“How did you know? That’s exactly it. He basically wants me to give up my career to cater dinner parties and business meetings. It’s like he doesn’t even appreciate what I do or how hard I had to work to get where I am.” Kendra said, close to tears.
“I already left a man who wanted that of me. Why can’t men see that our careers are just as important as theirs? Oh, and don’t get me started on his offer to pay all my bills so I am free to be at his beck and call.” Kendra was getting ready to go on, but Barbra stopped her with a raised hand.
“Okay, I get the picture. My son is being his usual self. When he doesn’t get what he wants he throws money at the problem. He was always the selfish one as a child and knowing that his place in the world was already made has not necessarily been good for him.” Barbra said.
Kendra started to say something but Barbra cut her off again. “I’m not defending him, he needs to grow up. But I just want you to see things from his point of view.”
“I understand, but this is a big deal to me, not something I can just hope goes away.” Kendra said.
“I’ll talk to him, sometimes a boy needs his mother to knock a little sense into him and this is one of those times. Now let’s talk about something else. You two love each other, it will all work out. You know, Martin and I had similar problems before we were married.” Barbra said.
“I would love to hear about how you handled Martin, you guys obviously worked it out.” Kendra said.
“Well, as you can imagine, I had to take the situation in hand or nothing would have ever been solved.” Barbra said, then began to tell Kendra about her path to a happy marriage.
Over a wonderful lunch, Barbra told Kendra how she had helped Martin understand that she needed to be useful not just at home but in the world. Her method wouldn’t work for Kendra but it gave her hope than with time, Remy might learn to understand her needs.
*****
Weeks passed, Kendra continued to work as many hours as she could at the restaurant. She talked to Remy at least once a day, but the conversations were short and usually nothing deeper than a discussion of the weather. Neither of them wanted to address what was keeping them apart.
Remy had been spending his time getting his plants moved for the winter and doing volunteer work, which he still loved. His father was pushing him to keep learning the business but he found it boring, much to he and his father’s disappointment.
Remy had never thought of doing anything but taking over the business, he had gotten a degree in business for that purpose, but once in the office, he just couldn’t find the drive his father had. Shipping, while in his blood, was not his passion.
Forced to come to the office daily, he had found himself unhappy and frustrated. He wanted to be out helping people, he didn’t really care in what capacity as long as he felt useful. After only a few weeks it had become apparent to his parents that his taking over the business was not going to be the smooth transition they had all hoped for.
After much discussion his parents decided that it was time for them all to face the facts. Remy was more like his mother than his father. His destiny was not to run the business but to serve the public in some way. They also discussed the situation with Kendra and how they could help him to see what he was risking with his stubborn behavior.
His mother came up with a brilliant idea that might help with the Kendra problem, as for the rest, only time would tell. Barbra hoped that if Remy could only see how happy Kendra was in her role as chef, he might understand that a passion like hers couldn’t be contained. It was a part of her and would always be so.
To bring her plan into fruition she would need help. She had Margot reserve the chef’s table for the family later in the week. She, Martin, Greta and Remy would have dinner together to celebrate Remy’s success in getting the fleet ready for the winter. Kendra wouldn’t know that Remy would be at the restaurant. Barbra’s hope was that if Remy could see Kendra in action he would understand her deep passion for cooking, her need to use her talents.
Remy was unaware where they were going for dinner and was a little surprised when they pulled up. He was worried about seeing Kendra, they hadn’t seen each other for weeks, and he was as nervous as a he had ever been in his life.
“Why are we eating here? Kendra may not be happy to see me in her restaurant. She’s still mad at me for suggesting she quit her job. I’ve tried to get her to see my side of it but she’s just too stubborn to listen to reason.” He complained.
“I just wanted to know that we would have a great meal. Your father and I are so proud of you.” His mom said, ignoring his remarks about Kendra.
“Well, I don’t think it’s a good idea, but we’re here so we might as well go in.” He said, not fooling his mother one little bit. He clearly wanted to see Kendra but wasn’t willing to admit it.
In most restaurants the chef’s table is located in the kitchen, but at La Mason the kitchen was open so the table was located in a prime spot where patrons could see the entire kitchen but weren’t actually in it. One disadvantage was that while the entire table could see the chef, the chef could only see part of the table.
Margot sat Remy on the side of the table the chef couldn’t see, helping to set the stage for what Barbra had in mind. She hoped that seeing Kendra at her best would help Remy to understand what he needed to do.
A well timed trip to the bar, prevented Kendra from knowing that Remy was with them that night. She visited the table none the wiser that the missing guest was Remy. Once the dinner service was in full swing, Kendra forgot about the chef’s table and lost herself in the service.
From his place at the table Remy had a clear view of Kendra, he watched as she commanded the kitchen like a general leading her troops. Nothing left the kitchen without her approval, or that of her lead sous chef. She was at her best that night, clearly establishing the rhythm in the kitchen. Her eyes shone with pleasure and excitement. Remy thought she had never looked as beautiful as she did in the kitchen that night.
It came as a shock to realize that he had never seen her cooking like this before. She was truly where she belonged, that was clear both from her actions and from her fellow workers reactions. A part of him was slowly becoming aware that Kendra’s words that night had held the truth. He didn’t know this part of her at all. This in control, professional, very hot chef.
In all the time they had spent together, he had never seen her in a professional kitchen. He had understood the mechanics of a restaurant kitchen, but hadn’t considered the talent it required to do what Kendra was now doing. She had to be a master of not only food, but people. He was beginning to understand her refusal to give up her career.
Finally able to see the situation from her point of view, he realized how utterly ridiculous he had been behaving. Expecting her to give up her dream to be at his beck and call would destroy her, destroy the person he loved. With a groan, it hit him, just how close he had come to losing her, because he was selfish. Trying to hold on too tight had almost cost him a life with her.
His mother had been watching him, watch Kendra and could see that her plan was working. Besides looking love sick, her son seemed to really be absorbing all he was seeing.
“She’s something else isn’t she?” He mother asked.
“You can say that again.” His father answered, when Remy was just silent, lost in thought.
“I can’t imagine her doing anything else, can you, Remy?” His mother asked, getting his attention.
Remy looked at his mother, suddenly understanding why they were here for dinner instead of their usual restaurant.
“Mother are you meddling in my life? That’s something you’ve never done before.” Remy said, looking at her speculatively. “I think you are. Father what do you know about this?”
“Well, son I tell you what, I learned a long time ago that when your mother gets it in her mind to do something, it’s best just to go along with her. But I will say
this, Kendra was made to be right where she is and anyone who tries to take her away from it is a fool.
Those words from his father, who rarely interjected his opinion on personal matters, were all Remy needed to know what he had to do. Without a word he got up from the table, kissed his mother on the cheek and left the restaurant.
Chapter 7
Kendra never did find out that Remy had been in the restaurant during dinner service the night before, thus was unaware of the transformation Remy’s feelings had undergone. He no longer thought she should leave her job to be at his beck and call, but instead understood that part of what made her special was her gift in the kitchen. To take that away would essentially, take a part of Kendra away.
Determined to make his relationship with Kendra work, he decided that there was only one solution. He had begun his plans that night, calling in some favors, and using his name to get some other things accomplished. He skipped his usual morning call to Kendra, afraid that his emotions might give him away. By that evening everything was in place, he was nervous but ready to take the next step.
Kendra was worried when Remy’s usual morning call failed to come in. No matter how much they disagreed, they still talked at least once a day, sometimes twice. She hoped that this wasn’t the beginning of the end. She wasn’t going to change her mind but she had hoped that he might at least give them a chance.
He hadn’t even wanted to discuss the situation with her. Claiming that she loved her work more than him, typical spoiled man behavior, she thought. His mother had said she would talk to him, but that might have been a bad choice. It might have just driven him farther away.
Deciding that work was still the best medicine, she headed out the door. When she worked she was able to forget all her problems with Remy. She could block out the world, and just think about food. By the end of the day she would be so exhausted, she would be asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. That had been her pattern since she and Remy had been fighting. Work, home, sleep and repeat. Cooking wasn’t as much fun as it used to be but she was back in the kitchen like she wanted.
As she was finishing that night’s paper work, Margot popped her head into the office to ask if she needed anything else. Kendra sent her on way, reminding her to lock the door behind her. It had been a good night, packed house, with three full settings, a chef’s dream. She knew she wasn’t as excited as she should be, but then nothing was the same since she and Remy had been fighting.
She was tired, but knew she wouldn’t sleep tonight. Remy still hadn’t called and while she was worried about his safety, she was sure his mother would have called if anything had happened to him. Instead she was sure that his silence was a sign of their relationship’s death.
She was sitting at the desk, head in her hands, hunched over the paper work trying not to cry when she heard a noise out in the dining room. Margot was the last to leave and she never forgot to lock the door. Gathering her courage she grabbed the biggest knife from her personal set which she kept in the office. She crept down the hall toward the dining room, she could see the flicker of a light and figured whoever it was needed some light to see.
As she came closer, the light began to get brighter, as if another flashlight had been added. But suddenly she realized that it wasn’t flashlights but candle lights. Worried she might be about to interrupt a private dinner, she called out.
“Is someone there?” She called boldly.
When there was no response, she continued down the hall, her heart nearly pounding out of her chest. As she rounded the corner, she saw that the source of light was hundreds of candles. They filled the room with a gentle light that muted the room and left shadows in the corners. Taking a deep breath, Kendra smelled her favorite flower, lilacs. It was then that she noticed the numerous bouquets of them that filled the room. They were perched on every available surface, filling the room with their sweet fragrance.
As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she saw that Remy was standing across the room, holding the biggest bouquet. He was dressed in his best suit, looking for all the world like a model just about to hit the runway. His dark hair was shining in the candle light, his eyes focused on her, taking in every inch of her body in one bold glance.
That one glance was all it took to get her blood boiling. Tamping down her desire, she waited for an explanation. It was going to take more than a grand gesture to fix the problems they had in their relationship.
“My mother had been sticking her nose in my business as usual, but his time I have to thank her for opening up my eyes. I was here with them last night, they sent me to the bar before you came to the table.” He began, opening a bottle of Kendra’s favorite wine. Handing her a glass, he steered her toward a chair and gently pushed her into it.
“I was being a stupid ass, thinking only of what I wanted. When I saw you in that kitchen the other night I realized how proud I was to be your boyfriend. What you have is a gift, you not only work magic with food, but with people as well.” He said.
“So you understand that my job is a part of me. I have to be able to create, it’s not really like I have a choice, without a way to express my creativity I can’t be happy. This is my world, and if you want me, you have to accept that.” She said.
“That’s the thing,” he said, kneeling in front of her. “I want you to do what makes you happy and if this is it, then I will support you. I was wrong, but I still want us to be together as much as we can.”
Oh, Remy I’m so happy to hear you say that. I was so sure that your silence meant that we were finished.” Kendra said, trying not to cry.
“Well, it took me some time to pull all this together, but we still have to discuss a compromise. I always hear that good relationships are based on compromise, so here’s my idea.” He said, taking a small velvet box from his pocket.
Kendra could hardly breathe as he took her hand, and opened it to reveal a beautiful diamond engagement ring. “I want you to marry me, Kendra, that way every night, I know that you will be coming home to me. I love you more than I ever thought possible and I want us to be together forever.”
“But Remy, we’ve only known each other for a short time, it’s too soon for us to get married.” Kendra protested.
“Do you love me?” He asked.
“You know I do. I love you more than anything, but it’s such a big step. Yesterday, we weren’t even speaking and tonight you’re asking me to marry you.” She said, shaking her head.
“Just think about it, we could be together all the time. You can have your career and I can have mine. When it comes time for me to travel, we’ll take it one trip at a time. You know it’s the perfect solution, please say yes.” He said, sliding the ring on her finger.
“Oh, Remy you make it sound so simple, so good.” Kendra had never been one to take risks, but this felt so right. “Yes, Remy I will marry you.”
The words were hardly out of her mouth, before Remy wrapped her in a big hug that was followed by a scorching kiss. It had been weeks since they had been together and Kendra was immediately ready for him.
Knowing the dining room wasn’t the appropriate place, Remy scooped Kendra up off the chair and carried her to the office, where he deposited her on the desk and cleared everything off with one swipe of his arm.
Stepping between her legs and taking her face in his hands, he looked deeply into her eyes and said, “Kendra, I love you and I want us to be together for the rest of our lives, nothing will ever stand in our way again.” Any reply she might have made was lost when his mouth descended on hers in a searing kiss.
*****
Once Remy and Kendra announced their engagement, life became a whirlwind. Since Kendra’s mother and brother would be coming out for Christmas it made sense to be married then. With only a few months to plan, Remy’s mother was in heaven. Rushing around, having invitations made, ordering flowers, and dragging Kendra to bridal shop, after bridal shop.
Kendra had hoped
that they could have a small ceremony but after seeing Barbra’s guest list she was dismayed to find that there were hundreds of guests on the list. She was feeling frustrated that her wedding had suddenly turned into a circus, so she called Remy to see if he could rein his mother in.
He found her sitting in the park across the street from the apartment, she was huddled in her coat, looking for all the world like she had just lost her best friend. “Hey, I thought this was supposed to be a happy time.” He said, putting his arm around her.
“Well, it should be, but your mother had turned this wedding into a circus. I now have eight bride’s maids, which means an equal number of groom’s men. We have two flower girls, and I don’t know how many attendants. Don’t even get me started on the guest list. She’s got...” Kendra wasn’t able to finish because Remy had covered her mouth with an ardent kiss.
He deepened the kiss until he felt her begin to relax, “Now, let’s slow down a little and see if we can’t come up with a compromise. But, what you have to remember, is that my wedding is a big deal to the family. As the soon to be head of the family, it has to be a family affair. Held at the house, following all the traditions, and everyone is invited. The entire family will want to be there, it’ll be talked about for years.” He said, rubbing her back in soothing circles.
“It’s also a rite of passage, once we’re married there will be times it will be your responsibility to organize family meetings. Even today, a lot of our business is done with family. My mother just wants to give you a proper introduction to the family.” He finished.
Feeling a little calmer she thought about his words. She had known that this was what she had signed up for when she agreed to marry Remy. She really liked Barbra and if it would make her happy she would go along with all the craziness. Besides her mother would be thrilled to help plan a wedding like this.
“Okay how about one of our compromises, I’ll go along with anything your mother plans as long as my mother can have a say in the planning. I’ll ask her to get a hold of your mother and together they can plan the wedding, my mother will keep your mother under control.” She decided, finally feeling like she could handle the celebration that was to come.
Je t'aime: A Billionaire BWWM French Man Marriage Romance Page 7
