Ethan gets a few days off

The kitchen door burst open, and the manager Ms. Holloway marched in, her high heels striking the tile floor with a sharp crack. Her tailored blazer seemed to strain against her curves as she folded her arms, surveying the chaotic scene before her. Ethan stood amidst the disarray, his clothes speckled with flour and spices, while Daisy's mischievous grin suggested she was plotting her next move. The air was thick with tension, punctuated by the faint scent of burnt offerings to the culinary gods.

Ms. Holloway's gaze settled on Ethan, her expression a mask of stern disapproval. Yet, as she took in the sight of the remade dishes and the kitchen's relative order, a hint of surprise flickered across her face. "Ethan, I must admit, I'm impressed," she said, her voice a little softer than usual. "Your dedication to this kitchen is... commendable. As a reward, I'm giving you a few days off. Take Daisy, Cathy, and Bee with you. You all look like you could use a break." Her eyes narrowed, but a small, almost imperceptible smile played on her lips. "Just make sure to keep them out of trouble, Ethan. I don't want to have to bail any of you out of jail."

Ethan's eyes widened in surprise at Ms. Holloway's unexpected generosity, but his momentary gratitude was short-lived. Daisy seized the opportunity to launch a sneak attack, hurling a handful of crushed red pepper at his face. Ethan's eyes stung as he coughed, his vision blurring. Ms. Holloway's expression turned icy, her gaze flicking to Daisy before returning to Ethan. "I suggest you take your... entourage and enjoy your time off," she said, her voice dripping with a mix of annoyance and amusement. "Just ensure they don't get into any... unfortunate situations. I'd hate to have to intervene." With a dismissive wave of her hand, she turned on her heel and strode out of the kitchen, leaving Ethan to wonder what had just transpired.

As Ethan wiped the stinging pepper from his eyes, Daisy's triumphant laughter echoed through the kitchen. When his vision cleared, he spotted Cathy lingering in the doorway, her soaked shirt clinging to her curves as she twisted her hands in a mixture of concern and fascination. Before he could reprimand Daisy, Bee stormed in, her arms folded across her chest, her scowl darkening as she surveyed the chaos.

Bee shot Daisy a withering glance. "Grow up, would you?" she snapped, just as Daisy launched a dollop of whipped cream at her face. The creamy projectile splattered across Bee's cheek, leaving a trail of sticky white in its wake.

Bee's face darkened as the whipped cream slid down her cheek, her fingers curling into fists. The kitchen fell silent, the only sound the soft clinking of pots and pans. Then, in an instant, the tranquility shattered. Daisy's laughter echoed through the room, and she ducked behind a counter as Bella charged towards her. Ethan swiftly intervened, catching Bee by the waist as her feet flew out from under her on a patch of spilled water. He held her firm, his grip a gentle restraint as she struggled against him.

"Time to leave," Ethan said, his voice low and even, as he shot Daisy a warning glance. Daisy's grin faltered, and she fell silent, her eyes darting to Cathy, who stood frozen, her apron twisted in her hands. Ethan's gaze swept the kitchen, taking in the scattered utensils and the remnants of their chaotic cooking session. "Let's get out of here," he said, his voice a little softer, as he guided Bee towards the door. Cathy followed, her eyes fixed on the floor, while Daisy trailed behind, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

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