He was tempted to try one of their new dishes, but instead he stuck to what they’d always had when they’d come together. “I think I’ll stick with the Thursday special. The pimento cheese Angus burger.”

“Can’t go wrong with that,” Dad agreed.

The waitress came up to the table. “Two pimento cheese Angus burgers, I take it?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And fries for you, I know,” she said to his dad.

“I’ll try your sweet potato fries.” Andrew handed the clipboard to her.

“Good choice.”

A few people came over to talk while they ate, and each time Dad introduced him. “This is my son. He’s home for a visit from France. He’s a professional chef.”

Andrew swelled with pride. All he’d ever wanted was for Dad to be proud of him, and this was the first time he’d experienced that.

Their burgers came out, and they were just as good as he’d remembered. “Dad, this is an awesome lunch. Thanks.”

“I owe you a lot more than a lunch. I’m sorry I was so hard on you. For a long time I took your career choice so personal, and then I felt like the only reason you went to France was to get away from me.”

That had certainly played into it.

“I’m sorry it took me so long to realize how ridiculous I was being, son.”

Andrew had no idea what had changed Dad’s mindset, but he was grateful. “I understand. I could have handled things better too.”

“But you made the right decision, didn’t you? I mean, you’re happy.”

“I love my cooking. This job isn’t always what I’d like, but it’s a good job and I’ve learned so much about the business.”

“Still thinking you might open your own restaurant one day?”

“Yes, sir. I still want to do that. I’ve been saving money. Trying to plan and be prepared. Most restaurants fail in the first three to five years. I’m not going to let that happen, so I’m taking my time to ensure I’m financially and professionally ready.”

“I’m really proud of you, son. Aunt Claire can’t say enough things about the man you’ve become.”

“Thank you.” He could hardly believe how much those words meant to him. He’d spent the last years just blocking out all the negativity he’d left behind, and he’d never even considered he and Dad may come together on this one day.

“When do you leave to go up north?”

“Monday night. I’ll probably drive halfway and get a hotel.”

“It’s not that bad of a drive if it’s not snowing, but they’re forecasting snow and ice the next week or so.”

“Not looking forward to that.”

“How long will you be up there?”

“About a week.”