3D: Oh Happy Day

Aubrey took Julio’s advice and delayed returning to work. She wasn’t the type to need a vacation from her vacation, but jet lag aimed to keep her down this time. The anxiety to go back to work gripped her like a kidnapper, but she resolved to rest and give her body what it needed.

On the first day back, she awoke early with Julio excited to log onto her email and see what she missed. After catching up, placing orders and processing payroll, she practically skipped down the street to see her baby, Bocca Felice. Everyone thought she built the restaurant a few blocks from home on purpose, but it was just a serendipitous occurrence.

“Heeeey, there’s our world traveling, fearless leader,” Rae shouted as Aubrey entered. “How was your trip? I bet it was hard to come back, huh?”

“No, I was itching to get back!”

Rae looked at her as if she said she hated puppies or something. “Seriously?” She sucked her teeth. “Giiiiirl, let my man take me halfway across the world for a week! I’m gonna be crying the whole plane ride back!”

Aubrey giggled. “We had fun! I enjoyed it.”

Rae gave her a hard side-eye. Were her bad habits so clear people picked up on them quickly?

“Seriously! It was an inspiring trip! I wanted to come home and start working on my new ideas right away.”

Rae slipped back on her hip. “Ohhh! You didn’t work at all, huh? I see. Mr. Sweet Cheeks must have kept you busy!” She winked. “Ok, Miss Lady! I am not mad at that.”

Aubrey shook her head. “What will I do with you?”

She swatted at her. “You know you love me.”

“I really do!”

Bocca Felice’s employees were a breath of fresh air. Aubrey concentrated her time there and blamed it on the restaurant’s infancy. But frankly, the team performed exceptionally and didn’t need her hovering. Their experience propelled the restaurant into a successful pattern from day one as she expected. Emilee needed help from time to time, but she had an incredible team supporting her. They were everything Aubrey ever wanted. Launch week was a dream. Service was quick, no one complained or sent meals back, and the ratings exploded. After Aubrey’s interview in Tasty magazine, business really took off.

The first wave of the rush hit before vacation. The reports from this morning encouraged her and showed the rush continued and increased in her absence. An interview by a popular magazine only one year after her father’s big spread was an amazing experience, but it brought on conflicted feelings. They only interviewed her because she was a Pruett, and the family drama was salacious gossip for their readers to chew on while they made millions off her pain. The questions centered mainly around her marriage and family relations. Still, the recognition honored her.

The article drew new customers from everywhere. When Judith Ward waltzed in, Aubrey thought she’d faint but kept it professional. She never dreamed big celebrities would eat at her restaurants. So much success in a short time overwhelmed her

Just as Aubrey recovered from being star struck, in walked two people who almost caused her bladder to fail. The Akana twins marched into the restaurant with their beady, discerning blue eyes and persistent frown. Enele and Iosefina were the toughest critics in the entire region. One word on their blog could send a restauranteur into stardom or shut them down within a week. Aubrey didn’t feel so good. Critics visited J. Pruett’s Grill all the time and wrote glowing reviews, but none of them had the power of the Akana twins. All she experienced until that point was a test. J. Pruett’s was a playground. Within a few hours, Bocca Felice would be the real deal or a listing on a realtor’s website.

Aubrey hurried into the kitchen. “D, I don’t mean to insult your abilities, but I just thought you should know the Akana twins are here.”

“Word? Hmph. Guess I should have put on my lucky socks this morning.”

Nia swatted at him. “You don’t need luck. Those evil matonas can screw themselves!”

Butterflies flitted around Aubrey’s stomach at her moxie. “While I agree, these two are serious, Nia. All it takes is one negative word from them and we’re finished. So…tread lightly…please?”

“What she means is put a muzzle on that bulldog, señorita.”

“¡Vete al diablo!”

They fought like siblings with comedic banter and had amazing chemistry from the beginning. Were they merely coworkers who got along, or was there more to this playful friendship? As an employer, Aubrey should discourage workplace relationships. She also shouldn’t hire friends, but offering Keegan a job was one of the best decisions she ever made in her life. If D and Nia were hooking up, maybe it wouldn’t turn into something bad.

Aubrey worked herself into a frenzy while waiting for Enele or Iosefina’s review. She bussed tables, washed dishes, took out trash, cleaned bathrooms, and even scrolled through Simstagram—something she always neglected. What she saw made her scream so loud, everyone’s head zipped toward her. After apologizing and allaying everyone’s anxiety, she ran into the bathroom to continue having her moment.

What wonderful a wonderful distraction! She called Maya to congratulate and yell at her for not calling right away. Aubrey’s heart was so full. Maya lived her dream life for a while, but to get engaged at last … Aubrey had never been more happy for her beautiful sister.

After their conversation, Aubrey spent a few moments calming herself to get back to business. Thirty minutes went by before she realized she was supposed to check the Akana twins’ blogs. A new post from 17 minutes before appeared on Enele’s blog when she refreshed the page. Aubrey stopped breathing as she read the title. Bocca Felice Means Happy Mouth…Presumptuous or Nah?

Her knees wobbled as she ran to the back of the restaurant to read in private. Hopefully, no one would see if she collapsed into a pool of tears. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and prayed for good fortune as she scrolled down the page.

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the meal I received for such a reasonable price. This is sure to become a local favorite. Dine here to experience food done right.