It looked like regular vanilla ice cream with some sort of crumbs mixed in with it. Ezra was skeptical that it was going to be anything new, and he suspected Nathaniel only thought the dessert was unique because he hadn’t been to enough restaurants. But he was a huge fan of ice cream and he wasn’t ever going to turn it down. He also didn’t want to dismiss Nathaniel’s ideas without giving him at least a fair shot. So, he plunged the spoon in and tasted it slowly, careful to pay attention to the flavor profile as his tastebuds took it all in.
It was something he had never tasted before. The base was vanilla ice cream, and it was exceptional; smooth, creamy, and rich. It was the kind of satisfaction you only get from homemade ice cream, and he hadn’t had any of that in far too long. But there was something more to it. There was something that elevated it above the vanilla ice cream he was used to. It wasn’t the typical vanilla ice cream base. It was a bit thicker, a bit creamier.
The crumbs as well were distinctly different. They were soft, yet with a caramelized flavor. It gave the ice cream a wonderful texture and added flavor that made it the perfect dessert. Still, it felt homey. Ezra could see why Nathaniel chose it as his comfort food.
“Brown bread ice cream,” Nathaniel said proudly. “My father’s old recipe. I looked into it after I made it, since I haven’t seen it in other restaurants. It’s from the Victorian era, what the upper-class people used to eat. It made me think it’d be a great addition, and it led me into a little research project on other Victorian dishes I want to try.
“Obviously I’m not the owner. I’m not trying to step on any toes or anything. But since you’re going for a Victorian theme for the bed and breakfast, I thought it could be a cool touch to add some Victorian dishes to the menu.
“They don’t have to be anything elaborate, and of course it makes sense to stick to some of the basics people would expect to find at a bed and breakfast, along with the fancier dishes you’ve chosen. But I thought it might be cool for guests to be able to try something new from the era. It might be just another thing to make the menu stand out.”
Ezra didn’t have to consider it for long. His mind was already grasping onto all the possibilities and running with them. Just a few choice dishes would be a great way to elevate the menu. Unique dishes from the era would be the perfect way to tie into the Victorian theme, and he suspected Clara would love the idea as well.
He knew he kept Nathaniel around for a reason. His passion helped Ezra see things in a different way, and having that extra input was going to make their little café even better. One of the things Ezra loved most about working in a kitchen was collaborating with a team, and he was glad he hadn’t let rumors ruin that.
“I love that,” Ezra admitted. He took another bite of ice cream, admiring the delicious simplicity. “Honestly, that is a great idea, and I appreciate you taking such an interest in forming this menu.”
Then, Sam’s suspicions came back to remind Ezra of why it might be odd Nathaniel was taking such an interest in helping Ezra. He was heavily involved in all this. Ezra didn’t sense any bitterness, but wasn’t it strange?
“I have to ask you something though,” Ezra said, never one to keep things in. “You’ve been great, you really have been. But… isn’t it difficult for you to put so much of yourself into this when…”
Nathaniel looked confused for a second. Then, that haze slowly faded.
“When I wanted to buy this place,” Nathaniel offered.
Ezra nodded. “I guess I didn’t think about how it might be difficult for you to work here when I offered you the job,” Ezra admitted. “Opening up a business like this is intense. Since you’re currently our only employee, you’re quite involved in the process. I didn’t think of how that might be difficult for you, considering this is the business you wanted. I kind of feel bad for not taking that into consideration.”
“Well, lucky for you, I considered it,” Nathaniel replied. “No need to feel bad. I was excited when I first got the job offer, none of the other stuff crossed my mind. But I did think about the potential downsides on the way home. I realized it could be a challenge to work here and not feel bitter that I wasn’t able to purchase the property myself, especially as things start coming up together.
“I’ll admit, there are moments that are difficult. Sometimes I’ll look at designs you guys are trying out and imagine how the house might look if my wife and I were the ones doing the renovating. I look at the menu as it’s shaping up, and sometimes I wish I had free rein over it. Every now and then the possibilities pop in for a sad moment.
“Yet I also realize even if I had been able to buy the property, I wouldn’t have had enough money to build it up to its full potential. I couldn’t have made those dreams a reality; I would’ve constantly been looking for ways to cut corners. That would’ve caused a lot of stress, and piling on debt I can’t afford would be a huge risk. One mishap and I could lose the place, which would be far worse than never having owned it at all.
“So, I’m happy you guys were able to buy it, and I’m thankful to be part of the process. It is comforting being able to come back to a place I spent so much of my childhood in. It’s nice to see you both care about
