Rituals for Love (9781476761893)

by Ray, Shamara

  “Why the transition?”

  “A chef friend of mine mentioned the position at Eden2. I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity and would give me a chance to exercise my culinary chops.”

  “Well, you did a fine job here tonight,” I said.

  Riley reached over and touched my arm. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. There’s much more where that came from.”

  “Keep up the good work. Jeremiah will be giving me his feedback at the end of the week.”

  Riley got up from the table and went over to the counter. She returned to the table with two bowls. “Merlot poached pears with delicately sweetened mascarpone.” She placed one in front of me and the other in front of Jade. “I’m going to be leaving, but enjoy your dessert.”

  “You’re not going to have any?” I asked.

  “No, I want to get back to the hotel. I few calls to make before I call it a night.”

  I stood to show her to the door. “Well, thank you for dinner.”

  “You’re welcome. It was great to get to know you better. Nice meeting you, Jade.”

  “The pleasure was mine.”

  I walked Riley to her car and gave her instructions to the parkway. She assured me the rental car had navigation and she’d find her way just fine. I returned to the house and back into the kitchen. Jade was moving her pear around the bowl with her spoon. I sat next to her. “Is it good? You should try some of this other stuff.”

  “I grabbed a bite in the city.”

  “Have just a taste. I’d love your opinion.”

  She sighed. “Okay, I’ll take one bite of each.” Jade reached over and took the fork from my plate. She sampled the beef, chicken and then the shrimp. “It’s delicious.”

  “I thought so, too.”

  “I was surprised to see this spread when I came in.”

  “We decided on a whim to use my kitchen.”

  “I was even more surprised to see a tall, beautiful woman sitting at the table.”

  “You think five feet eight is tall?”

  Her forehead wrinkled. “You know how tall she is?”

  “It came up when she mentioned playing basketball in high school.”

  “I had no idea it was a female chef you were considering. I thought Riley was a man.”

  “I never mentioned Riley was a woman?”

  “Not a word.”

  “I guess that’s because it really doesn’t matter. Male chef, female chef—I want the best person for the job.”

  “Did you think she was a bit touchy-feely?”

  “I didn’t notice anything.”

  “She grabbed your arm a couple of times and touched your shoulder when she put the dessert in front of you.”

  I started to clear the table. “I was focused on this meal and getting to know the potential future chef of my establishment. Those were the only two things that had my undivided attention. At least until you came in. I’m going to put away this food and clean the kitchen. Why don’t you go up and get settled? I’ll be up in a minute.”

  I had to shake my head once Jade went upstairs. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she seemed a little jealous. I could understand her being slightly thrown for a loop when she saw a cinnamon-complected beauty with a long bob sitting with me at the table. Especially if she didn’t know I had company and thought Riley was a man. But she had no reason to be jealous.

  I set the alarm and turned off the lights downstairs. I entered my bedroom and sat next to Jade on the edge of the bed. “So what do you think?”

  “Ultimately, it’s your decision. I will say Riley makes a tempting dessert.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  CAIN

  I was up before Jade. She was just coming out of the bathroom as I was getting dressed. The news was on the television. I waited to hear the weather and traffic report. She was driving into the city to Genesis and wanted to know the traffic situation.

  “You might want to head into the city a little later. The traffic is crazy at this hour.”

  “I’m going to Rituals first. I should miss any of the congestion by the time I travel into the city.” She disappeared into the closet.

  “If you need me, I’ll be at my offices today,” I called out. “I may go over to Eden at lunchtime. I have a good feeling about Riley. I think she’d make a great executive chef at Eden2.”

  She peeked her head out. “Oh really? You know that already?”

  “I’ll know by the end of the week, but I like what I see.”

  Jade came out of the closet and sat on the bed. “Don’t you want Jeremiah’s feedback?”

  “His preliminary feedback is good. The complete opposite of what he thought of the first chef. If I hire Riley, I’ll probably head to Atlanta for a week to get her settled in as the executive chef.”

  “Can you spare a week in Atlanta with all the work we’re doing for Genesis?”

  I stepped into my slacks. “Genesis is in more than capable hands with you at the helm.”

  “I’m capable, but with the rapid pace that Hal is progressing with the build-out, it’s important for you to be here. This week he’s already doing the floors in the dining room and the marble flooring in the upstairs lounge and reception areas. Next week, he’ll be on to the steam rooms and vitality pools. Not to mention, the light fixtures are going up in the treatment rooms as soon as they complete the electrical work.”

  “You’ve just verified what I already knew. You have everything under control. If I have to go to Atlanta, you have Genesis covered. Remember, this is your vision. I trust that you’ll manage the build-out exceptionally.”

  She muted the television. “One thing I’ve been thinking about since spending time on-site is either a Genesis chain or franchise. We’re on to something with this venture and should consider taking it nationwide. What are your thoughts on opening not just one, but many, Genesis locations?”

  “In my professional opinion, I think we need to start small with a single location. Franchising is not an option for us right now. If we were to even consider a chain or franchise, it would be years from now. We need a proven business model before we expand.”

  “Hypothetically speaking, what if a consortium of investors funded a Genesis chain?”

  “My opinion has nothing to do with funding. Without a proven business model, I wouldn’t dive into an expansion of that magnitude. That’s just not how I do business. Trust me, you don’t want to either.” I went over to the bed and kissed Jade on her forehead. “I have to get to the office. Drive safely into the city. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Okay,” she distractedly replied.

  “That’s all I get?”

  “Have a great day.” She craned her neck for a kiss.

  I kissed her lips softly. “You, too.”

  I left the house, and on my way to the office I dialed Jeremiah to share my thoughts on Riley.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  JADE

  Wedged comfortably in the corner of the sofa in my den, I reviewed my financial portfolio. I assessed my investments, savings, assets and liabilities. I was doing well, but trying to determine if it was well enough to take the risk and invest my personal assets into Genesis. Cain was adamant about not bringing in investors. I wasn’t sure I agreed. He was used to conducting business in a certain manner and apparently was quite successful at it. That didn’t mean there weren’t other ways to launch a business. I was getting the feeling that Cain’s decisions were starting to outweigh mine. Equal partners meant equal input, financially and strategically.

  I tossed my binder to the side. I wasn’t pulling my weight financially in this partnership. Since he was against involving investors, my options were limited. I could refinance my home, tap into my rainy day fund or cash in some stocks. I would honestly hate to do any of those things, but I couldn’t have it both ways. Either I contributed or I didn’t. It was that simple.

  The doorbell rang. I wasn’t expecting anyone and took my time getting to t
he front door. It was a stall tactic I used to dissuade anyone selling something. Hopefully they didn’t want to waste time loitering on a doorstep when they could move on to the next home. I checked the peephole and opened the door. “Hey, babe. What are you doing here?”

  Cain stepped inside the foyer and hugged me. “I wanted to see my lady. Do I need any other reason?”

  “It’s good enough for me. Come on in. I was in the den watching TV.”

  We went into the den and sat next to each other on the sofa. Cain kicked off his shoes and unbuttoned the top buttons on his shirt. “What are you watching?”

  “Food Network.”

  “Is this the show where the chefs get cut after each round?”

  “It’s called Chopped, honey.”

  “That’s what I said.” He laughed. “You would be great on this show.”

  “I love seeing what these chefs come up with. You have to be creative to make a dish with those random items provided in the basket.”

  “Jeremiah thought about trying to get on the show.”

  “He should. I would get a kick out of seeing someone I know compete on there.”

  “Oh, by the way, we decided to hire Riley.”

  “Before the week residency is even complete?”

  “Yeah, she has what it takes. Jeremiah said she handled herself expertly in the kitchen. Her food was delicious and she got along well with the staff.”

  “Well, congratulations on your new chef.”

  “Thanks, I think it’s going to work out this time. Eden2 will finally have an executive chef to help the location flourish.”

  “Did you tell Riley yet?”

  “This afternoon and she accepted the position. She’s thrilled about the opportunity. I want to get her up and running as soon as possible. I’m going to fly to Atlanta on Sunday and have her start on Monday.”

  “You’ll be gone a week?”

  “I’ll be back the following Sunday. While I’m there, I plan to check on some of my other businesses. I especially want to meet with the project manager on a commercial property I’m developing in downtown Atlanta.”

  “Okay, but I want you to come by Genesis before you go.”

  “I can go tomorrow.”

  “It might be better to wait until Saturday. Three days make a big difference the way those crews are working.”

  “We can go together on Saturday afternoon. If you have any concerns, you can show me and we’ll get them resolved.”

  “I’ll have Hal meet us there.”

  My phone vibrated on the coffee table. I picked it up and read the text message on the screen. Thinking about my ideal

  I placed the phone back on the table. It vibrated again. I leaned over and read it.

  Caring

  Another message popped on the screen.

  Considerate

  And then another vibrated the phone.

  Compassionate

  “Is it something important?” Cain asked.

  “Not at all.” I grabbed my phone and powered it down. I snuggled up beside Cain and watched the final round of the cooking show. Someone was about to get chopped.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  CAIN

  I was already in my seat and drinking a cup of coffee when Riley boarded the plane. She was wearing a pair of dark, oversized sunglasses. She sat in the seat next to mine and buckled up.

  “Late night?” I asked.

  “No, I don’t sleep well in hotels. A week away has taken its toll. They almost asked me to check the bags beneath my eyes.”

  We shared an early morning laugh. Our flight to Atlanta was scheduled to depart at seven. I had my assistant change Riley’s seat to first class next to mine so we could discuss the week ahead at Eden2. I needed her to be ready to get in the kitchen and take command.

  Riley asked the flight attendant for a cup of black coffee.

  “Straight no chaser, huh?”

  “It’s the only way to drink it,” she said.

  “I have to disagree. Cream, no sugar takes the edge off.”

  “Right now I need the edge.” The flight attendant handed Riley the coffee and she immediately sipped from the cup.

  “Did you at least get a chance to enjoy New York while you were here?”

  “On Friday I spent the day in the city. That was nice.”

  “Where did you go?”

  “I was a real tourist. I went to the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History and the Apollo Theater.”

  “You managed to do all that in one day?”

  “I started early and returned to the hotel really late.”

  “Was this your first time in New York?”

  “I was here once with my parents when I was kid. I don’t remember too much about that visit, so I guess it doesn’t count.”

  “It counts. This trip just counts more.”

  “I was surprised at how friendly people were.”

  I did a double take. “Don’t tell me you believe all that nonsense about mean New Yorkers?”

  “All you hear is that people from New York are so mean and rude. In the movies they portray New Yorkers as tough and you always have to be looking over your shoulder.”

  “We really have a bum rap. Some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet live in New York City. New Yorkers are always ready to lend a helping hand. I’m sure you experienced people you didn’t even know starting a friendly conversation with you.”

  “You’re right. At every stop on my agenda I met someone new.”

  “Spread the word to all your Southern friends that New York is a friendly city to visit.”

  She nudged my arm. “Oh, stop.”

  We continued to talk about her exploits around the city until the flight attendant collected our cups in preparation for takeoff. I switched my devices to airplane mode and fastened my seatbelt. Riley leaned her head back and stopped talking during the safety instruction video. She was quiet the entire time we taxied and during takeoff. I thought she dozed off, but she removed her sunglasses as soon as the plane leveled off.

  “I thought you were sleeping.”

  “I was praying. Takeoff is my least favorite part of flying. I typically take a moment to talk to the Big Man upstairs during the first few minutes of the flight.”

  “I fly so often for business I’m sort of desensitized to the experience. Every once in a while if we hit an extremely rough patch of turbulence will it get my attention. Otherwise, I’m oblivious.”

  “Well, it’s nice to have someone to chat with to take my mind off the flight.”

  “A Bloody Mary helps, too.” I asked the flight attendant to bring over two drinks. I raised my glass. “To the new chef of Eden2.”

  Riley tapped my glass. “I appreciate this opportunity, Cain.”

  “I’m looking forward to taking the restaurant to the next level. Are you ready?”

  “Positively.”

  “It’s going to be different than your personal chef experiences. You’re making a big change.”

  “I realize that. Part of the allure of the position is that it’s challenging me to improve my personal best. If I hadn’t heard about the position at Eden2, I’d be content as a personal chef. I love what I do. I’ve been my own boss, have a great clientele and the money has been good.”

  “Yet you want to leave that behind?”

  “We all have to grow sometimes. This opportunity you’re affording me is the next step in my journey as a chef. You mentioned wanting to add a southern flair to the menu. Well, I’m a down-home, Southern girl with formal culinary training and a creative palate. You can’t go wrong with that. I understand what you need me to do and I intend to deliver.”

  I nodded. Riley got it. Only time would tell if she could walk the walk and I was willing to give her that chance. “You impressed Jeremiah and that’s not easy to do.”

  “He was a pleasure to work with. He showed me the ropes on how the kitchen at Eden2 should
be run.”

  “You know you can always call him if you have any questions. As I mentioned before, the Eden2 experience and the food doesn’t need to be one hundred percent the same, but I’m aiming for ninety-five percent.”

  “I admire that you have two successful restaurants. That’s not easy in this industry.”

  “It can be challenging. I’m still trying to carve out my niche in Atlanta. You’re going to be an integral part of Eden2’s success.”

  “No pressure,” she said, with a laugh. She gazed out of the window.

  “I’m sure you can’t wait to get home after being away for a week.”

  “You are so correct. I miss my space and surroundings. I guess this is a role reversal. Are you headed to a hotel for the week?”

  “No, I own a home in Buckhead.”

  “That was a naïve assumption for me to make.”

  “Not necessarily. I could have been staying at a hotel, but I spend enough time in Atlanta that having my own place makes sense. Well, it made sense when Eden2 was under construction. I was spending a lot more time in ATL. Now it’s probably underutilized a bit.”

  “You have a house you’re barely using?”

  “I’m there off and on throughout the year.”

  When I initially bought the house in Atlanta, I thought I would be spending a lot more time there. My relationship with Jade made me realize that New York was where I wanted to be.

  “What do you do while you’re in Atlanta?”

  “Work.”

  “I meant for enjoyment.”

  “I honestly don’t get out much to enjoy myself while I’m in town. I usually work long days, and when I get home late I’m not up for too much other than relaxing.”

  “Do you have plans this afternoon?”

  “Nothing other than prepping for a meeting on Tuesday.”

  “Well, there’s a food festival downtown this weekend. Lots of restaurants and vendors will have booths with different foods and desserts to try. Do you want to get out and enjoy Atlanta?”

  I pondered for a moment. Where was it written that I couldn’t enjoy myself in Atlanta? I had a house I didn’t use, a car in the garage, and an entire day ahead of me. “Sure, I’ll check out what Atlanta has to offer.”