Day Two
While his beautiful playmate lay sleeping, Thomas ran out and got supplies for a lovely breakfast. By the time Cherie woke, he'd prepared Belgian waffles with all the trimmings. He was pleased to see that Cherie had a hearty appetite, he hated women who just nibbled at their food. She relished a hearty meal as much as he did, it was one of the fun things about her.
They talked a bit over their food and coffee, neither of them was much of a morning person. Thomas kissed Cherie on the cheek, bade her goodbye and made his way to his restaurant to prepare the brunch for the lovebirds. He was dragging his ass a little, but it was the price he'd been willing to pay for such a wonderful evening.
When he got to Le Petite Chou, he wasn't surprised to find that his new assistant, Brandi, had everything well in hand. She extremely competent, capable and always a joy to be around. He'd hired a few friends of hers as part-time workers, Caroline and Marcus. Although the trio always seemed to be laughing and joking, their work always got done, with efficiency and speed.
Brandi was serious about getting her Chef's papers and Thomas was only too happy to be of assistance. She worked hard and diligently, she never slacked off. Brandi smiled when she saw him come in and he returned her greeting.
"I see you have everything well under control."
"You betcha, bossman! I followed your instructions to a 'T`, there isn't much of the prep work left to do. All you have to do is get in there and work your magic!"
Thomas went into his office and changed into his gear. Within minutes, he was sauteeing here, steaming there, stirring there. Thoughts of lovely Cherie flitted through his head, but while he was working, he was all business. Cherie was certainly a pleasant enough distraction, but if he let his mind roam, he'd never get this meal prepared.
The Wedding Brunch was an unqualified success. The Bride and Groom smiled happily, clinked their glasses of Krystal and toasted each other. The kissed and cooed like two Turtledoves, smiling for the cameras that kept going Pop!Pop!Pop and the videographer even asked Thomas to make a comment or two, which he did gladly.
Everyone complimented Thomas' cuisine, the "Turtledoves" told him they couldn't have been happier. Thomas knew his bank account would certainly thank him, the young couple had been more than willing to pay big bucks for the near-Christmas / very last-minute meal.
It was nearly 3 PM when the last of the guests exited, Brandi told Thomas that she and her friends would clean up. Thomas thanked her profusely, he had exhausted himself over the last few days.
Thomas decided he'd like to go to the Pear Tree, see if Cherie wanted to get a late lunch, a cup of coffee. He thoroughly enjoyed the time he'd spent with her yesterday, he wanted to get to know the sexy brunette better. He even found himself whistling a little as he headed towards the store.
Thomas arrived at the Pear Tree, greeted Mike and was about to inquire after Cherie when he saw her smiling face approaching them. She had a picnic basket in her hands and was also toting a few bottles of wine.
"Hello Cherie, I was just coming to invite you for lunch – or coffee. What are you up to?"
She flashed that dazzling smile at him again. "Sorry darling, no can do. I'm going away later tonight, a friend of mine offered me her cabin. Thought I'd do some Cross-Country skiing and go tobogganing. Hey, wanna come with?"
Thomas grimaced a bit. Despite Patti getting him out in the snow, he still didn't care much for winter. It was cold, it was wet. He did want to spend time with Cherie though, she was one of the most intriguing women he'd ever known.
Thomas smiled at her and a thought occurred to him. "Tell you what, let me take you to dinner tonight and I'll come with you tomorrow morning. I'll even bring the wine."
Cherie nodded and placed a small peck on his cheek. He blushed again as he heard that rich laugh of hers. She put the domestic bottles of wine back on the shelf of the store and Thomas grinned at Cherie again, despite himself. It had been a great couple of days.
Thomas took her to a nice Italian place he knew, it wasn't fancy, but he loved Pasta. Despite the sparks between them, there was no repeat of the previous evening. He took Cherie home, he gave her a gentle kiss goodnight and then Thomas went home and slept the best night of sleep he'd had in over a year.
Day Three
Thomas wanted to get an early start the next day, so he prepared a light lunch they could eat in the car. He wanted to get a few nice bottles of wine to bring with them, he had the knowledge and the funds, why not splurge a little?
He entered the Le Claire Wine Shoppe and saw Mrs. Le Claire and her two elder sisters there. He'd met their father when he'd studied in France and Mr. Le Claire had asked him to keep an eye on "ma pauvre bebes". The "babies" were now in their 60's, Thomas thought with a laugh.
"Bonjour mesdames" he said to the trio, bowing in a mock curtsy. "And what are my three French hens cackling about now?" The sisters scowled at him for a moment, then broke out in laughter.
"We were just saying the Bordeaux this year is not as fine as Papa's last year" Antoinette demurred. Her sisters nodded in agreement. The trio were all very proud of their father's winery, which was well over a century old.
"I tell you what Antoinette, let me have a bottle of each and a nice Chardonnay, and I will give you my opinion when next I return." Marie, Constance and Antoinette thought this a fine idea, but wouldn't take a penny for the wine. "Joyeux Noel" all three of them told Thomas as he left the store. One could not put a price on friendship, Thomas thought.
He drove the short distance from the store to Cherie's apartment and was about to ring her door, when she appeared, already prepared. She carried the Picnic basket from the day before, her eyes were bright and sparkling, her hair was a bit tousled. That still-sensational smile was on her lips. "You brought the wine, oh good, both Red and White. Holiday colors!"
The trip was short, or so it seemed, in her delightful company. Thomas found that Cherie had a remarkably facile mind, with curiosity about nearly everything. She told him that she'd always wanted to try his restaurant, but it was a bit out of her price range.
He whispered in her ear "Come in for a meal sometime, you'll get a discount. I know the owner." This close, he could smell her perfume, a hint of lilac. It suited her.
Upon reaching the cabin, they unpacked quickly. It was spacious inside, with a full kitchen and a huge fireplace and wood-burning stove. They built a fire to get the place heated and returned outside, walking around a bit in the snow, inspecting the area.
"It's lovely scenery, your friend must like nature."
"She does. Want to go skiing or on the sled?"
As Thomas had never been on skis, he opted for the toboggan. They spent hours on the nearby hills, going down fast, then the arduous task of climbing the hills. Despite the cold and the walking, Thomas didn't mind. Especially when he and Cherie were so close on the sled. It didn't bother him in the least.
But when she tossed a few snowballs at him, Thomas thought Cherie needed to learn a lesson. He'd been a cricketer and quite the athlete before he began his culinary studies. He made up some snowballs and bombarded her, not missing a single shot.
"Okay, I surrender!" she said, nearly doubled over in laughter. "You win, what kind of prize would you like?" Cherie asked coyly.