[Second Chances 02]California Dreams

by Morris Fenris

  “I’ll make sure it’s well covered.” Hearing the last bell ring, he turned to head inside, “Have a nice day,” he threw out as he departed.

  *****

  Grace’s day was wonderful! She arrived at the arts center to find a message waiting for her from the Simpsons. They had invited her to join them for lunch and she quickly called and accepted. She agreed to meet them at one of her favorite restaurants on the outskirts of the city, glad that she wouldn’t have to fight the downtown traffic.

  As she arrived at the restaurant, she was pleased to see David Simpson helping his wife from their vehicle as well. “Hello!” Deirdre called across the parking lot.

  “Good afternoon,” Grace told her as she drew nearer. “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

  “It certainly is.” David escorted both women into the restaurant and waited until they were seated before he took his own seat. After several minutes of small talk and placing their orders, the reason for their invitation was made clear to her.

  “I’m so glad you could meet with us. I wanted to give this to you in person. Sending it in the mail just didn’t seem right somehow.”

  Grace gave him a puzzled look and reached across the table, taking the envelope he extended to her. “What is this?” she asked, seeing the mysterious smile upon both he and his wife’s face.

  “Open it and find out,” was the only reply they would give her.

  Giving them a brief smile, she slid her finger beneath the flap, opening the envelope to what lie beneath. Pulling a sheet of paper free, she unfolded it to reveal a check lying inside it. A check with a lot of zeroes on it, all following the number five.

  “Five hundred thousand dollars?!” Grace whispered in awe.

  David beamed at her, “Yes! I know Derek said you only required around one hundred thousand to pay for the entire season and beyond, but we want to see your program flourish. Maybe even offer some additional types of programs and such. We didn’t want you to feel like you had to hold back your creative genius or talents because of something as simple as money.”

  Grace shook her head, “Are you sure? I mean, you haven’t even seen me in action yet.”

  Deirdre smiled at her, “We can fix that. How about we attend your first rehearsal, next week isn’t’ it?”

  Grace smiled warmly, “Yes. Oh please, come and meet the kids and their parents. They are going to blow you away with their talent and their smiles.”

  Their meal arrived and the talk turned to normal things as they ate. After finishing, David encouraged her to spend some time thinking about other programs she might wish to try. It seems the Simpson’s had done very well for themselves on top of inheriting considerable wealth from both of their parents.

  They didn’t believe in hoarding their wealth or hiding it away, and had been looking for worthy causes to invest in for the last several years. Grace was so overwhelmed by their generosity, she forgot to take the opportunity to mention the Mercer-Brownell Treatment Center her sister was currently involved with.

  She decided that she would ask Sara for some information about the center and present it to the Simpsons next time she saw them.

  She left their lunch walking on cloud nine, a very large donation check in her purse and drove back to the center in a daze. When she handed the check to Derek, he got the same look upon his face and they spent the rest of the afternoon alternating between laughter, and disbelief.

  She heard Derek call his wife and give her the good news as she headed back to her own office, wishing for the first time in a long while that she had someone other than her sister to share this type of news with. Where did that thought come from?

  Grace had been content to be a single mother, her entire world revolving around Daniella since her husband had been killed. She’d had no interest in members of the opposite sex, not wishing to go through that kind of heartache again or subject Daniella to a string of boyfriends.

  Grace hadn’t missed having a man around the house, too caught up in her daughter and her career to think about dating or relationships. The fact that she now was wishing she had someone to share things with was a revelation. Is this because Daniella’s started school? Is this like a mini-empty nest precursor? I don’t have time for a relationship!

  She told herself that the rest of the afternoon, pleased when the thought didn’t surface again. She’d call Sara and tell her the good news later this evening and life would move forward.

  Chapter 18

  Samuel picked Jane up for lunch and drove her into the city to a fairly new restaurant. He had already arranged reservations for them, and Jane was relieved that they didn’t have to wait in the long line outside just to have lunch.

  “What is this place? I can’t believe how many people are standing in line for lunch!”

  “This is one of the newest restaurants in the city and the place to be seen. I actually called the day after we got back from Montana and made reservations for today.”

  “Really? You had to make reservations over a week ahead of time? I didn’t even know restaurants did such things.” This is so not Montana!

  “Well, believe it. Besides, this restaurant is special for another reason.” Samuel waited for her to take the bait and ask for an explanation. He didn’t have to wait long.

  “Okay, what’s the other reason?” Jane asked, still taking in the ultra-modern décor and the open kitchen she could see and hear.

  “This is a teaching kitchen.”

  “What’s that?” Jane asked, again wondering why Samuel was being so stingy with his explanations.

  “The chefs back in the kitchen are all students of the premier culinary academy in the city. They attend classes in the evenings, and they only do a lunch service Monday thru Friday. Saturday they only do a dinner service. Sunday they aren’t open. “

  “So, they work here for free, or…”

  Samuel shook his head, “No. They are paid just like real chefs, but they also attend night classes to better their skills, decide upon the next day’s menu, and listen to critiques from other well-known visiting chefs.”

  “You said visiting chefs. So, they don’t have regular instructors here?”

  Samuel could see the wheels turning in her head and hid his smile. “No. They have two chefs that oversee the day-to-day operations, but all of the instruction comes from world-renown chefs who rotate through each week.”

  “World-renown chefs?” Jane asked, curiosity having her glancing around to see if she recognized anyone.

  “Yes. Think Iron Chef and you’d probably name at least half a dozen chefs who have shared their talents with those men and women working to prepare our lunch today.”

  Jane was quiet. Too quiet. Samuel grew nervous and finally just blurted out the reason for bringing her to such a place for lunch. “You have an interview with the head chefs in an hour.”

  “What?! What?!”

  “You already said that,” he commented, cringing at the glare she threw his way.

  “Samuel, what have you done?” she cried, trying to keep her voice down and not create a scene.

  “Jane, look me in the eyes and tell me that becoming a chef isn’t your dream job.”

  “You know I can’t. I love to cook, but I’m not even on the same league as these people. I’ve never had any formal training…”

  “…and I told them that when I arranged your interview. They don’t care. They want to meet with you and then if everything goes well, they want you to come back Sunday and cook whatever you want for them. Jane, this is a chance to finally get what you want.”

  Jane was quiet as she looked at the man sitting across from her. He had done this to make her happy. She was scared of failing, but she had to admit that cooking was her passion. But as she looked at Samuel, she realized that achieving her dream of becoming a chef would feel hollow without someone to share the success with. Someone like Samuel.

  Taking a deep breath, she decided the time was never going to be better t
o say what she was feeling, “What if cooking isn’t all I want?”

  Samuel held his breath, not even daring to hope that she might be ready to voice her feelings for him. When she didn’t immediately continue, he prompted her to finish, “What else do you want?”

  Jane looked into his eyes, finding strength in the support of his gaze and quietly informed him, “You. What if I also want you?”

  Samuel breathed a sigh of relief, “That would fit perfectly since I also want you.”

  “You do?” Jane asked, doubt coloring her voice.

  “How can you doubt it? I look forward to seeing you every day. I want to see where a relationship between us might go.” Reaching across the table for her hands, he gently grasped her fingers before saying, “I know you’ve been afraid of getting hurt again, but I promise I won’t ever intentionally leave you. I won’t ever intentionally hurt you. Take a chance with me.”

  Jane felt tears sting her eyes, “Samuel, I’m ready to take that chance. For so many years I’ve hidden away so that I’d never have to go through the pain of losing someone again. But, now it feels like I might miss out on something incredible if I don’t come out of my shell and try to live again. I want to try.”

  Samuel leaned across the table and placed a tender kiss upon her lips, “Good. Now, I know we have lots of things we could discuss, but I think we should probably eat before your interview, don’t you?”

  Jane nodded and then directed her attention to the menu. Samuel had arranged for another of her dreams possibly to come to fruition and she was determined to make a good impression and mark yet another dream off her bucket list. If she got accepted, she would have to consider staying in California indefinitely and found the thought was a happy one. She was ready to take up residence in California; that’s where her dreams were coming true and where her future began.

  Chapter 19

  Jane was a bundle of nerves as she entered the small office and took a seat at the table. The two chefs sat on the other side of the table and each gave her a smile of welcome. “Welcome. I am Chef Marco Scaltini, and this is Chef Rosalind Perez. How did you enjoy lunch?”

  “It was fabulous, thank you,” Jane answered honestly.

  “Good. So, let’s get right to it. I understand you had the seared steak salad with the roasted tomato soup and fresh garlic baguette.” Jane’s eyes widened as she realized they knew what she’d had for lunch. “Tell me how you might have improved upon those dishes.”

  Improve? Everything was delicious. Knowing that they expected some sort of intelligent answer, she thought for a minute and then slowly answered, “Well, as you already know, my meal was delicious. If I wanted to make some changes to it, to fit my own cooking style, I probably would have used another pepper other than the jalapeno to spice things up. Maybe even a roasted pepper of some sort to add a smoky flavor to the mix.” Warming to her topic, she continued, “I would probably have used a different blend of greens, mixing in some baby spinach for the sweetness and then some arugula and watercress for the opposite effect. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes, some pine nuts, sliced cucumbers, and halved cherry tomatoes would have found their way into the mix as well.”

  When the two chefs looked at each other, she paused, unsure if she should continue. “Please, don’t stop now. I do believe you’re creating tomorrow’s menu,” Chef Perez told her with a grin.

  Jane grinned and bit her bottom lip, but continued, “Well, instead of the straight tomato soup, I would do a combination of roasted red peppers, garlic and tomatoes. As you can tell, I like a lot of flavor in my dishes.

  “For the baguette, I would prefer thinly sliced bread, topped with fresh pesto and mozzarella just melted and browned slightly.”

  Chef Scaltini licked his lips before saying, “I’ve already had lunch, but just listening to you talk has me hungry again.” Turning to his partner, he asked, “Do you need to hear anything more?”

  Chef Perez shook her head, “No, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with on Sunday. Would you rather do a lunch service or a dinner?”

  Jane couldn’t believe it was this easy. “Well, I usually attend church on Sundays…”

  “Perfect. I am rather fond of that particular exercise myself. The kitchen will be at your disposal by 4 o’clock. Please bring your receipts with you and whatever you’ve spent will be reimbursed. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.” Chef Perez leaned across the table and shook her hand.

  Jane stood up, shaking the other chef’s hand and then left the small room. Samuel was waiting right outside for her, and seeing the dazed look on her face, knew things had gone well. “You did it?”

  Jane nodded; giddy, and needing to share her excitement with someone, she told him, “Yes! They want me to come back and cook for them on Sunday.”

  Samuel grinned at her, “I knew they’d love you! We need to celebrate.” Samuel took her hand and led her out to the parking lot, helping her into the passenger seat, before jogging around to the driver’s side.

  “Where are we going?” Jane asked, grinning as he threw the vehicle into gear and pulled out into traffic.

  “You’ll see. Why don’t you give Grace a call and ask her to meet us at Belmont Park with Daniella in an hour?”

  “What’s in Belmont Park?” Jane asked, curious to know.

  Samuel shook his head, “Can’t tell you, because then I’d have to kill you. Guess you’ll just have to sit back and relax.”

  Jane laughed at him, “Funny. Does Stan appreciate your sense of humor?”

  “Stan got his the same place I got mine, from Uncle Sam. It’s standard government issue.”

  Jane slapped him lightly on the shoulder, “Oh you. It’s no wonder Daniella adores you.”

  “Daniella adores me?” Samuel asked, liking the little girl just as much back.

  “Yeah! I think she’s put you into the role of surrogate father for the moment. She talks about you all the time.” Grace and Jane had discussed this fact several times, and Jane secretly hoped that Grace would jump back into the dating pool sometime soon. Daniella needed a father as much as Grace needed a husband. You’re one to give advice!

  Jane rolled her eyes mentally as her inner voice reminded her just how long she had kept herself out of the dating pool. Fifteen years to be exact. Well, that time of my life is over now. I’m back and going after what I want!

  “Jane?” Samuel asked once more, concerned that she hadn’t responded.

  “What? Oh, sorry. I was just woolgathering. I’ll give Grace a call. This was Daniella’s first day of preschool so we can have a double celebration.”

  Grace thought Belmont Park sounded like an excellent way to end the day of firsts and promised to meet them there around 4:30 p.m. with Daniella.

  Samuel made a stop by his bungalow to let Lucky out. Seeing that he had several messages waiting, Jane took Lucky down to the beach with her stick, and left Samuel alone to deal with business.

  Both messages were from Stan, and the last was marked urgent. Dialing his number, he waited for him to answer and then spoke, “What’s up? You said it was urgent.”

  “Yeah, well, you’re not going to like this. Sewell got another hearing pushed through this morning without any advance notice. It seems that a kidney has been located for Hector and the judge is going to allow the surgery to take place.

  “I managed to get there in time to put my two-cents in, but the judge is only going to authorize one guard, outside his door once he’s taken from ICU and down to a regular room. Between the time he arrives at the hospital and that, no additional resources have been stipulated as necessary.”

  “What?! Is the judge crazy? What’s to keep him from walking out the side door of the hospital before they can sedate him for surgery?”

  “That’s what I asked the judge. I was informed that Hector is a dead man walking without the transplant and she trusted that his life would be more valuable to him than his freedom.”

  “She? Sewell got Judge B
lackburn to hear the case again?” Samuel asked, not liking how this was playing out.

  “Yeah. I went over to the jail to let Hector know that we would be watching him, but they’d already transferred him to the hospital.”

  “Which hospital?”

  “I don’t know. I asked for a copy of the paperwork, and I was informed they have a new clerk who mistakenly sent all copies with the transferring officers. Until they get back from the hospital, we know nothing.”

  “I don’t like the sound of this,” Samuel said, wondering if Hector had even made it to the hospital.

  “Me neither.”

  “What about Julian?”

  “That was the only good thing that came out of this morning’s hearing. Judge Blackburn agreed that there was no reason for Julian to be at the hospital until Hector was out of ICU. At that time, he will be taken over to the jail and allowed to visit his brother to assure himself he’s recovering.”

  “Well, that’s something at least.”

  “What do you want to do?”

  “Find out which hospital he’s at and then start a list of off-duty volunteers. I want someone watching him the entire time. Make sure they all know this is off-record and not compulsory.”

  “Sure. I don’t think there’ll be too many who pass up on a chance to make sure this scum remains in custody. Most of the agents in the San Diego office have seen firsthand what kind of monster he and his brother can be.”

  Stan was referring to the numerous raids the FBI had participated in; raids where women and children had been slaughtered by the cartel before they disappeared. No, there were very few agents around who wouldn’t want to help ensure Hector Quintana served his time.

  “Good. Look, I’m headed to Belmont Park, but call me if you need to.”

  “Got it. Have fun tonight.”

  “I will.” Samuel hung up the phone, debating about whether or not he should cancel their celebration and focus on work. Going to stand at the patio door, he watched Jane throw the stick for an exuberant Lucky, who returned it, shaking sand and water all of Jane in the process. Stan had said he would call if he needed me. She’s so happy right now. We need to celebrate!