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

Yet here he was in Vito’s neighborhood, watching his apartment from across the street like a spy. This neighborhood wasn’t the safest. There were robberies, assaults, and gang violence all the time. It was pretty much a matter of routine. And although Henry was a strapping kid, he was soft. There was a vulnerability about him that a predator could take advantage of.


As hard as he tried, Vito couldn’t help but be the nurturer, the hero. He had informally pledged to himself he wouldn’t allow himself to go to that place where he was cast as hero ever again. It only brought him heartache.


But it seemed life, or fate, made plans for Vito without consulting him.


They walked in silence. Vito figured Henry would say something when he was ready. Or he’d talk when Vito reached his front door, about to head inside, leaving Henry out in the heat of the morning.


Chapter 47