Second Chance Cafe

by Brandy Bruce

  “I know. Ethan knows, too. I’m going over there as soon as I leave and I’ll talk to him.”

  Mark nodded. Isa finished helping the girls clean the dining room and then left for Ethan’s. Checking the clock, she knew she’d need to rest sometime before her shift.

  She heated up one of Leo’s frozen meals and then sat on the love seat across from where Ethan sat on the sofa while they ate dinner together.

  “The café was busy when I stopped by.” Isa broached the topic carefully.

  Ethan’s eyes brightened. Then his brow furrowed.

  “Was Mark able to handle the rush?”

  “He needs help,” Isa said.

  Ethan nodded. “I’ll have to hire someone.”

  “I have someone in mind,” Isa said, her eyes on the fettuccini on her plate.

  “Really?” Ethan asked, interested. “Who? Do they have experience cooking or waiting tables?”

  “Oh, both. Lots of experience.”

  “Sounds good. Can you get me a résumé?”

  “Sure. But I’ll have to update it. My current job history is more medical than culinary.”

  Ethan looked confused. “You’re talking about…you? You have a job, Isa.”

  She set her plate on the coffee table and looked at Ethan. “Just hear me out. You need help. I’m willing. You don’t have to say yes, of course. It’s up to you. But I’ve talked to my supervisor and I can cut down my hours. I’d only be working one night shift every other week. The rest of the time, I can work at the café. I can cook, if that’s where you need me most.”

  “Could you also be the manager?” Ethan asked. Isa paused in disbelief.

  “You want me to oversee the café and the workers?”

  He nodded. “I trust you more than anyone, Isa. I know you’ll do a great job.”

  Isa let those words sink in.

  “So…you’re saying yes?” she asked.

  “I’m saying thank you. And I insist on paying you, but I’m not sure I can match what you’re making at the hospital.”

  She smiled. “Lucky for you, I’m willing to work for less.”

  “Charity case, am I?”

  She laughed. “Does that bother you?”

  “Not if it means you’re going to be working at my café.”

  Isa kept giggling.

  “What’s so funny?” Ethan wondered.

  “I’m just thinking of how Leo and my father are going to react to the news that I’m now cooking for and managing a café. I’ve balked at the thought of working for Romano’s ever since I graduated high school.”

  “I know you’re not a fan of restaurant life, Isa. The fact that you’re willing to do this for me—well, it means a lot,” Ethan said seriously.

  The laughter faded from Isa, but the smile remained. She liked Ethan’s ruffled hair, the intense look in his eyes, the Company 51 T-shirt that was obviously his favorite, gauging by the fraying sleeves and holes near the neckline. In short, she liked everything about Ethan. She liked him so much that working in his kitchen didn’t even sound like a sacrifice to her.

  “I’ll talk with Mark tomorrow and ask him to show you how to make all the menu items. I know you’ll catch on quickly. I mean, you practically rewrote the recipe for my corn chowder.”

  “True,” Isa said with a dramatic sigh.

  * * *

  Isa spent the next few days shadowing Mark and cooking more than she had for the past several years. She’d forgotten how much work it was to produce enough food to feed a restaurant filled with people. After training with Mark, she’d go back to Ethan’s apartment and continue practicing for hours, with Ethan to direct her and make sure she was making each dish according to what he wanted.

  Her first morning as manager/chef of the Second Chance Café found Isa to be a nervous wreck. She arrived early, trying to steady her nerves as she prepped her workstation. She walked around the empty kitchen, drinking an espresso while memorizing every corner of the kitchen.

  Father, I can’t believe I’m doing this. I didn’t expect to be so scared. What if I can’t run this kitchen?

  Isa nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of a knock on the exit door. She glanced at the clock and realized that the knock probably came from Mark. She walked over and opened the door.

  “Leo!” she cried, throwing her arms around him. “What are you doing here?”

  “Is that an espresso?” he asked. “I’d love one.”

  “Come with me to the coffee bar. Now, I repeat, what are you doing here? It’s the crack of dawn!”

  Leo sat perched on a barstool while Isa made him an espresso.

  “I’m here because you’re here. I’m not going to miss my sister’s first day as a chef.”

  The catch in Isa’s throat was immediate. She swallowed hard. “I’m terrified,” she confessed.

  Leo seemed unfazed. “Of course you are. This is a big deal. You don’t want to mess things up.”

  Isa crossed her arms. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. I feel so much better now.”

  Leo sipped his espresso. “You’re not going to mess up, Isa.”

  “How do you know?” Isa asked meekly.

  “Because being in the kitchen is second nature to you. And I know from experience how bossy you can be. In other words, you’re a natural-born leader, little sister. Don’t let your nerves tell you otherwise. Don’t forget, I’ve tried to get you to work for me for years. I know you’ve got the Romano-family instinct when it comes to cooking.”

  Isa smiled, absorbing her brother’s confidence in her. “I couldn’t handle you trying to tell me what to do and you know it.”

  Leo laughed. “That’s for sure.”

  “Do you have any tips for me?”

  “Yes. Make sure you enjoy your work. And don’t forget to eat. There were so many times that I worked hours upon hours without stopping to eat. The result is a chef who barks orders at people and has a short temper. Take breaks. Hydrate. Ask for help. Delegate. You’re the one who reminded me to delegate, Isa. And it was good advice.”

  “I just can’t believe I’m doing this. I’ve avoided restaurant life for as long as I’ve had a choice in the matter. But here I am, back in the kitchen.”

  Leo chuckled. “And Ethan didn’t even have to ask. You just volunteered for him.”

  “I guess you’re right.” A tiny smile made its way to Isa’s face. “Leo, thanks for showing up for me this morning.” Isa looked across the bar at her older brother and a million pictures raced across her memory. She could see them at the breakfast table when they were still in elementary school; she could see Leo teaching her to play basketball; she could picture them racing down the stairs together every Christmas morning during her childhood.

  Her heart twinged at all the memories. She loved her brother. And the fact that he was sitting at the Second Chance Café coffee bar at five in the morning told her how much he loved her.

  Seek and you will find me.

  Isa closed her eyes for a moment. Thank You, Father. You sent my big brother to be with me, to help calm my nerves, didn’t you? I know You’re here with me, too.

  “I need to finish prepping,” Isa told Leo, glancing at her watch. Leo downed the rest of his espresso, then slapped the top of the bar and stood up.

  “Let’s prep, then, Isa.”

  “If you’re staying, I’m putting you to work,” Isa warned him.

  “Just tell me where you want me, Chef,” Leo answered.

  Chef.

  Isa tied her apron around her waist and waved as Mark entered the kitchen. She took a deep breath. All the butterflies in her stomach couldn’t squelch the feeling that she was exactly where she wanted to be. The Second Chance Café needed her. And maybe more importantly, Ethan Car
ter needed her.

  Chapter 19

  Isabella pulled into the Redeemer Community Church parking lot and stepped out of her car. She looked back as Ethan climbed out of the passenger side.

  “Are you okay?” she asked, and Ethan scowled.

  “I’m not an invalid, Isabella Romano.”

  “I know, but you need to let me know if you start hurting. I can take you back home. It’s only been about two weeks since your surgery, Ethan.”

  “I’m okay for now. I promise to tell you if I’m in pain.” Ethan reached for her hand and they walked into the church together. This time Isa waved back at the people she recognized and didn’t hesitate when it came to smiling and greeting the people around her. She sat next to Ethan.

  “So do you feel at home yet?” Ethan asked as the music began to play.

  Home? Home with you?

  “What do you mean?” Isa asked.

  He nudged her shoulder. “You once told me you liked my church. I’m wondering if you’re ready to make it your church, too.”

  Oh, that.

  She nodded with a shy smile. “You don’t mind, right?”

  “It’s church, Isa. The more, the merrier, you know? That’s the general rule.” Ethan tightened his grip around her hand. “But I’ll be pretty disappointed if you don’t promise to sit next to me every Sunday.”

  “We’ll see,” Isa said with intentional nonchalance, and Ethan smiled. The worship music swelled, and they stood with the crowd. That thirsty feeling came back over her. The desire to be filled up. The music, the message the pastor shared, the community around her—Ethan was right. She was beginning to feel at home at Redeemer Community Church.

  Father, maybe I don’t want to lose this thirsty feeling. Maybe I want to keep feeling it. I think it means I’m desperate for more of You. I’ve pushed You away for so long.... Now I want You back. Isa blinked at the realization. The music surrounded her and her hands lifted up in worship. Her eyes closed and she felt a sense of being found.

  I wondered why I felt like I was waiting for someone else, Father, even after I met Ethan. But it’s not about Ethan, is it? It’s about You and me. I was waiting to feel Your presence again. And all along, You were waiting for me to come back to You.

  In that moment, despite the fact that the congregation was singing a song that Isa had sung many times before, she felt as though a new song was born inside her.

  “Isa?”

  Isa looked over at Ethan. He’d leaned down close and spoken into her ear. She hadn’t realized she was crying.

  “Everything okay?” he asked.

  She wiped her tears and nodded. “Everything’s really, really good, Ethan.”

  He wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer to him as worship ended and they sat down together.

  After church services, the two of them went to Mandy and Leo’s home for lunch. Isa held Tony in her arms while Mandy and Leo cleared the table. Tony had fallen asleep, so Isa carried him upstairs. Once he was in his crib, she walked through the kitchen, stopping to refill her glass of lemonade. She could hear Leo talking with Ethan in the dining room. Isa paused for a moment.

  “So how is recovery coming along, Ethan? I know it can be discouraging—starting over with therapy.”

  “I was discouraged at first. But the truth is that Isa’s positive spirit really bolsters me. She’s always reminding me that God’s with me. She’s always telling me that I’ll get through this, that I’ll get stronger. She helps me keep a good perspective.”

  Isa couldn’t move.

  “Isa’s an encourager. With all that’s happened with my dad, my family relies on her so much. She keeps calm. She manages to stay positive. She’s made a huge difference for my parents and for me as we’ve gone through this experience with my dad’s health.”

  “She’s certainly made all the difference in my life over the last few months.”

  “Isa!” Isa heard Mandy call her name. Isa walked to the dining room. “Could you bring out the blueberry cobbler?” Mandy asked.

  “Of course,” Isa answered, disappearing back into the kitchen. Ethan’s words kept replaying through her head as she grabbed dessert. She took the pan of cobbler to the dining room, stopping for a moment to take in the sight of Ethan sitting with Mandy and Leo, laughing and talking. He gave her an easy smile.

  Everything about their relationship felt like love. Looking at that easy smile of his, hearing him talk about her in such a way that made her feel treasured, seeing him so comfortable with her family, knowing that her return to church had a lot to do with Ethan’s simple invitation—Isa knew she loved Ethan. And she knew instinctively that this kind of love was meant to last. She just needed to hear Ethan say the words.

  * * *

  Monday morning Ethan went to therapy and then decided to stop by the café for lunch. Isa had insisted he wait a few days before coming in. She’d nicely told him she needed a couple of days on her own with the staff. He knew she really wanted to get a handle on running the place without the added pressure of having him over her shoulder every minute.

  He was pleased to see that at noon most of the tables were occupied by customers. Caleb stood at the counter, picking up an order to go.

  “Hey! Long time no see. How’re you doing, man?” Caleb asked.

  Ethan nodded. “All right. Therapy isn’t easy, but I’m determined to follow the doctor’s orders and heal properly this time.”

  “I’m sure you will,” Caleb said. “We still miss you at the fire station, bro. And Isabella’s doing a great job over here. I’ve been over several times and the food tastes just as good as ever. In fact, I think her meat loaf might be better than yours.”

  Ethan grinned. “I wouldn’t doubt it. I think I’ll sit down and order a plate.”

  “I’ve gotta get back to the house,” Caleb said, nodding toward the fire station. “Why don’t you come by after you leave here? Everybody would love to see you.”

  “I might do that. See you, Caleb.”

  Ethan took a seat and waited for a waitress, browsing the menu he knew by heart.

  “What can I get you?”

  He looked up, shocked to see someone he hadn’t hired. He cocked his head to the side and tried to remember where he’d seen her before. She looked so much like Isabella that he knew they had to be related.

  “I’m Angelina,” she said with a smile. “Isabella’s cousin.”

  “Oh, right! Um, hi. Are you…working here now?”

  She laughed. “No. I’m a manager at Romano’s. One of the waitresses here called in sick this morning and Isa couldn’t find anyone to replace her. She called Leo and he sent me over to help out.”

  “Wow, well, thanks for that.”

  “Having relatives in the restaurant business can come in handy, you know?” she said with a wink.

  Ethan smiled good-naturedly. “Absolutely. I’ll keep that in mind. I’d like to order the meat-loaf sandwich. But don’t tell Isa it’s for me, okay?”

  Angelina shook her head. “Sorry, pal. I’m a Romano. I know where my loyalties lie.”

  They both laughed as she walked toward the kitchen.

  After finishing his meal, he had to admit that Caleb was right. Isa’s meat-loaf sandwich tasted delicious. He could tell intuitively that she’d tweaked the recipe. The thought made him smile.

  She’s putting her mark on this place.

  Ethan waited until the dining room was nearly empty before going into the kitchen. He leaned against the counter while Isa wiped down the surface.

  “So how does it feel to be working at a restaurant again, Isa? Be honest.”

  She tossed the dish towel in a basket to be washed and pulled out a barstool to sit on, then reached for a plate of food on the large kitchen island. “I tol
d Mark to save me a plate from lunch,” she said as she pulled off the plastic wrap. “I’m going to go ahead and tell you that you were right—I’m a huge fan of this white-bean chicken chili. Actually, with the weather turning a bit colder these days, everyone seems to be a fan of this chili.”

  Ethan pulled up a stool next to her. “Are you avoiding my question?”

  She shook her head as she took a generous bite. He waited patiently.

  “It’s actually been better than I thought,” she answered after a moment. “I forgot how much fun it can be working with a kitchen like this at my fingertips. And I haven’t experienced the adrenaline boost of a lunchtime rush in a long time. And there’s something else that I like about working here.”

  “What’s that?” Ethan pressed.

  “I’m the boss.”

  Ethan sat back and let out a belly laugh. “How did I not anticipate that?”

  She shrugged. “I’m used to working with my dad or Leo. And while I wouldn’t say they ever were able to boss me around, I had to work a lot harder for my voice to be heard.”

  “Well, Caleb tells me your meat-loaf sandwich is better than mine.”

  Isa looked sheepish. “I made a few tweaks.”

  Ethan pretended to be annoyed. “Are we going to fight over every recipe now?”

  “Only if you insist,” Isa quipped back at him.

  Ethan kissed her before she could say another word.

  “No fair! No kissing while arguing,” Isa said after a moment.

  Ethan didn’t budge. He just leaned close to her.

  “Isa, thank you for running my café while I can’t,” he said in a soft voice.

  Isa touched Ethan’s face. “I’m glad to do it. And really, I’m enjoying the work. I think I’m rediscovering my love for cooking. In fact, I know I am.”

  “Speaking of discovery, I’ve discovered that I love you, Isabella Romano.”

  Ethan wished he could somehow capture the stunned look on Isa’s face.

  Isa’s lips curved into a full smile. She kissed Ethan’s cheek.

  “I loved you first.”