Henry Appleby has an appetite for life. As a recent high school graduate and the son of a wealthy family in one of Chicago’s affluent North Shore suburbs, his life is laid out for him. Unfortunately, though, he’s being forced to follow in the footsteps of his successful attorney father instead of living his dream of being a chef. When an opportunity comes his way to work in a real kitchen the summer after graduation, at a little Italian joint called Fiorello’s, Henry jumps at the chance, putting his future in jeopardy.<br><br>Years ago, life was a plentiful buffet for Vito Carelli. But a tragic turn of events now keeps the young chef at Fiorello’s quiet and secretive, preferring to let his amazing Italian peasant cuisine do his talking.<br><br>When the two cooks meet over an open flame, sparks fly. Both need a taste of something more -- something real, something true -- to separate the good from the bad and find the love -- and the hope -- that just might be their salvation.

Dinner at Fiorello's

“You really don’t know the business, do you? A bubble dancer is what we call a dishwasher.”


Henry laughed, long and hard, both to release some of the jitters he felt and for the stupidity of what he’d been thinking. “Yeah, I knew that. And I also know this is entry level.”


“Entry level,” Carmela scoffed. “I’ll go set things in motion. It would be fun having you here.” She actually winked at him.


Henry shook his head as he watched her walk away. One of the first things he would have to do if he did land the bubble dancer gig was to set Carmela even straighter than she already was.


And then it came to him. Carmela had caught him eyeing up Antonio as soon as Henry walked in the door. She knew. She knew! That girl was a perceptive one. He’d have to make sure to stay on her good side. Anyone who could make such quick judgments and see through people so easily would be a person he’d want on his side.


Chapter 10