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

She nodded. “I know.” I noticed she was shivering.


“Look, let’s get out of the cold. I’ll treat you to some hot chocolate, and we can split a plate of fries at the Elite Diner. Is it still there?”


She smiled at me through her tears and nodded.


“C’mon. Let’s go.” I stood and held out my hand to her.


At the diner, small talk reigned once more, at least for a few minutes. After we’d warmed up and complimented the fries, I brought the subject of Jack up again.


“I debated whether to tell you or not about my knowing Jack. Mainly because I couldn’t really see what difference it would make.”


Maisie reached out and covered my hand with hers. I noticed her nails were bitten to the quick.


Chapter 41