Page 42 of Giddy-Up
She stayed silent, even more unsure of how to reply.It didn’t matter though, Wade wasn’t done.
“Is there a reason why you didn’t pursue it...as a career I mean?”
Yes.
“It’s, uh, it’s,”complicated.“Culinary school is expensive.”That was true.“And my parents were, are,”protective to the point of suffocation, “well, I didn’t want to be too far away from them.I’m an only child and they can be...”she drifted off, not wanting to lie but also not wanting to admit at just how smothering her parents were.
Wade dipped his head, a look of understanding making his eyes squint.
“I do like learning though,” she continued.“I watch the cooking channela lot.And I’ve read a million books.I don’t mind that it’s not my full-time job, as long as I get to cook at home.”She ended with a shrug.Like it was all fine.But now her words were out there, she was questioning how true they were.
What would her life look like if she had become a chef?It was a thought she couldn’t seem to shake especially as mouthwatering aromas drifted in from the kitchen.She wasn’t the only one in her head, Wade too appeared contemplative.
Snap out of it.
Yes.Inner Riley was right.Enough dwelling.More dating.Picking up the menu again, she began to read.
They had the typical seasonal salads and heirloom vegetables.Fresh chicken, beef, pork and lamb.But there was plenty of things they hadn’t thought of.Like seasonal soups, a range of dairy, or something as simple as homemade bread with local butter or olive oil.
Her mind was racing as her gaze dipped to the house-made preserves.There was so much they could do.She already had a million ideas.
“I want to try the herb-crusted lamb.”Her eyes met Wade’s as soon as her head lifted.“I want to make the menu for you.”
He broke into another wide smile.“Done.And done.”
Once they’d ordered their food, talk turned to Riley’s day off.In which she told Wade all about her lunch.However, a tinge of jealousy coursed through her when he mentioned he’d been set up with Cat on a date, when she’d first arrived in town.She was certain he noticed, as he was quick to confirm nothing ever happened between them.And they didn’t even get a chance to order off the menu before Cody, who was now Cat’s husband, barged in and carried her out of the restaurant.It all sounded very dramatic.
By the time their dinner arrived, Riley was ready to talk food again.Especially after getting a taste of the herbaceous sauce.
“We should have dishes with farm-grown grains.Artisan bread.Seasonal desserts.And we should look at getting in local wines and craft beer.”
“Okay.”Wade smiled.“But bear in mind we need the basics first.Cost-effective, healthy meals for the staff.Then we can start introducing fancier stuff like that for the guests.”
Riley was nodding her head but secretly thinking about her recipe for fruit cobbler.
“Okay.I can do that.”
“I know you can.”
She believed him.More than she believed herself.
