“Are you related to the makers of this sauce?” She figured it was a long shot, but the last name wasn’t that common.
He nodded. “Dad started the business right out of college. He couldn’t find a hot sauce that he liked, so he made one and the rest is history.”
“I had no idea.” She realized that Jared’s family was wealthier than most, by far. Yet she’d had no idea. He wasn’t at all showy about it, like Alex.
“I don’t mention it, really. I think I got my love of food from my dad, though.”
His mother smiled. “He definitely did. Jared used to love to help me in the kitchen.”
Jared plated up the Osso Bucco and risotto for each of them and they ate in the dining room, with the merrily glowing fireplace and soothing views of the ocean.
“Jared, this is so good.” It was the first time she’d experienced his cooking. She knew he was talented because she’d heard people rave about the dishes he made at the restaurant. But this was better than anything she’d had there. “When you do eventually open your own restaurant, people are going to love it.”
“Thank you. I’m not in a hurry. I figure three more years or so working with Paul and then I’ll start to seriously think about doing something.”
His mother looked slightly concerned. “Will you stay on Nantucket? Or are you thinking of somewhere around Boston?”
He put her mind at ease. “Definitely Nantucket. I have no interest in going to Boston. I think what I want to do will work here.”
“I’m sure it will, and you know I’m happy to have you stay here. When you’re ready, honey, I know your restaurant will be a big success.”
“You two are good for my ego.” Jared beamed at both of them. “Save room for dessert.”
Gina helped his mother clear the plates and tidy up in the kitchen. They decided to wait a bit on dessert, have some coffee and play cards for a bit. His mother got a pen and paper and they had a blast playing the game pitch for several hours until dessert sounded like a good idea and Jared jumped up to get it. He returned a few minutes later with slices of rich chocolate cream pie in a buttery shortbread crust, with fresh whipped cream and shaved chocolate curls on top. They all cleaned their plates, then went into the living room and watched the classic Christmas movie A Christmas Story together.
“Gina has never seen this one. And even though I’ve seen it a million times with you, I still missed a trivia question on it.”
“Oh? What was the question?”
“What was the name of the next-door neighbors, whose dogs ate the turkey?”
His mother laughed. “The Bumpuses. Did you really miss that?”
“I really did.”
“That’s okay. I still love you,” she joked.
They settled in to watch the movie and when it finished, Jared’s mother excused herself and said she was going to go lay down for a little while. Gina understood totally. It was tempting as she was so full herself and feeling lazy after sitting for the past few hours, so she nodded gratefully when Jared offered her another cup of coffee.
“If I don’t see you again later, it was lovely to meet you,” his mother said. “I’m so glad that Jared invited you over to share the day with us. And thank you again for the flowers.”
Gina thanked her as well and after his mother went upstairs, Jared said he’d be right back. He brought two fresh coffee cups and returned a moment later with a gift bag with her name on it. It was stuffed with tissue paper and tied with a silver ribbon.
“It’s just something little. I saw it while I was shopping and I thought of you.”
“Oh. Hold on. I got you something too.” Gina hopped up and returned a moment later with his gift and handed it to him. He looked surprised and pleased.
“You go first,” Jared said.
Gina carefully pulled out the tissue paper and reached inside the bag and pulled out a brush set. The new brushes she needed and hadn’t gotten around to getting yet. There was also a selection of watercolor paints in gorgeous shades. She felt her eyes grow damp. It was such a thoughtful gift.
“Thank you. I really appreciate it. I need these.”
He grinned. “I know. And I had a good guess that you probably had been too busy to get them.”
“I can’t wait to use them and to throw my old ones out.” She laughed. “Okay, your turn.”
Jared unwrapped his gift and opened the book and saw Dennis Lehane’s signature.
“This is awesome, thank you. I haven’t read this one yet. I’ve been meaning to get it.” He stood up and held out his hand. “Let’s take a walk. I’ll give you the tour, and we can stretch our legs.”