Je t’aime

Forced to come to the office daily, he had found himself unhappy and frustrated. He wanted to be out helping people, he didn’t really care in what capacity as long as he felt useful. After only a few weeks it had become apparent to his parents that his taking over the business was not going to be the smooth transition they had all hoped for.

After much discussion his parents decided that it was time for them all to face the facts. Remy was more like his mother than his father. His destiny was not to run the business but to serve the public in some way. They also discussed the situation with Kendra and how they could help him to see what he was risking with his stubborn behavior.

His mother came up with a brilliant idea that might help with the Kendra problem, as for the rest, only time would tell. Barbra hoped that if Remy could only see how happy Kendra was in her role as chef, he might understand that a passion like hers couldn’t be contained. It was a part of her and would always be so.

To bring her plan into fruition she would need help. She had Margot reserve the chef’s table for the family later in the week. She, Martin, Greta and Remy would have dinner together to celebrate Remy’s success in getting the fleet ready for the winter. Kendra wouldn’t know that Remy would be at the restaurant. Barbra’s hope was that if Remy could see Kendra in action he would understand her deep passion for cooking, her need to use her talents.

Remy was unaware where they were going for dinner and was a little surprised when they pulled up. He was worried about seeing Kendra, they hadn’t seen each other for weeks, and he was as nervous as a he had ever been in his life.

“Why are we eating here? Kendra may not be happy to see me in her restaurant. She’s still mad at me for suggesting she quit her job. I’ve tried to get her to see my side of it but she’s just too stubborn to listen to reason.” He complained. 

“I just wanted to know that we would have a great meal. Your father and I are so proud of you.” His mom said, ignoring his remarks about Kendra.

“Well, I don’t think it’s a good idea, but we’re here so we might as well go in.” He said, not fooling his mother one little bit. He clearly wanted to see Kendra but wasn’t willing to admit it.

In most restaurants the chef’s table is located in the kitchen, but at La Mason the kitchen was open so the table was located in a prime spot where patrons could see the entire kitchen but weren’t actually in it. One disadvantage was that while the entire table could see the chef, the chef could only see part of the table.

Margot sat Remy on the side of the table the chef couldn’t see, helping to set the stage for what Barbra had in mind. She hoped that seeing Kendra at her best would help Remy to understand what he needed to do.

A well timed trip to the bar, prevented Kendra from knowing that Remy was with them that night. She visited the table none the wiser that the missing guest was Remy. Once the dinner service was in full swing, Kendra forgot about the chef’s table and lost herself in the service.

From his place at the table Remy had a clear view of Kendra, he watched as she commanded the kitchen like a general leading her troops. Nothing left the kitchen without her approval, or that of her lead sous chef. She was at her best that night, clearly establishing the rhythm in the kitchen. Her eyes shone with pleasure and excitement. Remy thought she had never looked as beautiful as she did in the kitchen that night.

It came as a shock to realize that he had never seen her cooking like this before. She was truly where she belonged, that was clear both from her actions and from her fellow workers reactions. A part of him was slowly becoming aware that Kendra’s words that night had held the truth. He didn’t know this part of her at all. This in control, professional, very hot chef.

In all the time they had spent together, he had never seen her in a professional kitchen. He had understood the mechanics of a restaurant kitchen, but hadn’t considered the talent it required to do what Kendra was now doing. She had to be a master of not only food, but people. He was beginning to understand her refusal to give up her career.

Finally able to see the situation from her point of view, he realized how utterly ridiculous he had been behaving. Expecting her to give up her dream to be at his beck and call would destroy her, destroy the person he loved. With a groan, it hit him, just how close he had come to losing her, because he was selfish. Trying to hold on too tight had almost cost him a life with her.

His mother had been watching him, watch Kendra and could see that her plan was working. Besides looking love sick, her son seemed to really be absorbing all he was seeing.

“She’s something else isn’t she?” He mother asked.

“You can say that again.” His father answered, when Remy was just silent, lost in thought.

“I can’t imagine her doing anything else, can you, Remy?” His mother asked, getting his attention.

Remy looked at his mother, suddenly understanding why they were here for dinner instead of their usual restaurant.

“Mother are you meddling in my life? That’s something you’ve never done before.” Remy said, looking at her speculatively. “I think you are. Father what do you know about this?”

“Well, son I tell you what, I learned a long time ago that when your mother gets it in her mind to do something, it’s best just to go along with her. But I will say this, Kendra was made to be right where she is and anyone who tries to take her away from it is a fool.

Those words from his father, who rarely interjected his opinion on personal matters, were all Remy needed to know what he had to do. Without a word he got up from the table, kissed his mother on the cheek and left the restaurant.