Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
The next weekend was the opening of the inn and restaurant. The bistro staff had so far impressed Joanna with their enthusiasm, polite demeanour and professionalism. She’d hired a chef who was young but happy to collaborate with Joanna on the menu and recipes, which was important to both her and Gwen. They were opening with a set menu.
French onion soup with croutons and cheese
A small green salad
Boeuf Bourguignon with crisp tartiflette potatoes
Roast chicken with roasted potatoes, asparagus and carrots
Creme br?lée with freshly whipped cream
Crêpes Suzette with caramelised sugar and butter
Espresso served with a cheese platter
Each course was served with a French Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. It was a good way for them to start out, with only two options per course for their guests to choose from. That way, they could test out the process and get all of the kinks worked out in their service without being overwhelmed.
“Everything’s in place and we’re ready to go,” Eliza said. She was the new chef, and she wore a tall white cap on her head and a large white apron tied around her torso. Her blue eyes were clear and her smile sweet.
“It looks wonderful,” Joanna said, scanning the kitchen where the staff worked quietly and steadily. “You’re doing a fantastic job. I’ll leave you to it. I’m going to eat with my friends.”
Eliza gave a nod and returned to her work. While Joanna pushed through the swinging doors and into the restaurant, she looked around the space and saw Gwen standing by the door. Debbie had just arrived, and they were looking at something together. Joanna went to join them and saw they were tapping through the bookings on the host station.
“We’re ready to go,” Joanna announced.
Gwen glanced up, worry creasing her forehead. “Oh, good. I’m trying to think if we’ve missed anything. They’ll be arriving any moment. But my mind is entirely blank.”
“They’re all here to support you,” Debbie said. “If something goes wrong, no one will mind. This is why you’re having a rehearsal.”
“You’re right. Of course, you’re right.” Gwen wrung her hands. “Okay, I hear people coming. Smiles on!”
The hostess arrived at that moment, ready to receive the guests. She showed people to their tables, which had place settings with names on them. Gwen had invited just enough people to fill the entire indoors area, around one hundred in total. Before long, the entire restaurant was buzzing with conversation.
A pianist played something soft in the background, and the scents coming from the kitchen were divine. Joanna found her seat at the table nearest the kitchen, with Gwen, Debbie, Emily, Aaron, Chris and Caleb. Eva had preferred to stay home. Gwen’s adult children were at the next table with their spouses. All had left the kids at home, much to Gwen’s relief. She’d said she would be distracted by her grandchildren since she loved them so much, but she needed to focus all her attention on the restaurant and inn tonight, so they’d graciously hired babysitters for the evening. The kids would join them later in their rooms at the inn when things quieted down.
Chris sat beside Joanna and waited while their waitress poured Cabernet into their glasses.
“This is magnificent,” Chris said as he raised his glass. “A toast to you, Gwen. You’ve done a fantastic job bringing back the beauty of this place. I know it’s meaningful to Joanna, as it is to our entire community. To see life where there was once disaster, and the work you’ve done in making this place so beautiful is a real credit to you. So, let’s toast. To Gwen and her inn!”
“To Gwen!” everyone agreed, raising their glasses.
Joanna drank a sip of her wine, marvelling at how well Chris fit in with the rest of her friendship circle. He always knew just what to say and was a delight to have around. She had never seen him become irritable or angry. He was kind, thoughtful and even-tempered. Just the kind of man she enjoyed spending time with.
“Are you staying for the weekend?” Joanna asked him.
He nodded. “Gwen was kind enough to invite me. Wasn’t that nice of her?”
“She’s very thoughtful,” Joanna replied. “I think we’re all going to have a lovely time.”
“I meant what I said. I’m very impressed with what she’s achieved. Oh, look. Our soup is here. It smells amazing. My stomach is virtually in knots from hunger. I’ve hardly eaten all day in preparation for this feast.”
“Me too, although my fasting was more to do with busily getting everything ready for tonight,” Joanna replied.
The waitress set the soup dishes down in front of them. Joanna leaned forward to smell the soup. It smelled just right. And it looked perfect. She took a sip with her spoon. It tasted just right too. They’d done well and had followed the recipe exactly.
“Delicious,” Chris said. “Isn’t this your recipe?”
“It is,” Joanna replied.
“I knew it,” he said. “I’ve had it before at one of your dinner parties. I loved it then and I love it now. Well done, Jo. You’ve put so much into making this special, and I know Gwen must appreciate that.”
“She’s thanked me profusely. But honestly, it’s been fun. I didn’t realise how much I’d missed being part of something and having a kitchen staff to work with. I’ve spent years squirrelled away in my house, afraid of the world. And even though it’s pushed me beyond my comfort zone to do this, it’s helped me to rejoin the world in a way I wouldn’t have managed otherwise. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
They ate quietly for a few minutes. Then Chris put down his spoon.
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”
Joanna put her own spoon on the table and turned in her seat to face him.
“We’ve been spending more time together lately. And I really enjoy your company.”
“I do too. We certainly have fun together.”
“Yes, we do.” He reached for her hand and held it in his. “And so I wonder if I might start courting you.”
Her eyes widened. “Courting?”
“I know, it’s very old-fashioned. But we’re not spring chickens anymore. I don’t want to wonder how you feel, or put out vibes , as the kids say these days. I want to be open and up front with you. I like you, and I feel a connection with you I’d like to explore. Would it be okay if I asked you on a date sometime?”
She swallowed. This was unexpected. She’d convinced herself he saw her as nothing more than a friend. Her pulse accelerated, and she felt a little lightheaded. “A date? Well, yes, that would be nice.”
He grinned. “Great. I’ll give you a call. After this weekend, obviously.”
“Of course.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” he said with a glint in his eye.
She smiled. “Me too.”