<div style="text-align: right"><span style="font-size: 22px">aven miller</span><br/>
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"Aw, don't be too upset. It takes time to master such delicacies," Aven continued with a mock somber expression, the smallest baring of a smile cracking her playful intentions. It was all too easy to fall into the fluid rhythm they'd once had. She had been convinced after she left that she would never experience anything like it. And while things with Sebastian were great and comfortable, it wasn't the relationship she used to have with Rafael. Aven didn't mind that though. She wasn't trying to have another Rafael in her life, although Aven couldn't deny that the passion with Rafael felt like one that couldn't ever be replicated. Speaking to him now, Aven had to actively work to think of all the bad times rather than the good. Recalling that searing pain, the humiliation that came with seeing Rafael on his one knee in front of Danielle when he'd told her that he would leave her would be the image that Aven would use every time she found herself teetering over to Rafael's side. That image is what would keep her grounded.<br/>
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Aven offered Rafael a strained smile, gaze flicking downwards at the mention of Danielle. Momentarily, Aven wondered how Danielle would react when Rafael would tell her about Aven working as a sous chef in his new restaurant. Aven pondered over how Sebastian would react. He knew about Aven and Rafael's relationship because Aven had told him about all of it on a drunken night shared between the pair. They'd been roommates and friends then - not the closest, but both in a situation where leaving with a near-stranger felt better than staying in the city. It was that night they had gotten close. Aven opened up about her role in her former relationship and Sebastian had told her all about how his parents were trying to push him into becoming an engineer when all he ever wanted to do was own a bar. They'd cut off his trust fund, expecting Sebastian to come back to them after a few months. He never did. Instead, he built a life in Seattle, living in a crappy apartment with a girl who'd been a stranger until that one night. Aven's teeth sunk into her bottom lip. Sebastian was a relatively relaxed man, but she doubted he would take the news of working under her ex once again well, especially one she had cheated with. It was better to rip the bandage off quickly rather than prolonging it. Plus, Aven knew that Sebastian appreciated honesty more than anything else. She would have to tell him tonight.<br/>
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"Drinks...." Aven repeated slowly. Flashbacks of old memories blazed through Aven's mind. Images of Rafael drunk and angry, drunk and sweet, and drunk and pensive. Aven's head tilted to the right slightly, her liquid eyes perusing Rafael deliberately. He was her boss now. He was married, had a kid, and an entire life that had no place for Aven in it. She made effort for that singular fact to not disturb her as much as it did. After all, Aven was in the same position. She had her entire life together here in Seattle, and frankly, Aven was in love with it. Seattle was nothing like New York with its constant energy and desire to hustle. New York was busy and crowded and the people were unkind and the air was filled with smog. Seattle, while still holding the glamours of city life was quieter than New York. The people weren't kind, but they weren't unfriendly either. Nature, which had always been important to Aven, not only surrounded the city but was present in good segments all throughout Seattle. No longer did she have to run on the broken pavement when plenty of parks resided so close to her. The point was that Aven was happy now when the Aven that had just moved never thought she would be happy again. Not the way she had been with Rafael. He had been her drug and Aven the addict who knew that all of it would one day go to hell. "Drinks sounds nice, Rafael," Aven smiled. Maybe it was the former addict in her that so badly wanted to take a taste of Rafael. Maybe that's why she said it was a good idea even when a part of Aven felt that distancing would be best. Logically, Aven knew that this meeting wouldn't be like the ones they'd had in their past though. Aven knew that this one would be a talk - not a reconciliation, but maybe an understatement passed between the pair so that nothing would go awry again. Drinks would be a good idea. Just this once - just this one final time.<br/>
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The rest of the day passed quickly with little, but small interactions with Rafael on the menu and how everything would take place the following day. Today, the crew had just familiarized themselves with Rafael, learning his ways, methods, his likes, and dislikes. New recipes were brought, created, and tested until every single one reached the level of perfect Rafael would deem as best.  Aven kept her experimenting to a minimum today, choosing the time to become adept to all the ways Rafael would prefer his kitchen. After all, he was the boss now. Alejandro had been a good one, but he had run his kitchen in a very lax manner. The crew would be in for a rude awakening, one that had nostalgia tearing through Aven's body. She'd been in their position, even more underprepared really, when she had just started with Rafael. By the time the day was over, it was ten o clock. It was an earlier day off than most, but since today had closed just for training, Aven was not surprised. Slipping off her chef's hat and shoving it into her large bag, nerves tightened Aven's stomach at the thought of being alone with Rafael. Debates about canceling or roping another one of her friends, maybe even Alejandro from the kitchen, passed her mind before she realized just how cowardly she was being. It was just drinks. She would be fine.​</div>