#Chapter 69: Serving Judgments

Karl “Watch it, you’re massacring those veggies,” John calls out, glancing over from the stove where he’s sauteeing some garlic and mushrooms. I chuckle, adjusting my grip on the knife. I’m supposed to be julienning some peppers, but instead I’ve lost my train of thought and accidentally begun dicing them instead. “Yeah, well, they had it coming.” John grins, shaking his head. “Y’know, you’re not as unfunny and stupid as I thought you were.” “Could say the same about you,” I reply, gathering the sliced vegetables into a bowl. Who would’ve thought? John and I, mortal enemies turned reluctant allies. A couple of weeks ago, we could barely stand to be in the same room, but time and circumstances—and angry bosses—have a way of forcing you to reassess your priorities. “It’s all about collaboration,” John continues, his tone more philosophical than I thought the brute would be capable of. “You can’t make a great dish with just one ingredient. Same with a