Parisian chef

Sophia came off the train at the Gare du Nord , it's a very busy place where one could hardly hear his/ her own voice . Sophia made it out of the train station and there she strolled around waiting for her taxi to arrive, she had booked a taxi and a room online at the Montmartre . As she made her way out of the crowded station. Her thoughts couldn't help but think about what led to the vacation. She has been a talented chef at a well -known restaurant back in New York, but her boss's irrevocable hate and non-appreciative nature , and to her been fired .

The sound of a notification dropped on her phone, brought Sophia back to life . It's her driver notifying her that he is waiting for her in front of the large hall , Sophia rushed up to meet him . She looked around and saw a young man waving at her , walked close greeted bonjour mademoiselle, Sophia nodded ,he went ahead to help Sophia with her luggage. As they drove through the city streets , Sophia was wondered at historic buildings, sizzling streets, charming cafe and street performers. The taxi driver , a friendly Parisian named Pierre, Pointed out landmarks and suggested tips on best places to visit . "You must try the croissant at Boulangerie Gérard Mulot ," Pierre said with a smile "They are the best place in Paris." Sophia smiled and locked it in her mind to try the croissant as soon as possible. As they approached the apartment she had booked, Sophie began to feel nervous , she said a little prayer for herself "Paris please be good to me." They've arrived at the apartment, Sophia was excited to find it even more charming than she expected. The house was a beautiful old stone with a nice staircase and cozy courtyard. Her landlord and landlady , Monsieur and Madame Dupont , has been waiting for her , they greeted her warmly and showed her around the apartment. Luckily for Sophia they speak English so well " we would take our leave now and you're invited for dinner " madame DuPont announced to Sophia ," thank you so much madaa me " she stutters trying to recall her name , "Dupont " the landlady supported her and putted out a smile , alright see ya they waved at her and left to their apartment . Sophia was done unpacking and settling into her new home , she laid on her bed feeling happy of unknown achievements , She knew that there will be alot of achievements to come in Paris but she was clueless of them. "This is it - I'm starting a new life in Paris " She said . This was going to be an adventure she would never forget. Later that evening; Sophia set out to Madame apartment in order to honor her dinner invitation , as she approached the apartment she could perceive the aroma of roasted chicken her stomach rumbled a bit . She knocked slightly , the door opened wide enough by her Madame, smilingly "Ah , ma chérié ! You have come ! Come in , come in !" Madame Dupont exclaimed, The dining table was set in generously Roasted meats , pasta 🍝 dishes, salad, wine. From the lovely dishes to the beautiful wares , this must be a chef family Silence was broken by monsieur Dupont "bon appétit " Sophia smiles. they began to eat. Five minutes over the dinner they conversed freely as Madame DuPont told Sophia a lot about Paris from the artists that roamed it's streets to the poet who found inspiration in his shadows. Sophia listened to the fascinating stories . "I feel like I'm living in a painting world , every corner in Paris is different from the rest of the world " Sophia says Madame DuPont chuckled, " ah my dear , Paris is a living painting , but you have to look beyond its beauty there are all lot to discover " After the dinner Monsieur DuPont went to bed while Sophia and Madame DuPont had herbal tea at the balcony Madame DuPont asked Sophia why she left new York Sophia took a sip of the herbal tea , gazed out at the Parisian skyline and took a deep breath . "I left new York because I needed to cool of ," Sophia began, her voice transparent . "I was working as a chef at a well- known restaurant, but my boss was....difficult . He didn't appreciate my work and it led to firing me . Madame DuPont understandably said to Sophia "You see sometimes, we must take leap of faith to find our true path" . She went further to tell Sophia , "I am a retired chef I worked as a chef in different restaurants and I had my ups and downs but I never loosed hope , in fact I built my own beautiful restaurant that I handled for years "for real?" Sophia asked in amusement , Madame DuPont nodded and continued "my son Mario is a chef and he has a culinary school here in Paris and he is managing the family's restaurant , it was faith that kept the family moving " Sophia was so impressed by Madame DuPonts story that she asked Madame DuPont " When can I meet your son " " Oh my dear, he comes home very late at night but not to worry I will introduce you soon " At that time Sophia was becoming tired and needed rest , she had a long day . Madame was about seeing her off when Mario opened the door... As the door opened , Mario DuPont, Madame DuPonts son , stoned before Sophia . His features was lit with tousled dark hair and easy smile . "Bonjour mama " Mario greeted his mum She answered and went ahead to introduce Sophia to Mario This is lady Sophia our new guest from New York and also a chef Sophia this is my son Mario . "Hi " He took her hand in a gentle handshake "Enchanté " welcome to our home , his voice was smooth and low . Sophia felt welcomed and grateful for the hospitality she has received " I hope you are enjoying your stay in Paris so far," Mario added with a lot of interest Sophia replied " absolutely , Paris is not only filled with fantasies but also hospitality Your parents took good care of me today and I was As the door opened , Mario DuPont, Madame DuPonts son , stoned before Sophia . His features was lit with tousled dark hair and easy smile . "Bonjour mama " Mario greeted his mum She answered and went ahead to introduce Sophia to Mario This is lady Sophia our new guest from New York and also a chef Sophia this is my son Mario . "Hi " He took her hand in a gentle handshake "Enchanté " welcome to our home , his voice was smooth and low . Sophia felt welcomed and grateful for the hospitality she has received " I hope you are enjoying your stay in Paris so far," Mario added with a lot of interest Sophia replied " absolutely , Paris is not only filled with fantasies but also hospitality Your parents took good care of me today . Mario smiled again, just then , Madame DuPont " Mario , why don't you show Sophia around the city tomorrow? I'm sure she would love to see the sights" "Mama , i don't know if it's a good idea ,he said "I have a lot of work to do tomorrow " But Madame DuPont insists "Nonsense, Mario. You can take a break for one day .Besides, Sophia could use a guide " Sophia felt grateful "thank you Madame that's so kind of you. Fine mario signed "I'll take Sophia on a tour of the city but not tomorrow on Friday Sophia was happy thank you so Mario "well I was about going back to my apartment , I guess I'd get going" ummm I guess it's good night then ya Good night Madame DuPont Good night lady DuPont Madame said . Sophia closed the door to her apartment and went straight to bed , sighed deeply. She thought about Paris , the beautiful places she's yet to see , Madame DuPont's hospitality and kindness, her son Mario tuosled dark hair and charming smile , he was friendly but kept his distance , she also wondered what his culinary school would look like , I would love to enroll she thought to herself , as she fell asleep. "Paris , je t'aime " Sophia whispered, her eye closing as she fell deep into sleep. The sound of the little birds singing melodies from Monsieur DuPont's garden woke Sophia up to a Parisian morning. She stretched and yawned, feeling so good after a good night rest . After getting dressed, Sophia went to the kitchen to make so coffee . As she waited for coffee to brew , she gazed out the window, embracing the sight and sound of the city . The aroma of freshly baked croissants spread through the air , enticing Sophia to start her day , a thought of the French pastries she would be trying, she smiled to herself . Just as Sophia was about to sip out her coffee, she heard a knock on the door . She opened it and it was Madame DuPont. "Bonjour , lady Sophia ! I hope you slept well? I brought you some fresh croissants and baguette for breakfast "Madame DuPont held a basket filled with fresh goodies . Sophia beamed, as she took the basket "merci Madame DuPont, you're too kind " Sophia said feeling happy As Sophia enjoyed her breakfast she felt so happy and grateful As Sophia finished her breakfast, she felt invigorated and ready to start her day. She decided to visit the DuPonts' apartment to see if they needed any help with anything. When she arrived, Monsieur DuPont was tending to his garden, watering the plants and pruning the flowers. Sophia offered to help, and together they worked in comfortable silence, enjoying the warm sunshine and the sweet scent of blooming flowers. As they worked, a few customers stopped by to buy some fresh flowers, and Sophia helped Monsieur DuPont attend to them. She was surprised by how much she enjoyed helping out and chatting with the customers. Meanwhile, Madame DuPont was watching Sophia from the kitchen window, a sly smile spreading across her face. She turned to Monsieur DuPont, who was busy arranging a bouquet of flowers. "I think we've found the perfect girl for Mario," Madame DuPont said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. Monsieur DuPont looked up, surprised. "Really? You think Sophia is the one?" Madame DuPont nodded. "Oui, I'm certain of it. She's kind, hardworking, and beautiful. Mario needs someone like her to bring some joy into his life." Monsieur DuPont smiled, nodding in agreement. "Then we must convince Mario to fall in love with her." Madame DuPont's smile grew wider. "Leave that to me, dear. I have a plan." As Sophia continued to help Monsieur DuPont with the flowers, she had no idea that the DuPonts were already plotting to bring her and Mario together. Little did she know, her life was about to take a dramatic turn. As the day went on, Sophia continued to help Monsieur DuPont with the flowers, and Madame DuPont busied herself in the kitchen, preparing lunch for the family. Mario was nowhere to be found, but Sophia couldn't help but wonder when she would see him again. After lunch, Madame DuPont invited Sophia to join her for a walk in the Luxembourg Gardens. Sophia agreed, and as they strolled through the beautiful gardens, Madame DuPont began to ask her more questions about her life and her interests. Sophia was happy to share more about herself, and Madame DuPont listened intently, nodding her head and making supportive noises. As they walked, Sophia couldn't help but feel like Madame DuPont was trying to get to know her better, but she couldn't quite put her finger on why. As they returned to the apartment, Mario was sitting in the living room, typing away on his laptop. He looked up and smiled at Sophia, and she felt a flutter in her chest. "Bonjour, Sophia," he said, closing his laptop. "I see you've been helping my father with the flowers. Merci beaucoup." Sophia smiled back at him, feeling a sense of ease in his presence. "De rien, Mario. It was my pleasure to help." Madame DuPont smiled at the exchange, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction. She knew that Sophia and Mario were going to get along just fine. As the evening drew to a close, Sophia thanked the DuPonts for their hospitality and headed back to her apartment, feeling grateful for the new friends she had made. Little did she know, the DuPonts were just getting started on their plan to bring her and Mario together. As soon as Sophia left, the DuPonts turned their attention to Mario, who was still sitting on the couch, typing away on his laptop. "Mario, dear, what did you think of Sophia?" Madame DuPont asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Mario looked up from his laptop, a hint of a smile on his face. "She seems nice, Mama. Very kind and helpful." Monsieur DuPont nodded in agreement. "Oui, she is a lovely young woman. We are very lucky to have her staying with us." Madame DuPont leaned forward, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Mario, we need to talk to you about Sophia. We think she would be perfect for you." Mario's eyes widened in surprise. "Mama, Papa, I don't think that's a good idea. I'm not looking for a relationship right now." But Madame DuPont was undeterred. "Nonsense, Mario. You need someone to bring some joy into your life. And Sophia is the perfect person to do that." Mario sighed, knowing that his parents were not going to give up easily. "I'll think about it, Mama. But no promises." Madame DuPont smiled, satisfied with Mario's response. "That's all we can ask for, dear. Now, don't forget that you promised to take Sophia on a tour of the city tomorrow." Mario nodded, checking his calendar. "Oui, I remember. Tomorrow is Wednesday. I'll pick her up at 10 am." Monsieur DuPont smiled, patting Mario on the back. "Good boy, Mario. We're counting on you to show Sophia the real Paris." Sophia's eyes slowly closed as she drifted off to sleep, her mind whirling with excitement and possibility. She felt grateful for the opportunity to stay with the DuPonts, and she knew that she wanted to make the most of her time in Paris. As she fell asleep, Sophia's thoughts were filled with visions of herself enrolled in Mario's culinary school, learning the intricacies of French cuisine and honing her skills as a chef. She imagined herself working alongside Mario and his team, soaking up their knowledge and expertise like a sponge. And then, of course, there was the ultimate dream: opening her own restaurant. Sophia had always wanted to be her own boss, to create a culinary experience that was uniquely hers. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to make her dream a reality. With a contented sigh, Sophia fell into a deep sleep, her heart filled with hope and her mind buzzing with excitement for the adventures that lay ahead. The next morning, Sophia dressed in comfortable walking shoes and clothes, and made her way to the DuPont's home. She arrived just as Mario was finishing up his breakfast. "Bonjour, Sophia!" Mario said, smiling as he stood up to greet her. "I'm glad you're excited for our tour today." Sophia smiled .

To be continued....