Part Two:
“Excuse me.”
A young male face – still in the awkward phase between youth and maturity – looked up from his clipboard, startled that someone had managed to slip into the Hotel’s lobby without his knowledge and he blinked, realizing that he was gazing at a stranger standing before the front desk. A rather pretty stranger, Arthur Baskin’s thoughts stressed as he gave her a quick once-over, noticing the youthful heart-shaped features framed by soft curls that fell just above her shoulders. He was amazed at what a light footfall she possessed to have slipped inside without notice, and also quickly searching his memory for the arrival of any new guests. It would not be the first time Crowe’s Point was visited by someone who stumbled upon it, drawn there by whatever force controlled it...or perhaps she was some new lurker. But no, she wasn’t dressed like a lurker. Well, that didn’t sound right. She was not wearing the typical lurker outfit: jeans or shorts and some simple T-shirt or top, depending on the weather, but a casual business suit consisting of a knee-length black skirt and fitted matching jacket, all of it enhancing a curvaceous figure. The look was classic – the cut of her clothing and the simplicity of her jewelry was classic. If this was a lurker then she wanted to leave an impression and he kept thinking that she reminded him of someone, but he could not for the life of him think who it was!
That was when he remembered that he had been glaring at her, long enough for it to be considered rude and yet she quietly waited for him to speak first. “I’m sorry,” he apologized, putting his pencil behind one ear. “You caught me by surprise. Can I...Can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Tina Biebe,” she explained, removing her sunglasses. “I thought she might be here because this is where we met last time. I’m Adalia Rabinovich.”
Arthur grinned from ear to ear, stepping from behind the counter so that he could greet her more politely. “Miss Rabinovich? Oh my...of course...our new chef! I didn’t have a chance to meet you when you were here before.” He extended one hand for her to shake. “I’m Arthur Baskin.”
“Arthur Baskin. It’s very nice to meet you Arthur Baskin.” She had a vague recollection of his movie but could not place the title.
“Please...call me Arthur.”
“Fine...Arthur. And you can call me Adalia. I’m not standing on formalities.”
“Adalia....That’s...I don’t think I know that name...I mean...the origin of it. Sorry if that sounded rude. Is it Southern United States or...”
“It’s German...well...Spanish too. German and Spanish....Actually Hebrew...actually.” Well...that was...memorable. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. It’s not like I’ve never been here before.
“Well it’s a lovely name, if you don’t mind me saying so.”
“Oh! Oh...well...thank you.” She could feel her cheeks starting to burn. “Thank you very much.”
“Tina has an unusual first name too: Etienne...and you said you were looking for Tina, didn’t you?”
“Yes, yes I am. She knew I was on the way.”
“Of course – she’s been talking about you all morning. We’ve been expecting you. I just forgot...” He motioned for her to accompany him to the service side of the counter and then towards a single door at one end of the area. “We’ve been so busy around here today and I’ve had my hands full with a good deal and sometimes it’s...well...have you ever had those days when you couldn’t seem to get anyone to assist you?”
“Oh...lots of times.” Of course – now she recalled him: he was the warehouse supervisor in his movie, the bashful Welsh Baptist in Australia who preferred staying in the car while his friends enjoyed the pleasures of a brothel. “More times than I care to think about.”
“This is one of them! I didn’t even realize how late...” He glanced at his pocket watch. “Oh...it’s not so bad is it? Not even lunchtime...and...you’ll be glad to hear that your things have arrived. I oversaw them while the movers were putting them inside.”
“My...Already?!” The workers had arrived at her condominium exactly at seven-thirty as promised, going about their duties so quickly and efficiently that her home of the last two years was quickly emptied of everything that made up her life. They left Jeffersonville a half-hour ahead of her, but she had no idea.... “Wow! Wow that was...that was...fast.”
“When you’re ready to unpack...if you need any help...just let Tina know and someone will lend you a hand. There’s always someone here that won’t mind helping you get settled in.”
“Fantastic – thank you. Thank you so much.”
“Although where they all are today I have no idea.,” he grumbled, “but we’ll get some volunteers if we need to. Excuse me,” and he knocked lightly on the door. A female voice called out, “Yes?” just before he opened it very slightly and peeped in. “Tina? Miss Rabinovich is here to see you.”
“She’s here?! Have her come in, Arthur – thank you.”
The voice was very enthusiastic, an emotion that made Adalia sigh inwardly for second thoughts had been crossing her mind during the drive to the Point.
Stepping to one side, he indicated that Adalia could go inside. “Nice to meet you.”
“Same here, Arthur...and thanks again about my things. Oh!”
“Something the matter?”
“Casey.” She saw Baskin’s confusion. “Casey’s my cat. He’s in his carrier out in my car and he was all right during the trip here, but if he’s out there alone for too long he might...”
“Oh I can bring him inside and place him in the lobby, if you think he’ll be all right.”
“That’ll be great. He should be fine until we head home.” Home. She doubted the photographs of the empty interior could do the place justice, but home it would now be. “Thank you so much.”
“My pleasure,” and he closed the door behind her.
Adalia turned back to look across the beautifully appointed room, admiring how the owner had taken the small space and created such intimacy as well as functionality that one could not help being impressed...and at once feeling at ease. Her own tensions eased when she caught sight of the smile on her new employer’s face as the latter rose from her chair and hurriedly approached her. So she still wants me here. Good. I don’t know why I was so afraid I’d walk in and they’d act like they didn’t know me.
“Adalia! You made it!”
“Mrs. Biebe It’s good to be back.”
A scolding – albeit teasing – expression came over Mrs. Biebe’s face. “Uh-uh. If we’re going to work together you’re not calling me Mrs. Biebe. I’m Tina – remember?”
“Right...Tina.” That felt good, being able to say her first name. She had suspected that the former Louisvillian was quite sweet, but during the battery of interviews and appraisals, the woman was usually very serious and Adalia could hardly blame her. Searching for a head chef and master sommelier for not simply a restaurant and tavern but what was home to a large number as well as a resort was complex enough. The fact that the person had to maintain an air of secrecy because of what that place actuallywas...not many were up to that task.
“I’m just so glad to see you again. Please...have a seat. You must be exhausted. And Arthur said he’d take care of your cat, right?”
Adalia nodded. “I’ll check on him in a bit, if that’s okay.”
“Sure it is. You know...I used to own cats when I was back home, then I moved and they wanted such a security deposit on my new apartment that I had to give them up. On top of that I developed an allergy to them.”
“Casey’s not going to bother you, is he?”
Tina grinned as she returned to the leather chair behind the antique cherry-wood desk.. “You know what? I haven’t had problems with allergies since I came to live here. You’ll notice that yourself when you’ve been here a day or two. No more Ohio Valley allergies.”
“Well...that would be a relief. I think that’s one of the things I won’t miss.”
“And you had a good trip up here then?”
“I...Well...”
“Was there a problem?”
“No...it’s just...I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to...” Adalia’s small hands moved one over top of the other as if searching for the right words. “I don’t even know what to call it.”
“You mean...coming here?” Tina walked to a small corner table, all the while looking back to observe the newest Point resident. “Yeah I know. It’s real weird at first. I remember the first time I came here. I never had any....I’m sorry...would you like a cup of hot tea?” She picked up a small flat chest and opened it so that her guest could see inside. “I keep a selection in here for when I’m working so I don’t have to disturb the kitchen.”
“Oh...uh...that would be great, thank you. Do you have...Darjeeling?”
“Darjeeling it is....”
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"Arthur?"
The deceptively smooth voice caused the younger man to stand straighter just before he could remove Casey's carrier. He had spent the last few moments introducing himself to the cat -- disturbed to find someone other than his mistress interrupting his rest -- and finally gaining its' trust, therefore the last thing he wanted...needed was to be bothered by someone who would never understand and only get in the way.
Oh Lord...I do not need this. Not today....
Taking a deep breath, Arthur returned the sly smile he noticed on his brother's lips. After all these years at the Point -- and around so many various personalities -- he was 'old' enough to have learned a thing or two that made him less the bashful boy and a tad more assertive. That was not being un-Christian....That was being smart! "Oh...good morning," he greeted, returning his attention to the chore at hand.
"What are you doing with that...?" The other man paused in order to stretch his neck and see what was inside the carrier. Catching sight of the grayish feline with the vast amount of hair, making it appear more wild than domesticated, he eased a finger beneath his nose as if to ward off a non-existent odor and finished his sentence with "...cat."
"About to take him inside once I've calmed him down...again," letting his sibling know that the disruption was a bother. "Seems to be friendly...oh and he does have a name....It's Casey."
"Casey? Unusual name for a cat. So did Casey drive himself here too?" The vehicle underwent his careful scrutiny, for it was seeing it in the side driveway adjacent the Hotel that caught his attention. Most guests used the car park (or as the Americans called it -- parking lot) situated halfway between the Tavern and the Hotel, and as the small SUV had been there longer than was necessary to check-in, his curiosity was piqued. Something was going on, something that took long enough for him to stroll casually to Scents, Swords and More, collect his customized order, then begin the return to his lodgings. And that was when he realized Well…it’s still there and I wonder if that means they are more than simply a new guest.
Arthur simply chuckled at the ridiculous inquiry, but gave no other explanation. "It's all right, boy," he whispered to the cat. "It's all right. I just want to get you inside, that's all."
"So Casey did drive himself...all the way from..." He stepped to the rear of the Dune Pearl Metallic Ford Escape, catching sight of the license plate with a distant white farmhouse while blue and green blades of grass wavered in the foreground, tossed about by an imaginary wind. "...Indiana? Indiana? Arthur?"
"Hmm..." The accountant had finally removed the carrier and Casey was attempting to relax and study his new surroundings as best he could.
"Indiana....I don't...at least...I don't think...Why the hell…?” There appeared to be honest puzzlement in his words.
“I’m sorry?”
“I don't think we've had many...what do you call people from Indiana anyway?"
"Hoosiers," Baskin calmly replied, shutting the rear passenger door.
"Who-see-ears?" he sounded out. That was one of the oddest sounding words to pass his ears, but reminded him of a place name one might hear from some distant part of Australia or New Zealand.
"No…WHO-sures....”
"How did you...?” He hated that Arthur might know something that he did not.
“That's how I've heard it said at least."
“Well never mind....Who is driving the Ford? I don't recognize it...and please don't tell me that Casey did. You know I was only kidding you."
"I know," Arthur said, grinning and he started for the entrance.
"Arthur?"
Turning to face his brother and mustering a little courage he asked, "Must you know everything that happens around here?"
"I try to make it my business to, and I don't understand why you are being so defensive, Arthur, it's not like you...it's really not. Some of the others are rubbing off on you and not in a good way either. I miss your Christian attitude...” which to him meant long-suffering and humble...and perhaps closed-mouth as well. Pity – it seemed the old Arthur had fast disappeared. “I ask a very simple question and you..."
"I really have too much to do,” he insisted, taking another step while adjusting the carrier’s handle to better hold it and not jostle Casey too much. “I can't be standing about doing nothing but..."
"That’s one of your problems little brother. You ought to slow down some...enjoy the world...enjoy...life. Enjoy the pleasures of some of the lovely ladies that come our way. I honestly believe a few of them might give you some attention if you…”
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes, I'll do that when I have more time. Right now, however, I'm..."
"Indiana!”
“I’m sorry…what?”
“Indiana. I know why that keeps playing around in my head….Michael Mann filmed a portion of The Insider there...the scene between the Creator and Pacino when they are sitting in the car before that enormous clock! I read that it is the second largest clock in the world....Some manufacturing plant...I can’t recall exactly where but it's on the Indiana side...and it overlooks...overlooks the...Whatever the river is and that's between Indiana and..." He appeared puzzled as he stared at Arthur. "Kentucky? Is Casey’s owner some friend of our Tina's?"
Arthur hated when he called her our Tina, but he was even more impressed that the other man worked through the clues without little assistance. “Indiana’s an awfully big state if you look at a map.”
“True…but the trimming around the exterior of the license plate…did you notice that the SUV was sold by a dealer…in…Louisville?”
“I noticed that.”
“Therefore…I’m thinking that only someone who lived along…” He stopped as if trying to visualize the border between the two states and recalling the river that ran alongside Louisville, separating it from its’ more Northern neighbor. In his mind’s eye he could ‘see’ the Kentucky side of the waterfront, a small metropolis as a backdrop to that key scene between Pacino’s Lowell Bergman and the Creator’s Wigand. “Well…let’s face it Arthur. I doubt anyone in say central Indiana would be purchasing a vehicle in Louisville…unless they were getting an extremely good bargain.”
Arthur smiled. “I’m impressed. I guess watching all those CSI episodes really have helped.”
“Well,” came the snorted statement, “I’d have to say that they live along the border…the southern border. Made it easy for them to cross over into Louisville…and that is why I’m thinking that this is a friend of Tina’s.”
Baskin only shrugged.
“Is Tina in her office? Are they in there with her now?” A deceptive smile appeared. “Does John know she has company? I would hate to think of her entertaining some handsome young man and leaving her husband out of...”
“I’m sure he knows...and before you start pretending to be Gil Grissom again I can go ahead and tell you what everyone else will soon know: we’ve hired the new head chef.”
“We...? We have? Oh! Oh...thank God! I was wondering if Tina would ever make up her mind.” He was not the only one that had watched the weekly parade of candidates dwindle from over a dozen down to half that number, and then after a slew of what he heard were interviews and actual cooking tests bordering on the extreme, was told that only four remained. So the winner was now inside Ms. Stewart-Biebe’s sanctuary, enjoying her Southern charms and perhaps a little something more. Just once, it would be such a break from the routine to think that Tina was in the middle of some indiscretion and not such a faithful bore. “So...who is he?”
“He?”
“The Hoosier – who is he? What’s his name? When do we get to meet him? What do you know about him besides him being from Indiana?”
“What do I...? Well...not a lot, not yet anyway.”
“But I thought you met all the contestants when...”
“Not actually and....Look...I really do have to go. I’ve been jabbering long enough. Just because you don’t have anything to do yourself doesn’t mean...”
“There you go again, Arthur – being quite uncharitable. Well do you at least know his name?”
“Tina’s going to make an announcement later. You can wait.” Arthur maneuvered the main door and then slyly looked back at his brother. “But I can tell you one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a she.”
“What?”
“Casey’s owner is a she,” and before his brother could inquire further, the Welshman vanished inside.
“A...she?” he said aloud to no one in particular. “We’ve hired another female chef? Well...Sid is going to love that...if I don’t get to her before he finds out.” Glimpsing the reflection staring at him from driver’s side exterior mirror, he smiled proudly as he straightened his tie. “Just once...I would like to be the one getting the full attention.”
****************************************************************************************************
“So you put cream in your tea?” Adalia asked as she watched Tina pour some of the silky white liquid into her own cup of Earl Grey. The former Kentuckian had returned to her own seat and was happily playing the role of hostess at their impromptu late morning tea, but the younger woman welcomed the respite for it not only gave her the opportunity to pause and take everything in, but to begin to feel that she was now more a resident, not simply a visitor or a job seeker. All of the other visits had been so hectic what with the interviews and ‘exams’ that only in the evening – when it was over – did she have a moment to slow down...and even then she remained on edge. This...unwinding with a cup of tea....This was very nice, in a pleasant Southern manner, and she might technically be a Hoosier but deep down, she was Kentucky born.
“Just like the English....Actually, I picked it up in England when I was there back in 2000 and I never dropped the habit, even though I get some weird looks from many of the Americans....” Both women laughed. “So what was I saying? Oh right! You’ll get accustomed to things as you go along so don’t think you have to learn it all at once. That’s why I suggested you taking a few days to settle into your new home; get unpacked, start decorating; get to know the Point – or as much of it as you can...it’s not going anywhere, trust me...and everybody here. And most of all, get a feel for your kitchen and the staff..”
“I don’t feel right leaving you all hanging for too long since...”
“Adalia...we’ve gone this long without a permanent chef so we’ll survive until you’re settled in.”
“That’s...I appreciate that, Tina....A lot of my employers would want me to throw my backpack in a corner, get my apron and chef’s hat on and get ready for their first command.”
Tina laughed again, crossing her legs. “You take the time you need, okay? You’re taking over a whole operation after all, and you knew going in that this was going to be very, very full time, which is why you’ll be living here and not commuting.”
“Oh absolutely...and I love the idea....” Smiling as she relaxed against the back of her own chair, Adalia felt her cheeks begin to burn as she confessed, “I...still can’t believe that I’m this young and I’m going to be in charge of all...that.”
“I wouldn’t have hired you if I hadn’t been impressed. Your rÉsumÉ already had me floored...but when I saw what you whipped up during those tests we threw at you all and then the ideas you suggested and....That was exactly what we were looking for.”
Those tests. Adalia would remember those for the rest of her life.
There had been routines to exercise the candidates’ patience and creativity during peak times at the restaurant. There were blind taste tests of common as well as semi-rare wines from New Zealand, Argentina, Portugal, France, California, Oregon, Italy, Australia, and even a couple that left a few of the potentials tongue-tied and unable to sort them (one ice wine hailed from Starlight, Indiana in the southern part of the state and a Gewürztraminer from a vineyard in Texas)! They were also faced with theIron Chef competitions – similar to the Japanese and US television series – in which one ingredient remained secret, was announced only when the prospects were in the kitchen, and the chefs had an hour to create as many dishes as possible using that component as the main base, and then being judged on the taste, originality and presentation. Stressful, but transforming something as simple as turkey breast meat or scallops, or as difficult as black truffles or Langostinos was a challenge that first surprised her but in the end she welcomed. She did not win every round, but when she did she set her personal bar higher; when she lost, she quietly listened to the criticisms and determined she would do better next time. In the end, her determination put her out of the ordinary and above the others she competed against; being too timid would leave one behind and they all wanted it!
When it was over and Adalia was offered the position, she considered it the hardest two weeks of her life, nearly making her time at the Culinary Institute of America (better known as the CIA) and her other schooling and apprenticeships pale.
“It was worth it....I’m...I’m so stoked about this, Tina!” Placing the china cup on its’ matching saucer, she reached for her briefcase and began to fumble inside. “Like I told you when you took me on the tour, I had so many ideas flitting around in my brain, and then when I got home and...well...in-between packing, and giving notice and selling my condo – and I can’t thank you all enough for helping me arrange that and getting me relocated...but anyway, in-between all that I was working on...well...I have all these ideas...if you’re interested I mean,” she suddenly added, realizing that her enthusiasm might be overwhelming. But she was pleased to see that Tina was intently listening.
“I’m very interested. I told you that I’ve been considering some new...well... new ideas about where the kitchen is going....All aspects of it I mean.”
“Right...and I kept that in mind as I was...Well, it might be easier for you to just look over what I have so far.” She handed Tina a portfolio. “I thought – whenever you have time – we could go over it a lot closer...”
“Absolutely!”
“I know with you needing to get with me about all the Easter and Derby preparations this might have to go on the back burner...”
“No, no...I want to get with you on this as soon as possible. This is all part of it too.”
“Oh! I put some of it on CD-Rom to make it easier,” she said, observing Tina’s quizzical expression on finding one of the discs inside. “I wanted you to see some of the ideas I had for the future...and for the short term too. I don’t believe in coming in and making immediate changes on Day One just to satisfy some kind of ego-tripping. I’ve been on too many jobs where...”
A knock on the door interrupted her and when Tina asked them to enter, Arthur once more looked inside.
“Sorry Tina.”
“No problem.”
“I wanted Miss Rabinovich...Adalia to know that Casey’s here in the lobby.” Adalia’s smile nearly made Arthur’s heart skip a beat, and then he reminded himself that he wasn’t going to lose it again so quickly. After all, he barely knew her.
“Thanks Arthur....Tina...could I go check on him and make sure he’s...”
“Sure...go ahead. In fact...I’d like to see Mr. Casey myself if you don’t mind.” She followed the new arrival out of the room. “We don’t have a lot of cats around the Point. As a matter of fact, Stephanie Girardeau – she’s our resident doctor’s wife and my sorority sister – may have the only other ones. Dogs and horses seem to be the most popular around here....Oh! He’s beautiful, Adalia!” Tina exclaimed on seeing him and she bent down slightly to get a better look at him. “Hello Casey! How are you? Tired of being in that carrier, hmm?”
“I don’t want to let him go wild in your Hotel, but if it’s okay, could I take him out for...” On seeing Tina’s positive reaction, Adalia unfastened the latch, opened the small door and gathered the cat into her arms. “He’s not shedding right now, thankfully.”
“He is so beautiful though,” Tina repeated as she rubbed him behind the fluffy scruff, an action that made him purr contentedly and raise one paw to thank her for the compliment. “Do...Do you know what he reminds me of?”
“The Kentucky Wildcat? I’ve been told that before. He’s almost a spitting image.”
“They could send him out as the mascot with a face like that. Wait until Steph sees him – it’s going to tickle her to death! Oh...Steph and I went to the University of Kentucky together; pledged the same sorority, then after graduation she went on to law school up at Lexington, and I came back to Louisville and took some graduate classes out at U of L. Suffice it to say, she considers me a traitor now.” Both women laughed, while Arthur – standing behind the front desk – attempted to translate it all, finally realizing that this must be some type of ‘region’ speak. “But you’ll get to meet her at some point. So...do you follow football? Basketball? Baseball? Hockey? John’s always looking for a new hockey fan around here.”
“A little football – I follow the Colts of course. And basketball! I watch the Pacers....Our family has had season tickets for the longest, but mainly, I’m a college fan.”
“The Hoosiers or...”
“The Hoosiers, yeah...and I’ll watch Louisville and Kentucky; pull for Louisville when they play Kentucky...”
“Yay!”
“And pull for any team that plays against Duke.”
“Oh my God. You are a woman after my own heart, Ms. Rabinovich.”
“Hockey – don’t know much about it I’m afraid...and I like baseball enough. One of my brothers played at UK actually; had a scholarship...”
“Does he play pro?”
“No...” and after whispering in Casey’s ear, she returned him to the carrier. “No actually he was in the school chorus and took voice classes...and the next thing he knew he was competing in the Met’s New Artist competition...and won that.”
“Oh my....You...You are going to have to tell me more about him, Adalia. I love opera! Arthur...we’ll be back inside my office for a little bit longer, then if you can get Adalia’s keys for her...”
“Already done and ready when she’s ready.” That was repetitive. “Oh Tina...I nearly forgot to tell you.”
“Hmm?”
“Kim was sniffing around when I went to get Casey.”
“Kim?” Tina asked.
“Started interrogating me but I didn’t tell him much...only that we had a new chef. He was quite busy playing detective though.”
Adalia looked from one to the other, honestly puzzled by the name. “Who’s Kim?” She could see that her employer was obviously not pleased on hearing the news.
“Kim’s...one of the brothers,” Tina explained and her eyes indicated her annoyance with him. “I’m guessing you’ve never seen his movie.”
“No...should I have? I’ve never heard of him before.”
“Neither’s most anybody else for that matter,” Arthur interjected.
“He’s...just one to give you a little head’s up about....I’ll explain later – don’t worry....Now where were we? Oh! You were telling me your...”
The voices disappeared behind the wood door and Arthur could only speculate as to what was being discussed. He knew Tina had been searching for a chef that would not only fit into the Crowe’s Point lifestyle, but bring a new air of creativity to the restaurants and the cooking. He had sat in on a few of the meetings, knew what she was proposing – found it all not simply exciting but revolutionary in a manner he was still not quite accustomed to, even after all his years in this world. For the longest time he used to wonder if anyone could possibly take Annabella’s place; a couple of others came and almost as quickly departed for whatever personal or professional reasons, so he hoped for a change of luck with Adalia Rabinovich.
If Kim didn’t scare her off first!