Cooking Up Love

by Cynthia Hickey

  * * *

  Adam wanted to punch his boss in the face. Only a blind man wouldn’t see the looks the man gave Tabby. Almost as if he could see her unclothed. Adam punched the bread dough, envisioning the lump as Mr. Hastings’s face.

  Dough pounded, he placed a clean towel over it and moved on to cleaning the dishes from breakfast. He scraped soap into the washbasin. Please, God, let someone responsible answer the advertisement. He couldn’t continue cooking and doing the cleanup, too.

  Miss O’Connor led two new girls into the kitchen. “This is our chef, Mr. Foster. Once you’ve tasted his culinary delights, I’m sure you’ll agree we have hired the best.”

  A tall, dark-haired beauty batted her eyelashes and dipped her head in a coy manner. She didn’t fool Adam a bit. He’d seen husband hunters before. She would be as tenacious as a hound dog on a scent to achieve that goal. Well, she could go look somewhere else.

  Dishes piled on the counter to dry, Adam sliced the ham and beef for lunch. If someone didn’t respond to his advertisement, he might have to ask for a couple of waitresses to help. If given the chance, he’d request Tabby. Of course, now that she was a drink girl, he didn’t worry as much about her working too hard. What would it be like to work side by side with her, engaging in conversation and honest teasing?

  He stopped and glanced out the window. The late-morning sun cast the gazebo and trees into shadow and beckoned Adam to enjoy the warmth of a summer morning. He definitely needed a vacation. A couple of days to head home and check on the family would suffice.

  Soon, fragrant heaps of meat for sandwiches and platters sat on gleaming silver trays. Adam arched his back, popping the kinks from his spine. If he hurried, he would have time for his own lunch before the customers arrived. He made two ham sandwiches and set one aside.

  The swinging doors opened and Tabby wheeled in the drink cart. “Goodness, folks are thirsty.” She swiped the back of her hand across her forehead.

  “I made you a sandwich.” Adam handed her the extra one.

  She eyed the plate in his hand and sighed before accepting. “Thank you.” She perched on a stool next to the counter. “You really are a persistent man, Adam Foster.”

  “Yes, I am.” He bit into his lunch. Should he let her know that he would warn Mr. Hastings away from her if she wished? Or wait and see whether she would ask for his help?

  Her chocolate-colored eyes peered over the sandwich. A shuttered look crossed them before her lids dropped, and she paid an undue amount of attention to her food. He grinned and enjoyed the blush spreading across her cheeks, content to eat in silence if that guaranteed him her company.

  “That was delicious. Thank you.” She hopped from the stool, brushed crumbs from her skirt, and skedaddled out the door as if she’d seen another mouse.

  Adam laughed. She could pretend she didn’t feel anything for him, but it was nothing more than an act.

  * * *

  Tabby dashed down the path to the gazebo. Why must Adam stare at her so intently? She couldn’t think when his gaze burned her the way it did.

  Short of breath, face flushed, she plopped onto the swing. Maybe she could spare five minutes to sit and rock, a little time to gather her thoughts. She stilled as Miss O’Connor and the new waitresses peered out the upstairs window.

  What kind of example did Tabby set, lounging in the sun, while work waited? She got to her feet and shuffled back to the restaurant to refill the drink pitchers.

  In the kitchen, Mr. Hastings spoke with Adam about the evening’s menu. Praying the man would leave her alone, Tabby moved past them and grabbed fresh pitchers of milk from the cooled section of the pantry. When he turned and fixed his gaze on her, she rushed to the coffee pots. Staying busy would make it harder for him to speak with her. She hoped.

  “Miss McClelland.” Tabby turned at Miss O’Connor’s greeting.

  “Your roommate is Miss Merrilee Ramsey. I’m sure you two will become fast friends. There’s enough time before lunch for you to show her where she’ll be sleeping.” Miss O’Connor lifted her chin.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Tabby smiled. Merrilee was the darker-haired beauty.

  Her new roommate turned a smile on Tabby that didn’t quite reach her almost-black eyes. “We’re sure to become close.” Her Southern drawl almost sounded like a foreign language. She leaned in and whispered, “But not as close as I’d like to get to that handsome chef.”

  Chapter 10

  “Where are you going? It’s Sunday morning.” Merrilee sat up in bed, her face framed by the ruffle around the neckline of her nightgown.

  “Church.” Tabby poked the last pin in her hair. “I’ve stayed away too long.” And been too lax on her Bible reading.

  “The Bible is nothing but a book of fairy tales for weak-minded people.” Merrilee burrowed back under her blankets. “Besides, going to church seriously interferes with a girl’s beauty sleep. My day will be better spent on sidling up to that handsome chef. He’s been too busy all week to give me more than a passing glance.”

  Tabby rolled her eyes. Her roommate spent so much time on pursuits of beauty and even more talking about “the handsome chef” that Tabby wanted to throw a hairbrush at her. Tabby slipped her reticule over her arm. “I’ll see you later. Enjoy your rest.”

  Handsome chef, indeed. Tabby spotted Adam strolling down the street toward church. She grinned, suffering only a moment of conviction at being happy to know that Merrilee would have to wait until later to spend time with the object of her affection. She tried to be friendly with her roommate, but the girl’s high-handed manner grated on Tabby’s nerves.

  Increasing her pace, Tabby hurried to the church steps and dashed inside just as the bells tolled. She chose a seat toward the back and kept herself from glancing around to locate Adam, not wanting the distraction of having him within easy sight. Today was the Lord’s day, and she wanted to concentrate on the worship and the teaching, not wondering where her friendship with Adam might be heading.

  Later, she looked forward to a simple afternoon on the gazebo swing, book in hand and a glass of tea close by.

  “Rock of Ages” soon rang through the church. Tabby sang along with the congregation and let God’s love fill her. A rich baritone behind her caused her to glance over her shoulder. Adam winked. Obviously the man had a talent for singing. She lowered her off-key voice and listened.

  After they finished singing the morning hymns, Tabby’s spirit rested. She settled back on the pew, eager to hear what the pastor had to say. An older gentleman, silver-haired and sharp-eyed, approached the simple wood podium.

  “I am your temporary pastor, Nathaniel Harper, and I am blessed to be assigned to this wonderful congregation, if only for a short time.” His gaze scanned the crowd. “Although I must confess to being dismayed at discovering a Harvey restaurant in the lovely city of Topeka. A restaurant that actually trains our young women to be Harvey Girls.”

  Oh, no. Tabby slouched. A pastor with the same mindset as the one in St. Louis.

  “Now, fellow parishioners, don’t get me wrong, I’m sure not all the women employed at these restaurants are wanton women looking for an easy means of finding a husband. No sirree! Some are simply misguided young ladies, lured into a life of servitude to strange men. Women are not to work outside the home, other than to teach our young or to minister at church. Why, the very thought of them serving a man other than their husband is a travesty.”

  The pastor couldn’t be serious. Tabby clutched her purse. Women worked in many fields, even as doctors. Had the man been living under a rock?

  Could she skulk out without anyone noticing? She glanced over her shoulder. Adam caught her eye and winked. She forced a smile and returned her attention to the pastor. It wouldn’t do to be caught sharing looks with a man, obviously. Not under the hawkeyed watch of Pastor Harper, and esp
ecially not with both of them working at the Harvey restaurant.

  Oh, she so wanted, no needed, to be filled and refreshed by God’s Word. Instead, she had to listen to a man try to convince the citizens of Topeka that the Harvey Girls were wayward women.

  She straightened. The anointed words of the hymns would carry her through the week, despite the pastor’s opinion of her job. The man was wrong about the Harvey Girls, something he would realize once he came into the restaurant for a meal. Tabby vowed to be so kind and sweet the man would have to change his outlook.

  “So as we conclude today’s message on temptation...”

  Tabby jerked her attention back to the front of the church. Had he actually given a sermon and she’d missed it?

  “Go with God’s grace that you may resist the devil.”

  The devil in the black-and-white uniform of a Harvey Girl, no doubt. Tabby jumped to her feet and rushed out the door before the tears stinging her eyes escaped.

  “Tabby.” Adam trotted to her side. “I’d be pleased if you would accompany me to lunch.”

  “Aren’t you afraid of being around such an evil temptress?” She whirled, clutching her Bible to her chest.

  He took a step back. “Don’t let the words of small-minded people affect you.”

  “It’s too late. I’m already burned.” How would the pastor treat her once he discovered she was one of the infamous Harvey girls? Would he put a scarlet H on her chest and run her out of town?

  “I’m sure most of the townspeople don’t share his views.”

  She shrugged. “Maybe.” The restaurant did do a booming business every day. Surely folks wouldn’t be quick to order a meal from a disreputable place.

  “About my lunch invitation?”

  “I’m sorry, but it seems my appetite has fled.” She resumed her march toward the restaurant. “Besides, if we were seen together, it would only convince Pastor Harper that his misguided notion is correct. Good afternoon, Adam.”

  By the time she reached her room, her temper had come to a full boil. She thanked God the room was empty. Most likely Merrilee lay in wait somewhere, ready to set her snare for Adam. She’d be more than happy to accept a lunch invitation with him with no regard to the consequences.

  Tabby tossed her purse on the bureau, then plopped across the bed. Tears ran down her cheeks, soaking her pillow. She palmed them away. How she’d looked forward to finally going to church. Thank goodness Pastor Harper was temporary, but how long would he be in Topeka? And would he affect her job?

  “He’s back.” Merrilee danced into the room. “He’s in the parlor reading the newspaper.” She clasped her hands to her bosom. “I have the sudden urge to read.”

  Why bother coming in to tell me? The woman seemed determined to be a thorn in her side. What did she care? She had no claim on him other than friendship. “Have fun.”

  “You’ll never catch a man if you keep such a sour attitude.” Merrilee stepped in front of the mirror and pinched her cheeks, bringing a touch of red to her porcelain skin.

  “Who said I was looking for one?” Tabby heaved a sigh and sat up.

  “Why ever not?” The other girl turned, her brow furrowed. “That’s the whole reason I left Savannah.”

  Tabby sighed. The girl obviously wanted to share her life story. Why couldn’t she leave her to wallow in self-pity? “How so?”

  “During the war, my family lost their fortune, and Mama said being a Harvey Girl would bring a parade of worthy husbands past me.”

  “I don’t think chefs make a lot of money.” Would the woman ever leave her in peace? She didn’t care about Merrilee’s prospects for finding a husband. More important things occupied her mind.

  “He’s not a husband prospect, silly girl. He’s just someone to play with until a rich man comes along.”

  Tabby hid her clenched fists in the folds of her skirt.

  * * *

  Adam peered over the top of his paper as one of the new waitresses, Merrilee he thought her name was, sashayed in and headed straight for the small bookshelf that housed approximately twenty novels. He raised the paper. She didn’t strike him as the reading type. He winced, needing to repent of his unfair labeling. He knew better than to judge a person by her looks. Perhaps a woman thirsty for knowledge hid behind the simpering smile and Southern cooing.

  “Ahem.” A few seconds passed. “Ahem.”

  Ignoring the not-so-subtle attempts at getting his attention wasn’t working. Adam lowered the newspaper. “May I help you?”

  Merrilee laid her index finger across her lips. “I’m looking for a book to read, but must say I haven’t the faintest idea which one.”

  “What do you like to read?” Adam folded the paper and stood.

  “Romance.” She fluttered her lashes.

  Adam’s mouth dried. “I’m afraid I can’t help you there.” Very few of the girls frequented the parlor, preferring instead to spend their few precious moments off work in their rooms. He’d thought he could enjoy a couple of hours of solitude. No wonder Tabby fled to the gazebo at every opportunity. He’d almost followed, but sensed she wanted to be alone. Now, he was stuck with a woman who eyed him like a hungry cat after a mouse.

  “Surely a learned man such as yourself can help a girl with some romance?” Merrilee swished her skirts and moved closer. “My name is Merrilee.”

  “Mine’s Adam. Sorry, I don’t read novels.” Tucking his newspaper under his arm, he squeezed past her and dashed out the door. That was a close call. The last thing he wanted was to be trapped by a man-hungry woman whose daddy probably had a big shotgun.

  He paused on the path leading to the gazebo. Tabby bent over a book, her blond hair shining in the afternoon sun. He wanted to join her, but feared rejection. Nightly visits on the back stoop were rare now. Tabby almost acted as if she were afraid of something. Of him. He was lucky if she showed up three nights out of the week.

  He headed for the woods at the edge of town. It was a serene place with a small brook babbling over rocks. He thought of Tabby. There had to be a way to spend more time with her. At first, he had hoped they could get involved at church, but after today’s sermon, that wasn’t an option. At least not until a new pastor arrived.

  A boulder sat beside the creek, its height perfect as a backrest. Adam lowered himself to the soft ground and shook his paper open. The great outdoors, something to read, birds singing, all provided the perfect Sunday afternoon. All he lacked was a pretty girl to share the day with.

  Leaves rustled along the path and Adam straightened. Seconds later, the hem of a blue cotton skirt came into view as if his thoughts had brought forth the very woman he wished to see. He smiled and raised his paper. Let Tabby say the first word.

  She perched on the boulder. “Do you think the pastor is correct in his assumptions?”

  Not the question Adam expected. He lowered the paper. “Not in the least.” He faced her. “Sure, there are gals like Abigail who push the system, but most of the girls are upstanding, moral women. Like you, they are only women looking for a job.”

  “Am I moral?” She lifted her face to the sun. “Sometimes I feel my bitterness over my father rules every decision I make. That must grieve God terribly.”

  “What happened with your father?” When she didn’t answer right away, Adam thought maybe she wouldn’t.

  She gave a sigh heavy enough to sink a ship. “Mama wasn’t enough for him. Every night he came home smelling of liquor and cheap scent. I watched as Mama withered away. I realized true love rarely existed anymore, if it ever had.” She slid from the boulder. “When I was a child, I believed in fairy tales, but no more.”

  Adam let his paper fall. He got to his feet and took her hands. His thumbs caressed the rose-petal softness. His large hands engulfed her small ones, filling him with an overwhelming
need to protect her. Not that he didn’t already feel that way, but having her close, hearing her vulnerability, made him want to grab her close and take her to a place where the world could no longer hurt her.

  * * *

  Tears stung Tabby’s eyes. A lump grew in her throat. How long since someone had held her hands with tenderness? Not since Mama died. Pa hadn’t shown her much physical affection at all that she could remember.

  “I wish I could take away your pain.” Adam’s whisper floated over her like a soothing balm. “I can’t, but our Father in heaven can replace even the worst of earthly ones.”

  He held her hands tight.

  She stiffened and tried to pull away. “I know that, but I don’t need platitudes right now.”

  “And I don’t mean to give them. I’m only trying to comfort you.” He pulled her closer. “Let me.”

  A rock took up residence in her stomach. She couldn’t allow herself to care for him as more than a friend. That could lead to heartache when he found a woman who was equal to him, which Tabby was sure she wasn’t.

  She shook her head. “I need to get back before we’re discovered.”

  “Not yet. Please.” He lowered his head and placed his lips on hers.

  His kiss was tender, his lips soft but firm. Shivers raced up and down her spine. Her breathing stopped. Her heart raced. She leaned into his kiss, drawing on the affection he wanted to offer, then pulled away. “We can’t do this, Adam. I’m not ready to put my heart at risk. I’m not sure if I ever will be. I’m sorry.”

  Gathering her skirt in her hands, she scrambled from the rock and sprinted for the safety of her room.

  Why couldn’t she accept what Adam wanted to offer? Adam wasn’t her father. Instead, he was a godly man who desired her company. But only because he didn’t know the truth about Tabby’s upbringing. How would he feel about her when he found out about her shameful past? Would he still respect her and look at her as if she were a normal person? Would he consider her worthy of him?

  Her tears had escalated to a full crying fit by the time she reached her room and threw herself facedown on the bed. Why did Adam have to kiss her? Now he’d jeopardized their friendship. Even casual conversations would feel stilted. It couldn’t change how she felt about men and marriage, nor about her longing for the adventure she’d craved since childhood.