Chef's Surprise: Charmaine Gordon's Women Who Survive and Thrive

By Charmaine Gordon

One night, she ran. For the bus to freedom and a new life. She had a plan, and a small box of cash. 

With grit and determination, the young girl learned more than lessons at nursing college, the first part of her plan. Someday, she would become a top chef, but for now, she’d claw her way up the ladder. 

There is payback for every crime, and sometimes the payback is more than satisfactory.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vanilla Heart Publishing
• Release date: Jan 21, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386764526

Book preview

Chef’s Surprise

by Charmaine Gordon

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Prologue

In the Florida Keys, Grassy Key by name, two men sat in a small dive one hot afternoon admiring an old picture on the wall.

Look at that. What a doll!

She was really somethin’, right?

Oh yeah. You should’ve seen her when she was a kid. She ran away to Nursing College after workin’ for her old man a lot of years. See that guy over there behind the counter, that’s her old man.

Pig.

Ya got that right. He’s a grade A pig, for real.

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Chapter 1

Teen age Reva Mercer had a dream. One day she’d gather her saved dollars and Pa’s hidden coins, make a run for the bus to leave the darned Keys - always so hot, too much work - and head for the Nursing College where she’d learn to care for sick people. Not drunks and fools. She’d have a real life with decent folks. One night, that’s exactly what she did, with him sleeping and her all packed for her oh-so-near better life.

Of course, plans don’t always work out just right. Officer O’Brien pulled up next to Reva just as she was ready to board the bus. And where are you going this night, young lady?

The young woman gave him the flirty eyes that knocked him out every time.

He grabbed her arm but she pulled away just in time. The officer, thinking better of the hassle and paperwork ahead instead of a cozy beer and the game on the tube, left the beauty to her own and the bus left him standing there scratching his head with a frown on his broad face.

Oh Lord, save me from this place and I’ll never return, she muttered and sat, back pack on her lap.

The hours passed, dawn came and before much longer the bus stopped at a pretty section of Florida with a big sign directing her to the College. Off to begin her new clean life...The hours passed, dawn came and before much longer the bus stopped at a pretty section of Florida with a big sign directing her to the College. Off to begin her new clean life... She staggered off the bus after a few hours of sleep and one peanut butter sandwich made at home. Backpack slung over her weary shoulder, Reva trudged up the pretty crushed stone walkway to the front door and stumbled in. A kindly older woman greeted her.

You must be our long lost Reva Mercer. We’ve been waiting for you. Before her eyes, the young girl crumpled to the floor. Oh my. Maureen, help me get this new girl to a room and get her a plate with stew. She’s far too thin to keep up with our program. Her gray hair shook, the neat bun fell askew with concern. And she looks to be too young. What in the world will we do with her?

Once revived and refreshed, Reva had to answer questions in the matrons office.

You have come a long way to be in our program. Did your parents approve?

Reva contemplated lying, thought twice about it and told half-truths. My Mother died when I was born. Pa forced me to work in his diner until I couldn’t take it anymore. I did learn to be a fine cook so add that to my credit.

And money? There is a tuition and it’s not inexpensive.

Mrs., I’ve been saving my money for years to be able to come here. She opened a box filled with dollars and coins. Some spilled on the floor to roll under the desk making a tinkling sound. Reva giggled and scrambled on her knees to pick them up. There, all accounted for and maybe more.

The matron, amazed at the box of money, knew somehow it would never cover tuition. How old are you, my dear. Surely you’re not eighteen and not seventeen as far as I can tell.

Trapped, Reva confessed. I’m sixteen with tons of life experience in working, caring for myself and cooking. I’m an excellent chef and I love older citizens. For some reason, I’m drawn to care for them so here I am, to learn. Please let me stay. I’ll do anything and be the best student ever. I promise. She crossed her heart.

Four years later, degree in hand, Reva Mercer made her way to New York City to compete with the best chefs in town; a woman in the world of men.

The same dream came to Reva Mercer every night only this time her job turned out to be the head Chef in a fancy apartment on Central Park in the plush area of Manhattan. She laughed to herself. Who’d a thunk little Reva escaped her past, went to Nursing College after learning how to cook the hell out of great fancy meals. And what’s more, Clayton, the youngest son had fallen big time for her.

Tonight the occasion was his partnership party in the big law firm. The man who caught her eye was his father, a widower, handsome as all get out.

The elderly Grans found Reva with fine credentials and hired her on the spot. What luck. As she prepared the big dinner old thoughts ran through Reva’s mind. She’d never forget that afternoon.

The head chef at Raos needed a break, so he said. The boss called Reva over. She’d been baking all morning, fascinated with the fluted rim on the special pies. She hid her annoyance and blinked her flirty eyes at the boss to give him false hope. Take care of those two old ladies and do it now. She put on her best smile and hurried to take their order. The minute her green eyes connected with the oldest woman, she’d fallen for her. Years of eldercare in a nursing home in South Florida taught Reva to respect and show kindness.

What might please your appetite this lovely afternoon?

In her high yet soft quavery voice, the woman in charge ordered salad with chicken slices and iced tea. The other woman preferred the same. And then they squabbled a bit so Reva set them to rights and they were fine. She added a special sauce for her ladies. They exchanged sweet smiles and she offered a thin slice of key lime pie for each lady. They were so pleased when Reva said she had baked the pie that morning. Before they left, Reva slipped a business card to Mrs. Randall, just in case. Reva had enough of working in restaurants after all her experience.

They met a few times for lunch at a nearby cozy bistro and soon established a friendship.

When Mrs. Randall asked if Reva had experience catering, Reva had to laugh in a refined way. She patted the elderly woman’s hand.

Dear Mrs. Randall, I’m an experienced Chef and proud of my work. She let the conversation move on to the other woman’s life. Are you a widow, Mrs. Randall? Pardon the intimate question. You are far too lovely to be alone.

From then on the conversation rolled like a truck racing down the highway. Lonely souls need to chat and Reva listened so well. When lunch ended, they hugged and went on their way, the older socialite to shop or nap and Reva had work, always work.

The following week, Mrs. Randall called to ask for a repeat visit.

Perfect timing since I’m off this day and I’d love your company. How about Luigi’s on the East side near the park. The food is