Test

                “Carol, I have to tell someone.”



         “Whats up, Ida?” Carol asks. “Did you get the job with Chef Rose?”



         “Yes, I was having a wonderful day. He was so kind. I learned how to make veggie flowers, decorate any plate, and I can now cook a lobster that would make a king proud.”



         “Cool,” Carol seemed to be getting impatient with me. “So everything went well?”



         “Well, we were sending out plates with the speed of any five star restaurant.” I had to pause. I was not sure that she would believe what I was about to say next.



         “It seems that you are on your way. If you make it in with Rose, you can work your way up to top chef in about two years. He has moved many cooks that found favor with him up to one of his places in one to two years.”



         I sigh, “ That is my problem.”



         “What's that?” Carol asked.



         “The busiest time in the entire day. Some one brushed my back. I turn away, and there was Chef bending over and picked up a lamb chop that I suppose he had dropped. I held my hand out thinking that he would hand it to me to throw into the trash by my other side. I am not sure that he noticed me, but he blue off the meat and placed it on the plate.” I replied still not really believing it myself.



         “Ida, I would not have believed this from anyone else. I think that this is an opportunity for a good beginning of the rest of your life. I think that I would keep this to myself.”



         Hanging up the phone, I knew that she made since. Was I true to my craft if I did not do something? If I decided to do something, what would I do?  What would I want someone to do if they knew that my meal was contaminated. 



         I had the hardest time sleeping that night. The next morning I slowly got ready for work in our break room. I was putting on my chef's jacket, when Chef Rose noticed me.



         “How was your first day, Ida?” He asked.



         “I loved working here. It was a great day. However, I could not sleep last night?”

         “The first day excitement will do that to you.” He smiled.



         I swallowed hard. I had to say something. “ That wasn't it. I don't want to stop working here, but what I am about to say may cost me my job.”



         Rose looked me in the eyes, “Go on.”



         “Yesterday, I think that I saw you pick up a peace of meat off the floor and brew it off and then place it on an out-going  plate.” I waited for a denial. When he did not speak, I continued. “I will finish off today, and I will understand if you don't ask me back tomorrow.”



         Chef Rose looks at me with a look that I did not know how to interpret it. “You aren't going anywhere. This is a test that I give to all my new staff. Most do not pass, and in a while they show their true colors. Not many of the new staff pass the test, but you are an honorable chef. I am happy to welcome you into our company, and I see you moving up to your own restaurant. Now get to work?”



         “Thank you,” I was so excited as I continued humming and working. I just could not wait to call Carol tonight.





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