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

Just as he was ready to throw his legs over the edge of the bed and wander out to the kitchen in pursuit of food, Vito came into the room bearing a white tray aloft with the dogs trailing him, snouts up.


“Good morning,” Vito said, his dark eyes roaming up and down Henry’s form, clad only in a pair of boxers. Henry noticed how Vito seemed to force his gaze away from Henry’s body. Henry pulled the sheet up over himself.


“Good morning.” Henry smiled. “I didn’t think I’d sleep.”


“You slept like a baby. But then you went through a lot. You were exhausted. It’s almost noon. I think you were out about twelve hours.”


Chapter 69