More Than Enough: Sweet Romance

← Previous Chapter: Chapter 21 /|\ Next Chapter → EpilogueThree weeks fly by as we work to get Day up and running. Day is a high concept lunch wagon that provides quality food at a fraction of the price. It caters to the average office worker or shoe salesman, who have champagne tastes but a burger budget. So, instead of Lobster Thermidor, Fried Lobster tail skewers with a side of lemon butter sauce and parmesan fries. On the other hand, Night, when it gets going, will be a dinner wagon where I want to bring fusion to typically upscale dishes. Like a Beef Wellington Taco with Mango Chutney. If I can get a permit to set it up in a decent neighborhood in the City, it could bring new flavors to clients who may only be familiar with more traditional cuisine. Nick has been a real lifesaver since we’ve come back. He’s so attentive and caring in our relationship, sometimes I feel like he knows I have to sneeze before I do. Not only does he let me park the truck in his garage, he helps me shop, get it stocked, and when Bronwyn had an accident with a bag of flour and had to go home early, he helped me finish prepping before opening day. When my oil guy cancels my contract last minute, Nick is able to make a few calls and get me a new guy in hours, who’s more than willing to travel to my location to retrieve the used oil. The big day arrives quite cloudy, but I’m in good spirits when Nick’s text comes in. ‘Breakfast is set, love.’ When I cross the back garden and step into his kitchen, he’s all smiles as he and Alfie shower me with streamers. The kitchen table is already set, and a banner on the wall above it reads, Congratulations, Briony! I pull my hands from my mouth as I smile. “Aww. Thanks! Y’all are too much!” “Come eat something before your big day,” Alfie winks before starting for the table. Nick drops a kiss on my forehead as he pulls streamers from my hair. “Wait until you see what I made.” I smile nervously as he pulls me to the table. “What you made?” He rolls his eyes. “I’ve been working on the recipes you’ve shown me. Alfie says I’m getting better!” My gaze slides to Alfie who is definitely avoiding eye contact as he clears his throat. “What I said, Sir, is that there’s certainly been improvement.” I choke back a laugh as Nick scowls at Alfie. “Are you playing words now, Alf? Just wait and see.” When Nick slides two plates with a beautiful omelette along and a couple of burnt sausages in front of us, Alfie and I look at each other before looking back at Nick. He looks so hopeful that I can’t help giving him a brilliant smile. “You did so well! The sausage is absolutely cooked through this time.” Alfie snickers until I shoot him a look. Nick throws his hands up to stop us from eating. “Oh wait! One more thing!” He comes back with his plate and a stack of perfectly browned buttered toast. “That looks delicious, Nicky babe. I’m so proud of you!” Nick smiles as he looks pointedly at Alfie, who rolls his eyes.“Maybe at some point I won’t need Romero anymore.” I chuckle. “Putting Romero out of business, one dish at a time!” We’ve nearly finished breakfast when my phone rings. Nick gets up to grab it from where I left it on the island when I came in. “It’s Wyn,” he says, as he answers the phone. Ever since we hosted family dinner a few weeks ago, Nick has been more interested in what goes on in my family, and they in him. My parents were completely charmed by his down to earth personality, when they spoke on the phone. But, when he walked into the room and immediately wrapped me in a bear hug, despite my sister and I accidentally wearing a similar outfit, he won everyone over. Considering the fact Dad immediately drove up to my house to have an hour long conversation with Nick about he and I coexisting on the same property before marriage, I didn’t think they would get close so fast. So, I was shocked when Mom added Nick to the family chat and her social media page within minutes of their first meeting. However, my I was completely astounded when Dad invited him over for dinner in Brooklyn this past Sunday, for some sort of drinking test. Dad is a career military man, and prides himself on always being ready for action, while Nick is hardly in a social setting long enough to have more than one drink. Needless to say, neither of them are big drinkers, but they each held their own in their three rounds of Guinness from Dad’s bear shaped beer steins. When Dad remarked Nick held his own pretty well for an Englishman, Nick immediately stole Dad’s heart by informing him that Mum is actually Irish. Her family immigrated to England when she was a young girl. From that point on, Nick could do no wrong, and he was pleased as punch as I drove home. Who knew the man had so many drinking songs in him? So, when he answers my phone and easily begins speaking with Bronwyn, I think nothing of it, until I hear the note of alarm in his voice. “Ahh…well, can we deliver some soup or medicine to you? Ok, well stay hydrated, darling. Here’s Bri.” My eyebrows are somewhere on Mars by the time he hands me the phone. “Flu,” he whispers with an apologetic look. “Oh, no,” I mutter as I take the phone. “Wyn? Did I hear you’re sick?” She confirms the news sounding like death warmed over. She’s busy worrying about the fact she can’t be my sous chef, but I’m more worried about her. The last time she got the flu she collapsed in her office and had to be hospitalized. “Don’t worry about me, Bri. I’ll be fine. “Michelle is here, and surprisingly doing a fabulous job of keeping me hydrated and medicated.” I scrunch my nose. I’ve already heard a few tales about her new roommate, and I’m not a fan of the girl. Apparently, Michelle gave Wyn a tough time when she first moved in. Wyn is a sweetheart, so if this woman is already on her bad side, Michelle doesn’t sound like my idea of a good time. Yet, they signed a one year lease through a mutual friend, so, they’re stuck with each other until the end of the lease. Michelle’s French and it’s her first time living in the States, so Wyn says it’s a matter of culture shock, but I’m not buying it. I offered to let Wyn move in to my spare bedroom until the lease is up, but she didn’t want to lose her right to her fabulous Upper West side apartment by vacating the premises. “Ok, girly. Well, I hope you feel better,” I croon “Are you sure I can’t stop by tonight after I close up? It’s no trou—” “NO!” Bronwyn bellows in my ear before dissolving into a coughing fit. I look at the phone in disbelief. “Since when do you yell like that?” After a moment she comes back, sounding weaker than before. “No, really, Bri. Don’t come. I’m ok. I’ll be fine. We got this. Have a good opening night, and I’ll see you in two weeks for family dinner. Tell Nick I don’t plan to lose at Pictionary a second time!” I laugh, and after her reassurance that she’ll ‘totally be fine,’ we hang up. Bronwyn probably got sick after stressing about the shooting that took place at her job last week. She was at a meeting out of the office at the time, but she knows the people who were injured, and she has to work from home until the office is cleaned up. She and Michelle work at the same place, so I can imagine working from home might present some new challenges. That thought alone is enough to make anyone sick. That’s when the reality of the situation hits me square in the face. I hadn’t noticed that Nick and Alfie had already cleaned the kitchen, and Alfie had disappeared until I look up when Nick drops into the chair next to me. He automatically pulls me into a hug. “It’s going to be alright, love. We’ve got this.” I relax in his arm, and the tension melts away. “The problem is, while I’ve already trained Shelly and Derek on the menu, only Derek can make it today. It’s Shelly’s last day at her old job. It just so happened to work out that Wyn had taken the week off for a staycation, so she could help.” Nick nods as he rubs my back with his free hand. “Do you need someone who can help cook?” I sigh as I shake my head. “Even if I could find someone within the next hour, they wouldn’t know the recipes anyway. They would probably be more of a hindrance, if anything. No, if we can get someone to take orders, deal with payment and getting the food out to guests, we may just be able to swing it.” I frown as I try to think. I wonder if I could borrow Alfie for the next six hours… Nick straightens. “I’ve got it! I know just the person!” I bolt up. “Really? That’s great!” Nick jumps up looking at his watch. “Yeah. Text me the address, and I’ll have them meet you there before 11am.” Bending to kiss me, he smiles. “You’ll be alright, Bri.” Before I can ask a single question, he’s bolted out of the kitchen. I check the time. It’s already 9:50am. I hope his sub will be able to make it. I jump up. I’d better get out of here if I plan to make it! “What time is the sub gonna get here?” Derek impatiently asks, pushing his yellow bandana further up on his bald head. “When they get here,” I say firmly, shrugging a shoulder nonchalantly, although I feel anything but calm. It’s already 11:15a, and there’s no sign of a newbie or a response from Nick or Alfie to my texts. Our permit is for a location next to a pretty park in the busy court district in the Bronx, off of the Grand Concourse. Despite the sign outside saying that we open at 11:30am, there’s already been about 3 or 4 taps on the closed serving window as people wonder if we’re open yet. The white truck with Day spray painted across the side, has a beautiful mural beneath it of the sun rising over a cityscape. Everything is in place, and we’ve only got to open, except…where’s the sub? Just when I pick up my phone to call Nick, there’s a knock on the back door. I walk over to the door apprehensively, not knowing what to expect. Yet, nothing could have prepared me for seeing Nick on the other side of the door, a baseball cap pulled low over his eyes. “What are you doing here?” I hiss as he hurries to step up into the truck. “I’m your sub,” he says, spinning around with a grin. I look him up and down from his brown work boots, to his black pants, and fitted black chef jacket as he continues. “I’m sorry I’m so late. I had to find a chef jacket in my size, then there was a car accident on the Major Deegan. Thankfully Alfie gave me a drop, or I’m afraid I’d still be trying to find parking.” “Where did you—what are you wear—no. No!” Nick frowns. “I knew you were going to say no, which is why I didn’t tell you. I’m here to help, love. I’m extra hands. And even though I can’t cook, I know how to work a register and take payments. What could go wrong?” I wave a hand at his face. “Are you forgetting something really important, right now? You’ve got one of the most recognizable faces on the planet!” Nick smiles, and as if on cue, Derek exclaims, “Hey, aren’t you Nicholas Bancroft?” I throw my hands in the air in resignation, shaking my head. Nick’s grin spreads as he reaches around me to shake Derek’s hand. “Nice to meet you. My fiancée doesn’t like to bring it up, so if you don’t mind keeping this under wraps, we’d appreciate it.” Derek shakes his hand with a broad grin. “Of course, man. Maybe I can get an autograph later?” “Why don’t y’all just take a picture. It lasts longer!” I growl. Nick wraps a gentle arm around me as he smiles at Derek. “Sorry..nerves. It’s a big day. Of course, I’ll sign an autograph. I’ll also take a picture after we close.” “Thanks, man!” “Certainly. Now if you wouldn’t mind excusing us a moment. It’s time for me to get my pep talk.” I run a hand down my face as Nick spins us away from Derek to face a stack a of red and white paper food baskets. “Now, really, love. It’s perfectly alright to be nervous, but you’ve got this. If you’re afraid I’m going to steal your thunder, I absolutely won’t. If you’re worried that I’ll freeze up, don’t. I’m an actor. I’ve actually done this before. Granted it was scripted, but, I still know what to do, and thanks to all that prep work, I know what’s on the menu.” I nervously bite my lip as I look up at him. “I’m not worried about any of those things, Nick. I just know how much you like your privacy and quiet. I know you didn’t wake up today expecting to take on the role of Nicholas Bancroft starring as Himself. We’re only open for four hours, but still…” Nick’s eyes warm as he gazes at me. “I should have known you were worrying about me. Don’t worry, I’m fine, because it’s for you. Now, will you please accept the free publicity, and allow me to worry about you for once? And, tell me what you need me to do in the next, oh six minutes before opening..” I glance at my watch. “Yikes! Ok, gather round team. Let’s have a quick meeting and do this!” Five hours later, we’ve cleaned up, secured everything, dumped the garbage, gotten the truck locked up and the last autograph hunter on their way. We can finally go home. My feet hurt, and my back is tight. I may have overzealously stocked more food than I anticipated since I wasn’t quite sure what numbers to expect. If I hadn’t, we would have sold out much sooner than we did. As it is, we barely squeaked past 3pm before having to close up shop. I can’t wait to go again! Of course, we could thank the free gift of publicity bestowed on us by the marvelous Mr. Bancroft. As hard as Nick tried to keep his cap lowered, even changing his voice so that he wouldn’t stand out, it only took five minutes for the first hawk eyed fan to spot him. He may have been both arsonist and fireman in this case, being the reason for such a large crowd, but he also patiently worked through it. He could have kept everyone entertained with songs from Broadway musicals, but instead he put his head down and worked to get the orders in and out quickly. There wasn’t a single complaint, which is pretty masterful in New York City at lunchtime. When someone thought to bring a news camera over to interview him, he graciously directed all the attention back to the lunch wagon, while managing to keep our relationship out of the public eye. It’s not that we’re ashamed of each other, but we had agreed that we wanted the food truck to stand on its own merit. As far as the world is concerned, he’s just showing a little love to his former chef. My hero! Once we have the truck parked in Nick’s garage, he holds out his hand. ‘Take a walk with me, Bri.” I pull off my cap and run a hand over my messy bun, but I nod as I take his hand. “Gladly, my lord.” His eyes crinkle as he smiles at me. We stroll past his white, five bedroom house, but, instead of heading towards my cottage, we turn past Alfie’s modern cottage and take the small loop trail through the canopy trees at the edge of the property. The lawn is still fairly green, but the cool mornings mean the leaves of the large oaks are already beginning to turn their various shades of red and gold. I’ve been a bundle of nerves all day, but now, as the whisper of the trees swaying in the autumn breeze grounds me, I’m filled with a sense of wonder. “I can’t believe I did it…” I say, huffing a laugh as I turn to him. “And, it’s all thanks to you.” “I had very little to do with it, Bri. You did this.” Nick nods as we crunch over fallen leaves to settle on a little wooden bench he installed a few years ago. “It was your dream. You didn’t give up, and after countless hours of work, here you are. I’m so proud of you, love.” “Thanks,” I grin, snuggling in beside him. “It still feels like a dream, and any moment I’m going to wake up to start your breakfast.” As he wraps an arm around me, I rest my head on his shoulder. The smell of fried lobster clings to us, but his spicy citrus lavender scent still comes through. I guess he’s officially edible. Nick chuckles. “Well, that’s actually my dream now. I don’t mind cooking, but I do miss your threats to make home fries when I misbehave.” “Well, that can always be arranged,” I smirk, chuckling in response. Basking in the small pool of sunlight filtering through the trees, I tilt my head to allow it to warm my face. “I can’t believe it’s October 1 already.” “I know,” he sighs. “It means we only have a month left of days like this.” I smile regretfully. “I’m going to miss you, Nick.” The corners of his mouth gently turn up as his cool hand cups my cheek. “You’re going to miss the publicity,” he teases, but it has no bite. When he turns his hat backwards, I try not to drool. Yet, as I stare into his warm, blue eyes, I find myself wanting him to know how much his presence means. Not just physically, but his showing up for me in a meaningful way. “You really came through for me today, Nick. Thank you, I appreciate it…I appreciate you. It really felt like it was me and you against the world.” Nick smiles bashfully. “That’s exactly how it should be, love. You and me against the world. I’m still learning the lesson, but hopefully, I get better at it as time goes on.” I wink at him. “After seeing you in action today, I think you’ll be just fine. I honestly don’t believe there’s anything you can’t do.” He snorts as he looks away, absentmindedly rubbing my shoulder. “I don’t know about that.” I tilt my head as I look up at him, and give him a nudge. “I’m serious, Nick. You can do anything. You managed to perfect an omelette in a month!’ He smirks. “Maybe. You know. I wasn’t going to say anything, but I got the call from Peter Smithson. He and Gil Shapiro said the meeting in November is a formality, but they really want me for the part of Macbeth. They would start rehearsals at the end of April with a limited summer run from mid-June to mid-August. But, I don’t have to let them know anything until I meet with them.” When he doesn’t say anything else, I put a hand on his knee. “It sounds like an amazing opportunity if that’s what you want.” Nick nods, but remains quiet for a moment. “Hm. It’s what I’ve always wanted, but…if it’s the wrong decision…dare I do it? It’s what I burn to do, but it could lead to roles drying up in Hollywood and beyond. Some actors never bounce back from going Broadway.” I nod my head. “That’s true…but, so what if that happens?” Nick bemused smile speaks volumes. “What?” “Yeah. If Hollywood executives decide to ignore your talent and be idiots, doesn’t that still leave TV land, British serials, and theater? What are you worried about? Money? Don’t. Because based on today, I may not be able to afford the upkeep of your house, you’ll for sure need to sell it, but I can pay the bills at the cottage. You’ll stay with me, and I’ll take care of you.” Nick’s brows slam down as he chuckles in befuddlement. “What on Earth are you saying right now?” I swing my gaze to his intently. “I’m saying live your dream. It’s what you told me to do when my funding fell through on the restaurant my second year out of Le Cordon Bleu. You said I can work for you, but I can’t give up on my dreams, because that would be like giving up on myself.” I nudge him in the side as his brows rise in remembrance. “Well, Nick, if it’s my turn to support you, then, I’m ready, because I believe in you. You might need to give up the Land Rover though, because I can’t pay for gasoline and parking in the theater district.” I do some quick calculations. “I can probably afford a monthly metro card and lunch. At least until the second truck gets off the ground. But, that’s about it.” Silence descends as Nick quietly considers me. If I’m honest, he looks positively feral. Like he’ll swallow me whole right here if I say another word. Amazement shines out of his eyes when he softly chuckles, “You really haven’t googled me…we aren’t hurting for money by any means, my love. But, what you’re saying is..you’ll love me whether I’m in films or a brilliant actor on Broadway?” I sputter. “Well, you don’t have to..shoot right for the moon here. I’d love you even if it were off Broadway…off-off Broadway too, if I’m being perfectly honest. You really do give amazing foot rubs, and—” I’m rendered mute as Nick laughingly removes his glasses, pulling me into a kiss so fast I never had a chance. It takes the usual two seconds for the swarm of butterflies to turn into molten lava as Nick sweeps in and kisses me to oblivion. I don’t think there’s anything he left unknown in that kiss, and I return as good as I got. When he gently pulls back, his eyes still closed, both of our chests struggling for a breath, it’s only then I realize I’m practically floating on air. I don’t know when I went from sitting on the bench to being pulled half onto his lap as I’m crushed against his chest, but I melt all over again. Nick opens his eyes, and the adoration I see there leaves me completely shaken. He kisses my nose as he dazedly whispers, “When Evie begged me for a whole six months to hire you as my private chef, my mistake was believing the only problem with the arrangement would be if you fell in love with me. I never imagined it would be the other way around.” “And now?” I ask, resting my head against his shoulder. A gentle smile curves his mouth. “You’re magnetic, my life. I didn’t think I could ever be enough for you, but I couldn’t stay away, and believe me, I tried.” “There’s no question in my mind that you’re everything I want and need, Nick.” I smile, running a finger over his full lower lip. “Briony,” Nick groans. The reverence he says my name with, renders me speechless. A good thing since Nick isn’t finished. Dropping his forehead to mine, he whispers, “Why must you undo me at every level? Will you leave me nothing of myself?” I blink as, book boyfriend, who? runs through my mind. “Hm?” He asks again, with a light brush of his lips against mine. “Umm—” I clear my throat and try again. “Sir, you’ll have to leave a message. Briony has died and is unavailable for questions at this time.” He chuckles as he brushes another feather soft kiss against my lips, before sighing and sitting me on the bench beside him. Yes, sitting is good, because I’m pretty sure my legs are out of order. As he watches a nest of baby birds that have begun singing in a nearby tree, Nick smiles. “It’s alright, love. I already know the answer, anyway.” I nod from my perch on cloud 9. “Good, because the feeling is completely mutual.” I wait a beat before adding, “You still owe me a food truck, though.” He raises a brow. “I believe I promised to invest in your food venture. And I have.” I laugh as I slap him on his stomach. “If you think a shift is going to cover it, you’re very much mistaken!” He chuckles. “No, love. I listen much better than that. If your idea is to take over the food truck world, then that’s what I’ll help you to do. So, listen. I have a location in Hyde Park, a fantastic space really, that was formerly a restaurant. I’ve already bought a truck, but there’s space for six more trucks inside.” My brows rise, but before I can say anything, he continues. “My idea is to give you a permanent location, and you can try six different types of cuisine with the other trucks. Or, we can lease the other trucks to different startups every year. Either way, it would be up to you, darling. I was finalizing the gift for you, but Evie told me I’d better get here lest I lose you. Being perfectly unwilling to let that happen…here I am.” I blink in shock as he hangs his head sheepishly. “I hope I didn’t overstep, love. If it would be too much to oversee, we can hire a manager to deal with all of it. Just—” My mouth crashes into his. How was I ever unsure of how much I love this man who cares for me so completely? As he returns my kiss, it feels like he’s asking me the very same question. Our journey may have been a roundabout one, but I can honestly say it was worth every step. Sure it had its ups and downs, moments of laughter, moments of tears, but their ours, and that’s good enough for me. In fact—it’s more than enough. T H E 💕 E N D Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion in the Epilogue!← Previous Chapter: Chapter 21 /|\ Next Chapter → EpilogueSubscribe for new posts every week! Get full access to I'm Just Here For BOOKS at everblueauthor.substack.com/subscribe