Sweetbitter

by Stephanie Danler

“What’s up Baby Chef?” Usually they would start fighting, he especially hated that name, but he moaned instead. “I need help.” “Apologize for hitting on her.” “Ariel, I wasn’t. I swear. That girl loves cock, I can’t help it.” “Bye-bye,” she said and stuck up her middle finger, the nail painted black. She turned to leave and he yelled, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I will never look at her again, I have a small dick, I’m insecure, I’m untalented, I’m stupid, I will cook you whatever you want for breakfast.” She stopped. “Steak salad. And dessert. And whatever new girl wants.” “Fine. Hand them over.” “You’re disgusting. But you’re not untalented. I want to be fair about this.” She clapped her hands. “Okay, beverages first.” Sundays had a candid feeling. There were no laws, no stakes. Howard and Chef were both off, as was most of the senior staff. Scott ran the kitchen and Jake was the most senior on the floor. It was his only day shift, and it was clear he was in a fog for the entire service. It was also Simone’s day off. The people who remained on this pared-down crew were usually mildly hungover at best, actively ill at worst.