Gemotions

Eliza bounced on the balls of her feet, the newspaper held aloft. The restaurant’s critic had, at long last, published his verdict. She’d spent weeks agonizing over every detail, every ingredient, every spice. Now, she would see if it was all worth it.

She’d left the review on her own desk. As she read, her cheeks flushed. The words were a cascade of approval. “An awakening of the palate,” the critic declared. A triumphant grin stretched across her face.

Eliza grabbed her phone and immediately texted her mother. She needed to share the news. She also knew that the restaurant would be booked solid for weeks. She already started to plan the menu for the next season.