CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINE – THE CO – MANAGER

Over the next few hours, Luca walked Jasmine through the basics of restaurant management. They pored over schedules, inventory lists, and supplier contracts. Jasmine's head was spinning with information, but she found herself genuinely interested in learning the intricacies of the business. "The key," Luca explained as they walked through the kitchen, "is to keep everything running smoothly without the customers ever seeing the effort involved. It's like a swan – graceful on the surface, but paddling like mad underneath." Jasmine laughed at the analogy. "I think I can relate to that." As they emerged into the dining room, Jasmine noticed a commotion at one of the tables. A middle-aged man was gesticulating wildly, his face red with anger, while Margaret tried to calm him down. "Ah," Luca sighed. "Time for a practical lesson in customer service. Watch and learn, my dear." He approached the table, his demeanor calm and confident. "Good afternoon, sir. I'm Luca, the manager. May I as