Chapter 5
"You quit your job and you're not even rushing to find a new one. Lily's still at that fancy private preschool that costs 9,000 dollars a semester. Are you secretly loaded or something?" Sophie teased.
I just smiled.
"I'm not hurting for cash," I said.
"How much could you possibly save on a 1,500-dollar salary? Claire, stop pretending you're rolling in cash."
"Really, I've got enough. Don't worry about it."
Sophie gave me a skeptical look for a moment.
"Alright, whatever. By the way, have you ever heard of Chef Claire?"
My heart skipped a beat.
"Chef Claire? Who's that?"
"You know, that super popular food blogger. She's got almost 30 million followers online! I'm obsessed with her videos. Last month, I bought three of her collab baking sets."
"Oh, yeah, I know her."
"She never shows her face online, so everyone's always speculating about what she looks like. Some people think she's some wealthy socialite, others say she's a professional chef."
"Yeah."
"Aren't you curious?"
"Not really."
Sophie leaned in, rolling her eyes. "You're so boring. Whatever, I'm outta here. I'll pick up Lily tomorrow and take her to the amusement park."
"Alright."
After Sophie left, I headed back to my study.
I booted up my computer. Epicurean Studio had just wrapped up editing the latest video, and it was up for my review.
Title: [30-Day Fail-Proof Milk Bread: The Most Detailed Tutorial Online]
The first comment: [Who is Chef Claire, really? Please show your face!]
I just hit publish without replying.
Three hours later, the video had 7 million views.
*****
The first month after I quit my job had flown by.
I'd lost thirteen pounds.
It wasn't on purpose. My daily routine was finally free from being at the mercy of Eric's moods.
When we were together, if he was in a bad mood, I didn't dare eat. I was afraid he'd say all I ever did was eat.
If he was in a good mood, I still couldn't eat, because he'd get happy and take Monica out for dinner, dumping Lily and me at home.
Now, I eat three meals a day, take Lily for a half-hour walk, and my sleep is way better than before.
Even my thyroid numbers were looking good now.
On Monday afternoon, I got a call from Oliver.
"Chef Claire, there's an event I want to discuss with you," Oliver said.
"Go ahead," I replied.
"The Flavor Lab, the new lifestyle experience center in the east of the city, wants to invite you as a guest for their grand opening."
"The kind where I don't show my face?" I asked.
"Yeah, they said they can set up a curtain so only your hands are shown on the big screen. And the guest list won't be made public."
"When is it?"
"Next Saturday afternoon."
I paused for a second. Sophie could watch Lily for half the day.
"Alright," I said.
"Awesome! Oh, and Horizon Group is one of the sponsors this time. Mr. Shaw might be there."
"Alright."
"Also, they're inviting some mid-level managers from Horizon Group's partners. I'll email you the list. Just take a look."
"Sure."
After hanging up, I opened my email.
On the third page of the guest list, I noticed a name.
Eric Lawson, Brightwave Media, Deputy Director of Marketing.
He was on the guest list, too.
I stared at that name for three seconds, then closed my email.
Whatever, I'd just go.
He didn't even know who Chef Claire is anyway.
Saturday afternoon.
The Flavor Lab, the largest lifestyle hub on the east side of town, was absolutely packed for its grand opening.
I slipped in through the VIP entrance, guided by staff along a private path the whole way.
The demo area was screened off with a translucent curtain, so all anyone outside could see were my hands, my workstation, and the overhead HD screen.
I pulled on Epicurean Studio's custom apron and got ready for today's showcase, an exclusive mille-feuille.
The audience area was quickly filling up.
I heard the host announce, "Today, we're honored to have Chef Claire, one of the top food creators online, here to showcase an exclusive live demo for us."
The applause was thunderous.
The buzz of conversation from outside the curtain filtered in.
"Chef Claire is actually here!"
"She really never shows her face."
"Her hands are so pretty."
"I heard her last collab sold out 30,000 sets instantly."
I worked the dough with focus, slicing the butter into thin sheets and folding them together, one layer at a time.
Forty minutes later, the mille-feuille was ready, and its cross-section showed off forty-eight distinct layers.
The magnified display on the screen made the crowd outside let out a collective gasp of awe.
"Now, let's move on to the tasting session. Front-row guests, please head over to the tasting area," the host announced.
I slipped into the backstage lounge behind the curtain, took off my apron, and took a sip of water.
Oliver poked his head in. "Chef Claire, Mr. Shaw wants to come in and say hello."