That morning, I was being formally introduced to investors, executives, renowned chefs, and hospitality leaders as the culinary director and equity partner of a major international hotel project.
Brian knew nothing about it.
Neither did Beatrice.
For years, they had laughed at my “little projects.”
They had no idea how much of Brian’s success had actually rested on them.
As the taxi approached Baltimore, another message appeared from Beatrice.
If you are not here in twenty minutes, we are going to your parents’ house.
My chest tightened.
My father, Thomas Reyes, owned a custom knife forge in an old industrial area of Annapolis.
Beatrice called it a dirty blacksmith shop.
Brian considered it embarrassing.
Neither of them had ever bothered learning the truth.
Reyes Forge had a waiting list that stretched years into the future.
Some of the most respected chefs in the country ordered knives from my father.
