Page 3 of Grateful Hearts And when she did, hed be ready. Ready to apologize, to explain, to do whatever it took to make her stay because losing Chantel wasnt an option. Chapter Two Later that evening, Mario paced the dining room inside the restaurant. He ran a hand through his tousled hair. The place was supposed to open in two hours, but it felt like the walls were closing in on him. Chantel still hadnt shown up, and without her, the restaurant might as well stay closed. The sous chefs were good, but notthatgood. No one could make the magic Chantel did. Without her, Marios prized establishmentthe one people traveled from all over to eat at was nothing more than another overpriced place in the city. He glanced down at his phone, scrolling through the dozen unanswered texts and missed calls.Where the hell was she?He had taken a chance and stopped by her place on the way to the restaurant, but she hadnt answered the door to her apartment. He thought she maybe had headed to the restaurant early. But that obviously wasnt the case because she wasnt there. Mario grimaced, thinking about the packed reservations for the entire week, including Thanksgiving. People loved Thanksgiving athisrestaurantbut only because of Chantels incredible cooking. Around him, the staff bustled to prepare for the opening. Normally, this pre-service chaos filled him with purpose. Tonight, it filled him with dread. He looked at his watch again before redialing her number, his irritation mixing with an edge of panic as the line went straight to voicemail for the fifth time. He hung up and muttered a curse under his breath. Chantel was sweet, but she had a vengeful streak. He shouldve known better than to invite Tatiana to his place. No, that wasnt right. Itwas his and Chantels place. She stayed there enough for it to be her place, too. He felt like a total ass. Chantel was the whole package, after all. She was sweet, gentle, and a damn culinary genius. Brian, his General Manager, was waiting near the hostess stand with a clipboard in hand and concern written all over his face. Still no word from her? Brian asked as Mario approached. Mario shook his head, running a hand through his dark, disheveled hair. Ive been calling all day. Shes got her phone off. Brian frowned. Thats not like her. No kidding, Mario muttered, his voice tight. Chantel was the heartbeat of this place. Her passion infused every dish and every service. Without her, the restaurant was like a ship without a captain, and Mario hated to admit it, but without her, his dream was dead in the water. Do you want me to try calling her? Brian asked. No, Mario snapped, then sighed, softening his tone. Shes probably just… taking some time. Shell come around. But he didnt believe his own words. Chantel had every right to be furious. Hed betrayed her in the worst way possible. Sleeping with Tatiana, of all people, had been a colossal mistake, one hed been regretting every second since. But Mario never imagined that Chantel would stay mad long enough to mess with the restaurant. Mario, Brian pressed, his brow furrowing as he studied him. What happened? Did you two fight or something? Because she never misses a shift. Marios jaw tightened. The last thing he needed was for Brian, or anyone else, to know the truth. The staff didnt just adore Chantel; she was practically their queen. If word got out about what hed done, not only would Brian walk, but so would Ivan, the waitstaff, the line cooks. Hell, everyone would. Its personal, Mario said, his tone clipped. Nothing you need to worry about. Brians eyes narrowed. Well, its my job to worry if Chantel doesnt show. She runs this place, Mario. Mario exhaled sharply. He knew Brian was right, but the reminder grated on his nerves. Just get Ivan ready to lead the kitchen tonight, he ordered. Were down to the wire, and Im not counting on her walking through that door. Brian hesitated, clearly wanting to push for more answers, but he finally nodded. He walked off toward the kitchen, leaving Mario standing in the empty dining room. Mario leaned against the hostesss stand, pinching the bridge of his nose. His emotions churned between guilt and frustration. Chantel had a right to be upsethell, she had every right to hate himbut now she was jeopardizing his livelihood. This is her life, too, he muttered under his breath. Chantel had poured her heart into the restaurant. She wouldnt just disappear. She was too professional for that, even if she was hurt. She wouldntreallyleave him high and dry. Or would she? He wasnt sure of anything anymore.Fuck!He would be ruined if she didnt return. He needed to find out where she was. Chantel kept her recipes under lock and keyfiguratively and literally. No one else could replicate her signature dishes, and the thought of serving subpar food tonight made Marios stomach twist. He clenched his fists. Damn it, he growled, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. Tatianas investment was supposed to secure the restaurants future, not unravel everything. Reaching for his phone, Mario dialed Chantels number again. The phone rang once, twice, three times before going to voicemail. He waited for the beep, his jaw working as he struggled to find the right words. Chantel, its me. Look, I know youre upset. Youve got every right to be. But you cant just He stopped himself, taking a breath. I mean, the restaurant needs you. Weve got an hour until opening, and I need to know if youre coming in. Please call me back. In the latest episode of ReelTalk EP 37, titled "Confessions of a Casting Director" by CrushReel, dive into the behind-the-scenes world of bringing your favorite stars to the big screen. Casting Directors reveal the intricate process of selecting actors for roles and share insights into what they seek in fresh talent. Explore the nuanced themes and character elements that shape the casting decisions, shedding light on the unique aspects that influence the final choices. Discover the artistry and expertise involved in assembling the perfect ensemble to breathe life into each character on screen. What sets this episode apart is its candid exploration of the casting process, offering a rare glimpse into the meticulous craft of matching actors to roles. Uncover the passion and dedication that drive Casting Directors in their quest to create captivating performances. For an exclusive look into the world of casting and to learn more about this ongoing series, head over to CrushReel. Experience firsthand the magic of bringing characters from script to screen by delving into "Confessions of a Casting Director," available to read online at CrushReel.