Page 26 of The Family Man

“It’s refreshing to know that you didn’t google me.” He takes a sip of his Sangria.

“I can, I mean, if you don’t wanna tell me.” I playfully reached for my phone.

“Nah, I’m a celebrity chef, I cook for the best of the best. Now I am about to finally open my restaurant here in the city,” he says, like it was not a big deal.

“That’s awesome, what is it called? When will it open? What type of cuisine will you specialize in?” I’m firing questions like shots.

He laughs, throwing his head back.

“I’m so sorry.” I rub my forehead in embarrassment.

“Nah it’s nice to have someone excited about my work. We are launching in a month; it’s called the Whole,” he replies proudly.

“Are you one of those, new school, vegan, nitrogen mixing, foam for food chefs?”

He snorts, popping a chocolate covered in his mouth. “Would it be a problem if I was?”

I sigh. “I mean, no, but every so often I will want real food.”

“No, at The Whole, we will serve the gourmet version of southern cuisine,” he states proudly.

“That sounds delicious and exciting, have you created your menu etc.”

“Yes, this sandwich is going to be on it.”

“Then this restaurant is going to have a million Michelin stars.” I continue eating as I glance across the screen looking at Audrey Hepburn eating a pastry in front Tiffany’s.

“What about you?” he asks.

“What about me?” I bite into the sandwich, not caring how I look in front of him eating. It was that good.

“You’re single. I know that. Beautiful? Yes. But what do you do? Do you have kids, et cetera.”

He called me beautiful, and I blush.

“Kids, bahahah. God, no.” I laugh. He doesn’t need to know my fear when it comes to kids. Parenthood frightens me, being responsible for a small human.

“You don’t like children?” His eyebrows frown.

“No, I like them. But parenting is intimidating.”

“Tell me about it.”

He says it with a mixture of amusement and anguish.

“I saw two beautiful children yesterday. Are they yours?” I knew they were his, the little girl was a mini replica of him.

“Yes, I have twins. My son Nikhil is calm, protective. But Poppy, my daughter is five going on 50 . I’m still learning. I have them one week, and I feel like they are taking over my very being.”

That sounded like parenthood to me. “One week?”

He stares me in my eyes as if he is deciding exactly what he should tell me. Shit, maybe I shouldn’t have asked that question.

“I didn’t know about them till three months ago.” He digs into the creamy brie.

Three months ago? He moved in the neighborhood three months ago. I shouldn’t judge. I don’t know his situation.

“Your face says it all. Let me explain. Um, I lived the typical bachelor life. Even had my share of women. I never lie about my intentions.”

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