And He Cooks Too

by Barbara Barrett

  “Loved the video. You’ve got to take this on the road.”

  But that was her friends. What about the general public?

  The answer to that came when Charley called down the stairs, “Go to that website, Reese. Check out the comments.”

  She discovered a whole new world of information and entertainment when she logged onto the infamous website. She hadn’t actually seen the video until then. She sat back, amazed at the contrast between it and the demo. She was a different person. Funny. Relaxed. Approachable. But it was the comments that had come in about the video from the general public that blew her away.

  “Never seen this guy before, but you can bet I’m going to check out his show now.”

  “What a funny gal.”

  “A chef who can make me laugh. Love it!”

  “Not as bad as you thought it’d be, right?” Evan asked hopefully as he settled in the chair across from her.

  “So far. At least from the comments. But how well do they represent everyone else who’s viewed it?”

  Jasper and her mother had also viewed the video by now. “It’s not half bad, Reese.” Jasper told her.

  Reluctantly, she admitted, “Better than the demo, you mean. I think so too.”

  “Where are those notes I gave you, Reese?” Jasper asked. “I want to see how well that video addresses some of my concerns.” He turned to Evan, “Then we use those conclusions to rethink her demo.”

  Evan’s face lit up. “Exactly what I was thinking, Bro.”

  They high-fived over the table while Reese watched in disbelief.

  Jasper’s cell phone rang. He excused himself and left the room while Reese and the rest of them continued to debate the merits and drawbacks of the Internet piece. He returned a few minutes later, a very strange expression on his face, something between bewilderment and shock. “You won’t believe this. That call was from the very same network Leonie has been pining after. They want to talk to you next week, Reese.”

  “About my show?”

  “Guess they’ve got some young producers on their staff who spend a lot of time harvesting the Internet—their phrase, I thought you harvested corn—for fresh ideas. They picked up on your video and brought it to the attention of the senior staff.”

  Although Reese heard his words, they didn’t really sink in. She stared at the infamous website on her computer screen, oblivious to the ground swell of excitement building around her. The network had seen a few minutes of an impromptu video and was now interested in talking to her? It didn’t make sense, the same way that she couldn’t feel either of her hands although they were folded in front of her. Nothing seemed real.

  This was crazy. Overnight, she’d become an Internet star.

  She tried to speak, but her mouth was dry.

  “Reese? Say something,” her mother prodded. “You’re not in shock, are you?” She turned to her sons. “Is she in shock? How are you supposed to tell when someone’s in shock? Should I call a doctor? Find a thermometer?”

  “Here, Mom,” Charley said calmly, leading her to a chair. “You might be suffering from shock yourself. I’ll get you another bottle of water.”

  “No! No more of that stuff,” she protested. “I’m already floating.”

  Gradually, as she returned to reality, questions sprang to Reese’s mind. “Did they say why they want to see me, Jasper? Maybe it’s to warn me against impersonating their future star.”

  Jasper held up a hand. “Slow down. They said they’d seen your video and were intrigued enough to go check out And He Cooks Too. They want to see you to discuss, and I quote, ‘a potential future association,’ end quote.”

  Charley raised his water bottle in a toast. “I’d say you got their attention, Sis. You’re on your way.”

  She fretted. “They haven’t seen my demo yet. How do I know they’ll like my show?”

  “Reese, my dear,” Jasper said, “what is it you kids say, ‘don’t sweat the small stuff.’” He helped himself to a cookie. “Let’s worry about that later. Don’t know if we’ll have time to redo the demo, but we can get a decent treatment together by then.”

  How could he eat at a time like this? Her own stomach was doing calisthenics.

  “Just one thing,” Jasper got out between bites. “You may be competing with And He Cooks Too. What I didn’t mention about Leonie co-hosting was that she only decided to do that when the network, the same one that just contacted me about you, indicated interest in the show because of you and Nick.”

  “Will we have to see them?” she asked.

  Jasper furrowed his brow. “Don’t know. Probably not.”

  She allowed herself the pleasure of a half smirk. “Good. Thanks for the warning.” As her blood pulsed faster, her competitive spirit revived. If the network picked her show, it would be a double victory—she’d get her program on the air sooner than anticipated and she’d knock And He Cooks Too out of the running. A fitting end to her experience with Nick Coltrane.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “Are you the guy Reese Dunbar is impersonating on her video?” the reporter on the phone asked.

  “You’ll have to check with her,” Nick replied, the words Leonie and Myra, both now serving as his handlers, had told him to use. “Personally, I don’t see any resemblance.”

  “Really? Others do,” the cheeky caller ventured.

  “That’s their prerogative, although I suggest they tune in to our show and check out the real thing.” He went on to provide program details, nearly gagging at the effort.

  Three days ago, after Reese had thrown him off her porch, he’d returned home from Connecticut committed to making his break from Leonie. Learning about her infamous Internet video the next morning had further underscored that this was the time to go. Then he’d started getting calls from reporters and other media types and panicked at the thought that the video might be ruining his career. To leave the show now might send the wrong message. So he’d let Leonie and his agent tell him what to say.

  He hung up and glanced again at his computer screen. “Thanks again for the unwanted publicity, Reese. I know you were angry. And disappointed. But did you have to do this?”

  He hadn’t been able to stop watching the video, as much as his better judgment and Leonie warned him not to. Every time he viewed it, despite all the problems this Internet monstrosity was causing him, he felt a tiny thrill of elation. Whatever had prompted Reese to make this video, her performance demonstrated how well she’d come to know him.

  He touched the screen. “You got my mannerisms down, sweetheart, I’ll give you that. Even that subtle lift of the brow.”

  He hadn’t talked to Reese since she’d sent him on his way. Maybe she’d changed her mind about him? Or with the buzz surrounding the video, maybe she’d want to apologize? Before he got a chance to find out, the phone rang again.

  He checked the caller ID. He’d had to do that the last few days, screening out more media types than he answered. Leonie. Damn! Her constant calls to check on the rest of his constant calls were getting to him. But if he didn’t respond, she’d show up on his doorstep, which would be worse.

  “That ridiculous video may have been the best thing that could have happened to the show,” she gushed breathlessly.

  “Run that by me again.”

  “The video, dear. Everyone’s watching it, talking about it. And every time they do, the show gets mentioned.”

  “I know that, but what’s the best thing that’s happened as a result?”

  “The network wants to meet with us next week. That harlot of a chef may have turned things around for me!”

  For her again. Of course. Just once, couldn’t she think about him? Or be the least bit worried about the potential damage the video might be doing to his career.

  “Don’t they know that Reese has left? Wasn’t that the point of her little performance—to announce she’s left the show by mocking me?”

  “The network didn’t mention Reese.”<
br />
  “And you didn’t bother to tell them that she’d left.”

  “Don’t worry about that, dear. If the subject even comes up, we’ll work around it.”

  This was it. The moment of truth. All the times he’d planned to walk out on her had come down to this telephone call. Time to give notice. “Leonie—”

  She cut him off with, “They finally want me, Nick. Isn’t that fabulous?”

  He closed his mouth, thought better of what he was about to say. She wouldn’t hear him anyway. Jasper was probably right. The only way she was going to come to her senses was when the network rejected her. Which was the only outcome he could see emerging from the upcoming meeting. “Yeah. You finally are getting what you want.”

  That being all she needed to hear, she clicked off.

  He collapsed into one of the easy chairs in his living room. The thrill of completing such a mundane activity without the aid of crutches long gone.

  Another week. They’d meet with the network, the execs there would laugh at the idea of Leonie co-hosting the show with him, and that would be that. He’d have fulfilled his commitment to her and could move on. Leonie could either fight to host the show herself or give up and return to catering full time. What she should have been doing all along.

  Another week. He could wait that long.

  A knock at his door broke off his reverie. What now? Had some enterprising reporter made it past the doorman?

  Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. Instead, Dave Macklin stood at his threshold. Grinning, he greeted Nick with, “Hiya, buddy. I’ve missed our racquetball sessions. Stopped by to see when we can start up again.”

  “Good to see you. I could use the company.”

  Like a bashful maiden, gripping his hands and raising his shoulders, Dave gushed, “Aw, shucks, Mr. Coltrane. You flatter me.”

  “Don’t let it go to your head. Have a seat. All I’ve done lately is dodge media types. I can speak freely with you.”

  Dave flopped onto the couch. “Ah, yes. The infamous Internet video. That co-host of yours is talented. Wish she’d mimicked my act instead. I could use the publicity.”

  Nick rolled his eyes. “I’d gladly trade with you. The media has been relentless trying to discover if I was the one she is imitating.”

  Dave blinked. “Wasn’t that the plan? So the network would discover you?”

  Nick growled. “They’ve discovered us all right.” He updated his friend about the events of the last several days.

  “You’ve been busy, friend,” Dave said, when Nick finished. “I’d think you’d be relieved that someone else finally knows you can’t cook.”

  Nick returned to his chair. “I don’t know how I feel. Reese wants nothing further to do with me, just as I’m discovering how much she means to me. Leonie is setting herself up for a fall. She can’t do banter any more than she can resist a new outfit.”

  “Wait! Back up. What’s this about how much Reese means to you?”

  “My life’s a pile of rubble and that’s what you zeroed in on?”

  His friend attempted without success to smother a smile. Or a smirk. Nick couldn’t tell which. “You finally find a woman you really like, one who isn’t just another conquest—hell, man, that’s special. For you, that’s incredible!”

  “Did you not hear the part about her telling me to leave and that we weren’t meant to be?”

  Dave air-flicked his right hand, as if that would bat away all Nick’s problems. “And you’re going to let that stop you? Look, Nick, you showed up uninvited on her doorstep. Just a few days after she learned about the con you and Leonie were putting over on everyone. Of course she didn’t accept you with open arms.”

  Nick shook his head in frustration. “Reese isn’t one to forget things like this quickly. If ever.”

  “Have you called her since?”

  “Thought about it. But if she learns of our meeting with the network, she’ll assume it’s another ploy to get her back on the show.” He didn’t want to discuss Reese further. Dave might be his friend, but not so long ago he was making a play for Reese himself. “Brewsky?” he asked and went off to get them beers.

  “You’re moving around pretty good there, buddy,” Dave observed, when Nick returned.

  “At least something’s going right.”

  Dave narrowed his eyes. “It’s more than right. It’s a sign. Ankle on the mend, it’s time for you to make your move.”

  Nick pulled on his beer, considered Dave’s words. “Easier said, man. Leonie invents another new strategy I can’t say no to every time I get ready to go.”

  Dave let out a heavy sigh.

  “Whadda I say?” Nick responded. “Better yet, what aren’t you saying?”

  Dave scrunched up his forehead as if debating whether to speak. “Listen to yourself. Leonie cuts you off at the pass every time you’re ready to stand up to her? Every time I encourage you to go for it, you come up with some new reason why you can’t follow through.” Setting his beer aside, he rose and came over to where Nick still stood. “Interesting parallel, huh?”

  “Parallel?” Nick repeated, not seeing the comparison. Dave didn’t have the same feelings of loyalty toward him that Nick had toward Leonie. Although Dave had been pretty loyal over the years, he hadn’t been subjected to the repeated self-absorption Nick faced with Leonie. To be fair, he had to admit that whenever they got together, he was pretty involved with his own concerns, not the other way around. But still, their situations were wildly different.

  Dave raised a brow. “Ah-hah! I see it in your eyes. You’re trying on my comment for size. Good. Now, put down your beer.”

  “Huh?” But Nick did as Dave directed.

  Dave came closer. “Back up to that easy chair. You’re no longer an invalid, but I’m not taking any chances.”

  Puzzled, Nick took a few steps back. “What are you doing?”

  Before he could finish, Dave grabbed him by the upper arms and shoved him into the chair. “Sorry. I didn’t want to re-injure your ankle, but I need your full attention.”

  Nick righted himself in the chair. He’d never seen Dave this proactive. “You could have just told me to listen.”

  “Yeah, well, I’ve got your attention now, so here goes. I can’t continue to watch you find reasons not to do what you know has to be done. All that’s accomplished is to enable you to repeatedly back down.”

  “Enable? Drop the pop psychology. I don’t need a therapist.”

  Dave stepped back but remained standing directly in front of him. “How else would you describe someone who repeatedly lets someone else make poor decisions?”

  “A friend. One who’s there for you, no matter what.”

  “Sorry, Nick. I can’t be that person any more. When I do that, I’m not helping you. The only thing I’m doing is making it possible for you to be your own worst enemy.”

  Nick massaged his temples. His head was growing heavy, like a lead balloon. “Guess you weren’t the company I was needing after all.”

  “You’re just unwilling to hear me. But I’m going to say this one more time anyhow. Either stand up to her or quit complaining.” Dave turned, started toward the door.

  “Don’t go yet,” Nick pleaded. “I’m not rejecting your advice.”

  Dave turned, heaved another sigh that said it all. “Whatever you decide, just remember there’s a ticking bomb out there. Reese can cut you off at the knees at any time.”

  “Reese? She’s already done her damage. And the result? For the first time, the network is interested in the show. The last thing I need.”

  “True, but who’s to say Reese is done with payback? I know I told you just a minute ago not to let her get away. I still say that, but on the other hand, she’s sitting on your secret. You said yourself she can’t tolerate lies. How long can she live with yours?”

  Nick considered Dave’s question. “I’ve wondered about that. But I kinda hoped she’d let that go because she, uh, felt something for me to
o.”

  “Possible,” Dave replied.

  “Or maybe she’s giving me a chance to make things right?”

  Dave shrugged. “Who’s to say?”

  “Guess that’d be me. I’ll always have that what-if hanging over me if I don’t do something now to rectify this sham.”

  “And that would be?”

  “Been so focused on leaving the show, I haven’t given this much thought.”

  “How about going public with your little charade before she does?”

  He considered the suggestion. Revealing that he couldn’t cook would probably end the show. Certainly their chances with the network. This presented a whole new twist, one he needed to play through in his head a few more times before acting on it.

  He rose and drew Dave into a bear hug. “Thanks for stopping by. I needed that push.”

  Dave pulled out of the embrace and popped Nick one on the shoulder. “Still friends?”

  “Not if you keep beating me up like that.”

  Dave chuckled, opened the door. “Keep me posted.”

  After Dave left, he returned to his chair and retrieved the beer. One swig and he set it down, the taste having gone sour. Had he really been enabling Leonie? She would have been better off going back to her catering business full time, but he’d continued to play along with her fantasy of becoming a network mogul rather than anger her, afraid that he would lose her if he stood up to her. Had he lost his will in the bargain?

  This enabling idea was too new. He needed to digest it. The more immediate problem was how to deal with his lie. Before Reese threw her discovery in his face, he’d seen it as an “act,” a role he’d been playing without anyone else’s knowledge. “Lie” had seemed too strong a word.

  But now, he had to acknowledge it for what it was. It may have started out innocent enough, but Leonie and he had been selling the audience a bill of goods. If the media found out he couldn’t cook before he had a chance to spin his side of the story the right way, his career could be in jeopardy. He needed to act before Reese did.

  Then he remembered Jasper. Though the supervising producer and Leonie were often at odds, Jasper was a stand-up guy. They’d lied to him too. Thinking about that now made his stomach curdle. His next step was clear: Jasper deserved to know the truth before anyone else.