Catering to Love (25 page)

The tears rolled down Leslie’s cheeks. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to interfere. I didn’t know what you were doing with it.”

“Well, I sure as shootin’ wasn’t keeping it in there to burn.”

“All right, Corey. That’s enough,” Gabi said, and rushed over to the pastry station. “Let’s get another steak fired up,” she said to him. She patted Leslie’s arm. “It’s okay. For future reference, you need to pull anything out of the oven regardless of who put it in there.” She turned to the crew. “From now on, when someone puts something in the oven, you make sure you tell those close by to keep an eye on it. I don’t want to be wasting food.” Gabi flipped on the switch for the overhead exhaust fan.

Corey shot her a steely look—she fired one right back.

Gabi drew in a deep breath and blew it out, trying to steady her nervous anticipation about what the food critics had to say. Brian entered the kitchen smiling. “They loved the food, gave me a huge tip, but said the menu looked tired.”

“And there you have it, folks,” Gabi said. “Do you all understand why we need to forge ahead with this new menu?”

“Mmm,” Gabi said, tasting the rich red sauce from the Portuguese chicken dish after things died down. “This is wonderful. I can taste the port in the sauce, and just a hint of bourbon. It’s yummy. Grab your spoons and taste it,” she encouraged the staff. “This is going on the luncheon menu when we have the grand opening, where we’ll debut the new menu.” Everyone gathered around and dipped their spoons into the sauce.

“I think this is a winner, and certainly a wonderful offering for dinner as well,” Leslie said.

“What do you think about serving it in a bread bowl?” she asked.

“Or we could serve it on a platter with an herbed risotto,” Joey said.

Gabi turned toward Corey for his reaction. He tasted the sauce. “It’s good,” he answered rather casually. Over the last two weeks, things had become slightly strained between them, but she attributed it to the long hours they’d been working. He did have something on his mind, and it seemed as though he’d reconstructed that wall back up around him.
She’d asked him whenever they were alone if he wanted to talk about it, but he claimed to be tired.

Dan walked into the kitchen, grinning. “The phone has been ringing off the hook with reservations for the unveiling of the new menu,” he said, tying an apron around his waist. “Looks like it’s going to be a big hit.”

“Thank God. Before I forget to tell you, tomorrow, please call Trevor and tell him we’re going to be very busy next weekend. It looks like we’re going to be booked solid for the grand opening.” She made the sign of the cross. “Thank you, God.” Dan started to walk away. “And make sure he knows we’ll be using the new menu and tips ought to be pretty good,” she called after him. He waved his hand, acknowledging her while walking out of the kitchen.

“It sounds so good to hear that phone ringing off the hook,” Steven said. “I’ve heard several people in town talking about the new menu. Of course, my ears perked up, and I told them more about the restaurant.”

“I am getting a little nervous because we haven’t tried out all the new items,” Gabi said.

“That’s probably because, after all the work we’ve been doing, you’re still pushing us to the brink,” Corey said in a rush of words. “I’ve told you three weeks wasn’t enough time, but you refused to believe me.” Everyone froze in place, waiting for the bomb to drop.

“If you’ve felt I’ve been pushing too hard, Corey, you should have said something.”

“Here’s what I think,” he said brusquely. “You have a very large ego and aren’t willing to listen to anything I have to say. What would have been the point of me saying anything?”

“That’s not true.”

“Oh, yes it is. Fact is, I’m the one who ran a business. You didn’t. All you can think about is your needs and not the needs of your staff, who happen to be working their buns off to meet your expectations. I say we need more time to prepare for this.”

“I can’t believe you’re saying this to me, Corey,” Gabi said, choking the tears back. “You know how important this new menu is to me. If I don’t get this menu out, I’m afraid I may not have a restaurant.

“Don’t you think you’re being a little over dramatic here? Business has slowed down—it hasn’t come to a screeching halt. That’s to be expected when you have a new restaurant.”

“Yeah, well, I’m the one paying the bills here. Not you.”

“Well, if you don’t care about my needs, I don’t care about yours,” he said, removing his apron and throwing it on the floor. “I’m out of here. I quit.”

“But we have a full house this weekend. Can’t you at least wait until after the new menu comes out?”

“No, ma’am. You wanted this new menu, you figure out how you’re going to pull it off. You think because you’re a woman, we should all kowtow to you,” he lashed out. “Well, it doesn’t work like that, at least not in my book.” He turned the door handle to open it. “You find another patsy to handle this work.” He slammed the door behind him.

Gabi jerked when the door slammed. She swallowed hard. Corey knew she didn’t like having these conversations in front of the staff, but it was too late to worry about that now. It was already out, and everyone had stunned expressions on their faces.

“Do all of you feel the same way?” she asked them.

“Absolutely not!” Steven said, with the others chiming in. “He’s just having one of his moments. I wouldn’t trade this opportunity for anything. The fact that you’ve allowed us to take part in the developing of this menu has put our stamp on it as well as yours. For as many places as I’ve worked, I’ve rarely seen an executive chef without an ego problem. With Corey’s frequent outbursts, he definitely fits the model, afraid to let anyone but himself take credit for the creation of food.” He turned to his peers, who were nodding in agreement.

“Thank you,” Gabi said, the tears brimming on her lashes. “I can’t tell you how much your support means to me.” She turned and headed for her office. What was she going to do? There was no way she could pull off these dishes by herself, plus the finishing touches and making sure the food was getting out in time. And she didn’t have the money to hire more people. She shut the door to her office and sobbed. It wasn’t just having Corey walk out that bothered her, but the fact that she really thought they were going to be a couple. She shook her head in disgust. She’d believed him when he said he wasn’t going anywhere. She should have known better than to get involved with an employee. Replaying his bitter words in her head gave her a sick feeling in her stomach. The hurt and anger eating away inside her was like a knife to the heart. When she finally stopped crying, she stared into space, thinking about things. One glance at the clock had her scurrying around the office. She needed to get back to work and stop the pity party. Her business depended upon it. One deep breath and she was out the door and heading for Corey’s workstation. Steven and Joey had taken charge of the kitchen.

“Here she is,” Joey said. “We’re hopping here.”

“I can see that. Thank you both for taking charge.”

“But you can take over, if you don’t mind,” Steven said, sweat running down his face.

“I absolutely will.” Gabi walked around the counter and checked the carousel for the chits when Brian walked into the kitchen.

“I need a trio of smoked seafood and an almond-dusted Brie and a carrot soup,” he called out.

“Brian,” Gabi said. “We’re short-handed here, so we’re going to need your help. Can you get the carrot soup while Leslie gets the Brie and I do the smoked seafood platter?” She turned to Steven. “Hey, what ever happened to your brother?”

“Didn’t he call you?”

“No, and I don’t think he ever called Dan.”

Steven sighed. “I’m sorry, Chef. I never should have mentioned his name without knowing if he was serious.”

“It’s not your fault. I just wondered, that’s all.”

“Got it,” Brian said. He looked from one person to the next. “Where’s Corey?”

“He’s gone,” Joey said.

Brian’s eyes opened wide with surprise, and then Dan walked in.

“I need a goat cheese and a Caesar.” Dan clipped the chit on the carousel and immediately began making the salads. Walking up next to Gabi, “Trevor was delighted to know you wanted him back. He’s happy to know it’s not just temporary.”

“Thanks, Dan. At least something is going well.”

“Hey,” Steven said, looking at her genuinely, “so will everything else.”

“I’ll figure something out.”

“Chef, did you taste this carrot soup today?”

“Not yet. Why? What’s wrong with it?”

“It needs more salt.”

“Okay, I’m on it.” She looked to Leslie. “Les, do you think you can handle the dessert station by yourself tonight?”

“Yes, Chef. I can.” Gabi looked to the two men. “Steven or Joey: Who wants to work next to me tonight?”

“I was thinking maybe I could come over by you,” Joey said, “and Steven can work the grill for tonight. Those are the jobs we know best and right now, that’s what we need.”

“Good idea, Joe. You alright with that, Steven?” she asked.

“Certainly, Chef. I don’t mind switching back for now.” He paused. “If you want, Chef, I can come in early tomorrow to help you test some more new dishes.”

“Thank you. You guys are the best.” Her heart was pounding from excitement, from stress, from fear of not being able to pull this off. Regardless, her determination would overpower it all.

“We know what this means, Chef.”

Gabi was touched by their loyalty.

“Okay,” Dan said, rushing into the kitchen. “I need a scallop, one steak, no potatoes, extra on the veggies.”

“Got it.” Gabi grabbed an overhead pan for the sides and sautéed the medley of vegetables while Steven prepared the fish and steak. “Where’s the cut zucchini?”

Joey smacked his forehead. “Crap. We got so busy today, I forgot to cut it,” he said. Brian rushed to the walk-in and returned with the container.

“Where do you want me to put it?”

“Right here,” she pointed. “Thanks.”

Gabi looked at Joey. “It’s okay. It’s been a crazy day, kiddo.” She tossed the vegetables, plated them with a steak, and placed it on the heating table. When Brian walked out carrying the zucchini, she grabbed a knife, sliced one, and tossed a handful into a new pan.

Time raced ahead in her effort to get all the meals out. By the end of the night, everyone was dragging. “Do you want us to stay late tonight?” Joey asked.

“No. I want you all to go home and get a good night’s rest and we’ll start at seven thirty in the morning. I’ll have breakfast ready. Thank you,” she said, placing her hand over her heart. “Barring the few kinks, I think we did an amazing job tonight.”

When the last of the staff walked out the door, Gabi locked the doors and turned off the lights. Releasing a deep sigh, she walked into her office, poured herself a drink, and carried it up the stairs to her suite. Mounting the last step was a struggle. After a hectic night, Corey finally crossed her mind. The emptiness inside finally brought tears to her eyes. A myriad of thoughts rushed through her mind as she relived the times they’d spent together, and how his leaving so abruptly told her their relationship
had
been just a fling to him. She slugged back the drink and cried until there were no more tears left to shed. It was then that she’d decided moving on was the best thing she could do for herself. She was thankful she had the business to keep her mind off of
him until she would be able to forget he ever existed. She slipped out of her chef’s clothes and jumped into the shower to wash away the smells from cooking all day.

Walking back into the living room, she poured herself another drink. She felt refreshed after her shower. Just as she sat down, her cell phone rang. It was Cassie.

“Hey!” Cassie said. “I’m just checking in to find out how the menu prep is going for your big day this weekend.” Air left Gabi’s lungs in a heavy whoosh, and then the tears rushed down her cheeks again. “What’s the matter?” Cassie asked. Gabi couldn’t seem to stop her wrenching sobs. “Gabi, talk to me.”

“He left.”

“Who left?”

“Corey.”

“When did he leave?”

“Today.”

“The week before the new menu is presented?” Gabi could hear Cassie releasing a sigh. “So can you hire someone else in the meantime?”

“I have something else to tell you.”

“What?”

“Ever since the open house, business has been slower. I waited too long to start the new menu and now things are getting tight. I’ve had to dip into my savings to keep afloat, and I’m scared to death my parents will lose their house.”

“Oh, sweetie. Why didn’t you tell us? Jamie and I would have loaned you money. You know that.”

“I couldn’t ask you, and I didn’t want you to know I was a failure.”

“You are not a failure!” Cassie said firmly. “Okay, so Jamie and I will rearrange our schedules and we’ll be there to help you. Have people started making reservations?”

“Yes,” squeaked out of Gabi’s mouth. “I have people on a waiting list. Both dining rooms and the outside patio are double booked for six and nine o’clock.”

“Well, see. It’ll be okay. Don’t panic. I remember feeling the same way when I started my business. I was afraid just like you are. People must really be excited about the new menu. Have you trialed all the new dishes?”