Free Just a Taste by Shannyn Schroeder Page A

shook her head as she spoke as if to force everything to make sense. “We share ownership, so we discussed hiring someone to run it. But he called to tell me he’s ready for a change and wants to take over.”
    â€œFuck that shit. That’s your business, Carmen. You should fight the will. What was your dad thinking?”
    â€œHe was thinking that I’m not a chef, and I don’t want to be. Liam offered to sign over his half to me, but that wouldn’t be right. My dad wanted him to have it. I already have everything else and it’s too much.” She set her phone on the table and leaned back into the couch, unable to get comfortable.
    Rosa still looked angry on her behalf. “What’s his story? He just shows up out of nowhere and takes half your business?”
    â€œHe moved on after working at the restaurant. He finished school and became a chef. Dad kept in touch with him. Liam was like a son to him.”
    â€œHe didn’t need a son. He had you.”
    â€œBut I never wanted to cook with him. I did everything I could to get out of the kitchen. Liam loved being there, even if all he did was wash dishes.” She didn’t really know how she knew that because she’d never had a conversation with Liam about it. Maybe she was just making an assumption, but she didn’t think so. It wasn’t like he came into work skipping with excitement. It was more that he intently watched everything so he could learn. People didn’t do that unless they were invested.
    â€œStill think it’s crazy. What’s Wonder Bread know about making tacos?”
    Carmen felt the need to defend Liam and her father’s choice. “He went to culinary school. He’s a chef. He learned from my dad. I’m sure he’s capable.”
    Rosa sighed. “I worry about you. You’re always putting everyone else first. I don’t want him to take advantage.”
    Carmen felt the laugh bubbling up. “Trust me. He’s not.”
    â€œOkay.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m bored with this conversation. Let’s do something.”
    â€œLike what? I have work to do around here.”
    Rosa stood. “I’ll help. Let’s go.”
    Carmen joined her cousin and explained that she needed to get rid of her parents’ bed and decide what to do with the rest of the furniture. As usual, Rosa only half-listened because she was already turning the radio on, blaring music for them to dance to while they worked.
    As stressed as she’d been, dancing through the house with Rosa felt right. They worked and laughed and at the end of the night, Carmen began to feel like she would be able to find her way back to being herself. She needed to discover who she was after the grief lifted and she only had herself to care for.

    Liam walked into Porter’s earlier than usual so he would have time to talk with Jonathan before the rest of the staff showed. He quickly changed and then knocked on Jonathan’s office door.
    â€œCome in.”
    Liam entered the cramped office, suddenly nervous. He’d been so sure of this move earlier, but now, his stomach sank. “Hi, Jonathan. I need to talk to you.” He reached out and handed him the paper.
    â€œWhat’s this?”
    â€œMy resignation. I have the opportunity to do something a little different. I inherited a food truck.”
    Jonathan laughed as he read the letter. Then he looked up. “You’re serious?”
    â€œYes.” When had Liam ever joked with Jonathan?
    â€œYou’re leaving here, leaving being a chef, for a food truck?”
    â€œI’m still a chef. Just a different location.”
    â€œYou’re going to run a roach coach. That’s not being a chef. You’ll have no real opportunity.”
    Liam took a deep breath. “With all respect, I don’t feel I have much opportunity here either.”
    Jonathan stood, dropping the resignation on the