Consume Me by Kailin Gow Page B

much because he needed to know, but just to keep her talking and awake.
    “I’m sure she is.  Unless she really had a difficult weekend.  She said she was feeling better these days.”
    He drove through the familiar streets of New York, directing his sleek sports car to safe and familiar ground for Tar.  The moment he turned into her neighborhood, she perked up, her eyes brightened and the darkness of her nightmares left her.
    “It’s good to be home,” he offered.
    She turned to him and smiled as she laid her hand over his on the stick shift.  “I’m sorry I’ve been so difficult.”
    He shrugged.  “Easy is boring.  You’re a challenge, and I love it.”
    Another few turns and he pulled up in front of the restaurant.  Errol couldn’t help but note the stark contrast between his high end design and state of the art restaurants and the older model brick and mortar restaurant that had seen little change over the years.  The sign baring Taryn’s mother’s name was at least fifteen years old and as he followed Tar inside, he guessed the furnishings weren’t much newer.
    The numerous patrons, however, didn’t seem to mind at all.  They were completely enamored with the delicious food on their plates and the animated conversations emphasized the conviviality of the restaurant.  It was the type of place that attracted people who wanted to have good food with good friends and enjoy a good time.  The scents and sounds that filled the air made him wish he was seated at one of the tables.  He considered some of the haute cuisine restaurants he’d been to over the years; where food was artfully plated, the ingredients pricey and rare, and the patrons often times quiet and stiff.  Maybe he should consider a blend of great food with a warmer atmosphere for his next restaurant. 
    Sam’s exuded a warmth and comfort he’d never experienced before; a sense of coming home, and as they made their way toward the back of the restaurant the sense of warmth filled him.  The moment he heard Sam’s voice coming from the kitchen, giving orders to his Benicoise crew, he knew where that warmth and comfort came from.  Even as she bossed the crew around, she did so with a calm, generous and respectful hand.  She made herself clear without being condescending, as many top chefs, including himself, were guilty of.  She had her needs met without belittling her employees.  She made them feel like part of the family as opposed to a paid worker.
    “Mom,” Tar called out as she made a beeline for the kitchen.
    Glancing at Tar, he realized he felt that same warmth and comfort with her, although there was something notably different. 
    Bobby, donning a chef’s jacket and hat, was busy at a workstation whisking the contents of the bowl in his hand.  Impressed by the young man’s growth since first meeting him, Errol smiled.  Seemed the young Casanova really knew his way around the kitchen, something that hadn’t been evident when Errol had lectured Bobby’s class.
    “Tar!” Sam shouted as she spotted her daughter.  Turning her back to her crew, she hurried to Tar and pulled her into her arms.  “What are you doing back so soon?  I thought you were going to spend the week in Paris.”
    “I told you I wouldn’t leave you alone for that long.”  Tar pulled back enough to look into her mother’s eyes.  “Besides, I already missed you.”
    Sam’s warm laughter filled the kitchen.  “Right… in Paris with your new boyfriend and you’re eager to come home to your old ma.  Care to tell me another story?”  She glanced beyond Tar and noticed Errol.  “Oh, I see.”
    “Hello, Mrs…”
    “Sam.”  She held out her hand for a handshake, then pulled Errol in for a hug.  “I didn’t know you were coming back with Tar.”
    “Hey, what are you guys doing here?” Bobby called, still whisking away.
    “Hey, Chef Bobby,” Tar said.
    Beaming with pride, Bobby whisked even faster.
    “See,” Sam said.