Page 32 of Stolen Kiss

“I don’t believe it,” he muttered scrolling up and down.

“What don’t you believe?” Stan said on the opposite side of the metal kitchen tables, their laptops positioned like they were playing battleships.

“The menu for Remi’s wedding.”

“Yeah, saw that. Great isn’t it. Nothing too fancy.”

“Well, that’s the problem. It’s too simple. How can we showcase a simple wedding?”

“Before you were assuming she was going to want an extravaganza that you wouldn’t be able to cater. Now she’s handed you an elegant, simple menu, you’re not happy. I hope you’re not going to be one of those diva chefs, mate.”

Jason looked at him and then back to his laptop. “I’ll try to keep a lid on it. How is the staffing going?”

“We have the entire eighteen to twenty-five-year-old demographic booked in to interview. Not a lot of jobs on theisland so we’ll have the pick of the bunch. Interviews start next week.”

“Have any of them applied for the kitchen positions?”

“Quite a few. None of them have any formal training. So if you can keep a lid on it, hopefully they’ll stay to learn. I heard your roast potatoes are the shit.”

“Christ, word gets round fast,” Jason said, dragging his hand through his hair.

“You better believe it. Everyone’s rooting for you and Heidi too. The entire island loves Heidi Shaw. Who doesn’t love a woman who helps bring babies into the world?”

He wasn’t wrong about people loving Heidi. Jason had strangers coming up to him in the high street shaking his hand, welcoming him back and asking when the wedding would be. He hadn’t got past first base with her and the wedding date was being bandied about like it was already announced. Most had opted for a spring wedding. Including Mrs Shaw.

“Why is everyone planning the wedding? We’re just friends.”

“You swooped her up off that boat and marched her through town then took care of her all night. In Copper Island’s eyes you should be married already.”

“How the hell does everyone know I stayed the night?”

“Nosy neighbours, mate.”

“Great.”

Jason was over the moon that Heidi was receptive to his touch but getting married was way off. He kept his head down and the subject off Heidi as he worked through the requirements for the wedding. Having a simplistic menu was a godsend to practise the first event, especially with all new staff. But the food wouldn’t be all that photographic. He considered making a separate dish and pretending that was what was served.

The day flew by and before he knew it, he exited his cottage at the rear and walking past Archer and Erica’s place.

“Hey, we still on for tomorrow?” Archer called out.

“Yeah, eleven, right?”

“Yep, Luke and Daisy will be here first thing. They’ll come across on the morning helicopter.”

“All right, sounds good. I’ll meet you all here then?”

“Sure. Where are you off to?” Archer asked.

“I’m taking Heidi to the Rum Distillery. It opened six months ago, and I thought I’d sample their stuff, see if I can incorporate it into dishes.”

“Oh what about rum and raisin ice-cream,” Erica said from her seat.

She had her legs draped over Archer’s thighs, reading a script under a giant hat.

“Might be an option. That’s what Remi has asked for in her menu for dessert to go with her Rhubarb crumble.”

“Oh man, she’s got great taste. That sounds mouth-watering, I’m so glad I have an invitation,” Erica said.

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