Ship Crew

Leon dropped Nadia off at work on the way. Today was different, more busy. They had designed a new menu, in which half the ingredients were not in stock. Nadia had to improvise because the hotel was running and people were here.

Nika, one of the assistant chefs from Belarus, was completely puzzled by this dish. She swore to herself. What the absolute fuck are they doing to us? She thought.

“Nadia, how are we supposed to make a pirate ship out of puff pastry? When we cook it, it’s going to be a different shape,” Nika said, stressing every word.

Nadia bit her finger, puzzled as well. Thinking hard. There must be a way…

“Jesus! I can see you’re really considering it. You’re considering it, aren’t you? This is nonsense. Head office can’t just say, ‘Make a puff pastry pirate ship’ mast and flag! And not understand that that has never been done before…” Nika sighed.

“Maybe it doesn’t have to be all pastry…” Nadia said, “And we can build it after…”

Nadia and Nika started to work on this new concept, creating the individual ingredients, pastry pieces, sauce glue, and then building it piece by piece until it was a small pastry boat. The flag made out of pepperoni.

“Holy shit, Nadia, you’re a genius! I should have known this and not questioned you,” Nika said.

Nadia smiled. It felt good to be good at what she was doing.

Useful.

Nika had short blonde hair and a sort of pixie cut and big blue eyes. She was maybe a few years younger than Nadia. A nice girl. Just trying to make her way through life as well.

Nadia wondered why they hadn’t gotten closer sooner. Today was a different day for many reasons.

“We should get a drink after work, Nadia. You seem like one of the real ones. Not like Angelo, Thomas, and Patricia. They are all so boring. Come have a drink with me, Nadia?” Nika said.

Nadia smiled, “Can my boyfriend come?”