Chef Charming

by Ellerbe, Lyn

  “He does love her, doesn’t he?” Jessica thought she knew the answer, but asked anyway.

  “Oh, yes,” Jake said. “Definitely. But now, with this misinformation, I’m pretty sure he thinks it’s hopeless.”

  They sat in silence, contemplating their next move.

  “They’re completely clueless, aren’t they?” Jake laughed.

  “Yes,” Jess agreed. “How do we convince Chef Charming to woo Princess Aurora?”

  “Well, for sure I’m going to drag him, kicking, and screaming if needed, to the art show. I think he’ll admit that he owes her that much.”

  “She was actually hoping to have him meet her parents,” Jess spilled Rori’s secret. “I think I had finally gotten her to admit her feelings and at least give the guy a chance. I hope it’s not too late.”

  “Well, I will get Carla and her Bible study group praying,” Jake grinned. “Who better to call to arms than a group of young romantic newlywed ladies? They’re all natural matchmakers. Not that I would mind having my best friend in the same state of happy captivity that I so nobly endure.”

  Jessica headed to work, calling Rori’s mom before her shift started. She arranged to meet with her roommate's parents alone before the art show. She knew they needed to know about the unfolding romance.

  By Friday afternoon, the last of her artwork was set up at the gallery, and her placards were in place. Rori stood back and admired her work.

  She was still debating whether to submit the piece she had just finished. She didn’t like the title, or the subject matter, for that matter. Of course, twelve hours ago it was the most treasured piece she had ever created. Now she didn’t even want it on display. Professor Smith insisted.

  The piece, currently titled, ‘Aurora’s Castle’ was a haunting piece whose initial impression was of a dark and dreary land. Upon closer inspection, the viewer would see a castle emerging from the clouds in the background, just as dawn broke through the gloomy clouds. The piece, done in oil, was not very large. The tag held the all significant letters “NFS” meaning it was “Not for Sale.”

  “Are you sure you want to let this one go, now?” Dr. Smith asked again. “At least put it up for the evening’s silent auction with a higher reserve price.” The professor knew there had to be a back-story to her change of heart.

  “The auction is fine,” Rori insisted. “But only put fifty dollars as my starting point. That will cover the cost of supplies. I don’t need, or want, the piece anymore.”

  The preview turned out to be a relaxing evening for Rori. She had taken a long three-hour nap in the afternoon and soaked in a warm bath before the preview. Not having to face Marcus tonight was a huge relief. She was almost giddy with relief. It didn’t hurt that the Preview was reserved for the movers and shakers of the University, as well as all the art department professors and their spouses. These people were some of her favorite and closest friends. She would miss them all, but enjoyed the relief of the sophisticated cocktail party atmosphere of the evening.

  Let the Show Begin

  During Friday night’s class Jess had been unable to keep her feelings hidden, she glowered at Marcus. He studiously avoided her gaze the rest of the evening. As she was leaving, though, he mentioned that because of her other culinary training, she did not necessarily have to take the “exam” tomorrow. He was planning to give the class an easy test to show them how much they had actually learned. In reality, he was hoping Miss Johnston would choose not to come because he wanted to avoid anyone involved in any way with Her Royal Princess, Aurora Sinclair.

  “Like I’d miss the class party,” Jessica commiserated with Rori late that night after the preview. “I still think you should thumb your nose at him and go anyway.” Rori just shook her head slightly. Jess let the matter drop.

  Jess left for the class party Saturday morning, sneaking out without waking Rori. Despite her worry over the situation, Jess enjoyed the affair. She should have skipped it, but she couldn’t resist seeing how Marcus was holding up. Rori was a mess. Thankfully, her parents would be arriving later this morning.

  Jess made a point of reminding John and Calvin about the art show within earshot of Chef Charming. Although Jessica knew Chef Hampton promised to get him to go no matter what, she decided it wouldn’t hurt to have a little jealous competition. She had seen the jealous looks Marcus had leveled at the young man over the course of the class. What Marcus didn’t know was that John had finally gathered enough courage to ask Jess out and the art show was to be their first official date.

  “I know it would mean so much,” Jess oozed, “especially for you to be there, John.” If the glower on Marcus’ face was any indication, he had taken the bait. John and Calvin were completely aware of what she was doing, since Jess had explained it all before class. The young men heartily agreed that their professor needed a bit of a reality check.

  Jess couldn’t resist, turning to the seething chef, “You should come, too, Chef MacRae. I’m sure Rori would be thrilled to see you,” adding a wide smile for emphasis.

  “Thank you for the invitation, Miss Johnston,” Chef ground out through clinched teeth, “But I’m sure I have some other plans for tonight.” He turned abruptly and stomped into his office, closing the door with a thud. It was obvious to Jess that Jake had not had a chance to clear things up with the stubborn man.

  The trio barely held their laughter until they got outside.

  Sitting with her parents at her favorite diner in town, Rori was able to relate the events of the past two weeks fairly objectively. Only a few tears were shed, but she had resolved to move on with her life. Obviously, this foolish fantasy she had dreamed up was just that – both foolish and fantasy.

  Her parents were curious to meet the enigmatic man who had their eldest daughter in such a state. Without Rori’s knowledge, Jessica had been able to fill in some of the details that Rori left out. Professor and Mrs. Sinclair and were now expectedly looking forward to the evening. It promised to be quite entertaining.

  Across town, Marcus was also receiving some clarification and chastisement. He had received a call demanding his presence at the local pizzeria.

  “What have I done?” Staring at the sketch, Marcus’s shoulders slumped in misery. A long talk with Jake revealed what Jess had said about the sketch that had ruined his life.

  “You really think we have a chance?” Marcus asked Jake. “I’m pretty sure I blew it completely yesterday. I can’t imagine that she will ever forgive me.”

  “Well, you won’t know if you don’t try,” Jake told him. Reluctantly, Marcus agreed to go to the show.

  Leaving the restaurant, Marcus should have headed straight home, but instead found himself in front of Rori’s dorm. Her silly car was still outside. He headed back home and called Jake.

  “I know it’s late to be changing my mind, but I don’t think I can do it,” frantic fear sounding in every word. “I’m not going to the show. I can’t face her.”

  “You sound desperate, my friend,” Jake tried to comfort his unsure friend.

  “You, Carla, and Miss Johnston all seem to be so sure, but what if this is just something I’ve imagined?” His voice clearly showing the turmoil he was experiencing, he was miserable. “Tell me again that I’m not crazy to pursue this. I still do not believe in love at first sight, but this woman is in my blood and I don’t think I’m going to get over this.”

  “We talked this over and over, Marcus. You need to step out on faith and trust that maybe, just maybe God is bringing you two together. And you heard the same advice from Pastor Collins, didn’t you?” Jake reminded him of their conversation with the assistant pastor after church last Sunday. At the time, Marcus was frustrated with trying to avoid Rori and his growing feelings for her. What he didn’t know was that Pastor Sam had watched in awe as the young culinary instructor talked about the very young lady that had stopped by to see him early in the week.

  Indeed, God works in mysterious ways, Sam Collins had tho
ught.

  Bringing Marcus back to his present misery, Jake resorted to only half-joking threats.

  “If you don’t show up, I will come find you and drag you there,” he threatened. “I never expected such cowardly behavior from Chef Charming.”

  “Chef Charming?” Marcus asked curiously.

  “Oops,” Jake pretended the slip was unintentional. “That’s what Rori calls you. I think it’s kind of sweet, Princess Aurora and Chef Charming.”

  “Maybe I should ride into the gallery on a white horse,” Marcus muttered, but Jake heard the beginnings of a slight smile.

  “Marcus,” Jake decided the time for joking was done, and straight talk was needed. “You love this woman and she loves you. God has brought you together. Don’t waste this opportunity. End of discussion.”

  “Thank you, Jake,” Marcus hung up the phone finally hopeful again.

  Rori had to be at the art gallery an hour before the opening. Dressed in a green and blue evening gown with layers of different colors creating the scarf hem, she looked every bit an elf princess. The spaghetti straps exposed her honey-toned shoulders. The turquoise pendant on her gold chain added to her air of regality. Her long hair, loosely held by a hair clip, was adorned with a peacock feather that matched the tones of her gown.

  Normally so casual about her outfits, even Rori had to admit she looked quite good tonight. It helped her feel confident, almost as though armed for battle. Thankfully, I won’t have to slay any red-haired lions tonight. I’m sure Chef Charming Marcus MacRae is glad he’s seen the last of me.

  Her parents were among the first guests to arrive. They had met many of her professors on a previous visit to the campus, so they headed right in to look at their daughter’s competition. Her dad promised to outrageously overpay for one of her ‘silly scribbles,’ as he jokingly called them. She knew he in fact was very proud and envious of her talent.

  About an hour into the three-hour showing, she and her parents were discussing the silent auction. She explained that the pieces available were marked, pointing to the special tag on 'Aurora’s Castle'. Bidders would head to the table at the back of the gallery and register their highest offer for the pieces they wanted. Their bids, sealed in individual envelopes, would be opened after the show ended later this evening. The winners would be contacted in the morning.

  “Rori,” came Jake’s voice behind her, “I’d like to meet your parents. And tell them how you misbehave in Sunday School all the time.” She and Jake were always battling each other with puns and silly comments during class. Carla was very tolerant.

  Rori turned and felt the color drain from her face. Marcus was with Jake and Carla.

  “What are you doing here?” Rori blurted.

  “Aurora Grace Sinclair!” her father said gently, but firmly. “That was quite rude. You should apologize to this nice young man.”

  “I apologize, Chef MacRae,” Rori said, not quite sincerely. Marcus seemed to find her discomfort amusing.

  “Marcus,” he reminded her.

  “I apologize, Chef Marcus,” she knew she was baiting him, but couldn’t help herself.

  “Just Marcus.” One eyebrow rose.

  “I apologize, Just Marcus.” She crossed her arms, unwilling to budge.

  “You win,” Marcus laughed, adding mysteriously, “for now.”

  He turned to her father and introduced himself. Rori’s father had watched their interplay with amused delight.

  “Dr. Sinclair, Mrs. Sinclair, my name is Marcus MacRae. I’ve had the pleasure of Aurora’s presence in my gourmet cooking class over the last two weeks.” Her parents nodded and smiled, falling immediately under his spell.

  Traitors, thought Rori.

  “It’s been interesting,” Marcus added, turning back to her. “Miss Sinclair,” Marcus held out his hand. “I look forward to seeing your art this evening. Could I beg a personal tour?” She is absolutely gorgeous, he thought.

  She nearly choked. “Of course,” was all she could manage.

  Thankfully, Jake came to her rescue and made the rest of the introductions. He then asked Rori to show Carla the work of one of her classmates as soon as she was done with Marcus. These particular pieces were fascinating multi-media works that fooled the eye from a distance, only to reveal that they were indeed just household objects cleverly arranged.

  Marcus pulled Rori’s hand through his arm and nodded to her parents. “I look forward to visiting with you, if I could, as soon as Aurora shows me her works.”

  “It would be our pleasure,” her mother said, smiling at the handsome young man. As she and her husband watched the couple walk away, they shared a knowing look.

  “Oh my,” Rori’s mom said. Looks like we may be planning a wedding soon. This thought she kept to herself, knowing her husband would insist that she was rushing things.

  As Rori led Marcus toward her painting, the frustration over the sketchbook picture, and the realization that this was the end of her hopeful dreams of a life with this man, had lent Rori a dose of courage. She planned to hold nothing back.

  “Chef, could you please explain something to me?” She turned to him as they moved out of earshot from their group.

  “It’s Marcus,” he insisted again, “and certainly. Your wish is my command.”

  “Why can you call me whatever you want, ‘Princess’, ‘Aurora’, ‘Your Highness’, ‘Miss Sinclair’, ‘Rori’,” she began.

  “I’ve never called you ‘Rori’,” he interrupted.

  “You’re right,” she conceded, “but that’s beside the point. Why do I have such restrictions on what I call you? And why do you keep switching what you call me? Does it show what mood you’re in or is it all part of an act? When you think of me, not that you ever do, what name do you use in these musings?” Rori knew she was treading on dangerous ground but couldn’t seem to help herself.

  “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Marcus said, smiling at the thought of her reaction to an honest answer. He knew his most common name for her over the last few hours was ‘wife’. His smile widened into a grin.

  “I’m glad you find me so amusing,” Rori grumbled and let the topic drop. Remembering how mad he was as he stormed out of breakfast yesterday, she was baffled by his current behavior. She proceeded to show him her paintings, trying to sound objective and informative. He admired the paintings, genuinely impressed with her unique style, but spent a large part of the tour watching her animation as she explained her art. He wanted desperately to tell her what was in his heart, but had promised himself to speak to Dr. Sinclair first.

  After they returned to her parents, Rori led Carla to the section of the gallery with her classmate’s unusual works. They moved away from the group, Jake’s wife asking questions about each piece as they moved through the gallery. Her instructions from her husband had been clear. She was to keep Rori away so Marcus could talk to Dr. Sinclair.

  Half an hour later, the pair met up with Rori’s parents, and the two chefs, at the refreshment table. Marcus handed her a cup of punch and plate full of snacks.

  “Eat.” His voice brooking no argument. She made a face at him behind his back, not knowing that he could see her reflection in the large mirror behind the refreshment table.

  Jess, John and Calvin had joined them just in time to see Marcus catch Rori’s nonverbal comeback and saw his secret grin. Marcus shook the young men’s hands and gave Jessica a quick hug.

  “Thank you,” Marcus said to Jessica, his comments including John and Calvin, too.

  “For what, Chef?” Jessica asked, fairly certain he was talking about her conversation with Jake, having confirmed Rori’s feelings.

  “Clearing things up for me,” Marcus said. “I have a favor to ask, though.” He continued as she nodded over her cup of punch, “Could you distract Aurora for a few minutes? I need to place a bid on one of her paintings and I don’t want her to know.”

  “Aurora’s Castle?”

  “Yes,” Marcus smil
ed, “Am I that obvious?”

  “Yes!” The trio answered in unison.

  Marcus’s laughter spoke volumes about the relief that was growing with each passing hour.

  Jake, Carla, and Marcus left shortly after. Rori’s parents left a few minutes later, offering John, Calvin, and Jessica a ride. Rori would have to stay to give last minute instructions about packaging for the storage company that had been hired for the event. She had no idea how many, if any of her pieces had sold.

  Professor Smith waved her over to the auction and cashier’s table.

  “You did well, tonight,” he said. “Looks like only two of your ten pieces will be going with you on Tuesday. Unless, of course, you’d like to donate them to the art department,” he hinted broadly.

  “We’ll see,” she laughed. “I’m too tired right now to make a logical decision. “ I’ve got to get home or I will sleep through graduation.” When she got back to the empty apartment, she knew that Jess and John were still out on their date.

  She was emotionally drained and totally confused. Marcus had behaved tonight as if nothing had happened at breakfast yesterday. She was too tired to do anything but crawl into bed, so she still hadn’t read his email apologizing for his childish behavior.

  Commencement – The Beginning or the End?

  The Masters degree and May undergraduate ceremony was scheduled for ten in the morning. She hated missing church, but it was a long-standing tradition at the secular school. Knowing she had to face Marcus one more time made for more butterflies than expected in the morning.

  She donned her white dress and three inch heels. Her vertically challenged roommate cried foul when she had purchased them for the event.

  “That’s just cruel!” Jess had protested, “You do not need any more height!”

  “But they are the most comfortable ones I’ve found.” She was glad for the extra inches now so she could look Chef High-and-Mighty Charming right in the eyes. Not that I’m going to be able to gather enough courage to do that, but if I do, I’ll be prepared!