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

“Well, then he can get his own supper. You sit awhile with us, okay?”


Maisie patted Dad’s hand. “I’d like that, Niles. But maybe we can do that another time. All right?”


“Sure thing.” Dad tucked into the pudding. “Jesus, this is damn good!”


“I can’t let you leave without some of this pudding.” I dumped her mugful, along with what was still in the pan on the stove, into a Tupperware container and presented Maisie with it. “For you and Jackson.”


She looked at me, the surprise clear on her features as she stood up. “Jackson?”


“How about I pick you up around eleven thirty? We can take a walk around the park on the hill and maybe grab a bite. I wanted to talk to you about something.” I guess my decision was made about at least telling Maisie about my revelation. Perhaps I’d been working on it in my subconscious?


“That would be wonderful, Beau.” Maisie got into her coat. “It was nice meeting you, Niles. You ever get over to Rock Springs?”


Chapter 39