Zoe looked out the window. “I think I’ve outgrown Texas.”
“So where do you think you’ll land?”
Her mind went straight to Luke’s house. “Where do successful chefs end up?”
“That depends. Some own their own restaurants in big cities. Some go home to open up a niche boutique setting or teach. I don’t see you teaching quite yet.”
“Not without a camera. God, I sound like a diva.”
“You’re amazing in front of the lens. No need to be shy about it.”
“There are a lot of chefs on the TV.”
“And you’re one of them . . . and you’re not going anywhere. Tell me what your goals are, and I’ll see what I can do to make them happen.”
“I told you. I want to stop the daily meal planning and weekend shifts at Nahana.”
“What about opening your own place?”
“I don’t know about that. Not yet.”
“Someday?”
Zoe pictured River Bend. “I wouldn’t know where. I think I need to land somewhere and have it feel like home before I can dedicate that kind of time and money.”
“Yeah, but shouldn’t you plan for the probability of it? If the cookbook takes off and the vignettes on film fill your time, you’ll be pulling in some serious money.”
Zoe couldn’t help but like that thought. “I’ll deal with how to spend the money once I’m making it.”
Suki lifted her drink and sat forward. “To making it.”
Zoe clinked her glass. When her gaze moved back out the window, she wondered if Luke would like the view.
Zoe skipped having Luke pick her up at the airport. She needed a car on this trip, so renting one in Eugene and driving into River Bend was a much better option. She rented an SUV so she had room to pack it with whatever, whoever. The whoever started with Felix.
The man traveled like people had in the twenties. From the fedora that covered his bald spot to his loafers, the fancy, pinstriped slacks and button-up shirt, Felix was always ready to find the love of his life. Sorry to say he wasn’t going to find him in River Bend.
His suitcase matched the size of hers, and she was staying longer.
“I like this better already,” he said as he climbed into the passenger seat.
“This is Eugene.”
“The weather, darling. The weather.”
“Let’s hope this holds out. I’d hate for Mel’s wedding to get rained on.” Zoe slid behind the wheel and parted ways with the parking lot.
“Tell me again . . . how far is the lot for our crew from the bed-and-breakfast?”
Zoe had arranged space for the crew trailers on Grayson’s farm, which sat between town and Miss Gina’s. There weren’t enough rooms at the inn to house all of them, she told him, “. . . but there is room for the production trailer on-site.”
“You’re sure the city won’t have an issue with us being there?”
Zoe laughed. “You are greatly overestimating the concept of city. And no . . . Jo has already talked with the neighbors, and no one holds any issue with ‘movie making’ in River Bend.”
Felix set his head back and closed his eyes. “We don’t make movies.”
“That isn’t what they think.”
Zoe’s current producer agreed to a segment surrounding a wedding. With his approval came his money and the ability for Zoe to bring in a team of prep cooks and help for Mel and Wyatt’s reception.
The only cost to Mel and Wyatt was the actual food. Even then Zoe pulled a few favors and had much of it sent in at a huge discount.
Her thoughts had been on the wedding, the prep for the reception, but her family drama sat on the sideline, waiting for an audience. “I’m going to apologize now for any drama my family causes while we’re here.”
Felix rolled his head to the side and looked her way. “You don’t need to do that.”
“I do. From lifestyle choices to looks . . . there is bound to be someone talkin’ smack. I’m hoping to avoid the lot of them, but I doubt that will happen.”
Felix reached over and touched her hand. “Zoe, m’dear. I’ve been gay my whole life. I’ve lived with comments, laughter, and flat-out nastiness from my family. I expect nothing less from yours.”
She patted his hand. “Thanks.”
He turned back around and leaned back. “So how long of a drive do we have?”
“Two hours.”
“Wake me before we drive in . . . I want to experience River Bend at the city limits.”
Zoe turned onto the highway and increased the volume of the radio once Felix started to snore.
Maybe this wouldn’t turn out ugly after all.
“Now this! This is a kitchen! Zoe, why didn’t you tell me how charming this was?” Felix gushed over Miss Gina and the outside of the inn before walking in like he owned the place. “I see great things.”
Miss Gina grinned ear to ear. “I like this one, Zoe.”
“Oh, has she been bringing other directors around I should know about?”
“Of course,” Miss Gina lied. “You don’t think you’re the only man in her life, do you?”
Miss Gina and Felix were from the same generation . . . or close to it. “I can tell this is going to be very entertaining,” Zoe said.
“I think two cameras and one stationary from the pot rack.” Felix did what Felix did . . . he muttered instructions, only there wasn’t anyone there to make notes. “When is September arriving?”