chapter 24

Ruby "This is the kitchen," Pearl said as we entered the kitchen. It was more like a place where the food to run a restaurant was prepared. The utensils were hung in an organized way. There were a few staff and a chef working. The chef, who was wearing a white coat, which I assumed was his uniform, saw me and Pearl. "Good morning, ma'am. Did you both need something?" he asked with a polite smile and bent down a little to show respect. He looked like he was in his thirties. "No, Jasper," Pearl replied, "I'm just showing her around. More like giving her a tour of this house." Jasper, the chef, his olive eyes fell on me and he grinned. "Welcome, boss lady." "Ah, thanks?" It came out more like a question. Why does everyone call me 'boss lady'? "Everyone, boss lady is here with Ma'am Pearl," Jasper announced and everyone working in the kitchen looked at us. I saw that they all had a uniform. The woman wore a yellow blouse with a black skirt or pants. The men wore a yellow shirt with