Forever and a Night

by Lana Campbell

  Kugelis was a Lithuanian peasant dish made from potatoes and either ham, bacon or both. The execution was a laborious process, but by six p.m., the time Nathan had texted her to request dinner, the Kugelis along with a farm-fresh salad and some artisan bread she’d made from scratch had been set out awaiting her guests. She had a bottle of Pinot Noir open, breathing on the far end of the table ready to pour when Nathan and his friends arrived.

  They were timely. It was mere minutes after six when she heard feminine laughter and male voices coming down the hallway which led to the dining room. She’d snagged a new, black chef’s jacket from Tavania’s to appear professional tonight. Mia always worked behind the scenes and rarely dealt with restaurant patrons face to face. She felt very nervous about this.

  Unsure what to do, she folded her hands behind her back and tried for a confident expression. Her jaw went slack, when the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen entered the room. Her eyes were a vibrant color of green. She wore a shimmery, copper colored dress just a few shades darker than her hair which was free, falling to the delicate arch of her lower back. She held the hand of a very tall, impressively built man, the second most gorgeous male she’d ever laid eyes on next to Nathan, who entered last.

  Nathan must have picked up on her uneasiness. He smiled at her in a way that seemed to say, `relax, you’re in good company’. He looked at the engaging couple staring at her and said, “Julia, Dimitri, this is Mia Peebles. Mia, Julia and Dimitri Chauvinski. You’ll learn soon they’re great people, but nosey as hell. Be prepared to be drilled on your life tonight.”

  Mia did relax a bit, stepped forward and shook their hands. “It’s good to meet you both.”

  “Yum. Whatever, you have prepared, smells incredible,” Julia commented in a rich French accent as she headed to the table followed by her husband and Nathan. “Tell us what you’ve prepared, cher.”

  She opened her mouth to do so, but before she could form words Dimitri said, “Is that what I think it is?” His gaze riveted on the steaming casserole dish in the center of the table.

  Mia smiled. “Yes. Kugelis.”

  He looked up at her with the most amazing grey eyes she’d ever seen. They were the color of an uncirculated silver dollar, and like Nathan’s they shimmered when light hit them. Julia’s beautiful green ones too. She found the anomaly odd, but attributed it to some new sort of modern contact lenses.

  “What’s Kugelis?” Nathan asked.

  Julia said, “Only his most favorite dish in the entire world, which I have never been able to prepare to his standards. How could you not know that about him given all the time you two spent together over the last seventy years?”

  Mia felt her eyes bug out. She must have heard her wrong, but when both Nathan and Dimitri shot Julia a glare filled with reproof she didn’t know what to think. Had she meant to say seventeen?

  Julia didn’t seem affected at all. She picked up a fork and dug it into the casserole, then extended the bite toward her husband who immediately indulged. He chewed for a few moments then his eyes fell back in his head. Once he swallowed, he said in a thick Slavic accent, “This is better than my mother’s and with that you do not understand the compliment I just gave you. Whatever Nathan is paying you I will double it.”

  “Oh no you won’t,” his wife chided, grinning. “You have a woman to cook for you. Poor Nathan has no one to cook or care for him and you know what I mean. Hopefully, lovely Mia here will bring some comforts of home to his life that he’s needed for a very long time.”

  That comment caught Mia off guard. Nathan needing someone to care for him? Crazy. The man could afford a hundred household staff members if he wanted.

  “Of course you’re right, love.” He leaned over and gave his wife a chaste kiss, then glanced back at her. “You will teach her to make this?”

  Mia chuckled. “Sure. It’s a family recipe, but I’m not hoarding it.”

  Dimitri’s brows quirked. “Your family is of what origin?”

  “Mostly Lithuanian on my mother’s side. Cherokee and African American on my father’s.”

  “Ah, then we have something in common.” Dimitri grinned.

  “Don’t just stand there, darling. Join us,” Julia said, gesturing toward an empty chair next to Nathan, who instantly stood and pulled it out for her.

  She glanced amongst the three of them, taken aback by the offer. She was suppose to be serving them. “That’s very kind, but I have a lot to clean up in the kitchen. For dessert I have raspberry lava cakes and I’ll need to get them in the oven shortly.”

  Nathan came around the empty chair and guided her into it. “You will always eat with me or my guests when in my home in a casual atmosphere. I failed to put that into the contract, but consider it a job requirement.”

  Mia blinked at him and swallowed hard, not knowing what to think. Julia got up, disappeared through the door separating the kitchen and dining room. She returned with a plate and some utensils, sat them in front of her, then began dishing out the casserole onto everyone’s plates.

  This was very uncomfortable for Mia. She was here for a job, not to eat or socialize with Nathan and his guests. She stood and extended her hand toward her. “Please, let me do that.”

  “Nonsense, but if you’ll pour the wine, cher, that would be nice. None for me though.”

  Mia immediately did so, her hands trembling slightly. Mia was not a server and she did not possess the grace of one, but she managed to walk around the table and fill the glasses without spilling any.

  Julia took hold of the basket of bread Mia had prepared and passed it to her husband.

  “Sit and tell us about yourself, Mia,” Julia said as she took a seat. She smiled sweetly at her.

  Nathan laughed. “I told you to be prepared for an inquisition.”

  Mia shared nervous a glance between the two and swallowed. She wanted to run back to the kitchen and hide in the walk-in, afraid she’d come across like the redneck woman she was to Nathan and his friends. Like Nathan, the elegant couple were obviously very worldly.

  Nathan stood. “Please, Mia, relax. Eat with us. It’s important to me that you get to know my friends. My household is very informal. Ask Jazerra. In fact, she treats all of us like adopted kids.”

  Julia let out a trill of laughter. “Nathan is correct. Jazerra mothers all of us. We love her dearly, though. She is family.”

  Mia regained her seat and scoured her mind for a simple answer to Julia’s question. “Well for the last four years I worked for an Italian restaurant here in the city. It was my first job ever in a kitchen. I started as a prep chef and worked my way up to sous chef. I have no formal training though.”

  “Well, I’ve always believed the culinary arts to be something one has a passion and talent for by nature. Oh my, this salad looks delicious.” Julia scooped some on her plate then handed the bowl to her husband who had just shoveled another bite of Kugelis into his mouth. “Take this. You need to eat something green.”

  He frowned, but obeyed her command. Mia smiled. A mere few minutes spent with this delightful couple and she could clearly see they were in love. “How long have you two been married,” she ventured, hoping they wouldn’t find the question too personal.

  Nathan supplied the answer, but not directly. “Awhile. Their son Dominic is my lead attorney for Davenport Enterprises. Also my right hand man of sorts. They have a daughter, Maria, who is grown, married with children and lives near them in Tuscany.”

  Mia was shocked. She wouldn’t have guessed Julia or Dimitri to be her age. Actually, they had to be older than she with a son who had already graduated with a law degree.

  “Do you have any children, Mia?” Julia asked, then took a bite of salad.

  “Three girls. All grown.”

  Julia picked up her glass of water and sipped, studying her. “Well, darling, tell us about them. Are any of them in the culinary field?”

  “No. Tiffany is twenty three, Danielle is twenty two and Chelsie
twenty one. Dannie and Chelsie graduated college together last year. Long story on that one, but all of my children were born exactly eleven months apart.”

  “Do they live here in New Orleans?” Julia took another bite of salad.

  “No. They live in Springfield Missouri. Tiffany works for a company which sells computers. She fixes them, sets up websites and other stuff for their clients.” She waved her hand dismissively. “She’s tried to explain all she does, but it’s over my head. Danielle is a graphic designer for a company that produces trendy young adult sportswear. She has a painting studio in her apartment and her works are generally earthy, rural and absolutely astounding. Two art galleries in Springfield Missouri have some of them and they’re selling quite well.

  Then there’s my little brain child, Chelsie, my youngest who hopefully will be starting Harvard medical school this fall if we can get the funding situated for her. She graduated Valedictorian both in high school and college. She astounds me. She minored with a music degree. She has the voice of an angel and can play a guitar and fiddle like you wouldn’t believe. She’s been part of a country western band for the last five years, which plays all across the Ozarks.”

  When she finished her dialogue the three were staring at her raptly and she blushed because anytime she talked about her kids she prattled on until people’s eyes rolled back in their heads from boredom. She couldn’t help it. She was proud of all three girls and the wonderful direction each of their lives had taken.

  “Oh my, they sound like amazing children. You obviously are very proud,” Julia said.

  Mia thanked her, then turned her attention to her plate and started on the Kugelis. She was about to ask Julia more about her kids, but Nathan said, “A number of years ago I implemented a program through Davenport Enterprises that offers funding to all my employees and their families for college. I’d be happy to have my assistant fax or email you the program information.”

  Mia stared at him. His expression was genuine, kind. He’d offered her so much already. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around what he planned to pay her. But if this was a company benefit, for her daughter’s sake she wouldn’t refuse. “Thank you. That would be great.”

  “This salad dressing is amazing. What is it?” Julia asked, stabbing another forkful of greens.

  “A Parmesan basil vinaigrette. My own recipe.”

  “Well if you are inclined to share, I’d love to have it and of course the Kugelis recipe.”

  “As I said, I’m no hoarder of my recipes.” She smiled.

  The chiming of a cell phone interrupted their conversation. It was coming from Dimitri. He half stood and pulled one out of the right pocket of his slacks. There was something akin to fear in his eyes when he looked at the screen.

  “Is it Christian?” Julia demanded.

  He nodded then spoke into the phone. “We’re both here. What have you learned?”

  Mia didn’t know what to think. Fear and anticipation had taken up residence in the couples faces. She glanced at Nathan. His expression mimicked theirs.

  “Thank you, Christian. This is wonderful news. We’ll speak with you soon.”

  Mia glanced back at Julia who now had her hand palming her mouth. Her eyes were wide and riveted on her husband.

  This was personal. Mia took hold of her plate, ready to stand and leave the room to give them privacy. Before she could do so, Dimitri disconnected, then smiled brilliantly at his wife. “You’re blood work is good. So far, a very healthy pregnancy.”

  Mia knew her mouth was in fly-catching mode, but she couldn’t help it. For a couple to start a family all over again at their age seemed wild. However, as she thought about it, she realized that if God blessed her with a second chance at love, she might consider another baby. It was risky business for women having babies in their forties, but with the strides made in medicine, some women were having children in their fifties.

  Nathan frowned at the two. “Why am I just now learning of this? You never mentioned anything about complications.”

  Dimitri replied, “There were tests we needed answers to and we didn’t want to worry you.”

  Mia was curious, but said nothing. This was none of her business.

  Tears had formed in Julia’s eyes, which harbored a misty affection as she stood and looked at her husband.

  “Excuse us,” Dimitri said.

  When she and Nathan were alone, she faced him and said, “That’s awesome for them.”

  “You have no idea. This is what brought them to New Orleans. There’s a fertility specialist here they’ve come to consult with. Apparently, he’s very good because Julia only received one round of treatments.”

  “Your friends are very lovely, Nathan. I’ve really enjoyed tonight.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. You made Dimitri happier at a table than I’ve seen him in years. I know you only have two days off a week but would you consider preparing dinner for us tomorrow night?”

  “Sure. Suggestions?”

  “No. Let your creativity be unleashed.”

  “All right.” She stood and began collecting empty plates. “I’d better go start dessert.”

  He stood and picked up his own. “No need. After what they just learned, trust me they’ll have no further appetite tonight. At least for food.”

  The glint of innuendo in his eyes made her giggle. She took the handful of plates into the kitchen and sat them in one bin of the three vat sink. Nathan trailed her, placing the ones he’d gathered on top of hers.

  “Can I help?” he asked.

  “Yes. You can get your butt out of here and let me do my job and earn the obscene amount of money you’re paying me. Now get.” Mia didn’t care how informal his household was, she wasn’t going to let him help her do her job. She waved her hands at him in a shooing motion.

  “You sure are bossy.” He chuckled.

  “Yes I am. Best get used to it.” She grinned, pivoted, then turned on the faucet and began rinsing dishes.

  ***

  Mia chose to take dinner more upscale the next night after Nathan called her shortly before ten this morning to tell her one more guest would be joining them. The added guest was Julia and Dimtri’s doctor. Suspecting celebrations to be in order after the couple’s wonderful news, she put together a special coursed meal with Filet Mignon as the entree. The courses each had a bit of a French flair, a tribute to Julia, the guest of honor.

  Again, Nathan requested dinner at six. It was a quarter till and Mia was ready to rock and roll except for the steaks which she would fire after the salad course and once she had temps from all the guests.

  The first course was a mushroom bisque and she began ladling it minutes after she heard the doorbell ring. She had finished settling the steaming bowls on the chargers along the dining room table, when she heard voices in the hallway.

  She dashed across the space to stand at the door parting the kitchen and the elegant dining room. As much as she liked Nathan and his friends, maintaining professionalism seemed proper.

  Julia and Dimitri entered first, gazing at one another like love-struck teenagers. Mia smiled at the sweet site the couple made until her gaze riveted on the man who filed in last. He was easily Nathan’s build and height, around 6’5’’ and sported a long blonde ponytail, a pair of Wranglers, cowboy boots and a t-shirt with some rock band logo. He had eyes the color of honey and they were warm and inviting. The man rivaled Nathan and Dimitri in the looks department. If he was a doctor, she’d sure like to know what HMO he was a part of.

  Julia spotted her and grinned. “Mia darling, thank you so much for cooking for us again tonight. Let me introduce you to a very special friend of ours.” She turned to the blonde man and said, “This is Mia Peebles, Nathan’s new chef. Mia, this is Dr. Christian La Mond, the most amazing doctor in the whole wide world. Also a personal friend.” She smiled at her husband with affection and he returned one.

  The doctor crossed the room and extended his hand toward her. “Plea
sure to meet you, Mia. Julia and Dimitri told me you rocked their world last night with some dish Dimitri is partial to.”

  His accent was pure Texan and it took a minute for Mia to reach out and shake his hand because he simply didn’t fit the stereotype of what she’d always known doctors to be. None of these incredibly beautiful people filed into any stereotypes. The world she’d landed in seemed more and more like some alternate reality. Not bad, just strange as heck. “Pleasure to meet you too, Dr. La Mond.”

  “Call me Christian. I’m not one for formalities.” He offered her a warm smile.

  No he wasn’t, she thought, eyeing him again. He appeared about as down home as she. He was the hot male stuff inspiring many a country song. She noticed he wore no wedding ring, but not surprising, she supposed. He looked early thirties. He too seemed to be sporting those weird contacts like Nathan and his friends. His gold eyes literally shimmered in the soft lighting of the room.

  “What have you prepared for us tonight?” Nathan asked, his expression warm and curious.

  “Mushroom bisque is the first course.” She gestured toward the table. “I’m doing a coursed meal tonight, so settle in and enjoy. The next course is a spring salad with a honey garlic balsamic vinaigrette. The entree is a filet with a porcini mushroom Marsala gravy Au Puv paired with some tiny new potatoes and sugar snap peas I found at a farmers’ market today. I need to get everyones’ preferred temperatures on the steaks please.”

  Almost in tandem they said, rare. Mia smiled. That would be easy. She headed back to the kitchen.

  Running courses kept her busy with no time to socialize, even though Nathan and Julia had asked her several times to take a moment and join them. Finally, when she had the chocolate soufflés served to all, Julia got up, grabbed her by the hand and forced her to the table in a chair between Nathan and the doctor. “Sit and relax, cher. You deserve a break after that wonderful meal. Later we must talk about recipes.”

  “Of course.”

  Nathan poured her a glass of wine and handed it to her. “This was an amazing dinner, Mia. Thank you.”