Dinner with Niko

Niko, Meghan and Jeremy were studying at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute and were here on Anteros Island for a summer internship. The three of them shared the same goal of eventually owning their own restaurants. André had a Masters in computer science but found the technical work stressful, so he'd retired to Anteros Island with his lover. He enjoyed the simple and relaxing aspects of food preparation and refused to do anything but that. Freddy attended the Culinary Institute of America but was specializing in hotel management; cooking was his least favorite course of study.

Despite the camaraderie that existed between the members of the group, Niko found himself especially attracted to Patrick. He didn't know anything about Patrick's life, but the aspects of the man that he saw at work were everything Niko wanted. Friendly and quick to laugh, Patrick made the assistants feel appreciated and at ease. Instead of treating Georges like a god, he was respectful yet somehow managed to keep Georges grounded in the kitchen. If that weren't enough, Patrick was also incredibly good looking. He had sunny blond hair that curled boyishly around his face, deep blue eyes, and a deep bass voice which Niko found unbelievably erotic.

Niko was working on the side dish for the braised rabbit this evening: sautéed Sundance Squash, Black Beauty Zucchini and caramelized Vidalia onions dusted with Georges's secret cracked pepper spice blend. The dish was simple to make but the vegetables had to be sliced to just the correct thickness with the mandoline. Niko desperately wanted one but couldn't afford one at home. Of the group, he and André were the masters of working with the mandoline.

"I like your rhythm when you stroke, Niko," Freddy said with a laugh.

"He knows how to handle something long, thick and hard," André quipped just as Niko was about to throw an onion at Freddy. “It’s Niko’s specialty.”

"You just want him to stroke something else, André!" Meghan added with a giggle. "I hate that all the guys here are gay."

"Jeremy's not gay," Niko said smirking at both Jeremy and Meghan.

"Yeah...but he's ugly!" Meghan said with a dramatic whine.

"You're just sayin' that cuz I'm not interested in you, Megsy," Jeremy replied as he applied garlic butter to a rack of young rabbits. "I hate this. I hate these freakin’ bunnies."

"You don't like caressing the dead lapins with a sensual garlic butter-slathered paintbrush?" Patrick asked with an innocent look on his face.

"I'm from Alabama and--" Jeremy started.

"Yeah, yeah, we know…you don't paint in Alabama," Freddy interrupted.

"A dunking vat of the stuff would be so much faster," Jeremy continued.

"Ewwww..." Meghan chimed in. "The thought of dunking the entire rabbit in a vat of grease just makes me puke."

"Izzz not grease!" Georges shouted with a French accent from the pastry table where he was decorating mini cheesecakes with almonds, chocolate flakes and caramel bourbon sauce. "Izzz lovingly blended sweet cream butter with roasted garlic and the tenderest of herbs."

"Yeah, yeah, Georges, could you make a bigger batch next time?” Jeremy retorted. “Seriously, if you put it in a big ole' steel drum, I could coat every nook and cranny of these here baby bunnies in like three seconds flat. That's so much faster than painting the crap...er...gourmet stuff on.”

"You could paint faster, Jeremy," André pointed out.

"Kiss the bunny, Jeremy!" Meghan teased as she mixed more herbs into a bowl of extra virgin olive oil.

"Blow me, Meghan," Jeremy snapped and then scrunched his nose at Meghan who returned the favor by spitting her tongue out at Jeremy.

"We're gonna miss tonight's fireworks," Niko said as he julienned another zucchini.

"That's cuz we kick butt," André interjected, “and the hotel depends on us to prepare five star meals, not go look at fireworks.”

"You good team," Georges agreed. “Best team on staff.”

"Georges, man, you gotta get us a raise," Freddy interjected.

"Raise?" Georges asked with a perplexed look on his face then deadpanned, “You all work here…create culinary masterpieces not for dollars.”

"Never mind," Freddy said with mock dejection. “I love to starve for this place.”

"Paint faster, Jeremy," Georges said looking over Jeremy’s progress. “Rabbits make baby bunnies faster than you paint.”

"Damn rabbits,” Jeremy complained. “Seriously, Georges, you gotta get me a vat.”

"Would you rather be slicing chicken breasts to an eighth of an inch thickness?" Freddy interjected.

"No!" Jeremy emphatically replied.

“Then shut up and love your bunnies,” Meghan teased.

“With that attitude, Meghan, no wonder you’re single,” André said giving Meghan a smirk.

“I feel sorry for any guy that hooks up with her,” Freddy chimed in then ducked behind a counter for protection. “Or girl…for that matter.”

“I’m gonna put salad dressing down your pants, Freddy,” Meghan quipped.

“Gross,” André commented.

“Not the Moroccan Spice Basil Vinaigrette!” Georges shouted and glared at her.

“Get some Kraft Thousand Island for that,” Patrick quipped.

“I like Kraft Thousand Island,” Niko protested, although the thought of Meghan chasing after Freddy with a bottle of salad dressing and trying to shove some down his pants was fairly amusing.

“Why did the tomato turn red?” Patrick asked.

“I’ve heard this one before,” Freddy grumbled.

“I think it’s cute,” Meghan giggled while Jeremy rolled his eyes at her.

“Vy did tomato turn red?” Georges asked. “It on plant, right?”

“He’s told this joke before,” André pointed out.

“Why did the tomato turn red?” Niko asked.

“Because it saw the salad dressing,” Patrick replied. Everyone else groaned at the punch line except Meghan, who gave Patrick a smile.

“See, it’s cute,” she said in support of the Sous-chef.

“So, are we going to hit any of the post fireworks parties tonight?” Patrick asked.

“I’d love to but I haven’t seen Pete in three days,” André said with a chuckle. “We’ve been like ships passing in the night. I think I remember what he looks like.”

“I think Pete planned it that way,” Freddy chimed in. “He can only take you in small doses.”

“Your boyfriend is planning it that way, too,” Jeremy quipped.

“He doesn’t have a boyfriend,” Patrick pointed out.

“Exactly!” Jeremy concluded triumphantly.

“Why don’t you see if Pete can join us?” Patrick suggested. “Meghan can defend him from Freddy.”

“Hey!” Freddy protested.

“And Jeremy!” Patrick continued.

“He’s safe from me,” Jeremy announced. “Not enough up top and way too much down below for me!” Everyone snickered at that remark.

“Actually we have to work,” Meghan said with a grumble. “They needed extra help for brunch tomorrow and Freddy, Jeremy and I volunteered.”

“Suckers!” André jeered. “You just don’t know how to say no.”

“Zay are dedicated to job,” Georges said defending the three assistants. “I think Bobby is main chef tomorrow morning.”

“Bobby’s fun to work with,” Patrick said with a smile. “I like his avocado mozzarella omelets.”

“He always makes me squeeze oranges,” Jeremy complained.

“Maybe that’s cuz…” Meghan was about to insult Jeremy when Jeff, one of the bellhops entered carrying a vase of flowers.

“Special delivery!” Jeff shouted and eyed the occupants of the kitchen with mock suspicion. In his hand he held a glass vase with an artistically arranged bouquet of mixed flowers. “Somebody here is a lucky boy…eh…or girl!”

“Oh, Georges, you shouldn’t have!” Meghan shouted with glee.

“Eh?” Georges replied with a perplexed look.

“He didn’t, dingbat, Georges doesn’t waste his money,” Jeremy quipped.

“Shut up, Jeremy, and paint those bunnies faster,” André said.

“Yeah, Jeremy, those bunnies are looking pretty naked,” Freddy added and made a face at Jeremy, who again grumbled that he needed a large vat.

“How’s the chicken coming, Freddy?” asked Patrick, giving him a pointed look. Freddy in turn shook the knife at Patrick but then went back to slicing.

“Okay, Jeff, who gets the flowers?” Meghan asked as she finished making the salad dressing.

“The winner is…” Jeff said with a laugh, “You know, it’s more fun in here than out there.”

“Tell us, you evil man,” Meghan squealed. “No one’s sent me flowers since I’ve been here.”

“Gee, I wonder why, Megsy,” Jeremy interjected.

“I’ll get you some flowers tomorrow, Meg,” Jeff said, “but it won’t mean anything, ya know. I’m still chasing after Tommy in laundry services.”

“I think you’ll have better luck chasing your own tail, Jeff,” Patrick replied. “Grumpy Tommy’s about as warm as an ice cube in the freezer.”

“He’s not cold,” Jeff argued, “He’s just misunderstood.” That comment brought snickers from the entire crew.

“All right,” Georges said, “You, Jeff, give flowers to whomever and then get out of kitchen. Otherwise I make big garlic, eggplant, cheese soufflé with you as main ingredient.”

“And you say Tommy’s cold,” Jeff countered with a laugh. “Fine, I gotta get going anyways, otherwise the boss’ll get mad. Flowers are for Niko Engel.” Jeff brought the flowers over to Niko then waved to the group and left. “See ya all later.”

Niko blinked a few times and stared at the colorful and elegant flower arrangement. A slight blush crept across his cheeks and he chewed his lower lip nervously.

“Well,” André questioned, “who’s it from?”

“I don’t…know,” Niko muttered, somewhat embarrassed.

“They’re very pretty,” Meghan observed.

“For flowers,” Jeremy interjected.

“You’re so unromantic,” Meghan quipped.

“I bet they’re from Niko’s secret admirer,” André said giving Niko a smirk and making the young man even more embarrassed.

“Yeah, Niko’s got a stalker,” Jeremy said looking up from the rack of rabbits. “You could probably scare him off with these baby bunnies.”

“Vhat’s dis about secret admirer?” Georges asked.

“He’s not a stalker,” Niko said, “Nothing, Georges.”

“Yet,” Freddy concluded. “Give him a few weeks.”

“You could always take Meg with you as a bodyguard,” Jeremy interjected. “She can scare anyone off.” He then ducked as a piece of celery went flying in his direction. “Knock it off, Meg, I’m trying to get these bunnies all perfect.”

“You don’t have to throw vegetables at the vegetable, Meg,” Patrick chided. “And don’t worry, he’s scarier than you are.”

“Thank you Patrick,” Meghan replied and gave the Sous-chef a big smile.

“Vait, Niko has a secret admirer?” Georges asked. “Vhy no one tell me?”

“Traitor,” Jeremy hissed at Patrick in mock irritation.

“We had a really hard time getting the story out of Niko the other day, Georges,” André explained. “Bernard was cooking.”

“I think that was the day we had Nueske Smoked Bacon, Green Onion and Manchego Cheese Quiche,” Freddy said.

“Bernard has this thing with Spanish cheese,” Patrick said with a chuckle. “Have you noticed he always uses either Manchego, Burgos, Leon, or Villalón?”

“That’s because he’s got a new Spanish boyfriend,” Freddy added.

“Tell me about secret admirer, Niko,” Georges prompted. “It’s about time someone see you good boy.”

Niko blushed a bit more but then gave George a lopsided smile. “It started two weeks ago,” he explained. “I found a single, long stem, red rose at the doorstep. It was addressed ‘To Niko’ and signed ‘Your secret admirer’. I thought it was a joke at first.”

“I think it’s so romantic,” Meghan said.

“That’s because you’re a girl,” Jeremy quipped.

“Then vhat happened?” Georges asked.

“A couple of days later, I found a small box of those really fancy chocolates from Crescent Beach Candy on the doorstep,” Niko continued. “They were sealed in the box, so they were okay to eat, and the note said the same thing.”

“Pete got me chocolates from that place,” André said. “They were good.”

“They were,” Niko agreed. “I still have trouble believing someone likes me.”

“Vhy?” Georges asked. “As I said, you good boy. When you done with veggies, I need you to mince the sage for the herb blend.”

“Sure thing, Georges!” Niko said with a laugh.

“Keep telling the story,” Meghan prodded. “I got goose bumps last time he told us.”

“So then, a few days later, I got a picture and some Shakespeare love quotes,” Niko continued. “The quotes were from Romeo and Juliet and the picture was a real photograph of Hidden Idol Bay. It was really pretty. The sun was shining and there were lots of boats on the water.”

“Did you get a note with that one?” André asked. “I don’t remember if you said.”

“Yes,” Niko replied, “same thing. I got the picture framed. I don’t think I told you guys that. It looks really nice and I put it up in my bedroom next to the window.”

“That very interesting, Niko,” Georges said emphatically. “Is there more?”

“Yeah,” Niko replied, “At the beginning of last week, I got a ticket for the last ‘Concert on the Square’ and it was a really good seat too…almost front row. That’s what clued me in to the fact that this could be real. You morons wouldn’t spend that kind of money on a joke.”

“That really famous folk singer was playing, wasn’t he?” Freddy asked.

“Yeah, I’m totally jealous,” Meghan agreed. “I love his voice.”

“The note said the same thing as usual,” Niko continued. “Although I was kinda hoping that I’d meet him or her at the show. You know, like he’d have the seat next to mine.”

“I guess that didn’t happen. Whoever could probably afford only one ticket…or sitting next to you was just too embarrassing, Niko,” Jeremy said chuckling and then picked up the rack of rabbits, and brought it over to the oven. “I am officially done with these little beasties!”

“There is other rack in big refrigerator to the left,” Georges announced with a flourish and gave Jeremy a big grin. “Paint more rabbits, Jeremy!”

“Friggin’ A!” Jeremy shouted. “Georges, next time I need a vat. A big ole vat! I coulda been done yesterday or the day before.”

“We start rabbits today, Jeremy,” Georges replied. “Niko, keep going. Dis story good.”

“I just don’t know what to make of the situation,” Niko said. “After the concert I kept fantasizing about someone but it was tough cuz I wanted to fantasize about my mystery person but I don’t know what he or she looks like.”

“That’s a bummer,” André snickered.

“I just jerk off thinking about the last cute guy I see at the hotel,” Freddy added.

“And that’s about as close as the cute guys wanna get to you,” Jeremy interjected.

“Jeremy, paint bunnies lovingly,” Georges ordered. “Yes, Niko, you keep telling story.”

“So two days, I find a box of Belgian chocolate truffles, like I mean really from Belgium, in the mailbox,” Niko continued. “They were shaped like roses and had delicious fillings.”

“And you didn’t share?!” Meghan accused.

“I wouldn’t have minded trying one,” André said.

“Me, neither,” Freddy chimed in.

“Quit bugging him,” Patrick interrupted. “Freddy are you done with that chicken yet? I need to season it with the Paprikash spices.”

“Almost,” Freddy replied, “Perfection takes time, you know. I have just two pieces left, though.”

“Okay,” George interrupted, “So you got chocolate, you didn’t share, then vhat? Suspense killing me!”

“I thought it was Jeremy’s pokiness and Patrick’s jokes that were killing you, Georges,” Freddy quipped.

“The note with the truffles was different,” Niko said quietly. “It said ‘To Niko, From Someone Who Likes You and Wants to Get to Know You Better.’ I looked all over the box for other clues but couldn’t find any. I’m stumped.”

“Well…what does the note with the flowers say?” Meghan asked. “The envelope looks bigger than most flower gift cards.”

“Open note!” Georges ordered with a whisk in hand.

“Okay,” Niko said and carefully opened the envelope. The message was longer than the one from a few days ago and there were two coupons in it as well. Each coupon was for a free sundae and coffee at the Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Shoppe, Anteros Island’s gourmet ice cream shop. Niko quickly hid the coupons and read the note.

To: Niko. I’d like to get to get to know you a little better. Meet me tonight at the Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Shoppe tonight at midnight if you’re interested. From: Your Secret Admirer.

“We do that anyways, Niko,” Freddy quipped.

“I think it’s real,” Meghan said and gave Niko a supportive smile. “I think you should bug…or…bribe Jeff and see if he’ll tell you who delivered it, or if you have the name of the florist, go ask them.”

“That’s a good idea, Meghan,” André agreed.

“I don’t tink island florist tell on secret lover,” Georges pointed out.

“Anyone will tell anything for the right amount of money,” André countered.

“Or a good blow job!” Freddy quipped.

“Jeremy’s awfully quiet about all this,” Meghan pointed out.

“Maybe he knows something,” André said and gave Jeremy a pointed look.

“Yeah, Jeremy, do you have any suggestions for Niko?” Freddy asked with a smirk.

“Listen, jerks, I know I have to get these stupid bunnies covered in goo and--” Jeremy snapped but was interrupted.

“Goo?!” Georges shouted in disbelief. “Izzz lovingly blended sweet cream butter with roasted garlic and the tenderest of herbs. Did you forget already, Jeremy?”

“No, no, no,” Jeremy complained, “I could never forgot. Izzz lovingly blended sweet cream butter with roasted garlic and the tenderest of herbs. I’m going to have nightmares of this stuff tonight.”

“Hey, that reminds me of a joke,” Patrick spoke up, but was immediately silenced by a loud resounding chorus of “No!”

Niko raced toward the Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Shoppe. He was late and half soaked with water. Upon returning to his apartment that night, he’d discovered a broken pipe under the sink that had filled the entire apartment with about an inch of water. Niko had quickly turned off the water main to the apartment, called the manager, and set about cleaning up the mess. He hoped none of the water had leaked through to the apartment below. What a disaster! At least he’d had enough towels to mop everything up.

He hadn’t bothered changing into something nice or dry since he was already so late. It was after one in the morning, and while there were still plenty of people on the boardwalk and on the beach, most shops closed at one at the latest. Niko kept running to the Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Shoppe. Maybe his secret admirer had waited for him. Maybe.

Niko turned the corner and saw the shop was already closed. ‘Maybe not,’ he thought to himself with some sadness. He approached and peered through a window. Their clock said one twenty and the store closed at one. Niko sighed. After all the teasing at work and the excitement of thinking about meeting a secret admirer and after the disaster at home, Niko found it disappointing and his shoulders sagged in dismay. His mystery person had probably left a long time ago and would no longer be interested in him. He sighed again. Or maybe it had been a joke and his co-workers really would be laughing about it the next morning.

“Niko?” A familiar voice intruded in his mind. Lost as he was in dismal thoughts, it took a while for Niko to register that someone was addressing him. He turned and looked around. A very familiar person was seated in one of the benches looking out towards the ocean but the head was turned around to look at him.

“Hey, Patrick,” Niko replied. “What are you doing here?”

“Enjoying the beach at night,” Patrick replied. “What are you doing here and what happened to you?”

Niko let out a chuckle, walked over to the bench, sat down, and related the misadventures he’d had on returning to his apartment. He also admitted that he was supposed to meet his secret admirer here at midnight but that hadn’t worked out. “Stupid water pipe,” he muttered. “I suppose it’s for the best because who’d want to hang out with a drenched rat.”

Patrick laughed and brushed a lock of damp hair off of Niko’s face. “I would,” he replied quietly. “I waited for you, didn’t I?”

“That’s because you’re really nice,” Niko countered but then a look of disbelief crossed his face when all of Patrick’s words sunk in. “You…you waited for…for me?”

“Yes,” Patrick said with a smile. “I’d actually given up hope and was just enjoying watching the people and the surf.”

“Given up hope…” Niko replied dumbly. “It’s you…isn’t it?” Patrick just smiled in answer.

“Let’s go for a walk,” Patrick suggested as he rose gracefully and offered Niko his hand, “and not talk about work.”

“That would be nice,” Niko agreed as they started walking down the boardwalk. “Although you’re the only one at work I really like to talk to about work…”