Chef's Surprise

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: VanillaHeart
• Release date: Jan 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370674138

Charmaine Gordon

Charmaine Gordon writes books about women who Survive and Thrive. Her motto is take one step and then another to leave your past behind and begin again. Six books and several short stories in three years, she’s always at work on the next story. The books include To Be Continued, Starting Over, Now What?, Reconstructing Charlie, Sin of Omission and The Catch, and her series of Mature Romances, The Beginning...Not the End.“I didn’t realize at the time while working as an actor in NYC, I’d become a sponge soaking up dialogue, setting, and stage directions. I learned many tools of writing during the years watching directors like Mike Nichols and actors including Harrison Ford, Anthony Hopkins, and Billy Crystal. And would you believe, I was Geraldine Ferraro’s stand– in leg model, my first job giving me entrée into all the Unions needed to work. When the sweet time ended, I began another career and creative juices flowed.”You can reach Charmaine athttp://authorCharmaineGordon.wordpress.comAnd on her FB page http://www.facebook.com/charmaine.gordon

Book preview

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.

Chef’s Surprise

Charmaine Gordon

Copyright 2017 Charmaine Gordon

Published by: Vanilla Heart Publishing

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Chef’s Surprise

Charmaine Gordon

Dedication

This story is dedicated to my compadre, my best pal, my son Paul. Who knew when I first looked at the six pound infant, he’d grow up to be a multi-talented man living in Copenhagen now and communicating daily with this aging mom. Yet here we are, and I talked to him about my latest story. As always, he was interested and suggested this and that. So thanks, dear son, Paul Gordon, for always being there for me. Although we are miles apart, you are always in my heart.

Acknowledgement:

Where would I be if Vanilla Heart Publishing had not been interested in my first book? Still struggling, I imagine. Kimberlee Williams, from the day we met over the miles, we connected and with your patience, I’ve learned so much. Thanks for believing in me. Because of you, I believe in me.

TABLE of CONTENTS

Chef’s Surprise

More Great Books by Charmaine Gordon

Meet the Author

Vanilla Heart Publishing

Chef’s Surprise

by Charmaine Gordon

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.

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