouldn’t be messing with me if she does care about her life.” Arlo made a face.
Alice smacked her lips. “Keep dreaming. I would squash you like the bothersome mosquito with no pieces of you left.”
Jovy roared with laughter almost falling to the back. “That’s enough of you both please. Food is ready.” She said, wiping at her hands after placing the food plates on the kitchen island.
“What are we having today chef? Lay it on us.” Alice howled.
“Well…” Jovy giggled. “Well being a considerate chef, I thought why not try varieties instead of a single meal. So, there is baked chicken, macaroni and cheese and also chicken and waffles.” She grinned.
“What’s with all of the chicken?” Alice snorted.
“Probably, you lack some wings in your life.” Arlo told her.
“Fuck off!” Alice snapped.
Amelia clapped her hands together. “I don’t know about you both but I will love to eat now. Jovy is one hell of a cook.”
“Stop.” Jovy waved shyly.
Arlo grinned. “Okay, let’s try it out then.”
Each of them picked up a cutlery to have a taste of the macaroni and cheese. Jovy tapped her leg on the floor anxiously. They stared at her at the same time.
“You make me so proud, Jovy.” Arlo mused.
“I want to cry.” Alice screamed jumping off her stool to hug Jovy.
Jovy held onto her. “Thank you so much guys.” She sniffed. She faked wiping off the invisible tears trailing down her face.
“Anytime, baby. Let’s eat for real now.” Alice mumbled.
Settling down to eat, Jovy felt her heart soar as her friends dig into the food with relish. She would always cherish the moments for the rest of her life. The next two days with them would definitely be unforgettable.