Page 81 of My Heart Belongs to You

I already knew this story. It was one of my mom’s favorites to share. So much of her career had been alongside my father that many people forgot she was in the industry before him. In fact, she was the driving force behind their restaurant systems. I’d taken a few of her processes, hoping to implement them into my workflow.

“So did she make it happen?” Carmen was intrigued.

Shaking my head, I replied, “My mom gave her all to that restaurant, but differences with the executive chef, who was also the owner, led to her leaving. They didn’t get a star and closed a few years later.”

“When was this?”

“A few months before she met my dad. One of the first things they talked about was his plans to open a restaurant after leaving the military. She had the connections; he had the business plan and financial backing.”

Carmen’s eyes widened. “Wow. I always wondered how Reneé got her start in the industry. I always assumed it was because of your dad.”

“Nope. She started as a dishwasher at fourteen. From working front of house to being a kitchen manager, she’s worked in just about every position.”

“I never knew that. Why didn’t you spend more time working for them? I mean, you could’ve easily worked with Starling in Chicago.”

Opal laughed. “The only person who enjoys working with Starling is you.”

Covering my mouth, I stifled my laughter. Opal was so right. Starling was Reneé 2.0, running a tighter ship than necessary. But I couldn’t knock him. My brother’s perfectionism and precision made Cubanelle a notable fine dining experience. They’d opened a little over a year ago and had already turned a profit.

“He’s tough but he knows his shit,” Carmen noted.

“I’m with you when you’re right. However, I needed to prove to myself that I could do this without too much assistance from my family. Every move I make is compared to Starling or my parents. I have to set myself apart from them.”

Opal shook her head and chuckled. “Opening a restaurant and wine bar in a small town with an emerging food scene is ballsy. That’s right out of the Gold handbook.”

“It is, but I’ve managed to make most decisions without their counsel. The only way I will gain their respect is if I prove that I can do this off merit.”

“But you know they’re itching to help with something.” Opal’s eyes met mine.

“I know.” I picked up a red dot and placed it over table one. Tilting my head to the side, I marked off all the tables we’d assigned for the first serving time, then eyed the chart.

It was true that my parents were waiting for me to ask for help. Out of pure stubbornness and determination, I’d worked on my business plan, applied for loans, and bought this building without their guidance. I was immensely grateful to my parents. They gave me my first job and allowed me to dabble in every facet of the business. When I expressed interest in becoming a sommelier, they paid for my stay in Italy, where I worked at a vineyard. For each exam, they covered my travel, which I never took for granted. They were pivotal in the groundwork for my career.

However, I had to create and maintain connections, and I bust my ass, making sure my work ethic was second to none. Starling had proven himself as their protege and heir to their restaurant group, The Gold Standard. All eyes were on me, especially with Raven doing her own thing. I wasn’t so naive to think their influence hadn’t played a role in some way. I couldn’t rely on my parents and brother’s reputations to carry my career.

“I mean, filming the soft opening is their way of helping.” Carmen’s observation made my stomach roll. The thought crossed my mind more than once. I didn’t dwell on the notion because there were other pressing matters. Decoding their intentions wasn’t one at the moment.

“The exposure won’t hurt us.” Opal was cool, calm, and collected because she was a reality TV vet.

“I agree,” Carmen said.

“I’m not all the way on board with it, but I trust you guys will have my back and make sure B&B is ready for our debut.” I clapped my hands and turned toward the chef’s station.

“Opal, can you triple check our product delivery window? I think Penelope is ready to stock the pantry. Carmen, when Gia gets in, can you walk her through the seating chart? I need her to cross-check the reservation system with what I marked.”

They nodded. Carmen left the kitchen while Opal hung back. With her arms folded and her lips curved into a smile, she stared at me.

“What’s up?”

“I’m proud of you, kiddo.”

She didn’t give me a chance to respond before leaving the room. My heart nearly burst. A smile covered my face as I strode to my office.

The soles of my dad’s shoes clacked against the laminate flooring. His strides were a much slower cadence than my racing heart. He ran his hands along the vines Sadé painted and nodded. I exhaled, feeling a little comfort in the way he admired the detailing. My mom recorded her reaction to share on social media. I glanced behind her, smiling in appreciation as my staff set the tables for tonight. I bit my bottom lip, eager to hear my parents' thoughts on Brie & Bordeaux. One of my conditions for filming was that they must see the restaurant off camera.

“Brie & Bordeaux is cozy yet chic. I love it baby,” my mom said, coming my way with outstretched arms.

Dressed in a yellow, off-the-shoulder blouse and matching wide-legged pants, she was stunning. Her bob was freshly trimmed, stopping just below her ears. The smell of gardenias filled my nose when she embraced me.