Chapter 11 #2
He paused, took a sip of wine and then answered.
‘I’ve been told I’m a good friend.’ He laughed shortly.
‘Lots of women see me that way.’ Spreading his hands he added, ‘Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining.
At university most, if not all, of my closest friends were women.
I seem to get on better with women than men.
Perhaps it’s because I’ve a sister I’m very close to.
Listening is part of my job too. I analyse company accounts, give advice on profit and loss, how to move forward.
There’s a surprising amount of counselling involved.
’ He twirled his wine glass around by its stem, not meeting Livvy’s eyes.
His mouth worked. ‘It would make a change, sometimes, to be seen as the sexy alpha guy though.’
Livvy didn’t have time to answer, nor had she one ready. She didn’t think Mark needed to be the sexy alpha guy. He’d do just as he was. ‘Oh look,’ she said in relief, ‘here are our starters. The prawns with aioli for you? And yes, mine’s the goat’s cheese and beetroot.’
For the rest of the evening they managed to keep the conversation light.
Livvy stopped sulking about how perfect The Old School Kitchen was and concentrated on learning from what they were doing and Mark kept up a charming commentary about nothing in particular.
It succeeded in keeping Livvy entertained and her mind occupied.
Once they’d reached the coffee stage, a man circled the room. Tallish, with dark hair and smiling eyes, he worked his way round the tables, stopping to chat to diners.
‘Hello, I’m Rick, the owner,’ he said as he reached them. ‘I hope you’ve enjoyed your meal this evening.’
Livvy held out her hand. ‘Livvy Smith. It’s been perfect. My plaice was excellent.’
Rick’s eyes brimmed with humour as he shook it. ‘Livvy! So nice to meet you. You’ve taken on The Runaways, haven’t you? Congratulations.’
‘Thank you. Now renamed The George.’
‘Good choice of name. Much more appropriate.’
Livvy smiled. ‘I think so. We’ve our soft opening this week. Please come if you can.’
‘I’d be delighted.’
‘I love your white Christmas wreaths. Can you tell me where I could get some?’
‘Absolutely. My fiancée makes them. Daisy Wiscombe. She runs Va Va Bloom. It’s a few doors up from here.
You can get your Christmas greenery from her too.
’ He looked around at the restaurant, now gradually emptying.
‘I haven’t gone to town on Christmas yet, I always wait until at least Bonfire Night is over, but I’ll have one of her trees in here.
She orders them in from a local Christmas tree farm and can deliver. ’
‘Brilliant. I’ll do that. And I agree with not starting Christmas too early.’ Livvy hesitated. ‘This is Mark, my friend.’ The two men said hello. ‘Forgive me but we noticed how good your meat is. Mark said his beef was incredibly tender. Do you source locally?’
‘When I can. I was in the supply business before I opened up here. I had lots of local contacts in place already. My philosophy is to source locally and keep food seasonal. Where I can. It’s not always possible, of course.’
‘My philosophy too.’
‘I can email over a list of suppliers if you like. And have you thought about joining the local trade association? It’s well worth it.’
‘That would be amazingly kind. Thank you.’
Rick shrugged. ‘It can be tough when you’re starting out.
I had lots of input from Caroline over at The Station House – do try their cocktails by the way – so I’m happy to pass it on.
And get The South West News and Views onside.
I’ll email the link. It’s a what’s-on blog.
Fairly influential. A review on there is worth gold.
Oh,’ he said, as an afterthought, ‘I don’t suppose you’re looking for a cleaner?
Ours has a sister looking for work. Candice. ’
Livvy was overcome. ‘I do need a cleaner. I’ve been putting off advertising for one as I’ve had builders in and I didn’t want a cleaner to be scared off. The George has been in rather a mess. I’d love to meet Candice. Thank you and thank you for all the information. It’s so good of you.’
‘No worries. One of the things we do really well here in Lullbury Bay is community. We all help each other. I’m glad you enjoyed the meal. Hopefully we’ll see you both again.’
As Mark and Livvy walked through the alley to the shoppers’ car park behind the restaurant, Livvy wondered how The George would even begin to compete with The Old School Kitchen. It had been pretty perfect.
Mark unlocked the Mercedes. ‘Great evening. Wonderful food but it occurs to me that the one asset The George has that The Old School Kitchen lacks is plenty of parking. An enormous free, easily accessible car park. Counts for a lot, especially in high summer when Lullbury Bay will be rammed and folk will be fighting for a space.’ He smiled at her over the roof of the car. ‘Get in. I’ll take you home.’
Livvy slid onto the passenger seat. She felt a huge rush of affection for Mark.
He always knew exactly the right thing to say.
And, what’s more, she agreed. The Old School Kitchen, while perfect in its own way, perhaps didn’t have absolutely everything sorted.
Much as she’d liked Rick and was grateful to him for his help, she couldn’t help but preen just a little.