We all, as humans, have pet peeves. Little itty bitty things about us that aren't quite polite, but are also our simple human flaws.

For Julianne Hunter, one of those flaws was, well.....

Julianne: So, what do you all think?

... she really badly wanted to be praised for her work. After all, she'd worked very hard for it.

As for the question, Luke, Tiffany, and Ken all froze, being quite a bit shocked by what was said.

Max, in the meantime, sulked even harder.

Max: (thinking: C'mooooooooooon. When can we get to eating already?)

And as for how to react to her question...

The three of them looked at each other.

All this time these three had shared the same opinion on Max's mother. That there was something shady about the situation.

And these three and only these three still found themselves on this side of the room.

And Tiffany, seeing how she was team leader...

Tiffany: (slightly nervous) It's incredible.

A bright smile lit up on Julianne Hunter's face.

Tiffany: I mean... it's just so....

She had no words. It was unbelievable how much this room had changed in what hadn't even been a very long time. Even Tiffany, who herself had seen the unfinished work, was completely shocked. It was even better than before. Much better.

Tiffany: ... so.... incredible.

Julianne: Aww... thanks Tiffany.

Her eyes then turned to Luke and Ken.

Julianne: How about you two?

They both flinched again.

Ken: (thinking: So, Tiffany's answer wasn't enough for her. Oh boy...)

Luke: (thinking: Great..... well....)

And so Luke started first.

Luke: It's.... well... it's amazing.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Ken: I agree. (thinking: Completely unbelievable that someone could do something like this.)

Julianne: Awww... thanks guys. But enough about me...

And then, she stood up and walked to a dish.

Julianne: Please, allow me to present your dishes today.

The teens all looked at her in shock. Well, except for Max, who continued to sulk.

Tiffany, Luke , and Ken: Hmm?

As for Rose...

Rose: Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Ok. Ok. I'll stay put!

She knew what she meant.

Julianne smiled at Rose before starting to her first dish.

There were six dishes in all. All of them next to a chair.

And Julianne walked up to the first chair.

Julianne: (to Luke, Tiffany, and Ken) C'mon you guys. Don't be shy.

The three teens slowly and somewhat carefully walked the dining room. It, initially wasn't very big. However, with all the work she'd put in, it suddenly looked much bigger. Like there was more air to breath.

Julianne: First up is Mr. Kenneth Stone.

Ken: (thinking: What the!? Mr!?)

The rest of them were entirely shocked. Again, except Max.

She pulled up his chair in a particularly gentle manner, and then motioned for him to have a seat.

Julianne: C'mon.

Ken shared glances with Tiffany and Luke.

Rose: C'mon Ken. Don't be shy! It's gonna be great.

Ken awkwardly walked to the chair.

Ken: (thinking: Easy for you to say,...)

He then sat down and looked to his left. On seat away from him was Max. And in the middle....

Ken: (thinking: ... you're not seated next to her.)

Julianne presently pulled the cloche from the charger, revealing what Ken would, had he had the mind to say it at the time, describe as the best roast beef he'd ever seen.

It was just as one would expect from an expert chef. Perfectly brown on the outside, and absolutely well done, of course not considering the healthy helping of fries right next to it and the herbs all over the beef.

And as for the intoxicating aroma. None of the teens had ever before smelled such a dish. Well... with the exception of Max.

Julianne: Presenting Steak de japonais. Or, rather... Japanese steak.

Needless to say, Ken was shocked.

Rose: Wooooooowwwww! It looks so tasty!

Julianne: Uh huh. This bad boy is one of the most expensive steaks in the whole world.

Rose: Really?

Julianne: Uh huh. They say that only a couple of thousand cows are even deemed worthy of being cooked onto this steak.

Rose: Really!

Julianne: Mmmm... hmmm...

Ken: But....

For the first time in a long time, Ken found himself starstruck.

Since when was he the one with a tied up tongue?

Ken: ... how did you....?

Julianne: Oh, it's ok. Getting stuff like this on such short notice is no hassle when you're rich and famous. Which reminds me...

She put her finger on her lip.

Julianne: ... you four didn't happen to tell anyone who I am, did you?

Rose: Oh no. Never.

Tiffany: We did not. No need to worry.

Ken: Nope.

Luke: No.

Julianne: (relieved sigh) Oh, thank goodness. Believe me, paparazzi are way more of a hassle to deal with than you'd think.

Rose: Really

Julianne: Mmmm hmm. But before we talk about that, we should move on to the next dish. Monsieur Luke?

Rose giddily clapped her hands, as for Max, he wondered as to why she was so excited.

Max: (thinking: Is this some kind of girl thing?)

Luke: Yes ma'am.

He was surprised by how shocked she made him. As for her, she pulled up his seat.

Julianne: Have a seat.

Luke presently sat down. He was right next to Ken and directly facing Max, who was still waiting, seeming bored.