Page 22 of The Romance Library

The cosy-looking whitewashed building had a small terracotta-tiled terrace with blue tables and chairs and pretty flower boxes lining the windowsills.

‘The Seaview Arms is a popular pub that all the locals go to. It does a lovely Sunday roast, and they host different community events there too. It’s an important part of the community. As is this wonderful establishment.’ He stopped outside a white-and-blue restaurant with fishes painted on the window. ‘Welcome to May’s Fish and Chips. The finest restaurant in town.’

Theodore’s eyes flew from their sockets.

‘This is where we’re eating tonight?’ Horror was written all over his face.

‘Yes.’ Edwin smiled. ‘It’s been part of Sunshine Bay since 1973, when May opened it. Her daughter Candace took over a few years ago when May retired and it’s still going strong. People travel from far and wide to visit. The fish is as fresh as they come, and the chips are fried to perfection.’

‘Sounds great!’ I grinned. Partly because I genuinely was looking forward to it and partly because Theodore’s face was a picture. This definitely wasn’t what he was expecting.

‘Come on.’ He opened the door.

As soon as we stepped inside, the mouthwatering scent of freshly fried fish and chips hit me straight away. My stomach rumbled with excitement.

The restaurant was simple in design. Pine tables and chairs with decorative silver metal fishes of different shapes were mounted on the blue wood-panelled walls to make it look like they were swimming in the sea.

The specials of the day were written in colourful chalk on a large blackboard.

Every table except one was full, and laughter and chatter filled the air. As I took in my surroundings, I noticed that people were dressed in jeans or casual clothes and my shoulders relaxed. Turned out what I’d worn was actually spot on. It was Theodore that looked out of place in his bloody tux.

‘Eddie!’ A woman with porcelain skin who I guessed was in her forties approached us. She was wearing a striped apron, and her long blonde hair was tied up in a ponytail. ‘Great to see you! I’ve got your table ready. Welcome!’ She smiled.

‘Lovely to see you, Candace. Thought I’d introduce some new people to the best restaurant in town.’

‘Flattery will get you everywhere!’ she chuckled.

‘This is Jessica.’

‘Nice to meet you.’ I reached out my hand for her to shake it.

‘We don’t do handshakes in here!’ She pulled me into a hug and planted a kiss on each of my cheeks. ‘Welcome!’

‘And this is Theodore.’

‘Lovely to meet you.’ He took her hand and kissed it. ‘Please, call me Theo.’

Good to know he didn’t mind his name being shortened. Maybe that nickname just applied to people he wasn’t competing against, but I was going to assume it was fine to use from now on anyway.

‘Oooh, you’re a charming one!’ She grinned. ‘Don’t know if anyone’s ever kissed my hand before. You probably wouldn’t have either if you knew where it’d just been!’ she laughed, and Theo’s face fell. ‘Don’t worry! I was just handling raw fish, that’s all. I scrubbed them afterwards, but y’know, sometimes the smell lingers!’ she chuckled again. ‘Let’s get you seated.’

She led us over to the empty table, then gave us three menus.

‘I’d recommend the cod and chips,’ Edwin suggested.

‘Sounds good!’ I replied and Candace scribbled on her notepad.

‘Er…’ Theo paused, his eyes scanning the menu. ‘Do you have any other fish? Perhaps some smoked salmon and new potatoes?’

‘Ha! Good one!’ Candace laughed. ‘Always love a comedian! Is that why you’re all dressed up? Are you performing at a show later?’

‘No…’ he mumbled. Something told me Theo was being serious when he asked for smoked salmon. ‘I’ll have the same as Edwin, please.’

‘Excellent! And to drink?’

‘Cuppa, please,’ Edwin said.

‘Make that two. Theo?’ I raised my eyebrow. He looked like more of a champagne kind of guy.

---