Date: Fri, 6 Sep 2019 23:53:30 -0700
From: Stephen Wakefield <styln10@icloud.com>
Subject: Chapter 26 Robbie's True Love II

26.

While Tommy was slaving away at his office, Robbie met with his head chefs
about some new ideas. He had his father attend the meeting too. He had thought
with the new French restaurant in the desert, he was possible going to change
one of the restaurants in town, to "Le Belle d` Paris @ Blackford's" and serve a
menu similar to the place in Palm Desert. The Chefs thought this was a good idea
and Daniel nodded his approval, but how to decide which one. He also decided to
do a week of French Cuisine in all the restaurants. Everyone thought it was a great
idea and they asked if they could have a week to bone-up on French Technique's
and of course Robbie agreed. They would discuss menus later in the week. He
would have Marcel fax them a copy of the menu from "Le Belle' and include some
of his recipes as well.

All the restaurants were doing fine and making good profits so everyone was
pleased. Robbie had checked on the Soux Chef who had cut himself and was
informed he would be back to work in a day or two. He was pleased with the
news. It required a few stitches, but tendons and muscles were not affected. The
restaurant's insurance covered everything and Robbie was personally paying for
his some of recovery too.

As the meeting was wrapping up his cell rang and it was Tommy with news. "Hey
sexy man" Robbie answered. "Hey yourself, I have news," replied Tommy. Do you
know a Salvatore Davino? He is a wine merchant and says you carry his wines in
the restaurants."

"Mmmm OH yeah, I know of him but we haven't actually met, I don't think. OH
waitÉ He is fairly tall, dark hair and very good looking and maybe in his mid
`40s??"

Tommy said "yes."

Robbie replied again, "Yes, I have met him briefly when we engaged him to place
wines in the restaurants, but that was a while back. So what is that about dear
one?"

Tommy replied, "We got him as a new client today. He is leaving his present law
firm and will sign papers tomorrow to bring his million-dollar business to us. How
about that. OH, BY THE WAY, He loves the restaurants and eats there regularly
with either his husband Antonio or anytime he has business dinners with clients. I
told him we will have them for a social evening down the road. He agreed that
dinner at one of the places sounded like fun. Have you ever met his husband?"

They hung up and agreed to meet at home for a farewell dinner hosting Ben and
Carlton tonight. They would gather about 6:30 for drinks with dinner to follow.
They had also agreed to have Matt and Walt to dine with them tonight as a
surprise for Ben and Carlton. They both were delighted with the invite and would
come. It would be a fun evening.

Robbie decided he would do the cooking tonight and had a French Theme in mind
for dinner. He had Elsa set the table for six and would have Daryl serve and clear.
He would also help Elsa and Robbie wanted him to wear black slacks, white shirt
and a black bow tie. He had agreed, of course. So far, he really liked working
there!

The menu Robbie decided on would be Pate, which he could get from the
restaurant, with toast points and cornichon. Next, a lobster chowder with snipped
chives and a touch of cr�me.  He would serve Coq au vin, in delicate sauce with
Herbs `d Provence, mushrooms and pearl onions in a red wine reduction served
with Haricot Vert and roasted fingerling potatoes. He thought Chocolate Mousse
to finish would be great. Also, a tangerine sorbet between courses would be
served.

He got home after shopping and had Daryl carry the groceries into the kitchen. He
put on an apron and started getting things lined up. He put the Pate in the fridge.
He washed and cut up the chickens, dried them and set them aside. He peeled
fresh small pearl onions and cleaned the mushrooms. He was also going to add
baby carrots for color.

Robbie had Elsa make the lobster chowder since she always did it perfectly. She
cleaned the fresh lobster and put the shells and all the herbs into a pot with fish
stock and boiled them for about a 1/2 hour and then let the stock just sit without
the heat.  She cut up the lobster to be added at the last minute. Elsa then sautŽed
celery, shallots, baby carrots, minced parsley and a touch of garlic with some
kosher salt and pepper.  She added a good splash of white wine and let that
simmer for a bit. When it was almost done, she would finish it with the lobster
and cr�me added before service. Robbie had Daryl clean green beans and set
them aside.  Daryl partially peeled the small fingerling potatoes and kept them in
cold water.

Elsa went in to set the table. Out came a stunning cream Damask tablecloth with
matching napkins. One of the Baroque silver services was brought out and each
place was set with care. Silver napkin rings were used. In the center of the table
was a large mirrored flat center piece and top of it went two tall silver
candlesticks holding three cr�me candles each on opposite sides of the mirror.
Robbie had purchased several dozen light pink and cream-colored roses which
Elsa made into a stunning center piece. There was also a small bouquet for the
living room as well. Baccarat water and wine glasses were set at each place. The
table looked stunning as Robbie looked approvingly into the dining room. It was
perfect.

Robbie went back into the kitchen to start the chicken. He lightly browned the
chicken pieces in EVOO with seasonings, Herbs d Provence, and a touch of garlic.
He deglazed the pan with a good Cabernet and made sure he scraped all the food
off the bottom of the pan. He placed the chicken, mushrooms, small onions and
carrots in with the chicken, turned the temp to low, covered it and let it slowly
simmer. Dinner was well on the way and Robbie chose to sit for a minute. Elsa
started on the Chocolate Mousse. It was a favorite of all the guests. Small Tweel
cookies were to be served with it as well.

Robbie grabbed an iced tea and went to his desk in the study to check emails. He
found nothing earth shaking in the emails, except one from Sean about the house:
Everything was completed and they would close early next week. The former
owners had vacated and were on their way to London where they were going to
settle for now.  Once that was done and dusted, they should receive the keys in
the mail and Robbie was excited. He called Tommy at his office and he was
equally excited. Robbie leaned back in his comfortable chair, closed his eyes and
fell into a light sleep. He woke about 20 minute later hearing a noise in the room.
It was Daryl straightening up and he didn't see Robbie there. A surprised Daryl
immediately said he was sorry to disturb and started to leave.

Robbie stopped him and asked him to sit down. He wanted to get to know his
new employee. "So how long have you and Peter been dating? Is he your first real
BF?" Daryl smiled at Robbie from across the desk and told Robbie that he and
Pete had now been together for just about five months. He also said how much
he liked working for them even though it had only been just five days. Robbie
smiled and said that was great. "We run a pretty loose ship here but we do work
hard and travel a lot. All we ask is for you to do your best with everything. I realize
you will pick things up as you are around longer and it will become easier."

"We are headed down to the desert next week to close on our new house and see
about our two newest restaurants. Would you like to come with us and check
things out? Would Pete mind if you came??"

"No, I don't think so. We are not living together yet and have really only been
dating for a few months. Pete is a really great guy and he wants to meet you both.
He just started a job in advertising at a firm downtownÉANDÉhe so good looking.
He stands about 5'11" and has strawberry blond hair and the most beautiful
hazel/green eyes. He is clean shaven, lightly hairy all over and is an amazing lover.
We are really starting to fall for each other!"

"Do your parents know you're gay?" Robbie enquired.

"OH GOD, yes."

"I came out to them several years ago, as did Pete. They are thrilled that we are
dating. Both sets of parents live here in the Bay Area. They have met both of us,
of course, and seem to get along fine. Pete's parents live in Millbrae and mine live
in San Mateo. My dad is self-employed and owns a large copy business. Mom
teaches grade school."

"Pete's parents run a large daycare center for kids from 2 years old to about 5 and
are busy all the time. Pete's Dad is also a residential properties contractor and
they do pretty well. I am living with my parents in sort of a maids room with bath,
and Pete rents a small studio in San Mateo. We are saving to move in together,
but rents are sooooo high. A small two-bedroom, 1 bath, about 850 square feet
will run just under $4,000 a month, plus utilities.  We won't even mention first
and last deposits. I am so thankful for this job and for both of you being
understanding and flexible."

"That does my heart good to see a young, good looking man, with hopefully
another great guy who have their parents approval. We are both so lucky that
both sets of our parents totally love us and support us in every way! Matter of
fact, as the big wedding present for us,  our parents chipped in a bought us this
house and when we were away on our honeymoon, they moved us in here and
surprised us when we got home. All we had to do was move some things around
here and there and we were as the British say, totally `Gob-Smacked'!!! We
absolutely love this house and feel very comfortable here."

"Now, as I said, we would like you to come down to the desert with us next
week."

Daryl pondered a moment and replied, "I would truly love to but I just can't afford
the airfare and then a hotel, but thanks anyway for the invite!"

"Daryl, dude, you work for us and we take care of all that and pay for everything,
plus we pay your salary as well. We will even give you a travel bonus while you
are with us and provide wheels for you down there. Oh, and airfareÉwe have our
own private jet which we will use, so now, will you be willing to go with us??"

" Mmmmm, let me think on this for a minute. I get to go to Palm Desert with two
of the most attractive men I've met, who are my bosses, who pay for everything
including the use of a car while I'm gone, receive a salary and a bonus and get to
fly on a private jetÉ Oh Gee, I am so not sure about any of this!!"  Daryl broke
into a huge grin and exclaimed, "HELL YES!!!" Damn, I love you guys for having
faith in me, even though my Grand, is Elsa's best friend and she is like a second
Grand to me. I love her to death!!"

"So now that is settled and we have a dinner party to get ready for so just move it
boi!! Wez dun gots works to do." Both men stood up laughing and Daryl went to
do his stuff and Robbie went to the kitchen and got to workÉcooking.

He checked on the Main Course, the Coq au Vin was coming together and smelled
fabulous. The table was set to perfection and the wine was chilling. Elsa had
started the chocolate mousse, and decided at the last minute, to top it with
candied orange peel. It was now chilling in crystal glasses. He had made the Tweel
cookies earlier that morning. The time was now 4:30 and Tommy should be home
shortly, so Robbie went upstairs to rest and dress when Tommy got home. He had
picked out his clothes earlier that day: black linen slacks, black suede Toms (sans
socks of course) and a royal blue and black stripped silk shirt with a sprinkling of
discreet diamonds.  Robbie laid down and slept lightly until Tommy walked in. He
looked down at his peacefully sleeping husband, sighed deeply and thought once
again how lucky he was. He walked up to the bed softly after stripping off his
clothes and crawled delicately into bed with Robbie.  They cuddled up and drifted
off for a quick nap. Everyone was arriving at 6:00 for cocktails.

They awoke, stretched into each other's arms, kissed and smiled at each other.
"Ready for tonight, dear one?" Tommy asked. He leaned in and kissed Robbie
once more. "I think so, I'm just glad to have you home and in my arms. Only last-
minute things to do in the kitchen, so let's run in the water, get cleaned up - all
except your dirty mind - and please save those thoughts for later!!"

Tommy smiled and replied "Of course darling."

Robbie turned on the shower heads in the spacious shower and they stepped in
to wash each other. It always felt so good and was a practice they shared almost
every day. Once done, they dried each other and went to get dressed. Tommy
disappeared in the closet and picked out tan linen slacks, a cream silk shirt and
cream colored Tom's as well. He added a diamond pendent and his Diamond
Rolex. They both thought they looked smashing and went downstairs .

Ben and Carlton followed behind, dressed in similar clothes. They exclaimed they
were excited about tonight and asked Robbie what was planned for the evening?
Robbie replied, "It's a secret, so don't ask please. Just be excited."

They did not know that Walt and Matt were coming to surprise them and bid
them farewell.

They walked into the living room, where a cart had been set up for drinks with
everything anyone would want.  Wine had been opened as well. They each
poured wine while Robbie went into the kitchen to see how things were going.
Elsa said, "Everything is under control so just relax. Daryl and I have it!!"

Just as Robbie was walking back into the living room, the front bell rang and he
answered the door. There stood Matt and Walt whom he happily greeted and
ushered into the living room.  They surprised Carlton first and he let out a yell.
Walt grabbed Ben and turned him around. The rest of the group yelled "surprise!"
and they were. Totally!!

Matt and Walt chose from the bar cart and they chatted about what had been
going on. Matt and Walt had both been busy with work but had decided that they
would live together in Walt's house in Hillsborough. Matt would be moving in
shortly.  They had decided to rent out Matt's Condo and not sell it. Of course,
they knew that Carlton and Ben were headed off to sail down through the
Mexican Riviera and across the Panama Canal.

Daryl rang the dinner bell just before 7:00 and the friends wandered into the
dining room and marveled at the beautiful table that was set before them. The
candles were glowing and everything sparkled. The delicate flowers were
gorgeous. Everyone had place cards and sat at their assigned places. Daryl
entered and filled the water glasses. He was introduced to both Matt and Walt.
They smiled and said hello. Robbie explained that the size of the house was
almost too much for Elsa alone, so she hired Daryl full time to help.

The first course was placed and the pate was delicious and the Chardonnay also
was a big hit. Plates were cleared and the soup course was brought in. It smelled
heavenly and everyone exclaimed the Lobster Chowder was huge hit. Then came
small frosted glasses of the Tangerine Sorbet with small spoons. It was the perfect
palate cleanser, refreshing and tasty.

During this time, Robbie explained about the trip to Beverly Hills and shared that
they had purchased a restaurant there called `Blakes.' They were going to re-
name it Blackford's.

Then Tommy jumped in and talked about going further East to Palm Desert and
about buying `Le Belle d Paris'. Obviously it was a French restaurant. Robbie
planned to add Blackford's to the name and they were also going to change one
of the restaurants here in the Bay Area to `Le Belle d Paris' as well.
Then came the news that Tommy had bought a house for them in Palm Desert
and that all were welcome anytime when they were there and they had a
standing invitation to spend time with them. Of course, Matt and Walt were
delighted.

Robbie said he would share pictures after dinner. Daryl and Elsa brought in the
main course. The Coq Au Vin smelled wonderful and was cooked to perfection.
They served a light red wine with dinner, a pinot, and it paired perfectly with the
chicken. Everyone raved about dinner and Robbie felt that Daryl had done a
superb job of serving. He was a keeper.

The plates were carried away and coffee and dessert were served. The Chocolate
Mousse with candied orange peel and just a hint of Grande Marnier was huge hit.
It was just enough to finish off a superb meal. Everyone raved about the food and
applauded both Elsa and Daryl for a great dinner and service.

Robbie blustered, "What am I? just some hunk of chopped liver? I get no praise? I
worked hard too, dear friends!!!" Everyone laughed at this point and Tommy said,
"My poor unloved baby. So put upon. I will get you a big gold star for your
forehead which you must wear for 48 hours! Will that make my `little one'
happy?" Robbie put on a pout and then smiled. Everyone clapped as they
adjourned to the living room to finish the evening.

Matt asked what time Captain Walt and his sidekick had to be on board in the
morning? "Oh, about 10:00 or so," Walt replied. "We don't sail until 6:00 but I
have some major catching up to do and so does Carlton. Things should go
smoothly as always. We really aren't worried.

"We really have a great staff and they work hard for us," added Carlton. "But you
realize this is the longest vacation we have taken in years and we've loved every
minute of it."

"But that said, we hate to be party poopers, but we really need to go finish
packing and get to bed. We have a very busy day tomorrow," Walt smiled.
"Thanks again for all your hospitality." They got up, hugged Tommy and Robbie
and then gave Walt and Matt hugs as well saying it was great to see them again.
As they went upstairs, Ben and Carlton thanked their hosts for another fabulous
evening saying how glad they were to be friends. After Ben and Carlton retired,
Robbie and Tommy gave big hugs to both Elsa and Daryl, said good night and
walked upstairs arm in arm. They were ready to retire after a long, but wonderful
day.

Here ends another chapter and a lot is going on. Matt and Walt had a fabulous
time at dinner and were pleased to hear the news of the new restaurants and the
new house. Ben and Carlton had enjoyed a fabulous vacation but were ready to
go back to work on board ship. More adventures to come so stay tuned. Again,
any comments are really appreciated and certainly welcome. So, as usual, thanks
to Allen for his editing and keeping me in line! Be true to yourself, please play safe
always, please donate to Nifty so they can continue to maintain this wonderful
site and host your favorite stories. http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html


Best to all!

Your Sexy Chef