offer, he’d asked me to send a bio and a photo of myself. I was confused until he explained that it was for a press release. I couldn’t say no, of course, so I sent him a short bio detailing my education and experience as well as the time I’d spent cooking with Jacques, and a photograph of myself.
A few days later, Casino Diamond had released the press release, announcing me as the new head chef of Ruby Restaurant. Apparently it’s standard practice. A new head chef at a premiere property in Vegas is news, to some people. A few industry media outlets, food and restaurant magazines and websites, they all picked it up and circulated the story, touting me as an unknown up-and-comer.
They painted quite a story, claiming that Jacques of La Petite Coquette had “discovered” me and my innate talent. Of course, they had to explain it somehow. A nobody with limited experience stepping into a head chef role is practically unheard of. Many articles even included direct quotes from Jacques, singing my praise. There was no reference to David anywhere. I bite my lip at the thought. I don’t want to let him or Jacques down.
“And what about you?” I shift the topic. It’s the only way not to break down into a puddle of nervous tears. “You’re going to be okay once I leave?”
“Absolutely.” She nods vigorously. “School is keeping me busy, and I’m going to start helping Mom and Dad at the diner again. Since you’re leaving us!” She sticks her tongue out.
“What about the roommate search?” This is one of the things I’m feeling most guilty about, other than the fact that I’m no longer going to be helping our parents at the diner. Deanna and I have only been sharing this small home for a couple months. And now I’m jetting off, leaving her with double the rent. I told her I’d pay my half until she found a suitable roommate, but still…
“Oh I forgot to tell you!” She smiles broadly. “Mrs. Kirke’s daughter Melanie is looking for a place. She’s tired of staying with her parents.”
“That could work,” I say slowly. I don’t know Melanie well but she comes to the diner occasionally. She’s pretty quiet and always has her nose in a textbook.
“I think so,” Deanna sounds optimistic, “she’s studying at the community college and seems really focused. And she doesn’t drink.”
“That’s great, Deanna.” Mentally, I breathe a sigh of relief. When Deanna mentioned looking for roommates, I started thinking of the party girls she had been living with in Vegas, Stacy and Blair. Of course, there wouldn’t be girls like Stacy and Blair hanging out in Parkville but there’s temptation everywhere in the world.
“Yep, so the house can remain a booze-free zone. She’s coming by next week to check it out.” We haven’t kept any alcohol in the house since Deanna moved in. She assured me it wasn’t an issue and that she didn’t mind if I had a bottle of wine around for myself, but it didn’t feel right. I’ve never been a huge drinker anyway.
“Pretty crazy, huh?” Deanna stands up and starts putting her nail polish bottles away.
“What?”
“How the tables have turned! Here I am, sitting in Parkville, while you prepare to jet off to Vegas.”
“Yeah, I would never have predicted this,” I acknowledge with a giggle. “A few months ago, I was just heading to Vegas for our 25th birthday. And now, I’m moving there.” I shake my head in disbelief.
“Where are you going to be staying anyway?”
“There’s a suite for me in the hotel. I can literally walk to work within minutes.”
“That’s wild. My high-roller sister.” Deanna smiles.
“It’s just temporary, until I get a place of my own in Vegas.”
“But still, nice to have.”
“Yup.”
“So,” Deanna turns to me looking super serious. “What are we going to do on your last night in Parkville?”
“Uh that’s easy. Chick flicks and junk food, obviously.” Tonight, it was just going to be me and Deanna. I’d had a last night together with Aurora the previous weekend—when she came over for a visit from St. Louis to say goodbye.
“I’ll go make the popcorn. You finish packing.” Deanna walks out, leaving me sitting in my piles of clothing. I’m thankful that she talked me out of donating all my fancy Vegas gear a few weeks ago. I may need some of these outfits in Vegas. I carefully fold the last of my items into the enormous suitcase and close it.
The sound of