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

“He was cute. Handsome. Were you together long?”


“Long enough to know I loved him with all my heart. Long enough to know he was the only man for me. Long enough to feel like, now, I don’t know how I’ll continue to move through life in this void he left behind.” Vito grew quiet, and he didn’t allow himself to say any more. He would not have Henry witness the sound of his voice breaking. He just lay, his gaze tracing a hairline crack in the ceiling plaster, and waited for Henry to ask him another question. Maybe by that time, the urge to sob would have passed.


“So when did you meet? How long ago was it?”


Vito let out a burst of laughter as the memory rose up. He was actually relieved by the question. “Oh, it’s a tawdry tale. Maybe one that’s too off-color for your young and sensitive ears.”


“I’m not as pure-as-the-driven-snow as you might think,” Henry said.


Chapter 73