by Rita Hogan
Instead of accepting his invitation, Brooke smiled apologetically. “That is very kind of you, Peter. Unfortunately, I won’t be available. I am actually here in Patagonia working on assignment. I am scheduled for an overnight trip to Mascardi Lake. I leave late Monday morning and won’t be back until Tuesday evening.”
The interloper gave her a gracious smile. “Oh well, that is too bad. It was very nice meeting you, Brooke.” He then turned to Landon. “And you as well, Mr. Gray.” In a quieter voice, but loud enough for Brooke to hear, he said to the resort owner, “You’re a very lucky man.”
Neither the words nor the meaning had been lost on Brooke. Landon held her gaze for a moment as Peter walked away. A slight blush deepened the color of her cheeks.
“Are you really leaving town on Monday?” Landon asked in a quiet, serious voice.
She nodded. “I hired a guide to take me to see the glacier valleys.”
“And if you hadn’t already had plans?” He couldn’t resist asking the question. Would she resent his prodding?
No longer flushed, Brooke looked directly at Landon. “I would have politely refused, like I have done many other times.”
With a gentle look, he praised her. “Your forthrightness is a breath of fresh air, Ms. Johnson.” He offered her his arm and led her to their assigned seats.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The stadium seating dining room was ingenious. There were three levels of custom-made tables with fifteen seats per row. Each level was configured in a semicircle, one row lower than the other. The lowest level of the room was the kitchen, giving all the diners a clear view of the action.
Center and facing the rows of seating was a granite countertop with two prep tables on each side where the sous-chefs worked to assist the executive chef. Two large LED monitors were suspended above the cooking space. One showed an aerial view of the stove, while the other provided images of the chef’s prep space.
Each semicircle table was covered with the finest white linen money could buy. Waterford crystal and Limoges china and cutlery made an elegant table service. It was truly a food lover’s dream and, thus far, worth every penny of the extra cost guests paid to attend the private demonstration.
Landon seated himself and Brooke at the far right end of the top row. “I hope you don’t mind sitting in the back?”
“Not at all. The view is perfect, even from here. Does your brother-in-law do all of the private dinner events?”
“He has been. We are training a new person to take over the events, another Michelin star-rated chef. I discovered Juan Carlos at Bolero in London a year ago. Have you heard of it?”
Brooke shook her head.
“It’s a great restaurant in Chelsea. Several months ago I managed to tear Gaston away from my sister and their children long enough to take him with me on a trip to experience the fine cuisine and Juan’s mastery of the kitchen.
“When the chef heard that Gaston was visiting, he came to our table to speak with us. My brother-in-law’s reputation precedes him. I managed to slip Juan a note requesting a meeting with him after the dinner service. Not wanting to be seen too close to Bolero, I invited him to our hotel in London where we made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. “
Taking a sip of her drink, Brooke’s interest was piqued. “How are things going so far?”
“Very well, except for the private demonstration event.”
“How so?”
Landon looked down at the kitchen area and could tell they were close to starting. “Juan is the executive chef for The Absolution’s day cruises. For the three-day cruise, Gaston has been the star chef and has done exceptionally well. This will be Juan’s first time solo.” Landon stood. “They’re getting ready to start. Give me your honest opinion after dinner is over. Excuse me for a moment while I introduce Juan and the team.”
* * *
“Juan, it’s all yours. I’m confident you can do this,” Gaston encouraged before looking over the rest of the staff. Each member of the team stood in formation behind the partition, listening to Landon’s voice from the stage, while waiting for their cue.
“Good evening, ladies and gentleman and welcome to an evening of fine dining. My name is Landon Gray, the owner of The Absolution. I am delighted to have you as my guests. Chef Juan Carlos has a terrific meal planned for you, one that we’re certain you’ll remember for a long time to come. Chef comes to us from Bolero of London.” There was a murmur of approval from the crowd. “It appears many of you are familiar with the five star restaurant. It was Juan who took the eatery to a two-star Michelin rating in under three years. He is a phenomenal talent with an eclectic palate. Without further ado, please welcome Chef Juan Carlos and our team of chefs extraordinaire.”
Juan was the first to appear from behind the partition. He bowed at the crowd’s applause before lifting his arm, signaling to his staff. Three chefs, in immaculate starched white chef’s coats and hats, appeared from each side of the partition, streaming toward the center of the kitchen. Each balanced a domed silver tray on their extended hand. While in precise formation, the six team members lined up on both sides of Juan Carlos. Simultaneously, the chefs bowed to the guests. There was more applause.
“Good evening. It is an honor to be here. On behalf of my staff we welcome you.”
As Juan began the presentation, Landon made his way to the top row of seating to rejoin Brooke. He noticed that Gaston was sitting in the chair next to his. When he took his seat, he looked at his brother-in-law and whispered, “He’ll do great.” The chef merely looked at his friend before turning his attention toward Juan.
Landon was right. By the third course he had the guests eating out of his hand, literally. While preparing the main dish, an Isle of Gigha halibut and filet mignon infused with brandy, he invited a guest from the crowd to assist. A brunette, dressed in her finest, stood behind the counter wearing a white apron and helped to prepare the sauce for the fish. When it was time to taste, Juan held a spoon to the woman’s red lips. The chef’s face lit up with a smile when the woman literally moaned in delight at the taste.
He may have lacked the wit Gaston offered his guests, but Juan exuded a charming and charismatic presence, which wooed the audience.
When the last course was served, the crowd of diners stood, applauding the chef and his staff. While the star of the show made his way through the throng of guests thanking each one personally, Landon watched from the top row. He looked at Brooke and Gaston. “So what did you think?”
Answering first, Brooke gave both Landon and Gaston an enthusiastic smile. “I think he was fabulous. He’s definitely not Irish.”
Landon chuckled inwardly at the slightly bewildered expression on Gaston’s face. He had caught the look right before he suggested they have coffee in the Starboard Lounge.
When the three of them entered the elegant bar, Landon was met and detained by some of the diners who wished to thank him for the creative dining experience. Gaston escorted Brooke to a corner of the room with dark brown leather chairs. He motioned to one and waited for her to take her seat before taking his.
Immediately a waiter came by to take their drinks. When the employee left to place the order, Gaston looked at Brooke. “Landon took you to Dragonfly.” It was not a question but a statement. Unable to suppress the mirth that filled her eyes, he continued before she could respond. “He also told you about my view of the Irish and their cooking.”
Brooke nodded.
“You really aren’t Irish.”
The response brought forth a wonderful laugh. “I found Landon’s story about your opinions of Dragonfly and the Irish quite amusing. I could not resist teasing you. I hope you are not offended.”
Gaston simply smiled at Brooke, proof that he had not been piqued by her ribbing.
Realizing he was not upset, she added, “I would agree that the French have long set the standard for fine dining. It is difficult for many styles of cuisine to live up to the same level. Your food, Gas
ton, is incredible and I thoroughly enjoyed tonight’s meal; however I do not feel the dishes I had at Dragonfly were substandard. They may not have been the same caliber, but they were delicious in their own right.”
“So you do not think me to be a total cad?”
Laughing, Brooke replied, “Not at all. I think you have earned the right to be particular when it comes to food. I do not think less of you because of it.”
“Thank you. Here comes Landon. Do me a favor and let’s keep this revelation to ourselves, until I’ve had a chance to have some fun with it.”
“As long as you promise to fill me in on the details,” she countered.
Landon was standing close to Brooke, when he interjected, “What details?”
Gaston looked at his brother-in-law. “The changing of the guard for the dinner cruises. I will miss it, of course, but it is for the best. Juan did very well, much better than I anticipated.”
Landon wasn’t convinced of Gaston’s answer, but let it go. “I am also pleased and he will only get better. You’ve taught him well, leaving you more time for your family. Another example of Natasha getting what she wants.” For some reason he had been remembering the conversation he had with his sister shortly after Isabella’s birth: her desire to see him with children and her comment about how she always got what she wanted.
Brooke arched her eyebrows in question at the statement.
Affectionately, Landon clarified. “When I told Natasha about visiting Bolero and tasting Juan’s food, it was her idea for me to take Gaston to London so we could try and hire the chef to join our company, if her husband approved of him. It was her intention the whole time to ultimately have him take over Gaston’s position on the cruise. What my sister wants, she gets, but the things she desires are good and selfless.”
Gaston added his own thoughts about his wife. “Landon is absolutely right. When she put the ball in motion to hire Juan, she was thinking of me and the children. She knew how difficult it was for me to be away every month for the three days of the cruise, in addition to the three nights of the week that I work, but I was too prideful to draw a line and do what was necessary on my own. This one here,” he motioned to Landon, “works like a dog, but doesn’t have children to think of, so he doesn’t always notice these things.”
The reference to not having any children caused Landon to ache. He couldn’t resist glancing at Brooke. Gazing at her didn’t help soothe the now-open wound; the way she looked at him caused it to throb with pricks of pain. He wanted to close his eyes and push away the troubling thoughts. Instead, he turned his gaze back to his brother-in-law. “Now you will have your time, Gaston, and I am glad for it.”
It was Brooke’s turn to share her thoughts. “It sounds like you are very fortunate, Landon, to have a sibling who cares a great deal for you; likewise, Gaston, for a wonderful wife and mother. I hope to meet her while I’m here in Patagonia.”
Landon’s thoughts had strayed for a moment. “I’m certain you will meet her. She would enjoy making your acquaintance. Beware, she will offer you a nice side job of taking pictures of the children. If you have not photographed children before, good luck. Trying to get those two to pose for a picture is like asking the sun not to set.”
She appreciated the metaphor. “Well, then if your sister does offer me the opportunity, you will have to help me corral them into cooperation.”
“How much will you pay me? You know, some type of subcontracting fee?”
Brooked gave a delightful laugh. “If it’s as challenging as you say it is, I’m happy to negotiate.”
“Please, you two,” Gaston chimed in, “these are my children you are describing.” Looking at Brooke, he said, “They won’t give you an ounce of trouble.”
Both Landon and Brooke laughed at the chef’s good-natured comment.
Gaston smiled. “Do you have any siblings of your own, Brooke?”
“Unfortunately, no. I would have enjoyed having a sister; someone to giggle with about boys.” She changed the subject and looked at Landon. “Does the family travel to London often?”
“About two or three times a year. My father moved his base there about eleven years ago. I fly there for meetings and, of course, to visit with them.”
“I’ve always wanted to go to London,” Brooke commented.
For the next hour, the three of them talked about London, Paris, and travel in general.
As the evening grew late, they made their leave. Landon offered to escort Brooke back to her room. She said goodnight to Gaston and seemed pleased as he air-kissed both of her cheeks. Unaccustomed to the European tradition of greeting and saying goodbye, she appeared to enjoy the gesture. Would the woman on his arm feel the same if he attempted such a farewell after dropping her off at her door? Too mixed up by the feelings churning inside him, he knew he would simply wish her goodnight.
“Thank you for escorting me to dinner. I’ve really enjoyed my stay so far. Would you like to meet for breakfast? I thought we could discuss some of the other shots you would like for me to take.”
The longing Landon felt for her grew stronger with every moment. Part of him wanted to step on the brakes for a second or two, enough for him to catch his breath and think. Like an addict lacking self-control, he found himself accepting her invitation.
She smiled in response, her high rosy cheeks deepening in color in what appeared to be pleasure. “Great, I’ll see you then, around eight.”
He nodded and waited for her door to close and for the lock to slide into place before turning toward his suite.
CHAPTER TWELVE
“I miss you too, Natasha.” Gaston kicked off his shoes and loosened his tie.
“He really did well, sweetheart?” Natasha asked, referring to Juan.
“Indeed, mon amour. I’m tempted to rent a car when we port in Villa La Angostura tomorrow and drive home.”
“Really?” Natasha sighed.
“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned it; now I have given you false hope. Tomorrow afternoon is the cooking class. I should be here. Please forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive, Gaston. I miss you, that’s all.”
“And I miss you. I have some interesting news that will give you something else to ponder.”
“I’m listening.”
“There is a woman Landon has met.”
“On the cruise?”
“No, before. And you won’t believe where he took her for dinner: Dragonfly!”
His wife groaned. “Gaston, we’ve discussed this. It is perfectly fine if Landon enjoys a restaurant that is not run by you. If Landon did not prefer your cooking over anyone else’s, he never would have asked you to work on board The Absolution. He had no choice with the Grand Vue as it was my decision to make, but the ship has been all his from day one.”
“You didn’t let me finish.”
Natasha was silent for moment. “You’re right. I’m sorry. He took this woman to Dragonfly, and . . .”
Gaston smiled into his phone. He was stretched out on his bed, wishing badly that she were here lying beside him while he told her about the little joke Brooke played on him.
He was rewarded by her laughter. “I love it!” she exclaimed.
“It gets better.”
“Yeah?” she said with excitement. He could picture her sitting up, hanging on to every one of his words.
“I believe your brother is falling for this woman.”
Natasha gasped. “How can you be sure?”
“When he’s around Brooke, there is this intensity about him that I’ve never seen. I’ve noticed him smiling and laughing more in one day than I’ve seen him do with the few women he’s dated since I’ve known him. It’s like he’s a different person.
“At one point tonight I stuck my foot in my mouth and pointed out that he had no children. It was in reference to how much he worked. There was a look on his face. I could tell the statement bothered him, not because he was offended, but because
of something else. He was looking at Brooke while whatever was bothering him ran its course. I’m convinced he’s falling for her. ”
“Well, that is something,” Natasha agreed.
“That’s not all. There was a similarly intense look on her face. For a few brief moments, it was as if they were the only two people in the room. Then as suddenly as it appeared, poof! It was gone.”
Natasha laughed at how he exaggerated his French accent when he said, “Poof! It was gone.” “What do you think of her, Gaston?”
There was no hesitation on his part. “She’s charming, witty, and so far I like her. The only thing is, she’s here temporarily on assignment for about six months. She is a photographer taking pictures of Patagonia. When Landon found out, he offered to reimburse her for the cost of the cruise in exchange for pictures of the ship.”
“Wow, he does like her! He had new pictures done of The Absolution not too long ago. What is her last name?”
“Johnson. She’s from Montana. I can’t remember the name of the city, but she is a published photographer.”
“I’d like to meet her as soon as possible.”
“She’s looking forward to meeting you.”
“Oh, yeah? How did I come up in the conversation?”
* * *
Landon saw Brooke sitting at a table close to a window. She was sipping coffee and gazing out the large pane of glass toward the water.
“Good morning, Brooke.”
She turned her head to peer at him. Smiling, she gestured for him to sit. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
He had tossed and turned the entire night, his mind filled with thoughts of Brooke. “I slept so-so. I have a lot on my mind. How about you?”
“The same. I got up early to take some photos of the mountain pass.”
