CHAPTER SIXTEEN - Underneath the Surface

The Curry Shepherd's Pie, as they dubbed it, was an instant hit. Customers raved about the unique flavor combination, and word began to spread. Soon, they noticed some of the faces they hadn't seen since the Copper Kettle opened returning to Montgomery's. One evening, as they were closing up, Sarah approached them with a grin. "You two make quite the team," she said, looking between Ella and Lucas. "The energy in this place has completely changed since you started working together on the menu. It's like the old Montgomery's, but... better." Ella felt a blush creep up her cheeks, while Lucas cleared his throat, looking slightly flustered. "We're just doing our best to give the customers what they want," he said modestly. As Sarah left, Ella and Lucas shared a look, both aware of the unspoken truth in her words. They did make a good team, both in and out of the kitchen. The following weekend, they decided to attend the town's annual summer fair. The streets were lined with booths sel