Consume Me (Master Chefs #3)

by Kailin Gow

  “Well then, as your only friend from the Institute, can I ask how you’ve been?”

  “Great. Just great.”

  “That’s a pretty lackluster ‘great’. Your sudden absence from class was explained with a family emergency back home. Is that why you didn’t even say goodbye?”

  She didn’t want to lie to him, but she couldn’t very well tell him the truth about her falling out with Errol. She nodded. “My mother had a nasty fall and hurt her hip pretty bad. She’s just now getting back on her feet.” While it wasn’t the reason she’d returned to New York, it wasn’t a bald faced lie either.

  “Funny… I go to Switzerland to help my father and you went to the United States to help you mother.”

  She smiled and shrugged. “I guess for all the time they’ve tended to our scraped knees and cut fingers, it’s the least we can do.”

  He bit into his mille feuilles and looked thoughtfully at her. “How are things with Errol?”

  Startled, Tar clumsily set her coffee cup down then tried to casually pick up her pastry.

  “I kind of couldn’t help but figure there was something going on between you two. I mean, the way he just busted his way in at my place and… well, he pretty much made it clear that you belong to him… well, you know, that you're his girl… you know what I mean.”

  Tar smiled as Henri fumbled for the right words to describe her relationship with Errol.

  “I mean, I can understand he would want to keep you all to himself. If you were my girl, I would…” He looked sheepishly at her. “Anyway… and now, what brings you back to Paris? I didn’t see you at the Institute.”

  “I had a few things to settle.”

  “And now you’re going off to…?”

  “Back to New York. I hadn’t really planned to stay in Paris more than a few days.” At least she didn’t have to lie about that.

  “You know I really missed you in class. It wasn’t the same without you. All the other students are so stuck up and pretentious, and all the girls, well… It’s just not the same.”

  “You're sweet, Henri. I appreciate that. And believe me, I’ve missed you too. I really hate that I had to leave the Institute before finishing my classes.”

  “Any plans to come back to finish what you started?”

  “I’ll see. Maybe I’ll have a few classes with you when I start again.”

  He shook his head. “Actually, I’ve already finished.”

  Her eyes popped open. “How? I still have almost a year to go before I finish.”

  “Like I said… when you left things weren’t the same. I just decided I didn’t want to waste any time, so I took a few extra classes and now… well, I’m pretty much ready to go out into the world and wow them with my culinary knowledge.”

  “And I’m sure that’s exactly what you're going to do. I have no doubt.”

  “But just because I’m not going to the Institute anymore doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be thrilled to see you if ever you return to Paris.” He let the offer hang in the air an uncomfortable moment. “So what did you have to settle in a matter of a few days?”

  Tar didn’t miss a beat. “I left so quickly the last time, I left a few things at the Institute and I had a few documents I needed signed.” She took a sip of coffee and looked thoughtfully at her one French friend. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure. Go ahead.”

  “How…” She stopped herself, embarrassed by the question she so longed to hear the answer to. “When I left… the last time…”

  Henri cocked his head to the side and furrowed his brow.

  “Well, I was just wondering how… people reacted.”

  “You know how people are. They’re so caught up in their studies and assignments and everything… not many people noticed, to tell you the truth.”

  Taryn chuckled uncomfortably and cleared her throat. “Well, actually, I was thinking of one particular person.”

  “Oh,” Henri exclaimed with a burst of laughter. “How silly of me. Of course… Errol. You want to know how Errol…”

  “Yes. Yes,” she said eagerly.

  He pressed his lips together and nearly drove Tar nuts.

  “So?”

  “At first I didn’t really get it. It was subtle. You know how Errol can be; strict, harsh, uncompromising. Well, all that intensified. He was sour and bitter and inexplicably cruel. A few days after you left we had to make bouillabaisse. You should have heard the comments he made. One girl’s dish smelled like a sewer. Another one looked like baby spit. And, well, I don’t think I need to tell you how he was with me. From that moment on, nothing I did was right. My creams were too runny. My meringue was too stiff. My steaks were too seared and my vegetables too soggy.”

  “I’m sorry about that. I hate to think that all this had an adverse effect on you. He shouldn’t have done that.”

  He shrugged. “Don’t worry. It was all talk. For all of his barking and shouting, in the end he gave me fair grades.”

  “Good.” She’d hoped he’d give her a little more details about Errol’s behavior with regards to her departure, not his grades.

  Henri reached out and covered her hand with his. “It took me a few days, but I realized he was heartbroken. All of his lashing out was simply his clumsy way of dealing with it. I mean, I don’t think anyone else picked up on what was really going on. The only reason I suspected it was the scene I’d witnessed when he came to get you at my place.”

  A ray of hope filled her. “You think he was really heartbroken?”

  “Definitely.”

  She didn’t want to be so obviously happy, to smile so broadly, but she couldn’t help it. The weight that had had her dragging her feet since seeing Errol in class with Madame X was finally lifted.

  For all his faults, Errol did love her.

  Henri squeezed her hand, pressing her engagement ring into her flesh. He quickly released her hand and looked at the bejeweled finger. His brow rose, furrowed and rose again.

  “Uh… is that…? Are you… with him?”

  She heard the pain and loss in his awkward question.

  “I mean, I know Monsieur King is known for, well… but…” He picked up her finger and stared at the brilliant diamond. “He is not known for this.”

  “I’ll admit I was a little surprised, too.”

  “So it’s really serious between you two. I mean, I thought it was just…”

  “A fling?”

  He shrugged. “He doesn’t exactly have a reputation for monog…”

  Right, she thought.

  “But a tiger can change his stripes,” he quickly added.

  Yeah, right. Her sudden high was quickly deflated.

  “I do hope he’ll treat you right.”

  She was tempted to tell him how he’d already failed at that. She desperately needed to share with someone what she’d recently witnessed.

  “I’m sure he will,” he went on. “But if he ever slips back to his old ways, well, you know you can always talk to me.”

  Did he suspect she already had so much she wanted to say to him? As a French man, perhaps Henri could give her insight into Errol’s ways. Could he shed light on the questions she had about her relationship with him?

  She didn’t want to risk it… not yet.

  “If you need me for anything, Taryn…” He squeezed her hand. “All you have to do is call.”

  Hesitating a long time, Tar stared at the remainder of her mille feuilles. She’d barely touched the pastry. Though her stomach rumbled with hunger, she just didn’t have the appetite for the perfectly flaky dessert.

  “You know,” she finally said. “There is something you could do.”

  “Anything. Just name it.”

  “Could you keep an eye on Errol for me?”

  He grimaced a quick second then pressed a smile. “I guess.”

  “I know you’re not at the Institute much anymore, but… well, just keep an eye and ear open.”

  With a smile tha
t didn’t quite hide his disappointment, he checked his watch and stood. “The minute I get back, I’ll be all over him.”

  Tar got to her feet and reached out to hug him. “You're such a great friend, Henri. You really are.”

  He hugged her back, but there was nothing friendly about it. Pressing her body to his, he silently let her know just how he felt about her.

  “Have a nice visit with your family,” Tar said as she pulled back. She kissed his cheeks, quick friendly pecks meant to cool the heat she felt radiating from him.

  The quick pecks didn’t have the expected reaction. Henri pulled her into his arms and kissed her lips.

  “Henri,” she whispered as she pulled back.

  He held her and brought his lips over hers once more. His kiss was tender and full of yearning. “Just a kiss for good luck.” His eyes met hers with a world full of promises and a heart filled with love.

  She put her hand to his cheek and smiled. Life would be so much simpler if she could love a man like him. He had all the qualities any girl would die for. Good looking, strong, smart, caring, always ready to make her laugh.

  “I’d better go,” Henri muttered.

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  She watched him walk away then finally turned to head to the terminal that would have her home in a few hours.

  Chapter 12

  Taryn spent an endless hour in the terminal flipping through a magazine she’d bought, though she realized it was a complete waste of money. She simply stared blankly at one page after another, until she came to a true or false love quiz. 25 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before You Say I do.

  “Seriously?” she muttered to herself. The timing couldn’t be more dreadful. She looked at the furrowed brow of the model who stood looking at her diamond engagement ring amidst a bedroom strewn with dirty socks, underwear, a few ties and mixed matched shoes. Her other hand had a death grip on a crisp, white man’s shirt… with lipstick on the collar.

  This should be fun, she thought wryly.

  His lifestyle is in tune with mine.

  Hmm, she mused. “We both enjoy cooking so.” True.

  His love makes me feel secure.

  “Well, sort of.”

  We both see a bright future for our love.

  “I thought I did.”

  When I’m away, I know I can trust him.

  Tar slammed the magazine shut and tossed it on the seat beside her. “Stupid quiz.”

  Her phone rang, startling her. She checked the number and realized it was Errol. “Speak of the devil,” she muttered. It rang a second and third time while she simply stared at the phone. Was she ready to talk to him?

  A fourth ring.

  He’ll just sweet talk his way out of it, she thought.

  Fifth ring.

  But I want to hear what he’ll say.

  Just as she pressed the button to take the call, it stopped ringing.

  It’s just as well.

  Moments later her phone signaled the arrival of a text.

  Honey, where are you?

  Playing innocent, she thought. It was just like him.

  Fired up, she fired off a brief reply.

  At the airport.

  Her phone rang again, and once more she let it ring, uncertain she wanted to hear his voice. But on the fourth ring, she picked up.

  “Tar?”

  “Were you expecting someone else?” she quipped.

  “Tar where are you?”

  “Didn’t you get my text? I’m at the airport.”

  “Yes, I got your text, but I didn’t understand.”

  “What’s not to understand? I have to get back to New York and the airport is the best way to go.”

  “Tar, what’s going on? I hurried home and found the apartment empty. I thought maybe you’d come back to the Institute to find me, but you weren’t there either. Did something happen back home to make you rush off?”

  “No… nothing back home. Something here at home.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Errol, I love you, but…”

  “But…? But what? Tar, what the hell is going on?”

  “Don’t get angry with me, Errol King. You have no right being upset with me.”

  “I’m not upset with you, Tar. I was worried. I’ve been running around looking for you for almost an hour. You didn’t even leave a note.”

  “Maybe you should ask Madame X if she has a note.”

  “What?”

  “Your friend, Madame X. Why don’t you just go back and chat with her?”

  “Tar, what are you talking about?”

  “You know, I just read a quiz that says we’re not compatible.”

  “Now you're just talking silly.”

  Grinding her teeth, she realized he had a point, but she couldn’t stop herself from going on. She was on a roll… an angry roll. “Look, Errol, I just don’t think I can be with a man like you. I mean, maybe a more worldly woman could stay with a womanizing man like yourself, but I can’t. I want a man who’ll only have eyes for me. Do you understand that?”

  “Tar, we’ve talked about this. I may have known a few women in the past, but now… you know you’re the only one for me. You're accusing me of something I didn’t do.”

  “Liar! I saw you, Errol. I was there and I saw you.”

  “Saw what? Where?”

  “At the Institute. You and Madame X. As flirtatious as usual, she was all over you and you enjoyed it.”

  “You were at the Institute? Why didn’t you come see me?”

  “I was going to, but you were so busy with Madame X, I didn’t want to interrupt.”

  “Tar, you're overreacting. It’s not what you think.”

  “Are you going to deny you enjoyed it? Cause it was written all over your face, Errol. You were beaming… beaming like when we first met, when you wanted to have me.”

  “Tar, stop this nonsense.”

  “That’s exactly what I intend to do, Errol. I’m putting an end to all this nonsense. And it’s about time.” Before he could say another word, she hung up. As she prepared to toss her phone into her purse, it rang again. This time, she closed her purse and let it ring.

  “Le vol 533 presentement a l’guirit 6. Flight 533 now boarding at Gate 6.”

  It’s about time, she wanted to complain. She grabbed her carry on and hurried to board the plane. Eager to put as much distance as possible between herself and Errol, she stomped onto the plane and threw herself into her seat. The woman already settled in the window seat glared at her, but Tar didn't care. She was in no mood to be polite and nice.

  Seconds later, guilt got the best of her and she turned to the woman and smiled. Before she could apologize, her phone rang, startling her. Shooting a sheepish glance at the woman, she tried to ignore her phone.

  “You may as well answer. You'll have to turn it off in a few minutes.”

  “I know who the caller is and I’m not really in the mood to talk to him.” Never the type to share her personal life, she couldn’t believe she’d just made such a statement to a complete stranger.

  “Don’t tell me you hooked up with one of those irresistible French men.”

  Tar simply pressed her lips together and tried to put up a brave front, but her lashes quickly lined with tears and she cast her gaze to her feet.

  The woman rummaged through her purse. “I think I have a tissue in here somewhere.”

  “I’m all right,” Tar muttered.

  “Right.”

  A tissue appeared in front of Tar’s face, but it wasn’t the feminine hand of the woman beside her who held it. It was a strong and familiar masculine hand.

  Tar looked up. “Errol,” she whispered as she met his warm gaze. “What are you… How did you…? This is… but… You can’t…”

  “Had you stuck around a moment longer, you would have seen me push Madame X away. You would have also heard me tell her that I was taken.”

  Stunned, Tar stared at him while her
heart turned multiple somersaults.

  “I made it clear that I was in love with a very special woman who satisfied me in every conceivable way.”

  Tar shook her head clear and took the tissue he offered. Unable to rip her disbelieving gaze from his face, she wiped her tears.

  “Had you stayed a moment longer, you wouldn’t be wiping those tears.” He reached for her hand. “I’m going to have to do something to calm that jealous streak of yours.”

  “You both seemed so… cozy.”

  “I was seething as I tried to remain calm and polite before her aggressive come on. I do have a professional reputation to think of. I can’t just blow up in class. I quietly and calmly let her know how I felt.”

  “I’m sorry, Errol, I just…”

  Errol cocked a brow at the woman in the window seat. Her eyes wide with envy and admiration, she stared at Errol a moment longer before tapping Tar’s knee.

  “I’ll leave you a private moment.”

  Tar scooted over and Errol sat beside her, his arm quickly snaking around her.

  “When I realized you’d run off without saying a word…I couldn’t believe it. Tar, don’t you realize how much I love you? I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize what I have with you.” He leaned in to kiss her, but his warm kiss was interrupted by the flight attendant.

  “I’ll have to ask you to put away your carry-on and fasten your seatbelts.”

  “Gladly,” Errol said with a beaming grin. He stood and tossed his carry-on into the overhead compartment and sat down again, nudging even closer to Taryn.

  “What exactly do you think you're doing, Errol? The plane is going to take off any minute now. If you don’t stop this nonsense and get off the plane, you’ll end up in New York.”

  “And where are you going, Tar?”

  “To New York,” she spat.

  “Well, then, that’s where I’m going.”

  “Errol, you can’t.”

  “Not only can I, but apparently I must.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you won’t listen to reason.”

  Playing with the ring on her finger, Tar stared blindly at the back of the seat in front of her. “You know, Errol, even if what you say is true about your reaction to Madame X, we both know that this can’t work.”