by M T Stone
Barely Cooked Scallop; Brown Butter Dashi
Assyrtiko, Hatzidakis, Santorini, Greece 2012
LOBSTER
Lobster “Lasagna”; Celeriac, Truffle Butter
Dumangin, Brut 17, Chigny Les Roses, Champagne, NV
SALMON
Barely Cooked Wild Salmon; Sweet and Sour Hon Shimeji Mushrooms and Lotus Root, Maitake Broth
Gevrey Chambertin “Champ”, Domaine Duroché, Burgundy, France 2010
STRIPED BASS
Wild Striped Bass; Bhutanese Red Rice, Green Papaya Salad, Ginger-Red Wine Sauce
Merlot, Paumanok, Long Island, New York 2008
CRANBERRY
Lightly Poached Cranberries, Spiced Squash, Maple Syrup, Cranberry Sorbet
Moscato d’Asti, “Vigna Senza Nome”, Braida Giacomo Bologna, Piedmont, Italy 2012
DARK CHOCOLATE PARFAIT
Candied Marcona Almonds, Dulce de Leche, Milk Sorbet
Beerenauslese Alois Kracher, Burgenland, Austria 2010
“Oh there’s Kathleen over there,” I heard that most familiar voice say, just as I finished perusing the menu.
Mom? Oh my god, it is.
“Hi Kathleen, is it just you? Where is Jack?” She asked as she tucked her purse under the table and took the seat next to me.
“Honestly, I have no idea what’s going on. First, Jack was going to pick me up at 6:30. Then he said he would meet me here at 7:00. Now you’re here and there are four other place settings. Your guess is as good as mine.”
“Oh honey. I stopped by the office to drop off a purchasing agreement for Jayne and she mentioned that you were all having dinner here tonight. Jack was kind enough to extend the invitation,” she explained.
“I see. So it’s a family get together. I’m fine with that.”
“I’m sorry, judging by your outfit it appears we are all crashing a romantic dinner,” she replied while examining the fabric of my latest purchase. “Be very careful with this one, they tend to pill.”
“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind,” I said to appease her. “Did Jack tell you what he did for us today?”
“No, but he did say to ask you about it.”
“Well, as you know Dad had been pestering both of us and it turns out he was in way over his head this time.”
“That’s nothing new,” Mom immediately interjected.
“No, but it was almost two and a half million and he owed it to the mob,” I whispered trying to be discreet.
“Good god,” Mom gasped, her mouth literally dropping open.
“I know. I was just as shocked as you.”
“So what did Jack do?” She asked sliding to the edge of her seat.
“He paid it off for him… at least he’s going to this weekend.”
“Why?”
“Because Jack said Dad had put all of us in danger. If they couldn’t get the money out of him, they would use his family as leverage. His new wife is apparently gone, so he was concerned about you, Belinda and me.”
“That bastard!” She scoffed, mirroring my earlier thoughts.
“Shhh! The good news is that Jack says it’s all taken care of so we can all rest easy.”
“What’s the catch?” She asked suspiciously.
“There’s no catch mom. The only restriction is on Dad. Jack told him that if he ever contacted any of us again, he would retract his offer. We can contact him if we want, but he can’t initiate it.”
“Wow, I’m going to have to kiss him when I see him!” Mom replied looking around the room.
“Yeah, we definitely owe him one for doing that.”
“So Phil’s new wife left him huh?” Mom asked cracking a slight smile.
“That’s what he told Jack. Apparently she didn’t like receiving threats on a regular basis.”
Just as Mom and I finished our discussion, Jayne and Brandon were escorted to the table.
“Where’s Julian? I’m starting to wonder if the guy actually exists.”
“I keep him locked up at home,” Jayne quipped. “Actually I have to meet him at JFK in a couple hours. He’s been in Atlanta working on a project all week.”
“What does he do again?” Mom asked.
“He’s an architect. He primarily works on large commercial developments, so he travels quite a bit,” Jayne explained.
“Where’s Dad?” Brandon inquired as he scoped out the scene.
“He said he would meet me here at 7:00, so he should be here any minute.”
Jack
“Shit, is it really 7:10?”
“That’s what I’ve got,” Anthony confirmed.
“I’m late, but Anthony and I will definitely keep both of you posted as things come together,” I told the Ricci’s as I quickly wrapped up the meeting. “I have a car waiting for you downstairs. Just tell the driver where you want to go.”
I had planned on talking to Anthony about the situation with C.W., but time had completely gotten away from me. I can’t believe I already miss this old conference room.
“Do you want to join us for dinner at Le Bernardin?” I asked Anthony knowing I had to get going.
“Are you serious? I’m definitely not dressed for a five star restaurant,” Anthony replied mildly understating the situation.
“I’ve got a spare jacket in my old office. Let’s throw it on and see if it will pass. Then we can talk about a couple other issues on our way to the restaurant.”
I better send Kate a quick text to let her know we are on the way. I can’t believe how time got away from me.
~~~
Chapter 4
Kate
Jayne and Brandon both laughed when I told them that Jack was running a bit late and had apologized for letting time get away from him. Apparently “waiting on dad” had been a long held tradition in the Ryker household.
“He likes to think that he was always home for dinner when we were growing up. It’s one of the few things that he is quite delusional about,” Jayne said with a roll of her eyes.
Brandon nodded his head in agreement. “Yeah, he was a great father when he was around, but there were many weeks when I only saw him on the weekend.”
“Even then he was usually working in his office,” Jayne added. “We always had dinner together on Sunday evening though. He never missed one that I can remember.”
“The girls and I always spent Sunday afternoons together too,” Mom said with a smile.
“I still think of you and Belinda whenever I’m sitting around on a Sunday. I miss those days.” Once Belinda moves out I’m going to have to get better at calling her on Sunday afternoons.
“Have you been busy Cynthia?” Jayne asked.
Mom shook her head, “No, it’s been pretty quiet after the holidays. We are just starting to buy for spring which is always my favorite time of year.”
“Has Dad talked to you about joining us once Kate’s line goes into production?” Jayne added.
A shocked expression came across Mom’s face. “No, he hasn’t. I’ve been with Nordstrom for nearly 40 years. I’m probably too old for something new.”
“Really Mom? I thought maybe you would be ready for a change.”
“I don’t want change for the sake of change,” she stated a bit defensively.
That statement immediately ignited Brandon’s passion. “I just spent several days out west and this is going to be a huge opportunity for someone with your level of experience. You have to know that this line is going to be huge with working women. It’s addressing so many issues that have been overlooked for years.”
“I’m definitely interested in looking at it as a buyer, once the line is available. Going out and talking to other buyers would be a much different role than I am used to,” Mom replied seeming as if she wasn’t yet convinced by the viability of my line.
“It’s no rush Mom. There will be plenty of opportunity down the road. It’s not like you have to make a decision right now,” I assured her. I hadn’t seen her much in the past month, so I wanted he
r to feel comfortable and enjoy the evening.
Then she pulled out the gloves… “So Brandon, how did you feel about your father stealing your girlfriend? That has to hurt.” She sat there with a smug smile and a twinkle in her eyes.
“Hey, none of that was my idea,” Brandon replied immediately throwing me under the bus. “Kate just told me she needed a date for Belinda’s recital. I had no idea she was dating Dad!”
“I’ll give you that one Mom. I deserved it,” I said hoping to put the matter to rest. I think she was beginning to accept my relationship with Jack, but she couldn’t help making a bit of a fuss.
Where the hell is Jack?
Jack
We were only going a dozen blocks, but there was some kind of accident right in front of the Radio City Music Hall. After spending about 15 minutes stuck in gridlock, Anthony and I had discussed everything on the agenda.
“Let’s hop out and walk the last few blocks,” I suggested opening up the car door. I knew Anthony would have no problem walking. Although I was definitely glad to have a jacket on, as we walked directly into a stiff winter breeze.
“It’s a tough transition from the Bahamas to New York this time of year,” Anthony kidded as we reached the door to the restaurant.
“As I get older, I really hate winter. The fact that I’m being subjected to it is another reason I want you to raise a little hell with C.W.”
“You know I will Jack,” he smiled giving me a slap on the back.
As the maitre d' escorted us to the table, I glanced at my watch. 7:40, that’s not cool. “I’m sorry everyone, time got away from us.”
“We’ll forgive you as long as you buy dinner,” Brandon retorted. I could tell he had been waiting to say that.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t invite you all to dinner and then make you pay your way. I went ahead and ordered the tasting menu and matching wine flights for everyone.” I explained.
“It all looks fantastic,” Cynthia said as she looked over the menu.
Anthony took the open seat next to Cynthia. “I’m not much of a wine drinker, but I love seafood.”
“It’s just a small glass of each type of wine,” I assured him.
“Alcohol opens up Pandora’s box for me,” Anthony confessed.
“I’m not driving, so I’ll help you out with the wine,” Cynthia assured him.
The crooked smile on Cynthia’s face brought back memories of our college days. She always did enjoy her cocktails. Back then Long Island Tea’s and Raspberry Kamikaze’s were her favorites. Once the cocktails took full effect she would always want to dance to the Romantics or The Kinks. It’s hard to believe she was so much fun back then. I’ll never forget those days.
“If you are going to have both flights, you have to promise no more rude comments,” Kate whispered rather loudly while giving her a cold glare.
“Oh relax honey. I had to get at least one jab in,” she replied with a cool smile.
“I don’t think I want to know what that was all about. Where is our server?”
Kate
I had to laugh at how uneasy Jack appeared to be around Mom. It wasn’t until he had a couple glasses of scotch that he seemed to relax and let down his guard. It wasn’t like Jack to be intimidated by anyone, so he must’ve been fearful that she was really going to embarrass him. Honestly, I had the same exact fear going through my mind. Luckily, she and Anthony immediately hit it off. As the meal wore on, they spent most of their time getting to know one another.
“I think they would make a cute couple,” I whispered to Jack.
“They would be good for each other,” he concurred glancing over at them.
I placed my hand on his inner thigh and dragged my fingertips up his leg.
“No,” he said with his facial expression as he placed his hand over mine.
Seeing his reaction only made me want to tease him more. The thought of getting him all hot and bothered while sitting at the table with Jayne, Brandon and my mom was very enticing. As soon as he reached for his cocktail, I began to stroke his leg again. Only I was a little more subtle this time. In typical Jack fashion he took a casual sip of scotch, set it down and once again took hold of my hand. Then he proceeded to turn the topic back to business. He was always truly in control of the conversation whenever business was being discussed.
“Have you told Cynthia about your trip out west?” he asked Brandon, sensing that the conversation between her and Anthony had hit a lull.
“I just mentioned that it went really well. Every merchandising group I’ve met with so far is interested in seeing pricing as soon as it’s available. I think it’s going to be a great launch,” Brandon replied.
“I’m sure. There is already a bunch of buzz about that Jack is manufacturing a new line right here on his home turf,” she replied flatly.
“That’s only part of it,” Brandon countered. “The real interest came after showing them Kate’s prototypes.”
“I’ve found the same thing Cynthia,” Jayne added. “People love Kate’s functional designs.”
“Well, I guess we’ve had many talks about all the fatal flaws in most women’s fashions,” Cynthia conceded.
“Talking about it is one thing, but going out and designing a new line is another,” Jayne said, smiling at me.
For the first time I felt a sense of pride well up in my chest and couldn’t believe these words had come from Jayne’s lips. She was sticking up for me as if I was her kid sister. It felt really good.
“Kate has always been a dreamer, just like her father. It’s easier to make your dreams come true with a couple billion dollars backing your ideas,” Mom replied, refusing to give me a smidgeon of credit.
With that statement, Jack’s anxiousness was transformed to instant rage. “I know Kate well enough to realize she is nothing like her father. She is a good hearted person who would never take advantage of others the way he did. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from ever comparing the two of them again!”
The look of shock on my mother’s face was priceless. I never did figure out why she was giving me such a hard time that night, but it seemed to be simple jealousy. “Excuse me,” she said as she got up from the table and began to walk toward the bathroom.
“I’ll go talk to her.” I got up from the table and followed her.
~~~
As I walked into the bathroom, Mom had already burst into tears and had her face buried in her hands.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m sorry for being such a world-class bitch,” she sobbed.
“It’s alright. I’m sure you didn’t really mean to hurt me… did you?”
She pulled a tissue from her purse and blotted her eyes, “Of course not, I’m just green with envy. You are 22 years old and suddenly you have the whole world by the tail. While I’ve got an asshole ex-husband who has taken me for everything and the same old job I’ve had for nearly three decades. My life sucks.”
“It doesn’t have to Mom. Dad is in the past and going forward you can play a major role in what we are doing. Your life can change as quickly as mine did. It’s simply your choice.”
“Oh Kathleen, if only it were that easy.”
“It is that easy. You just need to have a little faith.”
“Faith… That’s something I lost a long time ago kiddo.”
“Well, you need to get it back. Jack and I will help you.”
“Going to work for my 22 year old daughter… who would’ve dreamt of it?”
“You won’t be working for me Mom. You’ll be working with me. There’s a big difference. Now freshen up and I’ll meet you back at the table.”
As I rejoined the table, I gave everyone a smile letting them know all was well. I had no doubt in my mind that Mom’s words had been fueled by jealousy and bitterness, but there was no need for it. Our venture had the potential to be a huge business and I was more than willing to share it with her. I knew that if she came to work with us, she would most like
ly be our best sales rep. After all, it was her who had planted all those seeds over the years that eventually sprouted into this business. Without her input, I probably would have never realized there was anything wrong with women’s fashions.
It’s amazing how those around us shape our lives, even though we might not realize it at the time.
Chapter 5
Saturday Morning 8:00am
Jack
There are days that start out incredibly unremarkable, but end up being one of the most important turning points in one’s life. This was one of those days.
Friday night had been a good time for the most part, but I was really disappointed when I awoke with a hangover. This is not how things are going to go. I won’t be able to work out in this condition. I decided I might as well roll over and get some more sleep, but my mind was already fully awake. Within a few minutes I was thinking about what I wanted to accomplish in Amsterdam and who would make a good head of North American manufacturing. Brandon and Jayne have no interest in contract manufacturing, so I’ll have to find the right person. I’ll start with Silvia.
Silvia Cruz was a very driven woman. She broke onto the scene as a runway model, but quickly saw the limited lifespan of such a career. She didn’t hesitate when given the chance to move to the merchandising side of the business. For years she had been running a very successful manufacturing facility in Nogales, Mexico. The last time I had spoken to her, she was beginning to feel the strain of the on-going drug war in the area. The situation had only gotten worse since that time, so that’s why she was at the top of my list. I grabbed my phone and a robe before making my way to the executive office. This is one hell of a presidential suite. We really should’ve had a party here last night.
“Jack Ryker?” Silvia answered sounding quite surprised.
“Good morning. You sound shocked to hear from me.”
“Yeah, I thought you had ridden off into the sunset. Or is this a personal call?”
“Actually, the sunset is going to have to wait a few years. I’m putting together a couple of things on the manufacturing front that I would like to talk to you about.”
