by Lynn Cahoon
This time she didn’t wait for Estebe to open her door. She slid out and unlocked her own car by remote. Before she could grab the produce she’d brought back, Estebe was already standing at the back of her car with the box waiting for her to open the hatchback. He sat the box down in the car and closed the rear door. “Thank you for coming with me. Javier has been asking for an introduction for weeks. He believes he is the only produce farmer in the area.”
Angie smiled. “It’s good to have a business you want to support. I enjoyed our morning. Thank you for taking me there.”
“My cousin has many more responsibilities than just the farm. He should take life more seriously.” Estebe looked flustered with his announcement. He closed his eyes and took a breath. “I should be more charitable. I will see you tomorrow.”
Angie watched as he climbed back into his Hummer and drove slowly away. She realized she didn’t even know where he lived. She’d assumed Boise, but since his cousin was just on the outskirts of River Vista, maybe that wasn’t true.
As she drove home she thought about the tension between the two men. Family ties. They wrapped you up in emotions you didn’t even know were there. She pushed the thoughts away and instead thought about the dishes she’d create as soon as she arrived home. Food was about family too. And food always had good memories attached.
Chapter 3
Someone rapped twice on her door first thing Friday morning. Angie had already fed Mabel and Precious. She set Dom’s breakfast down on the floor and went to see who was visiting. She suspected she’d find Mrs. Potter on the other side, but Ian McNeal stood there with a large pastry bag. “What are you doing here?”
“Do you have coffee made to go with the donuts? The bakery in the local store makes them fresh each morning. I had to stand in line for a good three minutes.” He walked through the doorway as Angie opened the screen door and set the bag down on the table. Crouching down, he rubbed Dom’s chest. The St. Bernard was beside himself with wiggles. Angie suspected Dom loved Ian almost as much as he did her. “Hey, who’s a good boy?”
“He’s in trouble with me. He tried to knock Precious’s food bucket out of my hand this morning.” Angie went to the counter and poured a cup of coffee for Ian. He preferred a good Irish breakfast tea, but she noted if she had a pot already made, he’d ask for coffee. “Plates or napkins for the donuts?”
“Why dirty a plate?” He glanced around the kitchen. “It smells wonderful in here. Have you been creating?”
Angie refilled her own cup and brought over several napkins. “I’m too easy to read, aren’t I?”
“Well, I kind of got a call from Missy at the Farm Store.” He took out a donut and offered her one.
“You have a maple bar in there?” Peering into the bag, she ignored the offered treat and grabbed the one she was craving. It was probably too early in their relationship for him to actually know what kind of donuts she preferred, but at least he came with a good variety. She’d eaten half of the doughy goodness before his words sank in. “How would Missy know I’ve been working on recipes? Does she live out here?”
He sipped his coffee, obviously considering his words carefully. Finally, he set the cup down. “You’re not going to like this, but it’s part of living in a small town.”
A pit formed in Angie’s stomach. “Rip off the Band-Aid.”
Ian shook his head. “I’ve never understood that American saying, but I know what you mean. Missy called me to tell me she saw you getting out of Estebe’s Hummer yesterday and asked if I knew you were stepping out on me.”
Angie spat out part of the sip of coffee she’d just taken to slow down the sugar rush. “Stepping out on you? Because I rode in a car with another man? What is this, the 1960s?”
“I told you. Small town.” He handed her a napkin. “When I moved here, because I ordered tea at the diner instead of coffee, there were concerns about what exactly I was doing here, and someone called Allen.”
“They sent the sheriff over to talk to you because you moved into a small town? What, did they think that everyone had to be born here to like living in River Vista?”
Ian finished his donut. “Actually, they were more concerned about my intentions regarding the town. I might have been someone who didn’t like the slower lifestyle. They wanted to make sure I’d fit in. And now I do. Heck, they’re even protecting me from my wanton girlfriend.”
“And you decided to come out here and check to make sure Estebe wasn’t having breakfast with me?” She studied him, wondering what his reaction had been when the town busybody had called.
“I came out here with breakfast because we didn’t get to see much of each other this week. You’ve been busy with the restaurant. And Mildred’s been clingy. I needed to get away from her before I said something that would hurt her feelings.” He stood and went to refill his coffee cup. As he brought the pot to the table and refilled her cup, he added, “And to make sure Estebe wasn’t having breakfast with you.”
“Ian!” Angie glanced up into those impossibly blue eyes and saw the humor in his reaction.
“You have to admit, we’ve never talked about this thing between us being exclusive. And with you straight out of California, you may not be as traditional as I am. So I thought I should come and ask you straight out. Angie Turner, would you be my girlfriend?”
“Which means I don’t date someone else, or I don’t drive in a car with a man?” Angie sipped her coffee, wondering how they’d gotten in so deep so quickly.
Ian pulled a second donut out and tossed the bag to her. “What it means to me is we’re exclusive in the softer side of the relationship. I have no problem with you being with anyone else as long as it’s not a date.”
“Or a hookup. I hear those loose California women like to just have random encounters with strange men.” She noticed he’d left the last maple glazed donut for her. This having a boyfriend thing was working in her favor.
He was staring at her.
“What? I was kidding. Or did you want the maple donut?” She held it toward him.
“Sometimes the things you say…” He paused. “Just don’t be saying that around Missy. I don’t think she has the same sense of humor as you do.”
Angie snorted. “I don’t think the woman has any sense of humor at all. Okay, fine, I’ll be your girlfriend. Does this mean you’re giving me your class ring?”
“Not sure what that is, but I bought you breakfast this morning. Isn’t that enough?” Ian stood and took his cup to the sink. “I better get going. I’ve got a meeting with the board for the farmers market this morning. Thank you for breakfast.”
“You brought the donuts, all I supplied was coffee.” She stood and took her own cup over to the sink. “I’ve got to get ready to go in too. There’s always so much to do the first night we’re open each week. Besides, I really want to check out Estebe’s cousin’s produce. I’ve got some killer ideas if he can actually deliver consistent quality like I got yesterday.”
“From what I’ve heard about Javier, I’m not sure he spends a lot of time at the farm. He’s more of the sales department for the younger brother, who does all the work.” Ian pulled her into an embrace and kissed her. “Bye, girlfriend.”
“You just like saying that word, don’t you?” Angie brushed a donut crumb off the corner of his lips.
“Funny, but I really do.” He gave Dom a rub between the ears and went outside to his car. The guy was whistling. Angie shook her head. He really was sweet, and apparently, he had been at least concerned when Missy told him about her ride in Estebe’s Hummer. The gossip train had just better learn to ignore her actions because she wasn’t changing who she was just because some woman had an antiquated idea of what was proper.
As she drove into River Vista, she thought about what Ian had said about Javier’s younger brother. She’d have to ask Estebe about the guy and if he thought
the brother was dedicated enough to provide product. She’d hate to have to redo a menu in the middle of the month, but she guessed she needed to take a chance on the farm, for her sous chef’s sake. He’d trusted her enough to share this part of his life with her. She could trust him.
When service started Friday night, Angie was surprised to see Missy Stockwell and her husband seated at a table near the door. Felicia had just seated the couple and waved Angie over.
“I’m sure you both know our head chef, but Angie likes to get out and talk with our guests.” Felicia set out menus in front of each diner. “Angie, this is Herbert and Missy Stockwell. They own the Farm Store. Did you know that?”
“I think they owned it back when I went to school at River Vista High.” Angie furrowed her brow. “Don’t you have a daughter?”
“Tina. Our daughter was in your class, I believe.” Missy’s voice sounded tight and her nose twitched like she smelled something rotten.
Herbert looked up at Angie. “I remember you. You’re Margaret’s granddaughter. When Missy got these reservations a month ago, I wasn’t sure I wanted to come. I like places a little less stuffy, like Cracker Barrel. You never need a reservation there. But I told her we’d come, if she insisted. I’m sure if you’re Margaret’s kin, the food is going to be amazing. That woman brought the best potato salad to the church picnic I’d ever had.”
Missy glared at her husband, but he waved her off.
“Now, Mother, I’m not saying your food is bad, but boy, Margaret could cook.” He patted Angie’s arm. “I’m sure you have more important things to do than listen to an old man talk, but Margaret Turner was one of a kind. She’s sorely missed around here.”
“Thank you for saying so.” Angie felt the tears form behind her eyes. That had been the hardest thing about coming home, all the memories of Nona. “I hope you enjoy your meal.”
She stepped away from the table with Felicia, who led her over to the bar. “What the heck was that? I swear Missy Stockwell was trying to burn a hole through you with her eyes.”
“She saw me getting out of Estebe’s car yesterday and told Ian I was cheating on him.” Angie saw no reason to hold the truth back from her friend.
To her surprise, Felicia laughed. “Boy, she doesn’t know you at all, does she?” She added a garnish to one of the drinks waiting for a server to pick up the tray. “Although I did tell you that it felt like a date.”
“It was not a date. We went out to visit a farm that hopefully will work out as a regular supplier for the restaurant.” She straightened her chef jacket. “Ian understands business. Why don’t you?”
“Oh, I understand business.” Felicia frowned at the bartender, who had forgotten the garnish on a second drink. “I just also understand men.”
Angie held up a hand. “Whatever. I need to get back into the kitchen, where things make sense. You people out here are all about rumors and innuendos.”
Felicia called after her. “Just because it’s not true doesn’t mean it’s not a good story.”
Going back into the kitchen, Angie relaxed and started expediting the tickets. By the end of the night, her body ached and yet she felt amazing. She loved working at the County Seat. Her kitchen team worked as a real team, pitching in wherever they were needed. She had been lucky in her hires. One bad apple did spoil an entire bunch. She sank into a chair at the chef table with a plate of trout and mashed potatoes. Matt and Nancy joined her with their own plates. But Estebe stood over at the dishwashing station, helping Hope finish up the last of the evening’s cleanup.
“Come on over and eat. We can finish those up after the meal,” Angie called over.
Estebe shook his head. “We’re almost finished. We’ll be right there.” He looked at Hope. “I’ve made you a special plate. We’ll test your palate as you eat.”
Angie turned toward Matt and Nancy. “Great job tonight. You guys look like you have been cooking here for years.”
“Nancy makes it easy,” Matt told Angie, causing Nancy to blush at his words. “It’s hard for me to remember tickets, but she just tells me what to do next and I don’t get frustrated.”
Nancy quickly changed the subject and told a story about a past job where the owner thought he knew how to cook, but his plates kept coming back with complaints. “So finally, he throws up his hands and announces to the kitchen, if they don’t like his food, he’ll just go mind the bar.”
“What did you say?”
Nancy shrugged. “The staff had the good sense not to cheer until he actually left. Then I took over expediting and we pumped out the tickets. I started looking for another gig as soon as I got home, and that’s when I saw your ad. Luck comes to those who are open to change.”
“And work hard.” Estebe and Hope had joined the group at the table during Nancy’s retelling of the story. He glanced around the table, his fork in hand. “What? You only get lucky when you’re working your backside off. And then it doesn’t always come to you. I’ve known many people who are successful when they shouldn’t even be able to do a simple task. Luck doesn’t always happen.”
Angie wondered if he was thinking about his cousin. “Well, here’s to another successful night where we cooked our behinds off and the customers loved the meal.”
As the group disbanded for the evening, Angie went into the dining room to check in on Felicia. “How’d it go out here?”
“Besides having a bartender I had to watch constantly because he was too proud to look at the drink book Jeorge developed for training? I guess okay.” Felicia rolled her shoulders. “I’ll be glad when Jeorge gets back from Mexico. I don’t think I’m ever approving vacation requests for him again.”
Angie grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “Is the new guy scheduled to work tomorrow?”
“Unfortunately, yes. I can’t get a new temp that quickly, and the guy said he understood when I went through all the drinks just now with him.” Felicia covered a yawn. “I’m beat and going up to bed. Unless you need to talk about something?”
“Nope, just checking in. Let’s plan on having a late lunch together tomorrow and we can talk about the business stuff. I feel like things are going well, but let’s look at the numbers when you’re not so tired.”
“See you then.” Felicia headed upstairs, turning off lights as she went.
Angie made sure the front doors were locked, then left through the kitchen door that opened out onto the small parking lot behind the building. Locking the door with her key, she turned and stopped short when she saw the shape of a man standing by her car. There was only one light in the parking lot. The music from the live band from the bar down the street echoed in the alley. Country rock. Angie searched her mind for the name of the original band but came up empty. She stared at the man, turning her keys over in her hand and wondering if she had time to turn around, unlock the kitchen door, and get back inside before he caught up with her.
“Are you all right, Angie?” Estebe’s voice called out from the darkened lot.
She took a deep breath and forced her hands to stop shaking. The man by her car worked for her. She really needed to get more light out here, especially since she apparently was prone to jumping to conclusions. She started down the few steps. She tried to keep the tremor out of her voice as she lied. “I’m fine. I was just trying to remember if I turned off all the stoves.”
“I checked the stoves before I left the kitchen. I walked Hope out to her car and then waited for you to leave so you would be safe as well.” He nodded to her car. “I’ll wait for you to get in and get it started, then I will head home. I have a few things to get done tonight.”
“You don’t have to wait for me. I’ll be perfectly safe.” She didn’t mention that he had frightened her by trying to keep her safe.
“A woman shouldn’t be out alone at night.” He stepped away from her car so she could unlock it. Then he
opened the door for her. “You don’t have your guard dog to protect you. I don’t mind stepping in for him.”
He shut the door, then walked to his Hummer that was parked on the street. True to his word, he didn’t leave until she’d pulled out of the parking lot and was back on Main Street. She turned west toward home and Estebe turned east.
So many people taking care of her. She felt at home.
* * * *
Saturday morning, she quickly fed the circus, then sat down to write out the recipes from the trials she’d made on Thursday. Angie wanted to bring at least one of the dishes to her crew and see if they could add a special to tonight’s menu. She’d make all of them for Felicia today for lunch and see which one she liked best. A knock on the kitchen door made her look up.
Erica stood at the door. She had a notebook in her hand. “Hey, do you have a minute?”
“Come on in. Can I get you a glass of iced tea?” Angie stood and took her own glass to the counter. When Erica nodded, she poured a second glass over ice and refilled her own. She returned to the table with the drinks. “What’s up?”
“I wanted to bring you this notebook. It has all of Granny’s medications, when she takes them, her doctors’ names and phone numbers, and Delores’s information. I didn’t want to give it to her when I bring her over Monday morning, it seems so, I don’t know, childish? Like you’re babysitting or something?”
“That’s nice of you trying to keep her dignity.” Angie took the notebook and flipped through the pages. “You have a lot of information here.”
“It makes it easier. Besides, I can take that to school with me, and if something happens, I have all the phone numbers I need.” Erica sipped her tea, not meeting Angie’s gaze. “I feel guilty leaving her just to have fun.”
“Everyone needs a break know and then. Don’t worry. She’ll be fine over here. I’m here most of the day. And when I’m working, most of that time she’ll be asleep.” Angie put the notebook in her tote. “She’ll never know I have this.”
