This story came in second in a writing contest. The topic of the contest was: It was supposed to be the summer job of a lifetime, working as a chef at an upscale “summer camp†for adults. But, the air conditioner was broken again. After closing, the stale outdoor air brought little relief. The path to the cabins housing seasonal employees was dark but short. She stopped in her tracks when she came across one of the windows. With her pupils dilating, she couldn’t look away…
**Beneath the Stars of Modena** is a romantic drama set in the heart of Italy’s culinary world. Clara, a shy yet determined waitress, begins working at Osteria Francescana under the demanding and temperamental head chef, Marco Romano. Despite his harsh demeanor, Clara sees the passion behind Marco’s rigid perfectionism, and over time, an unspoken connection blossoms between them. As they navigate the pressures of fine dining and their growing feelings, they must decide whether love can truly coexist with ambition. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Modena, this tale weaves passion, longing, and the pursuit of dreams into a mesmerizing romance.
