6 #4
“I’d love that.” He smiled kindly and Jerome softened.
Cosimo had a unique gift that made you feel relaxed.
His voice was soothing and he was gentle in his tone.
He was also very shrewd and even though he knew the details of Jerome’s private life, he would never make an awkward situation worse.
Quite the contrary, in fact. He always endeavoured to make everyone feel at ease.
He was less fiery than both Jerome and Arsenio, a quality he’d inherited from his late father.
Dani watched on as the Ferrettis enjoyed their lunch together. Gia sipped her espresso as the three men caught up with each other’s news.
Another few customers came in for late lunches, which kept Rosa and Augustino busy.
Capo had left and Jamie the sous chef was preparing the orders with Carmen.
Dani helped out with the drinks, then went into the kitchen to thank Carmen for her limoncello tart.
She found her putting the finishing touches on a salad. “Hi, Carmen.”
“Hi,” Carmen smiled back.
“Thanks for the tart. It was heavenly.”
Carmen raised her eyebrows at the description. “Thanks. Have you come to try something else?” she teased.
“Oh no, no.” Dani shook her head as she smirked, then added. “Why? What do you have in mind?”
Carmen laughed softly, “Let me bring you some panettone bread and butter pudding.”
“Oh hell! I swear you’re trying to kill me with these desserts.
I’m like a junkie, here for my next fix!
” Jamie chuckled at her comment from where he was preparing a sauce for pasta.
“Remind me when it’s your birthday, so I can return the favour,” called Dani as Carmen disappeared into the walk in fridge.
“It’s her thirtieth birthday on Sunday,” whispered Jamie.
“Seriously?”
Jamie nodded as his soft face and green eyes lit up mischievously.
“In that case, I’ll bake her a cake. But don’t tell her.”
Jamie grinned and nodded as Carmen re-emerged from the fridge carrying a large tray.
She cut out a portion and positioned it on a plate, then warmed it through.
She then served it with a zabaglione cream.
Dani’s mouth watered at the sight of it.
She could almost feel her behind expanding from the delicious aroma alone.
Dani shook her head slightly. Note to self: dig out the fitness DVD tonight and start it.
Since moving up to Leeds her exercise routine had flown out the window.
Peter pulled back a chair and joined the Ferrettis as they had their coffee. “How did the interviews go?” He directed his question to Jerome.
“Good, actually. They’re a couple who are suitable. I’m thinking of taking them both on. It would mean I wouldn’t need to be there so much.”
Peter nodded slowly as Jerome answered nervously, his eyes purposely focused on Peter. Gia narrowed her eyes and was about to say something when Peter turned to her and added, “How come Dani’s still here?”
Jerome visibly relaxed as he realised Peter had purposely deflected a possible barrage of questions. He knew it was temporary but he was grateful all the same. “She wanted to see how busy it gets in the afternoon. She’s very willing.”
“Glad to see you employed a pretty girl, Peter,” Arsenio smirked as he glanced back at Dani.
“I didn’t employ her for your benefit, Seni. She was the best for the job.” Peter shook his head and stifled a smile. “Off limits.” He mock-scolded him, arching his brow.
“ Jeez, I’m only saying.” Arsenio rolled his eyes. “Anyone would think I –”
“Save it, Seni. You can’t keep your hands off any good-looking girl, so don’t play the innocent,” interrupted Cosimo. “Hell, sometimes I think all they need is a pulse!”
Arsenio opened his mouth to defend himself, then stopped, knowing full well he could never win this argument. He was a good lawyer, but he had to admit he’d never convince his family otherwise – there was too much damning evidence. He decided to use humour instead.
“A pulse definitely helps.” He stifled a smirk.
“Arsenio!” Gia gaped, horrified as the four men chuckled.
Jerome looked at his watch. It was four thirty. “I better get off. The kids will be home from school.” He pushed back his chair and stood up in one fluid movement. “I’ll call you when I bring them down.” He rested his hand on Cosimo’s shoulder as he spoke.
“Great. Looking forward to it. I’ve got those papers you asked for. I’ll put them in your office.”
Jerome froze for a second and then nodded.
He said his goodbyes to the rest of the table, then headed for the exit, but not before scanning the restaurant to steal a glimpse of Dani as Augustino teased her while she made some coffees.
He strode out into the cool November air and lowered himself into his car.
He checked around the car park and realised that Dani hadn’t brought down her car.
There were only his mother’s, Chef’s and Arsenio’s rather flashy gun metal Lamborghini.
Jerome started up his car and headed out of town towards his home.
His stomach started to tighten at the thought of having to be in the same vicinity as Liz.
He rubbed his forehead then cranked up the volume of the stereo in an attempt to change his mood.