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

His father laughs. “God. My son!” He looks at Maxine. “Full of himself.”


Maxine smirks. “He takes after his dad. And—” She takes a sip of wine and closes her eyes for a moment, savoring it. “—he deserves to be full of himself.”


Henry steps back from the table. “I need to get back to the kitchen.” This is the first time he’s spoken to his dad since that terrible night four months ago, and Henry knows they have a lot more to talk about than food, but duty calls. He’s been in touch with Maxine, though, during this period and she’s sort of become his father’s unlikely friend and Henry’s tireless advocate.


Chapter 83