“I miss you too.”
“Kelly, I thought I’d better warn you before you get back.” Mom’s voice sounded strange.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing really, but your dad’s been talking about retiring for a while now, and I think he’s actually ready to do something. I just didn’t want you to be blindsided if you came home and he was talking about it or had gotten a wild hair and done something.”
She agreed it was time for Dad to slow down a little. All that talk about throwing a party for Mom had probably stemmed from the whole retirement thing. Those surprises she was hoping to afford with her winnings for the diner might not be as good of an idea as she thought. “You know, there’s nothing wrong with him letting Kenny handle the kitchen. He’s a great cook, and he’s dependable. I’ve told him that before.”
“That’s just it. Kenny gave his notice today. He’s moving back to Georgia to be closer to his kids. Honey, your dad’s talking about selling the restaurant. He said he’s ready to throw in the towel and apron and relax a little. Go fishing. Take some trips. Do what retired people do. Whatever that is.”
Kelly leaned against the bed for support. “I could take over the cafe.”
“I knew that would be your immediate reaction, but I don’t really think you want to take that on. The Cake Factory is doing so well. Main Street Cafe is just a little local restaurant. What you’re building is the next generation of McIntyre legacy. We want you to take that torch and run with it.”
“But—”
“Look, it may not even happen for a while. I just wanted you to have some time to get used to the idea in case anything really came of it. When he’s ready, we’ll do it. Don’t worry. I’m sorry I even mentioned it now. I should have just kept quiet.”
“Don’t be silly, Mom. You can always talk to me. I’m sure this is weighing on your mind, and I’m sorry Kenny gave his notice. That’s not good news at all.” She didn’t want the family business to close.
“We’ll work it out. Thanks for telling me.”
Her weak knees folded underneath her as she sat on the bed. She couldn’t believe this. Sure, her parents deserved to retire, but she’d never once thought they’d actually close down the cafe.
“I’ll talk to you when I get home,” she said. A wave of nausea caught her on the last words.
“I’ll try not to bug you. Bye, honey.”
“You’re never a bother. Love you, Mom.” She ended the call a little homesick.
A knock at the door had Brenda rushing across the room. “Your luggage is here,” she called out enthusiastically as she tipped the bellman. “One disaster averted.”
“Thank goodness,” Kelly said.
“Do you want to go out to dinner or eat in tonight?”
“I’m not that hungry. I can just eat in.”
“I’ve got just the thing. Our craft service for the show has the best home cooking around.” Brenda called down to Craft Service at the studio and ordered two of today’s specials. “If it’s okay with you, I’ll prop the doors open between our room and I’ll listen for the food while you get settled in.”
“That would be great. I’m going to shower and change into some yoga pants.”
When Kelly came out, a good-looking guy was standing in Brenda’s room helping her unbox things.
“Oh good, you’re out,” Brenda said. “Dinner just arrived.”
“It smells good. Suddenly, I’m very hungry.” Kelly joined Brenda in the adjoining room.
“This is Tony Newmann. He works in catering, but he’s also done some work on a soap opera.”
Kelly recognized him. “You were Ethan! The casino owner who fell off the riverboat. You were really good. I can’t believe I’m meeting a real actor. My mom will absolutely die.”
“Thanks,” Tony said. “I’ll bring a signed picture for you to take to her.”
“That would be so great. She’ll never believe it.”
He pulled a card out of his wallet and handed it to her.
She held the card between her fingers.
“When this show is all said and done, give me a call and I’ll show you around the city if you like. I’m a great tour guide.”
Is he flirting with me? Maybe Mrs. Leary was on to something after all. Is Tony my chance to find love?
Chapter Twenty-Three
After seeing the set, Andrew was amped and ready to get this challenge started. On the way back to their hotel, he asked Lori, “Where can we get a good meal tonight? I was thinking maybe Le Bernardin, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, or maybe Daniel. I’ve heard Per Se is amazing too.”
“Our per diem is quite generous, but I can guarantee you none of those places are going to be in the budget.”
“My treat.”
“Even so, I’m fairly certain we can’t place a pickup order from any of those places,” Lori said.
Pffft. “Half the experience of the food is the plating and atmosphere in the restaurant.”
“The only atmosphere you’re going to be experiencing through Valentine’s Day is here and on the set.”
He’d talk her into it before the week was out. He had no doubt. There was no way he could be right here in New York City and not show up at one of the restaurants of the chefs he’d met when they’d visited his restaurant—well Francois’—in Paris. If he had to pretend to miss his flight to get an extra day in, he was going to get to at least one of those places.
A little disgruntled, he mumbled, “Happy Valentine’s Day to me.”
“Did you leave someone special behind?”
“No.” He hadn’t even left a plant. There wasn’t anything personal in his apartment at all. Even the furniture had already been there when he’d moved in. He’d never made it a home. The thought of home made him think of Kelly. He could probably feel at home with her anywhere.
“Well, yeah,” he said. “I guess I did leave someone special behind. I just didn’t
