“That’s good,” Renee answered in her usual impassive voice.
“I just had the funniest thing happen to me on the subway. This guy—”
Renee cut me to the quick and guided me toward the living room. “Come, I want you to meet my friends.”
“Uh, okay,” squeaked out of my mouth as we entered the room to four sets of eager eyes giving me the once-over and I knew that I’d been right not to trust her. Duped again. I was annoyed that I had forced myself to believe she was being honorable. Of course, I could have been all wrong and their wives or girlfriends were…where? Renee jerked me from my thoughts when she introduced them one by one using a newly acquired New York singsong voice.
“I’d like you to meet Gary Sardis, Rodney Givens, Jim Boyd, and Slick Ramsey,” she announced. “They’ve just moved into the neighborhood and I was telling them about you.”
All four sat slouched on the burgundy sofa, their eyes fixed on me like I was the first woman they’d seen in years. I brushed it off, assuring myself I’d come out the winner tonight regardless. The warmth from the fire blazing in the old stone fireplace gave me a toasty feeling inside as the smell of burning wood spiraled up my nose and brought back pleasant memories of my childhood and our frequent camping trips to the Colorado mountains.
Slick, the most rugged guy of the bunch, whose arms were covered in body art and wore a ring in his nose and left eyebrow, shocked me the most when he stood for our introduction. If I had to pick one out of the bunch that I thought would have manners, he’d be the least likely choice. He was average looking, but regardless of his unshaven face, or the long chains hanging from a pocket in his holey jeans that exposed his knees, the fact that he displayed good manners gave him extra points. Not that I was interested in dating him, but it surprised me, judging from his appearance. We shook hands while the others remained in their comfy positions.
Renee’s refusal to make eye contact with me had “duped again” written all over it. She’d had many dinners like this in the past when we still lived in Denver near the family, who were all anxious to get me married off, and it was one of the main reasons I’d moved to New York in the first place. A lot of good that was doing me now that Renee had moved here. I’d had a two-year lead in the Big Apple. When I first moved here, it was like a breath of fresh air for the first six months. When mom passed away, Renee took on the role and harassed me like there was no tomorrow. Just because Missy and Renee both got married in their twenties didn’t mean I needed to. But you know what they say about misery loving company. When her name flashed across my cell phone screen, I used to cringe until I got smart and let it go to voicemail. Mean? Perhaps! But I was the one having to listen to her nagfest. And then I guess some of that rubbed off on me when Ryan asked me to marry him and I agreed. Then the calls were about planning the wedding, which I didn’t mind so much. But after our breakup, Renee was back to her old self again and picked up right where she had left off before Ryan came on the scene.
Renee took my coat. “Go ahead, sit. Tell the guys about you and your new business.”
My brother-in-law, Roger, entered the room, his face red from just getting out of the shower. “How are you, Rog?” I said and hugged him hello.
“Good,” he said in a normal voice, then lowered it to a whisper. “Sorry, Jamie. I had nothing to do with this.”
“I know. Okay, thanks.” These guys were about to get an earful about my business whether they wanted to hear it or not.
It’s hard not to get all jiggy when you have a sister who consistently tries to trick you into seeing things her way—she just can’t help herself. But then, why are you taking it out on the dinner guests?
So maybe she’ll stop doing this to you when she sees their eyes glaze over because you’re talking nonstop and not giving them a chance to say a word? Phew, that was a mouthful, but good luck with that one.
When you do come up for air, you might want to heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano leaves, and then simmer them for two minutes. We know you’re not simmering inside—you’re boiling, but have fun with your spiel—talk faster. Don’t waste your time trying to convert her to your way of thinking—it’s a waste of time. Just smile and nod.
Add the prepared artichoke quarters to the pan along with the olives. Add six ounces of the feta cheese, reserving the remaining cheese for later. Sauté for another minute. Whisk in the half-and-half until completely blended, add the cooked pasta to the pan, and toss until evenly coated.
After plating, sprinkle each serving with the remaining cheese and finish off with the basil strips. Now sit and stop talking before it gets cold and no one enjoys it. Serves six.
Last night’s push hadn’t expanded my customer base, but it sure sent a strong message to Renee via special delivery when the room cleared quickly. At least I hoped so. I thought she was going to have a coronary when all the guys excused themselves after dinner and before dessert. I smiled to myself, remembering the expression on her face. Dismayed, she had looked to Roger and then me, hoping for an answer, but we stuck to our guns and simultaneously declared ignorance.
My phone rang and disrupted my thoughts. Speak of the devil flashed through my mind when I saw Renee’s name flash across the screen. Deciding to ignore it, I let it ring for a while, but Bailey came running into the room and stood close by waiting for me to tell her who was calling.
“Phone, Ann Amie.” I reluctantly picked up the receiver and wasn’t able to get a greeting out of my mouth before Renee launched into her spiel.
“I went to the hospital and saw Courtney and Chase this afternoon,” she boasted. “Oh God, he’s even more gorgeous than I remembered him being in college—and thank God the accident didn’t do any damage to that handsome face of his.” I rolled my eyes. “That Courtney is quite a loving sister.” I gave an internal groan. “Here she was all ready to move to Texas with her husband, who has been offered a handsome job at some Fortune 500 company at the end of the month. When she heard about Chase’s accident, she refused to leave until she was sure her brother was going to be okay. Her husband isn’t very happy about it, but he understands their closeness. She’s so lucky to have that closeness.”
“Oh, Renee, you’re killing me over here,” emerged from my mouth. “We could be real close if you’d stop trying to run my life the way you think I should live it.”
There was a pause in the conversation. “So she’ll wait until he’s doing well enough to be left on his own,” she said, ignoring my comments.
“With all his money he should be able to afford the best care.”
“That’s what I said, but Courtney’s determined to see him back to good health, and she’s going to be around to supervise.”
I yawned from boredom. “That’s good.”
“Anyway, I was telling her about your new business venture and mentioned you had a personal chef service if she ever needed anyone to cook for them. She immediately asked for your phone number.”
My ears perked up for this one. Another customer? “And you gave it to her, right?”
“Well, I told her I wanted to discuss it with you first because she wants more than someone cooking for them.”
“That’s a first.”
A loud groan came through the receiver but I didn’t acknowledge it. She cleared her throat. “Courtney is looking more for someone to be a private chef. You know, cook, clean, medicate, and make sure he doesn’t try to overdo it because he’s anxious to get back to Virginia where he lives and ultimately back to his racing.”
“Well, I couldn’t do that now anyway. I have a customer, and quite honestly, I’m not interested in being some rich guy’s nursemaid. Thanks, but no thanks.”
“Won’t you at least go talk to them? Maybe you can work out a deal. What if your customer fires you?”
“Then I’ll try to drum up more business.”
“You mean like you did last night?”
“Wow, Renee
. Are you blaming me because those poor unsuspecting souls left early?”
“Well, they sure hightailed it out of my place in a hurry. What did you say to them?”
“I talked about my business because you said they might be interested. Of course, if they’d been told the same thing I was, they might not have even stayed through dinner. For the record, my dance card has a ‘stop order’ on it, so give it a rest.”
“Getting their business could have been the chance of a lifetime if you only would have given them an ounce of encouragement. But no, not you. You’re above all those guys. Isn’t that right?”
“That remark was totally uncalled for.”
“Maybe, but I’m only speaking the truth. When are you going to realize you can’t live in a cave forever?”
“For as long as it takes, Renee! I’m not interested.”
“Okay! I get it. So are you going to talk to Courtney and Chase, or should I tell them you’re not interested?”
“I like the idea of cooking for different people.”
“Jamie, this is Chase Walker we’re talking about here. He’s a hot celebrity. Do you realize what this could do for your business after this assignment is over?”
“Yeah, I know who he is. I’m not impressed.”
“Jamie! Do you realize what you’d be giving up?”
“Perhaps. Look, I really appreciate you recommending me, but I think I’m going to hold out for a little while longer.”
“Have you seen what this guy looks like?”
“Let someone who’s starry-eyed apply for the job.”
“He’s not married.”
I snorted. “And yet another missed opportunity! Isn’t that right?” I could picture Renee giving me the glare. It’s a good thing this was a phone call; otherwise I might have burned to a crisp.
“Oh, stop, I was merely mentioning it to let you know that you wouldn’t have a wife looking over your shoulder.”
“You mean besides his sister?”
“I seriously doubt she’d do that to you. She’s my friend and she knows the type of people we are. Being stubborn to prove a point to me is a silly notion. I thought having a job was important to you. This would be a paying job. It’s something you need to survive, and with the kind of money he makes, you could practically name your price.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Okay, if that’s the way you feel, forget I called,” she said, pulling her familiar tactic. “I’m trying to help you get some customers and you’re acting high and mighty.”
“Nothing could be further from the truth.” Despite my knowing the techniques Renee used to get what she wanted, it didn’t stop the guilt from pouring out of every orifice of my body. “Okay, I’ll go talk to them.”
“You will?”
“Yes, I’ll do that for you.”
“Don’t do it for me, Jamie. Do it for you. You’re the one who’s complaining you haven’t received many calls. I’m just trying to help.”
“I’m sorry, poor choice of words. I’ll check it out, but I only want a job where I can bring Bailey.”
“I could watch her for you.”
“I will definitely ask you on occasion, but I’m still trying to develop a stronger bond between us and I think bringing her will do that.”
“But you’ll be working.”
“But I’ll be there with her all day.”
“You’ve got a valid point. So, it’s okay for me to give her your phone number?”
“Yes.”
“All right, I’ll get back to you after we speak.” She cackled. “You won’t be sorry.”
The phone went silent. I leaned my head back and rested it against the cushion on the sofa, exhausted from the back-and-forth banter. I wondered what I was getting myself into.
Bailey came back into the room with her doll. “Ann Nene go home?”
“Aunt Renee is home, sweetie. She called me from her home.”
Bailey had a puzzled expression on her face. “Otay. I play now.”
Replaying my conversation with Renee, I reached for my computer and keyed in Chase Walker’s name. I shouldn’t have been surprised by the amount of information detailing his career as well as the accident Renee had mentioned, but I was. Watching the video of the accident, I was certain he was grateful to be alive. I’d known he was a big deal to NASCAR but didn’t realize he was considered the top contender in his sport. I continued to click on various links, hoping to find a picture of him. I remembered Courtney being pretty, but I’d never seen Chase. I suspected they looked alike, although I’d been acquainted with a few twins in high school and remembered many of them not even looking like they belonged to the same family.
I finally found what I was looking for and clicked on the link to a grouping of photos of him and instinctively leaned in closer to get a better look at him. Each photo showcased a variety of voluptuous Barbie-looking women who made me look like a stick figure next to them. Okay, so I’m cute with light-brown hair and emerald green eyes and high cheekbones that people say make me look exotic, but am nothing compared to these women in the shapely body department.
As I ogled his photo, I noticed a sudden increase in my heart rate, and silly thoughts had me picturing me hanging off his arm. I snickered at my attempt to dream, and pushed the thought aside. I did miss being in a relationship, but after what I’d been through, I wouldn’t set myself up like that again. Regardless, his good looks were hardly a good enough reason to give up on my chance for my own business.
Mike, my lone customer, came to mind along with my repeated attempts to make contact with him after we’d discussed the successful dinner party. I was supposed to have heard something from him by now about when he wanted to start the service. He’d told me his wife was so angry with him she was ready to walk out the door, and I wondered if that was why I hadn’t heard. Nevertheless, I was hanging on to the hope that he was just busy and not ignoring me.
When the house phone rang, I jumped and hurried to answer it, praying I’d hear Mike’s voice or an unfamiliar one. It was unfamiliar, all right. It was the bank manager calling to say my checking account had currently crossed over the line into overdraft. I gave some lame excuse and assured him I’d take care of it, but my heart ached knowing I had to use some of Bailey’s money.
I reluctantly removed Bailey’s inheritance checkbook and felt teardrops run down my cheeks as I wrote a check to cover the shortfall. It was then that I knew what I had to do, regardless of whether or not I liked the choice very much. There was no other way to deal with it right now.
Countless regrets swirled around in my head wishing I hadn’t given up my job with Cassie so quickly. I definitely needed to think more before I moved from one plan to another. I paced around the room, my feet stomping against the wooden floor, when the phone rang again—only this time, I checked the caller ID. I didn’t need any more bad news. It was Renee again.
“Did she call you yet?” She was asking about Chase Walker’s sister.
“No. The only person—”
I stopped talking. The last person I wanted to know about my finances was Renee. She’d chip away at that bit of news until she got what she wanted—me cooking for Chase Walker. Admittedly, that prospect was beginning to sound pretty appealing.
“Who called?” she asked.
“A wrong number,” I lied.
“Okay. I’ll call her back.”
“No, please don’t. Let her call me. If she thinks I’m desperate, she’ll try to lowball me and, depending on what they’ll want me to do, I’m not settling.”
“So, I guess that means you’re strongly considering it?” she screeched with excitement.
“We’ll see. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.” We disconnected the call and I prepared to leave for the bank while willing the phone to ring one more time before I walked out the door.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Sisters aren’t authorized to pick up where a mom left off when it comes to getti
ng hitched. Avoid anyone who wants you to take a bite of the forbidden apple. Of course that means you have no one to talk to, so think of something else you can do.
Use a large skillet to heat the oil—this might provoke a heated conversation, but so what. Well, it hasn’t worked in the past, so in that case, maybe just add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for approximately five minutes, or until onions are translucent. Remove the pan from the burner and add the corn, beans, and a half-cup of tomato sauce. Mix together.
Ignoring these do-gooders is hard, but if you simply nod and allow them to spin their wheels, they might eventually get tired of trying. Might! Okay, then I guess you’d better measure out the spices and add them to the cottage cheese. And if you still have energy left after fighting off the assailants, stir until completely mixed.
Now spray the bottom of a glass baking dish and cover it with tortillas. Spread a half cup of the cottage cheese mixture over top of the tortillas, spoon half of corn/bean mixture over top of that, making sure to evenly distribute, and one cup of sauce, and then sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese.
Add another layer of tortillas, and repeat as above. Top with remaining sauce, add the remaining quarter cup of Monterey Jack cheese, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, unlike your life right now. Although this will take approximately ten to fifteen minutes, straightening them out can take a lifetime. Catch your breath and let rest for five minutes before cutting into serving pieces, because it does you no good to get aggravated. Top each piece with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle chopped cilantro over top of the cream. Serves four.
Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the onion, garlic, and celery and sauté until soft, three to five minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, cilantro, liquid smoke, salt and pepper, and cayenne, if desired. Simmer fifteen to twenty minutes. Makes two and a half cups.
Bailey and I walked out of the bank—she licking a lollipop and me with a broken heart after promising the first money I made would go back into her account. The flyer I’d posted on the bulletin board inside the bank made me hopeful after seeing blank spaces at the bottom of the page where I’d added a tear-off with my contact information.
One Menu at a Time Page 6