Page 108 of Riding the Curve

“I sure hope so.”

“Hey, Henley.”

“Yeah?” Her voice is muffled by a yawn.

“Love you.”

She hums sweetly through the phone, and I can almost feel her smile as she answers. “Love you too, Emerson. I’ll see you soon.”

HENLEY

Seth James shakes my hand as I enter the empty restaurant. Though my exterior may look calm and collected, inside my mind is running like a hamster on a wheel.

“I’m pleased that you decided to take me up on my offer, Henley,” he says, guiding me though the small boutique-style restaurant.

“I am as well, and I appreciate this opportunity you’ve given me, Mr. James.”

“Please, call me Seth.” His smile is just as warm and inviting as yesterday, and it instantly calms my nerves.

When I stepped inside the restaurant yesterday, it had taken my breath away. The entire space was light and airy, immediately drawing you in with just its ambience. Quite the opposite experience of Sadie’s, Le Beurre, which was drenched in deep burgundy satins and dim, intimate lighting. It screamed ‘VIP only.’

Every detail in Seth’s restaurant beckons that all are welcome.

Long oak tables with live edges, adorned with vibrant florals, promote community-style dining. Greenery hangs from the ceiling and around some of the booths, filling the restaurant with a fresh scent. The table settings are a crisp white, the cutlery dipped in gold. The entire place makes you feel like going for a stroll in the Conservatory Garden, except you can sit and enjoy a meal.

The most jaw-dropping part, however, is the massive open kitchen right in the middle of the restaurant. Yesterday, while I was cooking, I let myself imagine its potential. A fully booked dining room, the room buzzing with conversation and celebrations, and me being able to take it all in as I prepare the meals. Though I didn’t create this restaurant myself, it’s far closer to my dream than anything has ever been.

“Henley.” Seth’s deep voice draws me back. “I’d like to introduce you to some of my business partners and their spouses.”

I shake hands with each of them then take a steadying breath and pour each of them a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc that I know pairs nicely with the oyster appetizer I’m about to prepare.

“I’m delighted to be your chef for this evening, and I hope you enjoy the meal I’m about to prepare for you all.”

“Looking forward to it.” Seth lifts his glass and nods at me. As he takes a sip, I make my way into the kitchen.

As I prepare each course, the conversation flows as much as the wine. They ask me everything about my life. Where I grew up, what inspired me, even my favorite music and meals. Each answer I give them stokes my excitement, quelling the anxiety when it begins to kindle inside of me.

And every single answer reminds me of home.

For the next two hours, I manage to cook the greatest dinner service of my entire life.

“Thank you for the lovely evening, Henley. We’ll be in touch tomorrow.”

Outside, the cool September air swirls around me as I stroll down the sidewalk toward my hotel. Unlike Oakley Falls, the city is still alive and bubbling with life, even at ten o’clock. One of the magical things I’d grown to love about this city.

However, tonight it makes my chest ache. Pedestrians swerve around me as I pause in the middle of the sidewalk to glance up at the sky. No stars tonight.

Hugging my chef’s coat a little tighter in my arms, I keep walking.

Since I landed two days ago, everything has been perfect. I managed to make a flawless meal, in the restaurant of my dreams. Emotion builds in my chest as the realization sets in. This is the first time I’ve let myself feel proud of something that I have done.

Yet, even with all of that, there’s a pit in my stomach and a piece of me that is left wanting.

I’m searching for the still nights spent staring at the blanket of stars above.

The quiet mornings, watching the sun paint the valley with its brilliant light.

Girls’ nights with Harper and Mel.