Epicurean Delights Read online

  Epicurean Delights

  Hudson Frost thinks she has it all until her relationship is cut short. Unprepared for the end she didn’t see coming, she relocates to mend the pieces of her broken heart. Ariana Marks is out to prove she’s got what it takes to start a catering business and show her parents she isn’t a failure. When her business loan is denied, she’s left wondering if they’re right.

  When Hudson’s and Ari's paths keep crossing, it feels like destiny. Hudson has the expertise to help Ari get her business up and running. Ari can help with Hudson’s awkward living situation. Both women want control over their lives—one to protect her heart, the other, her lifelong dream. Can they learn to give up control and give in to the growing attraction between them? Or will their reluctance to rely on each other prevent either from the life they’ve always wanted?

  Epicurean Delights

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Epicurean Delights

  © 2018 By Renee Roman. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13:978-1-63555-101-3

  This Electronic Book is published by

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: January 2018

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editors: Katia Noyes and Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design By Tammy Seidick

  Acknowledgments

  Being a published author has been a long time dream. I’ll spare you the details, but I owe more gratitude than I could ever express to Radclyffe. I would still be struggling to find my way if it were not for her tutelage and encouragement. Thank you, Rad, for the realization of a dream…my dream.

  I also want to thank Sandy Lowe. You’ve taken the time to ask probing questions and make the stories I write come alive with your “whys” and “what-ifs.” They kept me thinking and creating a deeper, richer novel.

  Thank you to everyone in the BSB family, including the many authors who shared their friendship and answered my endless questions—I’m indebted. I need to thank my editor, Katia, whose patience and willingness to glean the best story from this fledgling wasn’t always easy, and I’m glad you got me there. You were right. Sometimes less is more. To the production staff who are too many to name (and many I have yet to learn their names). Know that each of you has played an important part of my journey to fulfillment and I am appreciative of your dedication to the craft.

  To my beta readers, Cathy and Jo. Thank you for giving me your hours and your honesty. And my cheerleaders—Kris and Maggie, who pushed me to “get the damn thing out the door.” You were right. It was past time to let it go.

  For the friends who understand my need to write even if it meant missing some of the good times. Evie, thanks for making your home a safe haven to write in and welcoming me to the “Yaddo.” Dutch, thanks for the great author photo (I’ll expect a few more!). To my family, many of whom only recently discovered this hidden talent I’ve harbored for years… Surprise! I do more than cook and bake.

  And to my wife, Sue. You haven’t always understood the way an author’s mind works, but you never failed to encourage me to keep going. Thank you for putting up with my absence during the process and loving me anyway.

  Readers—without you, authors like me would have little reason to write the next one. There will definitely be a next one.

  To each and every person who has touched my life, whether mentioned by name or not, I live in gratitude for the amount of love you’ve shown. In return, I give you my heart and soul, written among the pages that bear my name.

  Dedication

  For Hudson,

  and the memory of love that was hers

  to give and take.

  In a world of turmoil and tears,

  she found peace.

  Chapter One

  Hudson grabbed her backpack from the seat and leaned against the car, smiling. Her time with her students gave her a reason to be happy. They were a special group of kids, and she’d been grateful for the opportunity to know them. She was going to miss them when they moved on to the more advanced class. She opened the driver door and retrieved a bouquet of flowers. They’d been a gift from Michelle, one of her older students, who was moving out of the area. The girl had been a clumsy, gangly youngster when they’d met. In just shy of a year, she’d turned into a disciplined swimmer, graceful in and out of the water. Michelle told her it was Hudson’s belief in her abilities that had given her the confidence to do so well.

  Hudson held the flowers and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. When she opened them again, she looked up in gratitude. Clouds drifted across the pink-tinged sky. The earth was coming alive after the harsh winter. A cool breeze lifted the damp curls from her face as she watched two birds bathing in an abandoned pail. Although she wanted to stay outside longer, she headed inside the apartment. She was dreading spending another night with her younger roommates at their shared home. Though if she thought about it, it had never been her home and never would be. It was where she slept and sometimes ate, but there wasn’t one thing in the apartment that felt like home. Home was hundreds of miles away. Where people knew and loved her. No one knew her in Albany. Certainly, no one loved her.

  “I was just thinking about you.” Jill pulled out a chair from the kitchen table. “We need to talk.”

  “Not now. I really need a shower.” Hudson stepped into the laundry room, shoved the damp gi into her hamper, and strode toward the hallway but didn’t get far.

  “You look sexy even when you’re sweaty. The shower can wait.” Jill pointed to the chair.

  Hudson didn’t feel sexy. She’d always been physically active and her body was well toned. There were times her looks were a curse rather than a gift. And she’d never been one to fall for insincere compliments. Actions spoke louder than words. At least her breakup had taught her something useful.

  “Okay, but I smell.” Hudson lifted her arm, sniffed, and wrinkled her nose. She hoped Jill would let her escape, but when she glanced in her direction, Hudson knew it was time to have the inevitable conversation. She’d put if off long enough. Although her outward appearance was one of a confident, secure woman—inside, she was the exact opposite.

  Jill sat across from her at the table and folded her hands. “Tell me what’s going on.”

  “What do you mean?” Hudson tugged at a loose thread to avoid looking in her direction. The melancholy she’d been battling the last few weeks prevailed, but she hadn’t wanted to admit to her roommates that it was time for a change.

  “You know what I mean. What’s wrong?” Jill wasn’t serious often, but when they made eye contact it was obvious this was one of those times.

  Hudson wanted to find the right words and figured she’d stalled as long as she could. “I’m grateful to you and Cathy for taking me in.”

  Jill pursed her lips. “You make it sound like you were a stray dog running amok in the streets.” They both laughed, breaking the tension. Once Jill settled down, she waved a hand at Hudson. “I know what you’re trying to do, handsome, and it’s not working. Eno
ugh with going off subject. Spill it.”

  “Wow. You aren’t going to let me get out of this are you!” Hudson blew out a breath. “How did I get here?” she asked.

  Jill stared at her with confusion. “You answered the ad, silly woman.”

  Hudson sat back in a huff. “No, no. Not here.” She pointed to the floor.

  “Well, that’s what you asked.” Jill threw her hands in the air. “What then?”

  “This past year hasn’t been anything like I would have imagined.”

  Jill reached across the table and ran a thumb over Hudson’s cheek. “Life isn’t predictable. What did you imagine it would be?”

  Hudson’s heart ached. She’d quit her job and moved hundreds of miles from everyone and everything she knew to get away from her ex—the woman who’d ended their five-year relationship without batting an eye. It was time for her to make a change, too. But this wasn’t how she’d planned on breaking the impending news.

  “World travel. Women falling at my feet. Winning the lottery.” She grinned. “You know—the same thing every sexy butch with a fantastic personality wants.”

  “Sounds wonderful, except for the women thing ’cause, you know, I’m into guys.”

  “Eww.” Hudson wrinkled her nose.

  “Hey! I can’t help it if I like…” Color rose in her cheeks. “Never mind. See. Here we go again. Will you please just tell me what’s bugging you so much?”

  “I want…” Hudson paused, shaking her head. “I need to live alone and figure that out.”

  Jill’s face turned wistful. “That’s what I thought. Cathy and I are young and—” Jill’s already pink face turned red before she rushed on. “Not that you aren’t, but…”

  “Oh, so now you think I’m an old lady?” Jill shrunk in her chair.

  Laughing, Hudson slapped Jill’s arm. “I know what you meant, but yeah, at thirty-six I’m not into all-nighters anymore.” The conversation hadn’t been as bad as she thought it would be. “Although, if I suddenly become rich, who knows.” Hudson hoped Cathy would be okay with the news, too. She’d been very lucky to find such a sweet duo as roommates, even if they were a bit wild at times.

  “I told Cathy you weren’t going to be here much longer. You’re an amazing woman and a good friend.” Jill stood and squeezed her hand. “We’re all going to be fine.”

  * * *

  Three hours later, Hudson was frustrated. Her newspaper was a mess of crossed out listings. There weren’t any apartments she could afford in her neighborhood; all the studios were downtown, not anywhere near where she wanted to be, and a decent one-bedroom in her current area was well over her budget. With all the rental properties in Albany, there had to be one that was right for her. All she had to do was find it.

  Disheartened, she packed her gym bag. The dojo was the one place she found refuge. A good workout would bring her life into perspective.

  Master Jin moved across the padded surface, watching her. The precision of his movements, along with the certificates hanging on the wall, suggested he was well into his seventies, although his real age was anyone’s guess. He was often mistaken as lacking real power, but new members learned how wrong that assumption could be. She was still in awe of the physical control he showed. Even now, as he scrutinized his students, his face remained composed.

  Hudson was sure he could tell how stiff her body was. The uninterrupted flow of energy was missing in the repetitive movements she’d performed thousands of times. When she’d asked to join eight months ago, he’d made it clear he only admitted students who were serious in dedication, form, and technique. Up until today, she hadn’t disappointed him. She struggled to finish the sequence, out of breath and perspiring.

  “Again.” His stern voice filled the room as he waved his hand, indicating his displeasure. “Focus.”

  He stepped beside her as she performed the opening movements, leading her through the motion and projecting his calm energy. While she could feel his aura pressed against her skin, her inner turmoil formed a barrier. Again, she faltered.

  “Stop. You need to meditate. You cannot be one with the world if you are not one with yourself.”

  If only it were that easy.

  Hudson knelt on a corner of the mat, closed her eyes, and focused on her breathing. She struggled. Panic choked her. The dojo was the only place she was ever able to escape the uncertainty of her life. The hopelessness threatened to overtake her if she let her guard down. She searched for the calm, centered space that allowed her energy to flow. Distantly, she heard Master Jin’s voice. Search inside yourself for the way. She could do this. She had to.

  Forty-five minutes later, she opened her eyes and stood waiting for Master Jin to acknowledge her. She’d concentrated on the good in her life. Teaching youngsters to swim at the Y always lifted her spirits, and she looked forward to her next class with renewed anticipation. Their innocence and enthusiasm were infectious, and Hudson loved being around them, hoping someday there would be children of her own.

  Master Jin faced her. “Much better, Hudson. Shall we begin again?”

  Chapter Two

  Ari parked at the far end of the lot and slowed her racing heart. This is it. Even though she wanted to run inside to find out how soon she’d receive her loan check, she took her time to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. The day had turned warm, and a breeze rustled the leaves on the trees and lifted hair away from her face. She’d picked out a favorite skirt and silk blouse from her limited wardrobe hoping to project a professional image.

  The extra steps helped settle her nerves, and she strode into the National Trust Bank with confidence. She gave her name to the office receptionist and reviewed a mental list. She had written a solid business plan and completed the application. This was the last piece of the puzzle she needed in order to get her catering business off the ground, and she was encouraged when she received a call to set up an appointment to talk with a loan officer. It all pointed to an approval for the money. Now, sitting across the desk, she knew how wrong she’d been.

  She stared at the loan officer in disbelief. “I don’t understand. Are you sure you have the right application?”

  The man handed her a piece of paper. “Is that yours, Ms. Marks?”

  Ari looked over the form. There was no doubt it was her application. The sinking feeling in her gut wasn’t her only reaction. She stared a minute longer and forced the tears back, unwilling to show how upset she felt. Nodding, she handed it back.

  “Can you tell me why I was denied?” Somehow, she managed to keep the disappointment from her voice.

  “It’s nothing personal.” The agent appeared to regret being the bearer of bad news. “The bank has tightened its financial belt, so to speak, with the economy being what it is. You don’t have any collateral, so there’s no guarantee of repayment.”

  She wanted to scream! How could they expect someone asking for a loan to have collateral in the first place? “I see. I appreciate your time.” Standing on shaky legs, she stuck out her hand. “Thank you.”

  “I’m very sorry. I wish I had better news.”

  “So do I,” Ari said before ending the handshake. She turned and hurried to the exit. Her mind raced. She’d asked her boss at the restaurant where she worked and friends who owned businesses what her best options were to obtain the funds she still needed to open her business. Their advice was to go to the branch office right in Albany because they would be more motivated to invest in the local economy. Perhaps she’d been wrong to trust anyone else with such an important decision. Too late for second-guessing. She had no choice. She’d think of some other way to get things up and running. She had to. After spending the last six years focused on her formal training and saving every cent she could, she wasn’t about to give up.

  The trip home to her one-bedroom apartment took less than twenty minutes, but it felt more like an hour. Her hands shook as the disappointment set in. Now what the hell am I going to do? The answer was simple. She’d do
the same thing she always did when life fell short of her expectations. She tossed her purse and keys on the table, curled up in the corner of the couch, and tucked her feet under her while she waited for her best friend, Kara, to answer the phone. All she needed right now was to hear a friendly voice.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, Kara. How are things in the big city?” She tried to sound casual.

  “Good. How are things in the little city?” Kara lived in New York City; any other town couldn’t compare in her eyes.

  “They’re okay.” Despite her best effort, her voice cracked. They’d been friends since the second grade and grew up in a rural neighborhood in the northern region of New York. It wasn’t long before they became inseparable. Even during high school, if there was a pep rally, dance, or party, they always went together. They also didn’t have any secrets between them. She still remembered the night she’d told Kara she liked girls and had been shocked when Kara said, “I was wondering when you were going to figure that out.”

  When Kara had been accepted at Pace University in the city, Ari had been left to decide whether to follow her dream of being a chef or settle for a career of her parents’ choosing. Her mother had taught her how to cook and bake, but Ari longed to cultivate a finer palate and sharpen her skills, inspired by TV cooking shows. Kara had been gone a whole semester before she applied to the Culinary Institute of America. Her parents didn’t have any idea. They were convinced she was filling out applications for nursing school and business colleges, which she did if nothing more than to buy herself some time. Ari was convinced, if she were accepted at the CIA in Hyde Park, they would give in and support her. Every day, she raced to the mailbox in hope of finding an acceptance letter.