every second he hesitated glancing between Camille and Matthew before finally muttering because because you’re black the words hung in the air Raw and exposed for a moment no one spoke Camille’s heart pounded in her chest and she felt a mixture of anger and Vindication Rising within her he had finally said it the truth was out Matthew’s eyes darkened and he spoke in a low controlled voice so you thought that because of her race she wouldn’t speak up that she didn’t deserve the same respect as the other diners Ethan
nodded slowly his face pale I didn’t think it was that big of a deal at the time he admitted his voice shaky I thought you thought wrong Camille said sharply you thought you could treat me like I didn’t matter because you assumed no one would hold you accountable but you were wrong Ethan’s eyes filled with regret and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat his head hanging low I’m really sorry he mumbled I know it doesn’t mean much now but I really am Camille sat back in her chair Crossing her arms as she studied him you’re right she said
her voice firm it doesn’t mean much you knew exactly what you were doing AP izing now won’t change that Matthew leaned forward his expression cold and unreadable do you understand why this can’t be forgiven Ethan Ethan nodded slowly his face a mask of defeat yes sir I get it Matthew stared at him for a long moment the weight of his words hanging in the air you’re fired Ethan he said finally his voice low but Resolute pack up your things and don’t come back this restaurant has no place for people who treat others with disrespect and
Prejudice your actions not only hurt my wife but also so damaged the reputation of this establishment Ethan’s face crumpled but he didn’t argue he knew this was the end slowly he rose from the chair his shoulders hunched and nodded once more I understand sir he mumbled I’m I’m really sorry apologies won’t fix this Matthew said quietly his eyes hard now go without another word Ethan turned and left the office the door clicking shut behind him the silence that followed was heavy but this time it wasn’t filled with tension it was filled
with finality Camille let out a slow breath her body relaxing as the weight of the situation lifted off her shoulders Ethan was gone and the restaurant was better for it Matthew leaned back in his chair rubbing his temples I wanted to give him the chance to be honest he said softly but I knew he wouldn’t make it right you did the right thing Camille said her voice gentle but firm he needed to go people like him don’t just change overnight Matthew nodded slowly I know and this place our place has to stand for more
than that reached across the desk taking his hand in hers we did what we needed to do he squeezed her hand offering a small smile we did the air in the office felt lighter now and for the first time in days Camille felt a sense of closure they had stood up for what was right and Ethan had faced the consequences of his actions as they both stood to leave the office ready to face the day ahead Camille glanced back at the door where Ethan had exited she knew there would be more battles like this more people like
him who would try to get away with their prejudices but but she also knew that she and Matthew were ready to fight them they walked out of the office together side by side ready to take on whatever came next the day after Ethan’s firing was quiet almost too quiet for a place as bustling as bastro Novo Camille and Matthew stood together in the empty restaurant before the lunch rush began the soft hum of the kitchen staff preparing for the day as a backdrop the air felt lighter now though a trace of the tension from the previous days still
lingered Camille glanced at Matthew as they walked slowly through the dining area her hand slipping into his do you think he’s gone for good she asked her voice soft but curious he won’t be coming back Matthew said firmly I made that clear Camille nodded knowing that Ethan’s chapter at the restaurant was well and truly closed but a lingering thought sat at the back of her mind one she had yet to voice you know she began I kept thinking last night if Ethan had such a problem with black people why did he even work for you in the first place
Matthew raised an eyebrow a small smile pulling at the corner of his lips I’ve wondered the same thing it’s funny how people like him think they can hide behind a job a uniform and their own Twisted logic but eventually the truth always comes out Camille sighed a mixture of frustration and disbelief washing over her it’s so absurd he’s working for a black man someone who built this place from the ground up and yet he has the audacity to think he can treat someone like me like us as if we don’t belong the hypocrisy is
unbelievable Matthew shook his head his expression turning serious again it’s the way people like him justify their actions they think they can compartmentalize their hatred hide it behind a paycheck or a title but at the end of the day it always comes down to fear fear of losing power fear of change fear of seeing people they don’t respect succeed Camille leaned against one of the polished tables her fingers tracing the edge of the silverware set out for the day’s guests I still can’t believe it the nerve of someone like that
working in a place built by a black owner thinking he could look down on me Matthew smiled softly he won’t be the last unfortunately but at least here we’ve set the standard people like him won’t last in our world Camille felt a surge of Pride as she looked around the restaurant it was more than just a business it was a place that stood for something something bigger than either of them individually Matthew had built it from nothing and together they had made it a success one that welcomed everyone with respect and dignity no
matter who they were she straightened up feeling the weight of the past few days finally lift you’re right she said quietly this place isn’t just a restaurant it’s a statement Matthew nodded his eyes soft as he looked at her it always has been they stood in silence for a moment letting the truth of those words settle between them the restaurant was more than a business venture or a source of income it was a space where people of all backgrounds races and identities came together a reflection of the world they wanted to see and anyone
who couldn’t respect that didn’t belong there as the staff began to file in preparing for the lunch crowd Matthew took Camille’s hand and led her toward the back where they could enjoy a quiet moment before the busy day began they passed through the kitchen where the chefs greeted them with warm smiles and out into the small courtyard behind the building the sun was warm on Camille’s skin and she closed her eyes for a moment letting the light and the fresh air wash away the remnants of the stress from the past few days it felt good to
breathe to stand in a place where they both belonged I’m proud of what we did she said after a moment turning to Matthew we stood up for what was right and we did it together Matthew smiled his hand squeezing hers always they stood there in the quiet of the courtyard side by side knowing that while the world outside wasn’t perfect they had carved out a small space that reflected the values they held dear the restaurant would continue stronger and more resilient for what had happened and as they moved forward they would
continue to fight for the respect and dignity of everyone who walked through those doors no more racists like Ethan no more silent discrimination only people who understood the simple truth in Bistro Nuvo everyone belonged