9
New Boots
“That smells wonderful,” Chloe yawned as she slumped into the chair by the kitchen table. She’d found Dani in the kitchen, whipping up some chocolate frosting for one large and one small chocolate cake that were on the cooling rack.
“Sorry, did I wake you?”
Chloe shook her head.
“There’s coffee ready.”
“Oh thanks, I need it. Who’s the cake for?” Chloe moved over to the coffee machine and poured a cup.
“Carmen. She’s been giving me desserts every day and it’s her birthday today. I thought I’d bake her a birthday cake, as a thank you.”
“Oh, that’s nice of you. What time did you get up?” yawned Chloe.
“Six.”
“Jesus, you’ll wear yourself out.”
“I love it there. Everyone’s really nice.”
Chloe smiled and took a sip from her coffee, “I’m glad. Need a hand with the frosting?”
“I’m fine. I made a small cake for you, too. I thought the kids might want some.”
Chloe grinned, dipped her finger in the frosting and then licked it off. “Delicious.”
DANI PULLED INTO THE car park at nine forty-five. The Sunday morning traffic had been very light and she’d made it down in less than thirty minutes. Her heart sank a little when she realised Jerome’s car wasn’t there. Carefully, she lifted out the cake and made her way into the restaurant.
Jamie was busy working over some huge pans when she walked in.
“Wow! You made that?” Jamie whispered, impressed.
Dani nodded. “Is she here?”
“She just popped into the store room. Let me put it in the fridge at the back and we can bring it out at lunch. She’ll be thrilled,” he grinned. Franco and Enzo came over to inspect.
“You realise you’ll have to make one for everyone’s birthday now,” Rico chipped in as he leaned closer for a look. Dani had decorated it with chocolate fudge frosting and piped ‘Happy Birthday Carmen’ on it.
Dani shrugged, indicating she was happy to make cakes for all the staff, as Jamie took it quickly away.
“I’m off to get changed and grab a coffee before lunch.”
By ten thirty, all the staff were in the dining room. Lunch was veal, with a rather rich mushroom sauce. Dani sliced into it and relished the flavour as it melted in her mouth.
“This is wonderful,” she muttered to herself. Rosa giggled.
“How you aren’t fat, I don’t know. I’ve never seen anyone eat so much and stay so slim.”
“I’m starting my fitness video tomorrow. Carmen has totally ruined me these past few days.”
Dani glanced over at the empty chair opposite her. Stop it! She scolded herself. But she just wanted a glimpse of him. Tomorrow she’d be off and it would be Tuesday before she saw him again.
Dani was dragged out of her daydream by the doors opening and the sound of children running.
Everyone turned to see who had come in the door.
Gia stood up instantly as her grandchildren ran to her.
Dani took a deep breath and turned to see Jerome sauntering into the dining room, his handsome broody face making Dani catch her breath.
Within seconds, the staff made room for his unexpected visit and both Alessandro and Kara settled with their father to enjoy lunch.
Dani smirked to herself, wondering whether her constant wishing had made him appear.
She shook her head and inwardly laughed at her ridiculous thought.
She was just glad he’d come, and the fact Liz wasn’t with him was a bonus.
Jerome sat with Kara on his knee as Capo and Chef cleared away their plates and put down fresh ones for the unexpected guests.
Dani found it hard to keep from looking at Jerome as he spoke quietly to Chef.
The staff finished off, then Jamie went over to the dumbwaiter.
He fumbled with a lighter, then pulled out the cake Dani had made and walked over to where Carmen was sitting.
As soon as the rest of the staff saw the cake with its candles lit, they all began to sing a rendition of Happy Birthday.
Carmen stared dumbfounded as Jamie placed the large cake in front of her and she blushed at all the attention, then he whispered something in her ear.
Blowing out the candles, she looked around the table and her eyes locked on Dani and she mouthed “Thank you.” Dani shook her head, indicating it was nothing.
Gia caught Dani’s eye and cocked her head to one side, then gestured to the cake, asking if she was responsible for it.
Dani nodded shyly and Gia’s eyebrows shot up, clearly impressed.
Silvanna did the honours of cutting up and serving the cake.
Matteo took a mouthful and savoured it. “Jamie, this cake is –” Before he could finish, Gia stopped him and whispered in his ear. Matteo looked shocked at what she’d said and turned to look at Dani. “Dani, you made this?”
“Er yes.” Dani blushed as the whole table turned to look at her. “As a thank you for all the desserts Carmen’s been letting me sample.” Dani tried to keep her eyes focused on Matteo as she spoke.
“Well it’s… how did you put it?” he waved his fork in the air as he tried to recall Dani’s words she’d used to describe his cannoli. “Divine? That’s right, isn’t it?” he beamed. There was a rumble of everyone’s agreement around the table, and Dani felt herself heat up even more.
“Thanks, Capo,” she muttered.
Kuch turned to her as he chewed, then swallowed. “Wow, smart, pretty and can bake. Your ex was a fucking idiot!”
Dani grinned at him as he chuckled and bumped her shoulder. All the while, Dani avoided looking across the table as she felt Jerome’s steely blue eyes staring into her.
“Well she’s set a precedent now, she’ll have to make everyone a cake for their birthday.” Rosa popped the last piece in her mouth and stood up to start clearing the plates. Everyone was getting up to wish Carmen a happy birthday as they loaded the dumbwaiter with the dirty plates.
“I don’t have a problem. I love baking. I’ll need to know when everyone’s birthdays are.”
“Mine falls on a Monday. Does that mean I won’t get one?” pouted Rosa.
“Don’t worry. I’ll make it for you on the Sunday,” Dani reassured her.
Carmen came over to Dani and hugged her. “Thanks for that, Dani. A great surprise. It was really sweet of you.”
“My pleasure.”
As Dani turned to leave, she almost fell into Jerome who’d been standing behind her, waiting to wish his a cousin happy birthday. Dani flushed again as he steadied her, putting his hands on her arms. “Sorry,” she muttered as he let her go.
“No problem.” He stepped to the side, hugged Carmen and kissed her affectionately, his big body dwarfing her tiny frame, “Buon compleanno.”
“Grazie.”
Dani watched them for a moment. Carmen caught her gaze and smiled. “So you need to make a cake for Jerome next. It’s his birthday on the fourteenth.” Dani’s eyes broadened as she swallowed. Oh crap…
Jerome turned to look at her, his mouth twitched seeing her reaction.
“He turns thirty-four.”
“Oh, sure. Friday then, right?” Dani tried to recover her composure, but it was hard when Jerome just stood staring at her as he cocked his head to the side.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he drawled with a grin.
Determined not to make herself look totally thunderstruck, Dani straightened herself and stared back at him. “A chocolate cake, or would you prefer something else?”
The question knocked him off guard for a split second. He furrowed his brow, then half-squinted as he thought about the question. Then, in a low voice, he answered, “Surprise me.” His eyes stared at her in that intense way that made her heart race.
Dani took a deep breath, “I will.” Then she turned to leave, but not before she saw his eyes lose their composure.
Sunday lunch was extremely busy and before Dani realised, it was three o’clock.
She’d decided to take her couple of hours off and venture into town, finally getting to treat herself to some new boots.
She’d earned it, after a week of going cold turkey without a cigarette.
She was pleased her cravings were starting to subside.
A lot of that was to do with the change of environment and her constant supply of desserts.
Rosa drew her a map to guide her to the town centre and pinpointed the major department stores.
It took Dani less than ten minutes to walk into town.
It was cold, and thankfully, she’d changed into her black leggings, biker jacket and boots.
Her jacket blocked the wind but her ears were still vulnerable and ached from the frosty air.
She should have worn her hat, she thought to herself.
It didn’t help that her hair was pulled into a messy off-side bun.
She entered the shoe department of Harvey Nichols and sighed at the huge array of footwear.
Footwear was too tame a word to describe the selection her eyes gazed over.
They were like works of art. Dani moved around the displays, eyeing the beautiful designs.
She sauntered over to where she spied some black, high ankle boots.
There were a number to choose from, each more fabulous than the others.
Her eyes fell on a pair that looked familiar and she picked them up.
She chuntered to herself when she saw the price.
They were the same ankle boots Liz had been wearing.
A little out of my price range, thought Dani, as she returned them to the display.
Dani moved along and picked up a black ankle boot with a gold buckle.
They were five inches high with a small platform.
“Can I help you?” The voice of the assistant jolted Dani.
“Um, yes. I need a size four.”
The assistant looked at the boot, “I think that is a size four. It’s the last one.” The assistant took the boot from Dani’s hand to check, then she nodded. “Yes, and I think it’s reduced. Shall I bring you the other one to try them?”
“Please.”