Night for The Stars
Two stars meeting one night. By Kathleen J Merry.
Charlotte Henderson was looking for her little black book. She had all her notes and her recipes in that book. It was her little book of treasures. Over the years she had accumulated recipes from different countries. It had a wealth of information. Now, where had she put it she wondered. It had taken 10 years to gather all that information and for her the book was priceless.
“ Sam have you seen my black book?. I can’t find it anywhere.”
”Where did you see it last?.”
”Mmm. On my desk in the study.”
” Well have you looked there again?”
” Of course.”
“Why don’t you check the car it may have dropped out of your purse.”
”Yes that’s an idea I’ll do that.”
she went out to her car sitting in the driveway hoping it would be there,if not,she had no idea where next to look. As far as she was concerned she had checked everywhere else. She looked under the seats,put her hand down the sides praying it was there, she was just about to give up,when she saw something had slipped between the drivers seat and the gear stick. Thankfully it was her precious black book. The information inside could not be replaced. Not only did the book hold precious information, but it also held wonderful memories, for example when she went to Morocco. She could still see herself walking in the bazaar,Smelling all the spices discovering cous cous. Or the time When she went to the south of France and tasted there Cuisine.Not to mention the other twenty countries . There was not one country she went too that she came away empty handed. She had collected recipes from each and every one.
Charlotte Henderson was a Three star Michelin star chef, with her own restaurant. People could wait weeks to get a reservation. Once she even had a very rich Arab prince pay her $20.000 to come to his home and prepare a meal for him and his guests.
Her mother was Greek and food was her passion. Food played a big part in her growing up. It was through her mother that she learnt how to cook. She was taught from a very early age all about spices and their uses. How to tell good mushrooms from those that were poisonous. Her mother took her to other countries in search for good ingredients. Family recipes were handed down. She could not remember a time when food wasn’t the centre of her life.
” Found it.
“Oh good where was it?.”
“ It was down the side of the seat in between the seat in the gearbox. Thank goodness I don’t know what I would do without it.”
Sam came through from the other room and said.”That’s great that will be a load off your mind. Are you ready for tonight?.”
” Yes I think so. Too late now if I am not.”
Tonight was a very special night. The restaurant was going to be closed to the public, as she had a very special guest and his party of eight. For what they were paying although she did not have the numbers to cater too. She was not losing money.
Charlotte really did not have time for television,or cinema. She was informed her guest was a famous movie star. Sam and her other staff were bemused at the fact Charlotte had never heard of him.
Sam short for Samantha was her sister and her partner. Sam took more after her father than her mother. She was an architect,and cared more about creating buildings rather than food. The sisters had three years between them and they were very close.
“ what’s on the menu for tonight? Sam asked.”
” Scallops to begin, then Surf and Turf, and for dessert as usual their will be a choice. Lemon Soufflé.Chocolate Mousse, and I have made an old fashioned Black forrest gateau.”
” Nice menu. If you have any of the gateau left,will you bring it home? Haven’t had that in ages “
” Sure. I had better get going, or they won’t be getting any dinner “.
” Do yourself a favour.Introduce yourself to Mark Ellis. He is something else“
“ You know I don’t like that kind of thing.“
” All you do is work, you need to get a life. Ever since you got those Michelin stars ,you are in there for six up till midnight some nights.”
” I have to be if I want to keep them.”
It was true what Sam had said,Charlotte really did not have a life other than work.She could not remember the last time she was on a date. Sam was three years younger than her, and already engaged to be married.She had her life in perspective. When Charlotte had told her about the dinner party tonight for Mark Ellis,she was so excited. Charlotte could not see what all the fuss was about.
Several hours later the guests arrive. As the owner she went out to meet them. Which one was Mark Ellis she did not know.Apart from one man, they were all showbiz types, very flamboyant. The one who stood apart from the rest , was tall rugged and had an attitude,she could not put her finger on. Was It moodiness, or cynicism.
“ Good evening everyone. Welcome to The Kazine Is Mr Ellis here ? “
” They all looked stunned at her, someone said, You mean you do not know? Really !”
The rugged man looked at her and said, “ had you ever heard of Mark Ellis before tonight?”
charlotte shook her head. “I am sorry but no. I am here from six in the morning,to midnight most nights. I do not have time for socialising, or watching movies.”
He smiled and just about blew her away,with the transformation
” I am Mark Ellis he said,with a twinkle in his eye,and he was amused.”
She put her hand out to shake his,it was warm and strong.He had beautiful long hands.
“ Please let me show you to your table. One of the waiters will come and take your orders.I hope you enjoy your evening.”
Charlotte did not see the thoughtful look on Mark Ellis. As she walked back into the kitchen. It was rare for him to come across someone that never heard of him. She interested him. She could be in the movies herself with her looks. He noticed she was a tall Woman as she came up to his shoulders ,he himself was 6.2..
Charlotte could hear the laughter coming into the kitchen ,as she was clearing up .Everything had been served they were on the coffee now,And for once it look like she may get away early, a luxury to be in bed before 12 pm.She heard the kitchen door open , assuming it was one of the waiters she did not turn round. So she was startled when she heard that familiar voice , and turned round to see Mark Ellis standing in front of her.
” I’m sorry to have startled you he said “
” That’s alright Mr Ellis. I thought it was one of the waiters ,not used to anyone coming in other than the staff. What can I do for you ?“
” I wanted to say thank you for such a lovely meal. Also I know you said you don’t have a social life. I was wondering if I may take you out to dinner, and this time I feed you.Do you ever take time off?.”
” It’s rare, but yes I do sometimes.”
” Good . So what do you say will you dine ? with me”.
” Are you serious why me ? From what I’ve been told, you are very famous .I am sure there are many woman, would love to go out with you.”
” Yes you’re right. That is why it is so refreshing ,to meet someone who has never heard of me. I may be famous but then so are you. You’re not just any Chef.”
” Funny but I never thought of myself as famous. Okay yes I will go out with you, when were you thinking? .”
”Could you make it Thursday night? Say 7.30. If you give me your address I will pick you up “
charlotte wrote down the address and her cell number, and gave it to him. She smiled and he smiled back.
Sam was still up when Charlotte arrived home.
” Oh good your home,glad you got away early. How did the night go, did you get a chance to see Mark Ellis, whats he like ?”
“ Let me get my coat off, come through to the kitchen. I have some cake, we can have some milk and cake like we used to do, We haven’tdone that In ages,and I will tell you all about it. But you should know I have a date with him on Thursday”.
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