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

Henry felt like shit as he headed into the bathroom. Great. Another wonderful day in the life.


Under the hot spray of the shower, Henry ached for Vito, ached for the man who would keep those toys even though there was no evidence, other than a few snapshots, of a child around. What had happened? It wasn’t Henry’s business to know, but he wanted to give Vito some sort of solace, some comfort, as Vito had done for him. And the only way he could do that was to know the story.


He shut off the water and stepped out of the tub. He would ask. What would be the worst that could happen? 16


The kid just can’t leave things alone. I try to be kind, and he won’t leave me be, let me keep my hurt to myself.Vito sat on the porch, sipping his third cup of coffee, knowing he shouldn’t have it. It would make him sweat and feel jittery, but he simply couldn’t go in that kitchen and face Henry, brook the question in his eyes.


Chapter 71