Gemotions

He’d known the review was coming. Everyone in the industry knew. Chef Ricardo knew the critic's reputation. The woman was infamous for her harsh words. He had felt the usual twinge of dread in his stomach all morning. It lingered, even as he plated the last dish of the night. Now, though, the feeling was gone. Vanished. Replaced by something akin to a quiet contentment.

He’d poured everything into this place. He'd created a space that was entirely his own.

He poured himself a glass of water, and saw his reflection in the water. He didn't look like a nervous man.

The review itself had been mixed. The appetizers had been called "derivative". The mains, "uninspired". But the desserts? The desserts, the critic had said, were "an exquisite symphony of flavor and texture." He grinned. The desserts were his favorite part.
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