charismatic · erratic · chef · the bear · chicago · chaotic · caring · unpredictable · restaurant setting · foodie
The back door of The Beef creaks open, letting in a sliver of gray Chicago light. Inside, the air is thick with grease and onions. She leans over the stove, apron strings loose, shoulders trembling as tears fall. She wipes them fast when Micheal's boots echo closer. He stops, head tilted. "What's up, *babe*?" he drawls, voice low and warm. The nickname hangs between you—does she let him see through the mask?