“We need to talk.” His father’s tone was solemn.
“I know we do,” Remy said. “I know, it’s just I have to go after her and...”
He’d seen that look in her eyes and he knew that if hedidn’t get to Staci quick everything with her would be gone. And he couldn’t accept that.
“I’m sorry, dear,” Betsy said, “but what was that all about?”
Remy cursed under his breath and spoke to his parents. “I can talk to you both later. I’m staying at the Marquis in Times Square.”
“We want some answers now,” his father repeated.
“We’ve been worried to death about you,” his mother said.
“You’ll have to wait. I’ve made a hell of a mess, Dad, and I have to clean it up first.” He went over to his mother and hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Then did the same to his dad.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized.
“This girlmustbe important,” his mom said.
“More important than you know and I think I just hurt her in a way I’d been hoping not to. I’ve got to go,” he said, waving goodbye to his parents and heading out the door. He hailed a cab and as it drove through the streets, Remy carefully scanned the crowds for a glimpse of Staci, but she wasn’t to be found.
As soon as he entered the Marquis, he called Jack. This disaster was entirely of his making and maybe if he did everything he could now to mitigate it he’d still be able to save his relationship with Staci. Though he knew it wouldn’t be easy.
“It’s Remy. There’s something I need to tell you.”
“Is it something that will make our ratings soar? I know you’ve been dating Staci—what do you say to an on-air proposal,” Jack said. “I’m actually in the bar with the judges right now and some of the other production team. Come and meet us.”
Remy agreed, though completely ignored Jack’s suggestion about Staci. He doubted she’d say yes to anything involving him right now unless it was his head on a platter.And he couldn’t blame her. Now that he knew his secret was out he regretted not telling her sooner.
When Remy entered the bar Jack waved him over and Remy ordered a Fosters from the bartender.
There was a round of greetings from everyone and Remy sat down next to Jack and turned to the producer. He took a deep breath.
“You okay?”
“Yes, I haven’t been up front with who I really am.”
“What? You’re kidding me, right?” Jack said. “We’ve got three weeks of shows in the can, Remy. Please tell me you are joking.”
“I’m not. My last name isn’t Stephens it’s Cruzel.”
Everyone in the group stopped talking when he said that and stared at him.
“Are you related to Alain?” Hamilton asked.
“He’s my dad.”
“Why would you do this?” Lorenz asked. “A pedigree like yours should be celebrated.”
“Yes, it should,” Remy said. “But I’ve spent my entire life being told I could cook because I’m a Cruzel. And I did because that was what was expected. Even at the CIA I was treated like a star pupil and I never knew if it was because of my skills or my name.”
“You decided to try an experiment to prove you had the Cruzel talent,” Pete said. “It’s an interesting idea but you’ve lied to us all.”
“I know. I’m sorry,” Remy said. “At first I wasn’t even sure if I’d make it to the second round so it seemed a challenge for myself more than for you. And I wanted you all to judge my dishes, not look at me and think of my father and grandfather’s cooking.”
“I understood that,” Hamilton said. “But what does that mean for our show?”
“I’m thinking,” Jack answered. “We’re going to have to talk it over, Remy. I’ll let you know our decision as soon as I can. Has anyone else heard about this?”
