When Andrew got to Pennsylvania, snow had begun to fall. But at least it wasn’t an all-out snowstorm like what his dad had driven through last week. Andrew’s mind was still replaying the week. As he thought about the barn and the property his father had offered him, he remembered the phone call he’d ignored. He played the voice mail over the car speaker. Francois’ voice boomed through the car. Had he ever heard Francois speak kindly of someone? Had he ever really said a heartfelt thank you the whole time Andrew had worked for him? The man was a genius in his field, there was no arguing that, but to be so celebrated as a chef doing what he’d always wanted, he sure didn’t seem that happy.

There was nothing Andrew could do to change that. Even if he’d been back in Paris to defuse the situation of the day, Francois would only be bellowing about something else.

Wide awake, he decided to drive the last couple of hours into the city. On the plus side, at this time of night the traffic would be clear. He stopped for fuel and a cup of coffee to finish the trip. Took an extra minute to text his folks and let them know he was going to make the drive the rest of the way in tonight so they wouldn’t worry.

The GPS took him right to the front steps of the hotel. He valeted his rental car and went inside.

“Good evening, I’m Andrew York,” he said to the young lady behind the VIP Guest Services counter. “I was supposed to be here in the morning. I hope you have a room for me tonight. I drove straight through.”

“No problem. We’ve been expecting you,” she said in a hushed tone.

Why did he suddenly feel like he was on a secret mission, waiting on his orders and decoder ring??

“This is a…unique building,” he said, taking in all of the stainless steel accents.

She glanced back at the clock. “Do you have a car?”

“I do.” He handed her the valet ticket.

“Welcome to the Big Apple.” She picked up a stack of papers and leaned over the counter. “Lucky for you, you won’t have to drive yourself around again for the rest of your trip.”

“That’ll be nice.”

“If you have a rental, we can get that returned for you if you like. No sense paying for it if you won’t be using it. We have a free shuttle to take you back to the airport when you’re done. I’m Gia, and I’ll be your contact here at the hotel while you’re filming.”

“Thank you. That would be great.”

“Is the rental agreement in the car?”

“In the console.”