Chapter 21 #2
As it was a brunch, they’d decided on a mix of pastries and sandwiches that all had touches of the same flavour: honey.
Everyone tucked in and after they’d finished, Theo spoke about what he’d made and how.
To help him along, Milly asked questions and prompted discussion, encouraging him to talk about his love of flavour pairing.
While Theo answered, Milly was aware his gaze returned to her time and again, but she didn’t know if it was for emotional support or because of what she’d blurted out upstairs.
As the event drew to a close, the crowd cheered and clapped as the final trays of food were brought down.
Theo had made two enormous kringles, which were filled Danish pastries shaped like pretzels and large enough for the tables to share.
Theo explained that while the traditional filling had cinnamon remonce, a mixture of butter, sugar and the chosen flavouring, he’d used a remonce made with honey mixed with almonds and hazelnuts.
Both types of nut were also scattered on top and it smelled absolutely delicious.
This must have been what he’d been working on last night.
The crowd couldn’t wait to dig in and it was a huge hit.
‘I’m afraid it’s almost time to finish,’ Milly said, standing in front of them after the kringle was demolished. ‘So if anyone has any last questions, now’s the time to ask, though you’re all welcome to move upstairs and stay if you’d like.’
‘But you do have to buy your coffee now,’ Theo added, and the crowd laughed.
‘I have a question,’ Nikoletta said, raising her hand. The way she was holding her phone, Milly had a feeling they were being recorded, and an icy blast flew down her spine. ‘Theo, how much would you credit Milly with the ideas for these events?’
‘I—’ Milly started but Theo smiled and spoke over her.
‘For all of it, really. I wouldn’t have been brave enough to sign up for the festival if it wasn’t for her pushing me. She’s been a huge support and I’m glad she turned up at my café, even if it was a surprise.’
Though her heart melted, she had to ensure he got the credit he deserved too. ‘But all the recipe ideas and flavours are down to Theo,’ Milly added. ‘I wouldn’t know where to begin with that. I just know how to help a bit with socials; that’s all.’
‘Great,’ Nikoletta replied with her usual wide smile, though Milly worried something else was going on behind those pretty eyes. ‘Thanks.’
Everyone began to file out, but most took seats upstairs and ordered more coffees.
Soon, with the sun shining brightly, the sky clear, and the canal bank full of tourists, the outside area was full too.
With no time to stop and celebrate, Theo and Milly worked together through the day.
By the time he’d run out of everything, and the afternoon sun hid behind a cloud, they were both dead on their feet with exhaustion.
‘Well,’ Milly said as they did the final tidying up, ready to close and go home. ‘I think that went well.’
‘I think it went really well,’ Theo replied, then paused. Milly wondered if he was going to mention her slip, but then he carried on. ‘Thank you, Milly. For getting me to do this.’
‘Oh, you’re welcome.’ They grinned at each other over the tabletops until Theo broke the silence.
‘Shall we go out for dinner to celebrate?’
‘Actually,’ Milly said, ‘could we eat at home? I don’t think I can face changing into fancy clothes and going out. Is that boring?’
‘Not at all!’ Theo chuckled. ‘I was hoping that’s what you’d prefer but didn’t want to seem boring myself.’
‘I like boring. After today, boring is good.’
Again, she wondered if he knew that part of her meant her blurting out that she loved him but when he spoke he seemed normal. Had he simply forgotten in the excitement of the day?
‘In that case, I’ll prepare something quick and easy for dinner while you relax in a hot bath. How does that sound?’
‘That sounds amazing! But I might have a swim first. I’m so tired, but I think it’ll be good to help unwind. I’m still so full of adrenalin.’
‘Me too. The café was the busiest it has ever been today. Things are looking up.’
They made their way home hand in hand, examining in more detail people’s reactions, and Milly checking social media to see more likes, shares and comments than they’d ever had before. Even Nikoletta had tagged them, already praising Theo and saying a bigger review was to come.
After a quick swim in the cool canal waters that revived her enough to actually run a bath and wash her hair, she and Theo ate a meal of reheated meatballs and mashed potato.
It wasn’t a fancy restaurant meal, and neither of them were dressed in anything more than slouchy T-shirts and shorts, but as she sat there it felt like they had been doing this forever.
There was a level of comfort with each other, with each other’s bodies, that had never existed for her before.
And the best thing was, they felt like partners.
Milly was just clearing the plates when an email popped up on her phone. It was from her employer about her sabbatical ending and confirming they needed a meeting to discuss her return to work.
‘Everything okay?’ asked Theo, seeing her expression change.
‘Yeah, fine. It’s nothing important. Just some admin to sort out.’ She flashed him a quick smile, hoping she’d sounded convincing.
She wondered if now was the time to tell him of her change of plans, and though excitement filled her at the idea, something held her back.
The day had been so busy she hadn’t had time to think about what had happened earlier, after she’d stupidly said she loved him.
The way his eyes had widened in panic made her stomach flip in a horrible, sickness-inducing way.
Would he be happy at her news? Did he feel the same way?
Before she’d been so certain, but now she wasn’t sure, and when he didn’t make any sort of move towards her at bedtime, she scuttled off to her own room, her heart heavy.
Why did she have the sinking feeling that despite the success of their cooking festival events and the positive outlook for the café, she’d blown it all by opening her mouth and letting whatever words she felt like pour out?