Page 49 of Forever Home

“Okay… but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he replies, silence falling over us for a moment. “Oh, here it is… So, he said the following. Nestled amidst the culinary vibrancy of New York City, Charcuterie Bar and Grill falls short of meeting the elevated standards expected of its locale. Having been recommended by an acquaintance due to its association with the esteemed chef, Jaxson Rivers, my anticipation was palpable. However, the reality proved to be quite the opposite of the gastronomic delight I had envisioned.

“The offerings at Charcuterie Bar and Grill were far from the definition of culinary excellence. Some dishes left much to be desired, questioning their classification as food. The ambiance, rather than exuding an air of sophistication synonymous with fine dining, bore a closer resemblance to that of a casual sports bar, despite its ability to be visually pleasing.

“While Jaxson Rivers’ culinary reputation precedes him, his affiliation with Charcuterie Bar and Grill leaves room for reconsideration. One would hope for an establishment bearing his name to reflect the finesse and culinary prowess he is renowned for. Consequently, I would urge a reevaluation of the restaurant’s current standing to ensure it aligns more closely with the expectations associated with such a distinguished chef.

“Unless, of course, Jaxson Rivers himself has begun to evaluate his position within the culinary world of exquisite dining experiences.”

What the fuck!

I slam my fist upon my desk the moment Travis finishes reading the small review. The pens within their holder go toppling to the floor as everything shakes, and Travis goes quiet. I’m not mad at him. On the contrary, I’m glad he told me of the review. I don’t check those often, though I probably should, and the fact that Phillip calls me by name in the review only makes it worse.

“I’m going to have to play damage control.”

“Yeah,” Travis replies heavily. “That was posted in last month’s review that came out on the fifteenth.”

Which means that the critic obviously came to visit right before my situation with Eric disappearing. He always posted his most up-to-date review in the new monthly edition. My hatred for the man only grows further the more bullshit I find.

“Why am I only being shown this now?”

Silence fills the phone line as I hear Travis sigh, “Honestly… we’ve both been busy with business, Jaxson. And you haven’t exactly been in lately. I figured you had seen it since you were taking over things there. I’m sorry, man.”

“It’s alright, Travis,” I finally sigh, realizing just how late I’d stayed at the bar and grill. My time piled behind mounds of papers within the office. “I’m going to call it a night. There’s no way that I’m going to be able to fix anything in the state I’m in. It’s probably best to just pick it up tomorrow.”

“Well, if it helps… I may know someone that is qualified to run that place. I’m happy to send you their information.”

I never realized how close my friendship with Travis had grown over the years. We weren’t as close as Asher, Knox, and I, but we were close in our own way. My career was enhanced with his support within my businesses. If only Eric had been like Travis, maybe I wouldn’t have as many issues as I do.

“You know what,” I sigh, running my hand through my hair. “That would be great. I’ll take a look over what you send and reach out to them tomorrow.”

“No problem,” he replies. “Call me if you need me.”

The moment the phone hangs up, I lean back in my chair, trying to figure out what steps to take next. With so many things to be done, which do I actually start with now?

By the time I close up, make it to my apartment and finally make it home, I can’t help but let out a sigh of exhaustion as I toss my phone on the bed, catching a glimpse of Madi’s name on the home screen. I’d been so busy over the past few weeks, I’d forgotten to text or call her back. The guilt fills me the moment I remember the promise I made to call her back last time we spoke, weeks ago. I’d completely intended to, but never got to it. Because once again, I let my work consume me.

Picking up my cell phone, my thumb hovering over the button, I attempt to call her, but before I can, my phone rings once more. Caitlin’s name crosses the screen, ruining the moment. It never fails. Every time I tried to push the woman out of my mind, she had a way of trying to come back, only further reminding me of why I can’t stand her.

Though, through the bullshit with Caitlin, Madison never leaves my mind. She isn’t like Caitlin at all. She’s fun, exciting, and laid back. Even though I’m busy, and trying to fix things here she isn’t freaking out on me, not that she should.We’re only friends after all.

Just thinking that statement sets my jaw on edge.

As my phone rings again, I contemplate tossing it out a window, assuming that it’s Caitlin again. The woman is a persistent pain in my ass. However, when I glance down I notice it’s Jessie, one of the guys I made friends with while going to culinary school. Our love for the big city was a factor that brought us together, and though over the years we weren’t able to hang out all the time due to his own big career choices and traveling the world, he always seemed to hit me up when he was home.

“Hey, man!” I call out with a smile as soon as I answer the phone. “Are you calling to tell me you’re finally in town again?”

“Shit…” he laughs. “What are you talking about finally? I was in town a while back but Travis said you were back home in some small ass town called Willowcreek.”

It always made me laugh how people talked about Willowcreek as if it was a town in the middle of nowhere with no sophistication at all. Just because it’s small, doesn’t mean the town doesn’t know how to throw down.

“Yeah, I had some personal business to attend to.”

“Sounds… fun.” He chuckles. “Though, I can think of a million other things that are probably more fun than your small hometown. Like, going out tonight for a few drinks and perhaps… a rendezvous to ease the mind.”

I knew exactly what he meant without him even saying it. Jessie was your typical bachelor, and he refused to settle down. Claiming that hell would have to freeze over before he gets “the old ball and chain” a phrase that he said often, because his dad said it to him. The man, always on him about getting married. “Drinks, huh?”

My mind drifts back to Madison once more before flicking over the week of hell I’ve had.

“Alright, where are we going?”

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