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

“So go on. Get out of here. We need someone right away, so I’m only giving you until tomorrow to answer me. But I don’t want you to make up your mind until then. I really want you to think about what you’re doing. As I said, we’re not in a position to offer college kids summer jobs. I’ll be mad as hell if you work here the summer and then leave for school. I got a long list of applicants who I’m pretty sure won’t do that to me.


“So you take today and tonight and think real hard about this. Talk to your parents. See if I’m wrong about them. And thencome back here tomorrow and tell me what you wanna do.”


Henry already knew what he wanted to do but could tell Rosalie was not the type of woman who would appreciate his going against her. He nodded. “Okay. That’s good advice—” His voice trailed off as he wondered what he should call her. “—Mrs. Fiorello.” He decided now was not the time to ask if it was okay if he used her first name.


Chapter 13