Page 57 of Things We Need to Say
‘But you’ve worked hard to build up your business.’
‘I have, but I’ve always said to Jay that the business shouldn’t get in the way of our friendship. So in all honesty, if he wants to pursue other ambitions, I don’t want to be the one to stand in his way.’
‘You’re too nice for your own good. Jay has earned a bloody good living since you made him a partner.’
‘And he’s earned every penny.’ Liz took a sip of her water. ‘It’s not just about Jay, though. My life is about to change massively when our baby is born and I’m wondering if it would be simpler if we just concentrate on the private side of the business, especially if Tia is going to be so difficult.’ She paused. ‘I know she’s your business partner, Alex, but she’s not mine and I haven’t got the energy to have to deal with her mind games.’
‘She can be difficult and I can see how life would be easier if you just had one business to deal with, especially while you’re on maternity leave. I certainly don’t want you to be any more stressed than you have to be, but will that earn enough income for both of you?’
‘I don’t know, but Jay and I have time to work it out and generate enough bookings. Whatever we decide, I promise you we’ll give you plenty of notice to find a replacement if we decide not to renew the Diva’s contract.’ Liz thought privately that it was a lot more than Tia actually deserved after the way she had spoken to them today, but she was determined to keep the peace for Alex’s sake.
Alex came over and gave her a hug. ‘I do appreciate that. But I’m going to have a word with Roberto. I think Tia needs a gentle reminder that Diva’s is a partnership, not her solo project.’
‘I think Roberto might agree with you,’ Liz said.
‘The restaurant is running well, as are the hotels. Maybe I’m not the only one who wants a new challenge. Maybe Tia needs one too, something that stops her sticking her nose in where it’s not needed.’
Liz smiled. ‘That’s a good idea. And in the meantime Jay and I are going to do our very best just to keep out of her way.’
‘I don’t blame you,’ Alex replied. ‘Now enough about work. This should be ready.’ He took the casserole dish out of the oven. ‘I hope you’re hungry. I’ve made loads.’
‘I’m starving,’ Liz said, thinking how good it was to finally have her appetite back.
Chapter Nineteen
Two weeks later, Jay’s stomach felt as though it had turned to liquid as he changed into his chef’s whites in the changing room at the Greenwich warehouse. He knew the dishes he was about to cook inside out, but he still couldn’t contain his nerves and wondered if he’d ever get over his anxiety. Rav entered the room and the two men greeted each other with a clap on the back.
‘Good to see you, Jay,’ Rav said.
‘And you!’ Jay replied. ‘Are you as nervous as I am?’
‘Oh, I should say so.’
‘Glad it’s not just me, then.’
‘Nope. My hands are literally shaking. Let’s just hope I don’t knock my sauce over. Although if I do, you’re welcome to save it again.’
‘I’m sure that won’t be necessary but I’m here for you mate.’
A woman who looked to be in her twenties, with a dark plait that fell down her back, a black biker jacket, and clumpy boots on her feet, entered the room.
‘Hi,’ she said hesitantly. ‘I’m Chloe.’
‘I’m Jay and this is Rav.’
‘Pleased to meet you both.’ She flashed them a smile, which showed incredibly white teeth. Her smile lit up her intensely green eyes and Jay found himself mesmerised by them. ‘Now, I’d better get ready or you’ll be starting without me.’
She moved past them and Jay watched as the dark plait bounced jauntily as she walked.
‘Well, that’s three of us.’ Rav broke the silence. ‘Just need to see who else turns up.’
One by one, five more fellow chefs entered the room. It started to feel stuffy and the butterflies in Jay’s stomach returned.
Leanne, the assistant from the previous heat, opened the door and conversation ground to a halt. ‘Good. You’re all here,’ she said. ‘Would you like to come through?’ They stood behind their workstations, nervously anticipating the arrival of the judges. The door opened and the three of them filed in. Jay was disappointed that Louis was still part of the judging panel and could only assume that the sponsors weren’t worried about their previous working relationship. He’d just have to make sure he impressed Angela and Philip as he’d tried to do all along.
Angela was first, her long blonde hair piled on top of her head and her chef’s whites pristine. As she stopped by the table at the top she smiled and looked to each of them. ‘Hello, everyone, and welcome back. You are all well-deserved winners of the first set of heats and have earned your place in this round of the competition.’ She paused and Philip took over in what was obviously a rehearsed narrative.
‘Although there are only eight of you here today, sixteen contestants in total have made it through to this stage of the competition. You will cook your starters and fish courses today, then the other eight will cook tomorrow. After that, two contestants from each group will leave the competition.’
