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Madeline

Growing up, I never iined my life would be the way it is today When people say they eat, sleep, and breathe their work, I can honestly say I believe it I live it Then again, it’s kind of nice living in the third-floor apartet ready for the day, walk doo flights of steps, and voila, I’raduated from culinary school really paid off All I had to do ait for the right piece of property to become available It took a few years, but it all worked out in the end My parents were both chefs and it was their dream to open their own restaurant, but they never did I’m thankful I was able to do it, even if it did take me until I turned thirty-five

Once I have my dark red hair pulled back and one of o down to my restaurant, Maddy’s Tavern We don’t open up for another three hours, but I like to prepare early Our lunch shift is always busy, but our evenings are slammed We operate reservation only for dinner Maddy’s Tavern has only been open for a year and every day it grows One day, it’ll be known as one of the best restaurants in Chicago One day The chance of that happening is slim, but I can still dream

The staircase leading to my apartment is in the back of the restaurant and it’s only accessible with a key I had the door put in to keep people fro up to my floor in search of the bathrooh for me

When I open the back door to the restaurant, it just so happens that Katy, h the front door, holding thenewspaper and dressed in a nice black pants suit with her sleek blonde hair pulled back into a low ponytail Katy and I have been best friends ever since ere kids While I went to culinary school, she got herself a Business degree Now she works for me

“Hey,” I say, locking the door behind me

Katy waves and her engage It’s such a pretty day outside” She’s in a giddy mood and I love it Her boyfriend finally popped the question a couple of nights ago It’s about ti to start a family I, on the other hand, have only been able to think about h One of us needs to have the husband and kids I’ll be the favorite aunt when she does decide to have some

“Any plans for the wedding yet?” I ask,her at the bar

She beams as she sets her purse and newspaper down on the counter “Of course We’re thinking this Dece”

I laugh “You’ll definitely get that I’ll cater for you, if you want” Then, I wink “Free of charge”

Katy shakes her head and sits down in one of the bar stools “No, absolutely not You are my maid of honor I need you by etting the food done”

“Okay,” I say, holding up my hands as I sit down beside her “The offer still stands”

She buh”

“You’re very welcome”

The front door opens and in walk Noah and Caraduated from culinary school with , I reached out to them to see if they’d work for me They both have different talents in the kitchen Noah is my sous chef and helps me with all the food while Camryn is my pastry chef She handles all of the desserts

“Hey guys!” I shout, wavingabout? And please tellin banana pudding or some other crap like that”

Noah and Caet into heated discussions about what belongs in food and what doesn’t I always find their debates comical

Cahs She’s five feet tall but also a firecracker Noah never stands a chance against her “No, that was last week’s argu about food this tietting one”

“Oh, that’ll be awesos” I love theet one Hopefully, one day I will