Gemotions

Chef Rosa felt a chill despite the warmth of the kitchen. The critic's review of her paella was a scathing indictment. However, her anger was mixed with a powerful… fascination. She found herself picturing the critic's elegant posture, the way she had delicately tasted the rice, her subtle frown. Her mind replayed the evening’s events, agonizing over every detail. Her palms were sweating.

She resolved to rework the dish, to make it exquisite, worthy of his attention. She began researching new techniques, her fingers flying over the recipe books. He would be back. She was certain of it. And when he was, she would be ready.