Forever and a Night

by Lana Campbell

  “Did we hear right? Did he just offer you a job as his private chef?” Brittany demanded, her hazel eyes dancing with intrigue. She glanced at the contract.

  Mia frowned at the lot of them, snatched up the papers and began to read. She had no legal expertise, but by the time she got to the last page her hands were shaking, and the excitement spiraling through her system had stolen the last vestiges of her appetite.

  “What does it say?” Cody demanded.

  “Nothing important. For the record, I’m not going anywhere.” She refolded the papers and frowned again at them collectively. “The night isn’t over yet. I’m sure you all have things to do.” To Brittany she said, “And you, Missy Lou, have a cooler to bleach along with your partner in crime there.” The last chastising look she spared for Michael.

  She grabbed her bowl and Nathan’s document, then went into the kitchen. As she headed for the break room to collect her purse, she passed Joe’s office. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed him sitting at his desk doing paperwork.

  “Mia!” he hollered out as she passed back by.

  She backtracked and stepped inside. “What’s up?”

  “Have a seat.” He nodded toward one of the utilitarian metal chairs in front of a matching desk that looked like one she remembered from her elementary school days.

  Once she was seated he said, “I saw that Nathan Davenport paid a visit here again tonight and not for my food.” He glanced across the room where he had a video monitor set up, dissected by four separate streams catching activity throughout the restaurant.

  “Yeah, so?” She tried to remain aloof. All week, Joe as well as the rest of the staff and had been commenting about his many visits.

  He scowled at her. “Look, I’m an old man, happily married, but not so over the hill I can’t spot attraction. You have the richest guy in the country trying to date you and I suppose from a woman’s point of view, he’s good looking. I saw you blow him off again tonight. I respect you, Mia and I’ve never had an employee as loyal as you or one who worked as hard. You also know I rarely get into the personal affairs of my staff. No offense, but what the hell are you thinking?”

  She shoved her arms over her chest and returned his scowl because she was sick of coming up with excuses for why she wouldn’t go out with the man. Of course she was attracted to him. What woman wouldn’t be? Perhaps if they had something in common, she might consider dating him. Then again, probably not, because she seriously doubted a man like Nathan Davenport would have any sort of Christian values.

  “Come on, Joe. You know me. I’m just a good `ol country girl. What would I possibly have in common with Nathan Davenport? He’s only intrigued with me because I’ve refused to date him.”

  He crossed his arms over his ample belly, covered by a sauce splattered chef’s jacket and studied her, his expression curious. “What were those paper he gave you?”

  She glanced back at the monitor, her ire thickening. A person couldn’t even take a bathroom break in this place without Joe noticing. She’d always been honest with Joe. She wouldn’t deceive him now. “He offered me a job as his private chef, which I know to be bull. He couldn’t get me to go out with him so he laid an offer on the table he thinks I can’t refuse, but you know I can’t be bought.”

  Joe leaned forward, reached up and scratched his bald head. “What does the contract say?”

  “I don’t understand legalese at all, but basically should I quit or should he terminate me for any reason, I get a cool million as severance.”

  His brown eyes widened like donut holes blooming in a fryer. “Let me see that thing.” He reached across the desk and extended his hand.

  Mia dug it out of her purse and gave it to him. Minutes passed while he silently read. Finally he handed the papers back to her and shook his head. “I know a little about legal documents and although I would strongly advise you to have an attorney look this over, I think I can safely say, you just caught the goose that lays the golden eggs. It would kill me to loose you, Mia. You’re the best employee I’ve ever had hands down, but I’d be an asshole to keep you from a deal like this.”

  That news made flutters of excitement dance in her belly. “Really? You think it’s legit?”

  “Definitely. Now what you’re going to have to do for that million dollars or the crazy amount of pay he’s offering is another story. But the long and short of it is this—you could work for him for a week and decide to quit and get the money. It’s ironclad from what I can tell.”

  Mia shook her head and put the contract in her purse. “That’s unethical. I could never do that. Besides, I have a feeling it would be his ethics I’d have to worry about.”

  Joe nodded, looked down at the server drops spread out in front of him, then back at her. “I would never encourage you to put yourself in a compromising position, and God only knows his motives where you’re concerned. If you can negotiate a way to work for him, where you’d be safe, I’d try if I were you. Selfishly, I hope he might be a little ethically challenged, but of course not dangerous so you can get your million dollars and come back to work for me.” He paused there to chuckle. “Although with that much money you wouldn’t need to.”

  Mia laughed. “Oh, I’d work for you anyway and you know it. I just love ending my day reeking of garlic and other obnoxious kitchen smells and putting up with your cranky old butt.”

  He chuckled again and leaned his elbows on the edge of the metal desk. “Do some hard thinking and first thing Monday morning get that document to an attorney. I hope it pans out for you and if it does, before you leave me I intend to do a press release. My sous chef becoming Nathan Davenport’s personal chef is going to hit the media nationwide.”

  Mia stood and wagged a finger at him. “Ah! I see your motives now. Free press. You’re worst than that crazy billionaire.”

  He grinned, leaned back in his chair and folded his hands behind his head. “I’m a business man and just like that crazy billionaire, I’m not stupid when an opportunity for growth or advancement presents itself.”

  She chuckled then headed out the door for home.

  ***

  “Mia?” Delanie, stepped into the break room and smiled.

  Mia glanced up and swallowed the bite in her mouth. She was seated on an old, beat up plaid, rattan couch that had serviced far more butts than it deserved. Her dinner plate was perched on her lap and that blasted contract next to her thigh, a pen on top. She’d been reading it again. “What’s up?”

  “You have a visitor,” she sing-songed, grinning.

  Mia sighed and sat her plate on the sad coffee table bearing white, drink ring stains in the hundreds. It was Friday night, end of shift and Mia’s gut had been telling her all day Nathan would be making an appearance tonight. It had been correct. She groaned.

  Delanie, a heavy set lady, a little older than Mia, walked toward her and glanced at the contract, her expression curious, anticipatory. “Have you figured out what you’re going to do?”

  Mia shook her head and sighed again. All week her decision had been lead topic amongst staff. Most of her co-workers thought she was nuts to hesitate, but she had much riding on this choice. “I’m still not sure. On the one hand, of course it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and I think about all I could accomplish for my girls with the money he’ll be paying me. It’s Chelsie’s dream to attend Harvard medical school. I told you she was accepted, but even with loans, it won’t be enough and neither me or my ex Daniel can make up the difference.”

  Delanie sat down next to her and laid a hand on her knee. “Then damn, Mia, what do you have to think about? Do it for your daughter. Even if it doesn’t work out and he ends up being a pig, you’ll be set for life.”

  “I know.” She picked up the papers and the pen, sat them in her lap and stared at them. There really wasn’t anything to think about. The lawyer she’d hired seemed to believe Nathan was very serious about keeping her employed. He’d told her that in his thirty years of pra
cticing law he’d never seen a contract like it. Just as Joe had said, the contract was iron clad. The million dollars was hers the day her job ended for any reason, even if she did something deserving termination.

  This really seemed like a blessing. She’d been praying like crazy to come up with a way to cover Chelsie’s expenses so she wouldn’t have to work and could solely concentrate on her studies. Mia wanted to believe this job offer was the answer to her prayers, but she wasn’t stupid enough to believe Nathan wanted to hire her for her cooking skills. Most likely he wanted to discover her bedroom skills. Hopefully, she’d covered that problem.

  The attorney she’d hired had added an addendum for Nathan to sign, requiring him to furnish her separate living quarters, which he might not go for, but she didn’t want to live in the same house, apartment or wherever he resided if not in New Orleans. That scenario held too much room for temptation to abound. She also had the lawyer add major holidays off because she always spent them with her children. Lastly, and most importantly, she’d had the guy add a sexual harassment clause that would allow her to sue him for far more than a million, if he crossed professional boundaries. She’d never do such a thing even if he did try something. It wasn’t about the money. She wanted him to take her seriously where that issue was concerned.

  Maybe after he read the addendum he wouldn’t want her anymore.

  “I’d better go.” She stood with pen and papers in hand then slowly walked toward the door.

  Delanie chuckled. “You’re not going to the gallows, girl.”

  Mia glanced back at her.

  “Oh god, that scary, strained smile is worse than the long face you were just wearing.”

  That made Mia laugh and gave her the little bit of muster she needed to go face Nathan.

  She found him at the bar, sipping on an iced highball with amber liquid, top shelf scotch or whiskey no doubt. She planted herself on the stool next to him, then laid the contract on the bar along with the pen and slid them toward him.

  No words or greetings were exchanged. He picked it up and began to flip through pages. When he got to the back one she’d added, he frowned, then pinned her with a look she couldn’t quite interpret. He picked up the pen and immediately scrawled his name, then flipped the previous page over, the one requiring her signature.

  “You haven’t signed it yet.”

  She shrugged. “I saw no need until you signed.”

  He placed the document in front of her on the bar and handed her the pen. With a deep breath she placed pen to paper, then raised it again, her hand hovering. She slashed a glance his way. “Tell me I’m not making a mistake.”

  He chuckled. “Mia, this is a contract for a job, not your soul. I’m not the devil and as I’m sure your attorney advised you, everything is in your favor, not mine.”

  She laughed, but signed. She wasn’t so sure about the devil part. As always, he was as handsome as one tonight. His hair was down again and he sported a sexy five o’clock shadow. He loved black, because again he wore the color in a trendy pair of slacks and button up shirt. On his left wrist was a gold Rolex that probably cost more than her first home.

  “So when can you start?”

  “Two weeks, but if you need me before then I’m available on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, my days off.”

  He nodded. “I’ll take you up on that. I have some friends staying with me here in town. A married couple. Both very dear to me. They received some very good news recently and I’d like to do something special for them.”

  Mia bit her lower lip, hoping she could pull off this job. Her culinary creativity extended beyond Italian, but she’d never been paid for any of her personal recipes. Her ex and kids had always told her she was an amazing cook. However, Mia suspected Nathan had been served meals by some of the finest chefs in the world and her skills were by no means of that caliber.

  Lord Jesus, she prayed, I hope I’m not making the biggest mistake of my life here.

  “Mia?” he prompted.

  “Sorry. Can you tell me anything about them so I might know their food preferences?”

  He smiled. “Well, Julia is French. Don’t even consider ratatouille. Julia thinks hers is unparalleled and she’d never forgive you if you showed her up. Dimitri is her husband and my best friend. He’s Lithuanian and he’s like me, he’ll eat anything.”

  Mia grinned and clasped a hand to her mouth. She knew exactly what she’d be fixing them for dinner next Tuesday.

  “What?” he prodded.

  “My grandfather on my mother’s side was Lithuanian. I think at least your friend Dimitri will be pleased with what I have in mind.”

  “Care to share?”

  She shook her head. “No I’ll let it be a surprise. You’ll need to give me directions to your home.”

  “I can send a limo for you on Tuesday.”

  “No thanks. I’ll need my truck to shop for supplies. I need specific things and I’d rather buy them myself. I’ll invoice you. But if you have your phone handy, I’ll give you my number so you can text me your address.”

  Once he’d entered her information in his cell, he stood and collected the contract. “I’ll have you a copy of this when I see you next.” He extended his hand.

  Mia took it and realized in that simple handshake she had just sealed the deal of her life. Whether it turned out to be a good deal or a deal with the devil only time would tell.

  Chapter 4

  It was a little past two in the afternoon when Mia pulled her old Ford diesel into the drive of Nathan’s New Orleans home. She killed the engine and for several minutes just stared at the pristine white Antebellum house. Greek-style columns supported a full wrap around porch for the two story structure. The landscaping was off the charts gorgeous. Dozens of hummingbirds were fighting for dominance around the hanging bougainvilleas and fuchsias lining the front porch eves. It was a scene out of Southern Living. She smiled knowing the atmosphere alone would have her happy working here, provided Nathan behaved like a proper employer.

  Nathan had failed to tell her where to enter and she hadn’t thought to ask. She supposed an employee entrance would be in the back, but she didn’t want to go traipsing around the huge house or bother calling him. If he had a problem with where she parked or entered, Mia felt certain he would set her straight.

  Mia gathered the groceries she’d purchased for tonight from the back seat of her truck and trekked toward the front door. Hands full, she used her elbow to ring the bell. Several minutes later the door opened and she was a bit surprised to see it wasn’t Nathan, but a black woman in her late fifties, early sixties. She wore a wild dress, covered with a crazy floral pattern, over the top a white apron and on her feet, white socks and tennis shoes.

  Mia was staring, but she couldn’t help it. She would have expected Nathan to have his staff outfitted like those at a Presidential function.

  “I’m Jazerra and I tend this place. You must be the chef woman. Come on inside, chil’. I’ll show ya the kitchen.”

  Jazerra turned and took off down a wide, richly appointed foyer before Mia could even consider a reply. She stepped inside, used her foot to close the front door since her hands were laden with plastic sacks and trotted after her.

  When Mia arrived in the kitchen her jaw dropped and she sat the bags in her hands on the nearest counter top. The enormous space was a culinary orgasm and she was breathing hard at the sight of it. She spotted appliances she couldn’t even place a name to and the working space exceeded that of Tavania’s.

  She was cooking for only three people tonight? Dear God, she had literally died and gone to chef heaven!

  “Well, don’t just stand there with your mouth open catchin’ flies, chil’. Let me show ya around so you can find stuff.”

  “I’m Mia, by the way,” she told Jazerra and smiled. The woman had a thick Cajun accent, tinged with a bit of Jamaican if she wasn’t mistaken and a very no nonsense demeanor. Mia didn’t know what to make of her.

 
The woman offered her a forced one in return and a thorough once over. “I’m seein’ now why Nathan hired ya. But I’d be keepin’ my distance from him if I was you. I love the man like a son, but he ain’t one you’d wanna mess with.”

  Mia grinned. “Oh yes, I figured that one out some time ago. No worries. I’m here for a job, nothing more.”

  She nodded, still sizing her up. “Whatcha fixin’ to cook tonight?”

  She suspected Jazerra would have never heard of the dish she had in mind. Very few people would have unless they were Slavic. “Kugelis.”

  Her black eyes widened with intrigue and a sly smile bloomed. “Smart girl, ya are. I’m guessin’ Nathan told you about Julia and Dimitri. Ya please them, you’re solid here. They mean the world to him. I hope you’re good at makin’ Kugelis. If so, Dimitri will be your friend for life. I’ve never made it to his likin’.”

  Mia chuckled. This woman obviously knew much about Nathan and his friends. “How long have you worked for Nathan?”

  “Many years. He’s a good man. Fussy at times, but generous and loyal. If he takes a shine to ya, which I suspect he already has, your life will be good.”

  Mia let out a sigh of relief at the woman’s confidence in their employer. Maybe this job would work out.

  The next half hour, Jazerra gave her a tour of the kitchen, including the walk-in, butler pantry and all other closets and crannies that held supplies relating to the food service of the household. The place was astounding, what she’d seen of it anyway. Sometime recently it appeared to have been remodeled to match the period in which it was created and antiques from the Georgian to Victorian era graced the areas beyond the kitchen she’d viewed so far.

  Eventually, Jazerra left her to her work. She unpacked the groceries then started on the bag of potatoes she’d bought for the Kugelis, peeling them, zipping them through a food processor then dumping them bit by bit into a cheese clothe, squeezing until her hands ached in order to extract the potato water. It was the most necessary process to make Kugelis right.