Personal chef Beau St. Clair, recently divorced from his cheating husband, returns to the small Ohio River town where he grew up to lick his wounds. Jack Rogers lives with his mother, Maisie, in that same small town, angry at and frightened by the world. Jack has a gap in his memory that hides something he dares not face, and he’s probably suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Maisie, seeking relief from her housebound and often surly son, hires Beau to cook for Jack, hoping the change might help bring Jack, once a handsome and vibrant attorney, back to his former self. But can a new face and comfort food compensate for the terror lurking in Jack’s past? Slowly the two men begin a dance of revelation and healing. Food and compassion build a bridge between Beau and Jack, a bridge that might lead to love. But will Jack’s demons allow it? His history could just as easily tear them apart as bring them together.

Dinner at Jack's

I was about to give up and move on to “Casual Encounters.” Hey! I’m allowed to fantasize or even have a hookup. After all, I amsingle. But I almost dreaded looking at those, because I feared the offerings would be even less promising than the ones in the jobs section. Nonetheless, I was just about to click on the personals when an ad jumped out at me.


Really? Why, that’s what I used to do, back when I was a young and happy husband in the Emerald City!And the folks looking for their chef were right here in Fawcettville.Honest to God? Someone here wants household staff?


There had to be catch. I read the short ad again.


Seeking someone to cook two to three nights a week for my shut-in son. Meals need to be nutritious, appetizing, and wholesome, i.e. comfort food. Pay is minimum wage and start date is as soon as possible. Call me at 330-555-8408 evenings if interested and want to hear more.


Chapter 18