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

“Wow. You’re in a unique position, then, Beau. You kind of hold the key. Seeing you might trigger something, might open the door.” She shifted a bit. “I can’t say if that’s a good or a bad thing, but you being there might definitely knock something loose. Of course, my professional advice is that he see someone who’s skilled in treating his condition.”


“That’s obvious. But he might—one day. Especially if he remembers the trauma that precipitated the disorder.” She rolled her eyes. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to slip into academic lingo.”


She stood and handed me her teacup. “I really should be going. Thanks for the tea.”


“Thanks for talking with me. It helped. I need to get started on Jack’s supper for tonight anyway.”


“Good luck. You’re out of the familiar,” she said, reminding me that the dish I cooked for him yesterday was a one-off.


“But I always have the delicious.” I grinned.


Chapter 52