“I’d love too, if she’s available. I don’t want to take her away from her work or bother her at home.”
The woman smiles and assures me it’s no trouble.
Within minutes, the chef and namesake of this fine establishment is striding toward me. I quickly swallow the piece of cake I stuck in my mouth as soon as Katy turned her back and smile at Maddy.
She smiles back but it doesn’t reach her eyes, not like it had when we were younger. I stand, hold my hand out and as soon as her hand is in mine, I pull her close and kiss her on her cheek. She turns rigid, and I fear I’ve made a mistake.
We step back at the same time and apprise each other. I can easily say not much has changed about her. Her naturally dark auburn hair is pulled away from her face, mostly likely kept hidden under her chef’s hat. I expected a chef’s coat or an apron, but she’s dressed like her employees, black pants and a white shirt. But it’s her eyes that really grab my attention, just as green as I remember them being. And while I stand here, gawking at her, I fear as though she’s forgotten me.
“Am I crazy or do you not remember me?” It’s a horrible question to ask, but I don’t want to look like a fool. Granted, there are very few patrons left at this time of night.
“I’m sorry, but I see a lot of customers in a single night. Have we met before?”
I take another step back, unsure how I should proceed. I’ve never been smooth with the women and aside from the time Maddy and I were whatever we were, I’ve had one other girlfriend who turned into my wife, who then became my ex because I’m cold, out of touch with reality, never home, and unable to express myself properly. Her words, not mine.
“I know I have a couple gray hairs, but I didn’t think I had changed this much. Maybe if you have time, I can refresh your memory? I motion for her to sit across from me and she does. Maddy folds her hands on the table and keeps her eyes steady on me. Great, I love nothing more than being scrutinized.
“Okay, where to start.” I clear my throat and push the cake away slightly.
“Did you not enjoy the cake?”
“What?” I follow her eyes down to my plate. It’s half eaten and to a chef, a pushed away plate generally means something is wrong. “Oh, no, not at all. This cake was delicious. I plan to finish it once we’re done speaking.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“Do you really not remember me?” There’s a hint of desperation in my voice. “Adam Paulson. We went out in college for about seven months.”
She studies me hard, her eyes roaming over my face. Back and forth until a sly smile spreads across her lips. “Adam,” she finally says my name and my heart jumps in response. “Yes, I know who you are. I wanted you to think I didn’t. How many years has it been?”
“Too many years to count. I owe you an apology.”
She chuckles. “You came all the way to Chicago to apologize?”
“Well, yes and no,” I tell her. “I’m here on business and I saw your name in our alumni magazine and wanted to come see your place for myself. I’ve read the reviews, everyone loves it here.”
Maddy looks around and there’s no mistaking the pride she has when she sees her hard work pay off. She nods slightly and turns back toward me. “So, what’s new?”
“I work in production.”
“But not on television, huh?”
“No, still media related so I guess that’s something.
“Wow, I thought you’d be the next Dan Rather.”
I scoff and then groan. “Believe me, I tried. I guess I just never had the face or magnetism to make on TV. I did some sideline reporting for a bit but never caught my big break. I think I was so eager to be on a nationally syndicated show that I missed my opportunity at the local level. I could’ve risen through the ranks.”
I’m tempted to take a bite of the cake, but don’t want to be rude. But it would also be rude to let it sit there and not eat it, regardless of who is sitting across from me.
“That’s crazy. I remember it being all you ever wanted. Do you remember making those tapes, late at night?”
I nod slowly. “With the on the shoulder camcorder I picked up at the pawn shop.”
Maddy laughs. “Those were fun nights.”
“They sure were.” I lean closer. “I may be way out of line here, Maddy, and if I am just say so, but I’m in town for a few days on business and I’d love to take you out.”