Chapter 28
28
The next morning Liv tapped on Effie’s bedroom door. She figured she would give her overnight to calm down and think things through. Liv wasn’t holding out much hope that Effie would have come around to her way of thinking, but she wanted to smooth the waters all the same. Liv didn’t like that she’d upset Effie but, she still felt she’d done the right thing by flagging the potential issues with John. In the cold light of day Liv felt slightly less certain about her convictions. John hadn’t directly asked for money so perhaps he was genuine and just unfortunate that his profile screamed fraudster.
There was a long wait before the door opened a crack and Effie’s unsmiling face came into view.
‘Good morning, I brought a peace offering.’ Liv held up a breakfast tray. ‘It’s to say I’m sorry for upsetting you yesterday.’ And she was sorry for that. She liked Effie and didn’t like to see her upset. ‘Shall I put it down here or can I bring it in?’
Effie stood back and let Liv inside. Liv went in and placed the tray on the bed. ‘Shall I pour you a cuppa?’
Effie wrapped Liv in a hug and she hugged her back. ‘Let’s not argue again,’ said Effie releasing her.
‘I mean it wasn’t an argument as such,’ said Liv. ‘But okay. And just look out for yourself. I hate to think of anyone taking advantage of your kind nature.’
‘I will. I’m okay with John.’
‘Hmm.’ Liv had heard the expression biting your tongue and she feared she may have to do exactly that in order to stop herself from commenting. She took a breath instead. ‘I find my mum is always good to talk to when I’m having man trouble. Can you speak to your mum about John?’
‘I would love to,’ said Effie. ‘But she moved to France and I don’t hear from her very much. She’s busy. I imagine her like an older Lara Croft; venturing into ancient, booby-trapped tombs and crumbling ruins searching for priceless artefacts.’
‘Is she a rebel archaeologist?’ asked Liv already impressed.
‘No, she’s a hairdresser.’
Liv didn’t know how to respond to that. ‘Anyway, tea?’
‘Please,’ said Effie sitting down on the bed. ‘I miss my mam doing my hair too.’
‘Your hair is lovely. Great colour.’ Liv took in the rich chestnut shade as Effie swished it about.
‘It’s out of a box. Well, everyone’s ginger aren’t they.’ Liv was considering how to reply when Effie went off at a tangent. ‘I am so excited about today. Aren’t you?’
Excited probably wasn’t the first word that sprung to mind. ‘I’m more apprehensive, worried even and a little nauseous if I’m being honest.’ She’d persuaded Fraser to go ahead with the showcase night and now a lot was riding on them and the local geriatric community pulling it off.
‘Don’t be silly. It’ll be fine. Robbie says we have experience on our side.’
‘I’m not sure what else we have though.’ Liv feared they may not all stay awake for the duration and, if they did, were they capable of helping Fraser to produce an exemplary four-course meal with top-class service? Only time would tell.
Robbie stopped by to tell Liv that her wrecked tyre had been replaced and to hand her a hefty bill. She made a phone call to the garage and settled up. She was not looking forward to her January credit card bill. But at least now with the car fixed she could make a quick getaway the next morning or whenever it suited her.
Most of the day went by in a whirl of cleaning, laying tables and food preparation, until a couple of hours before guests were due to arrive Dolly appeared in the kitchen looking flustered. ‘There’s a problem,’ she said.
Fraser put down the knife he was holding and shut his eyes tight. ‘What is it?’ he asked.
‘The helpers have just arrived and the good news is we’ve still got Donald.’ Liv wasn’t holding out a lot of hope if Diarrhoea Donald was the good news. ‘Unfortunately Meredith has a migraine so she couldn’t come and nobody else is insured to drive the minibus. So Donald has had to drive.’
‘Who’ve we got?’ asked Liv.
‘Hester, Sheena and Winnie,’ said Dolly.
‘Yay, we still have Winnie,’ said Effie. ‘I love Winnie – she’s the cutest.’
Fraser rubbed a hand over his face. ‘I canna believe it. It’s like there’s a force trying to block me at every turn.’
‘Och for goodness’ sake, that’s enough of the dramatics,’ said Dolly. ‘Effie and Liv will have to double up. They’ll need to help in here as well as serving.’
Liv scratched her head. ‘Look, I’m all for working hard but I just don’t think that’ll work.’
Fraser stood up straight. ‘Then Effie you’re in the kitchen,’ he said. ‘And Liv you prep and then shift to waiting tables.’
‘That could work.’ Liv tried to look enthusiastic. Dolly crossed her fingers but even she didn’t look convinced. Dolly left. Fraser had his hands on the counter and looked like he was about to have a panic attack. ‘It’ll be okay,’ she said.
His head snapped in her direction. ‘How?’
‘Because everyone here wants it to be a success. We are all rooting for you. Even Gordon Ramsay doesn’t have that most of the time – all his staff think he’s a prize dick.’
Fraser snorted a laugh. ‘And I’m not?’
Liv thought for a second. ‘No, you’re not. I mean you’re a bit of an arse but you’d not win prizes for it.’
Fraser belly-laughed in response.
‘So we’re good?’ asked Liv picking up his scarily big knife and presenting it to him.
There was a small pause before he took it from her. ‘Yeah, we’re good.’
They all worked like demons and got as much prepared and on the cusp of ready as they could to minimise effort when it was time to cook and serve. Liv was getting plates lined up so that serving was swift when Dolly came in wearing black and white and looking very smart, and she was also minus Jock’O.
‘Right, you need to get showered and changed,’ said Dolly shooing Liv out of the kitchen to get ready.
‘It’ll be fine,’ said Liv as a passing comment to Fraser. ‘Okay?’
He gave her a nod. ‘Thanks.’ It wasn’t a big word but the expression it came with meant a lot. They made a good team.
Liv liked a shower. She usually liked to spend longer under the water than she could today, but she found it was a great place for thinking. And today her thoughts were on Fraser. How could this be the same person who had ghosted her? It didn’t make sense. Unless it was some weird retaliation for the way Lizzie had treated him but that was feeling less and less likely the longer she knew him. Perhaps there was someone else behind the Fraser profile. Maybe someone had just used his photograph but then surely all the other information wouldn’t match to the real Fraser. Not that she was trying to find reasons to let him off the hook, but it was at least something she felt she should explore. But if there was someone else behind it, who could that be?
When Liv came out of the bathroom, Effie was waiting for her. ‘I’ve got you a black skirt and white shirt to wear, and I thought I could do your hair.’ Effie held up a hairbrush.
‘Thanks, Effie, that’s kind but I’ll be okay sorting out my hair. Can I ask you something?’
‘Of course. We’re friends, you can ask me anything.’
‘Do you know anything about an online dating profile for Fraser?’ Liv watched Effie’s reaction closely in case she gave anything away.
Effie’s eyes pinged wide and she put her hands to her mouth. ‘Show me – I have to see this. There was me thinking he’d laugh at me and he’s been doing it himself. Do you think he has a John too? Well, not a John, but a Judy? What about poor Shanie? Uh I hope he’s not two-timing Shanie and Judy.’
Liv wasn’t sure how things seemed to escalate so fast with Effie but at least she had her answer – Effie clearly hadn’t set up the profile on Fraser’s behalf, either with or without his knowledge. ‘It was a hypothetical question, Effie. Sort of a what if he did have one.’
‘Right. Do you mean he doesn’t have an online dating account?’ She seemed confused.
Maybe now was a good time to explain the whole situation to Effie. ‘No not now but you see—’
There was the sound of a text arriving. ‘Hang on,’ said Effie pulling her phone from her pocket. The happy-go-lucky expression slid away as she scrolled.
‘What’s wrong?’ asked Liv, giving her hair a rub with the towel.
‘It’s John.’
‘Right. And let me guess: things have got worse and now he needs money?’
Effie’s mouth fell open. ‘How did you know?’
Liv scrunched up her eyes. ‘Because that’s usually the next move…’ Effie’s fingers were skidding over her phone screen. ‘What are you doing?’ asked Liv.
‘He needs money and I can’t log in to my online bank account and—’
Liv had been waving her hands for some time before Effie eventually paused for breath. ‘What exactly does he need money for?’ she asked as a room full of alarm bells rang in her head.
Effie opened her mouth, but for once nothing came out. There was a long pause before she spoke again. ‘I’m not sure. To get away? What should I do?’
‘For a start, don’t send any money,’ said Liv.
Effie frowned. ‘But he’s in danger.’ She looked genuinely panicked.
How did Liv tell her that this perfect boyfriend she’d put on a pedestal was a con man? It would be like kicking a puppy. ‘You only have his word for that.’
‘Why would he lie?’
Liv tried hard to think of a nice way to break it to Effie gently, but there didn’t seem to be one. ‘I’m sorry, Effie. He’s lying because he’s trying to con you out of money.’
Effie laughed. ‘No, he’s not.’
‘Effie, it’s not your fault. I got conned too, in a way. These men – they don’t care about us. They pretend they do but they don’t. And John is just the same. He’s spun you a story and now it’s payday.’
‘That’s awful.’
‘I know. Some men are.’
‘Not John. You! You’re awful. How could you say such horrible things?’ Effie rushed downstairs leaving Liv on the landing dripping wet and feeling that, yet again, she’d handled that badly.
By the time Liv had got ready and made it downstairs guests had started to arrive and Dolly was showing them into the dining room on her scooter. The slow speed seemed to make it feel more of an occasion. Fraser had spared no expense on the quality of the table linen and the silverware had come up well after a good polish. The décor was slick and minimal, and the few sprigs of holly, mistletoe and ivy that Effie had insisted upon worked very well and hopefully would also bring peace and good luck to the evening – Liv could only hope because at this stage that was all she had left.
She walked into the kitchen and all eyes swivelled in her direction. ‘Right, where do you want me?’ she asked clapping her hands together.
‘Out,’ said Fraser.
‘What, in the dining room already?’
She sensed something was wrong. Fraser stared her down. ‘No, I want you to pack your stuff and leave.’
Stunned didn’t quite cover how Liv felt in that moment. It was like Ginger had sat on her as all the air seemed to have been punched from her lungs. ‘Why? What have I done?’
Fraser shook his head. ‘You know what you’ve done and I canna deal with this right now, so I’m politely asking you to leave.’
The kitchen door opened and an ominous-looking Robbie stood in the doorway and beckoned Liv out. ‘Is this about Effie because—’
‘See you do know,’ said Fraser. ‘Don’t make this worse. Please just go.’ The way he looked at her hurt her more than she cared to admit. But above all, the unfairness of it all overwhelmed her. After everything that had gone on she was gutted that he could dismiss her so easily. The last few days had been intense and certainly they’d had their ups and downs, but to be so blunt and final without giving her any opportunity to defend herself was too much.
There were so many things she wanted to say but emotions were bubbling too close to the surface and she feared as soon as she tried to explain she’d turn into a snotty, gibbering mess – why did that always happen? She would not give these people the satisfaction of seeing her cry. Instead she lifted her chin, turned around and stormed past Robbie. She fled upstairs and threw her things into her bag. Where the hell were all her socks? She knew she’d upset Effie but what Fraser obviously wasn’t aware of was that she was trying to help Effie, yet she couldn’t explain without breaking Effie’s confidence. The injustice of it burned her gut. As she came out of the bedroom still fuelled by anger she almost sent Robbie flying.
‘Can I help?’ asked Robbie, stretching out a hand to take her bag. He froze as his radio crackled into life. All she could make out was something about graffiti, but Robbie seemed to understand every word. Perhaps it was like mums and toddlers where they were so used to hearing the incoherent babble that only they could decipher it. She lifted her bag higher onto her shoulder and marched past him. This was not how she wanted things to end. Poor Effie, she was about to get her heart broken and most likely her bank account wiped clean, and Liv was powerless to stop it. Halfway down the staircase Robbie overtook her. ‘Emergency,’ he said as he raced by.
At the bottom of the stairs she turned to follow him. The front door slammed behind Robbie and the loud noise made Liv jolt. She was Olivia Bingham. She’d done nothing wrong so why was she skulking about? This wasn’t how the new Liv would behave.
She pulled back her shoulders ready to face the opposition but there was nobody about; everyone was busy. Her shoulders slumped down. The front door opened and as she assumed it was Robbie coming back to make sure she was leaving she dashed behind the reception desk and bobbed down. She would leave when she was ready and not when Robbie and the Bonnie Scott’s clan decided. She wasn’t entirely sure why she was hiding. Did that make her look more guilty? She heard footsteps. It definitely wasn’t Robbie, unless he’d popped out to put on a pair of heels. The heels click-clacked over the parts of the hallway that were uncarpeted and then nothing. Was the mystery woman walking on the carpet or had they stopped?
Liv was about to peep over the top of the reception desk when someone repeatedly and incredibly annoyingly tapped the reception bell in quick succession. Liv jumped up and was pleased that her sudden appearance made the woman gasp and flinch.
‘Hello, welcome to Lochy House Hotel. How can I help?’ asked Liv.
The woman in front of her was very well made up with long golden blow-dried hair and sharp eyes. ‘Who are you?’
That was an odd question to ask someone on a reception desk. ‘I’m Liv and I’m here to help.’ Probably only for about another minute before someone forcibly evicts me, she added in her head.
‘I need to see Fraser. It’s important.’ Her voice had a hard edge to it and her eyes conveyed her instant disdain for Liv.
Liv heard the kitchen door open and as she glanced in that direction she saw Effie looking wide-eyed at the new visitor. ‘I’m afraid he’s rather busy this evening. If you tell me who you are I’m sure I can help you?’ said Liv.
The woman scanned Liv up and down. ‘I doubt that very much. You have ten seconds to get Fraser or I will find him myself.’ She had even more of a resting cow face than Ginger. She turned away from Liv and the kitchen door swung too and fro rapidly, as Effie made a hasty retreat.
‘I’m happy to ask Fraser but I’m going to need some information from you, otherwise he’s not coming out because like I said he’s very busy this evening with—’
The kitchen door swung open with force and Fraser came storming out. His face was stern but he looked impressive as he strode towards them. His eyes were fixed on the woman but there was a moment where his gazed flicked to Liv and he looked surprised to see her manning the reception desk, which she had to concede was probably understandable. Liv began to hum ‘Emotions’ by Mariah Carey, which made Fraser do a double take before turning his attention back to the other woman.
‘What are you doing here, Lizzie? Have you not done enough?’ asked Fraser.
Lizzie! This was the famous ex-girlfriend. Liv was enthralled. She would not have put those two together in a million years.
‘Fraser darling, I am here to put things right between us,’ said Lizzie, her voice now lacking the hard edge of earlier. ‘Perhaps I could have a quiet word?’
‘And what would Callum have to say about that?’
Lizzie contorted her pretty features and put on mock-sad eyes. ‘I’m afraid we’ve split up.’
Fraser snorted and shook his head. ‘You just screw people up and throw them away, don’t you? It’s like a hobby for you.’
‘Sometimes things just don’t work out. But it’s important to recognise your mistakes, which is why I’m here. Come on, Fraser, this is me waving the white flag.’
‘I don’t have time for whatever your latest game is. I’m busy with the showcase dinner.’
‘It’s going ahead?’ She seemed surprised.
‘Really none of your business, but if you thought stealing my staff would stop me you sorely misjudged my Mariah attitude and resilience.’ There was a brief moment where his eyes flicked in Liv’s direction. She would take that as a tacit acknowledgement that her pep talk had worked.
‘Of course not. Remember, I know you well,’ said Lizzie her voice a little husky. ‘I don’t want to fight with you. I think we are both wasting time being enemies.’ Liv mimed sticking her fingers down her throat. And Fraser smirked at the gesture. Lizzie shot a look at Liv and she quickly pretended to do something on the ancient computer. Surprisingly the screen sprang into life. It wasn’t even password-protected.
‘Lizzie, I literally don’t have time for this,’ said Fraser.
‘And that is exactly why I am here. I’m sure you understand that employing the best staff is merely a smart business decision; however, I concede that my timing could have been better. I’d like to propose a compromise.’ She lifted her chin and, looking rather pleased with herself, she clearly felt she had the upper hand in whatever she was about to negotiate.
‘No,’ said Fraser and he stared her down.
Lizzie pouted. ‘But you’ve not heard what I’m—’
‘Not interested,’ said Fraser and he turned to walk away. Lizzie grabbed his arm and he froze. He stared pointedly at where her hand was gripping him tightly. ‘Would you please let go of me. I need to get on.’
‘Fraser, don’t be so hasty. This is cutting off your nose to spite your face.’
‘My granny used to say that,’ said Liv but when all eyes darted in her direction she returned to randomly tapping away on the keyboard. The autocorrect was having a field day.
‘Read my lips,’ said Fraser. ‘I’m not interested in anything you are offering.’ His eyes swept over her outfit.
Ouch, burn, thought Liv and she gave Fraser a thumbs up, although this time she only received a scowl in response.
‘Fraser, I hate to see what you’ve worked for fail. Remember this was my dream too. I am offering you a partnership. I would buy ninety per cent of the business, you retain ten per cent and would have a job here for as long as you want it and, if you agree, you can have your staff back. Tonight.’ At that she let go of his arm.
This was tense. Liv was fascinated. Fraser scratched his head. He leaned in and spoke softly. ‘I don’t need your money or your flaky staff. Now please leave before I call the police and have you removed.’
Lizzie laughed and an image of Cruella De Vil popped into Liv’s head. ‘You mean Robbie. That dim-witted yokel couldn’t undo his own handcuffs.’
The kitchen door swung wide open and Effie came barrelling out looking thunderous. ‘Don’t you dare bad-mouth Robbie. He’s worth ten of you.’
‘I’d be surprised if either of you could count that high,’ said Lizzie. She turned back to Fraser. ‘It’s a one-time offer. Don’t be a fool,’ she said.
‘I was a fool once,’ he said. ‘Thank you for teaching me a valuable lesson, because I’ll not be fooled by you again. Now please leave.’ The level of menace in the last three words was quite impressive. It sent a shudder down Liv’s spine. There was something wildly attractive about a forceful Fraser, as long as she wasn’t on the receiving end.
‘Fine,’ said Lizzie. ‘You’ll regret snubbing me. This place will never be more than a cheap canteen.’
Fraser looked as if he was going to retaliate but instead he turned and went back to the kitchen. Lizzie turned to Effie who stuck her fingers in her ears and began humming as she followed after Fraser. Lizzie then turned to Liv, who picked up the telephone and pretended to tap in numbers. ‘I don’t know why I wasted my time with these halfwits,’ said Lizzie and, with a click clack of her heels, she left.
It was all quiet after the drama. Liv needed to think through what she was going to do. Leave with her tail between her legs or stand up for herself? She definitely needed a better plan than walking into the kitchen and shooting her mouth off. She picked up her bag and headed into the library which, thankfully, was empty.
Liv put down her bag and climbed onto the window seat holding her phone over her head. The elusive single bar popped up. ‘Ah-hah,’ she said, like a pantomime pirate. A quick bit of investigation on Google and she had what she needed.
With renewed energy she strode to the dining room door and was about to enter, but Fraser was in full flow speaking to the roomful of guests, making her feel compelled to listen.
‘You can see I’ve not been the luckiest, but I wouldny be beaten by circumstance or people who would enjoy seeing me fail, so this is me giving it a go. The local community has rallied around and tonight we are going to do our best to present to you a sample of what Bonnie Scott’s restaurant will be capable of. I hope you enjoy it.’ There were murmurs of interest from the group.
As he left the room he almost knocked Liv out with the door. The look he gave her was one of contempt. ‘Seriously, you’re still here?’
Liv straightened her spine and stared him down. ‘Yes, because there are a few things I’d like to say.’ Robbie was out of the picture, so at least she wouldn’t be arrested. ‘Firstly—’
‘I dunny care,’ he said.
It stopped her speech dead. ‘What?’
‘Whatever it is you think you need to say. I dunny care. I’ve got meals to prepare.’ He turned and walked into the kitchen with Liv close behind him, her temper rising to the challenge.
They entered the kitchen and people glanced up and then away, including Effie who blushed crimson at the sight of Liv. Liv looked at all the expectant faces including an angry-looking Fraser who picked up a particularly large knife. Liv took a deep breath. It was now or never.