Page 28 of A Perfect Devon Pub
Just her and Kim and an extra three VIP covers. That would be a challenge. ‘Any other ideas for help?’
George rubbed his eyes. ‘Pray?’
Fiona chuckled. ‘That’s an idea. I’ll ask Ivy.’
Ivy was happy to help in the pub, and by 6.30p.m.was laying tables and polishing glasses alongside Fiona and Kim. George walked into the dining room, followed by his sous chef.
‘Tonight’s specials,’ announced George. He ran his hands over his apron, fiddled with his chef’s hat, then added, ‘I’ll let Ruben explain ... they’re both his ideas.’
‘First, there’s a pan-seared sea bass – crisp on the outside with a buttery, melt in your mouth texture inside. It’s served with a zesty citrus beurre blanc sauce and complemented by a bed of roasted asparagus and a wild mushroom risotto.’
Listening to his enthusiastic voice, Fiona wanted to reach out and touch him. Her whole body tingled as she imagined kissing him, his lips lingering on hers. She diverted her mind, matching the complicated flavours with different grapes. She favoured aSauvignon Blanc –the bright crispness would enhance the freshness of the sea bass and balance the richness of the sauce,without overpowering the delicate flavours of the fish. Or maybe an unoaked Chardonnay. Its crisp acidity and minerality would match both the fish and the rich wild mushroom risotto. Ru was still talking and Fiona realized she had missed what the second special was.
‘For pudding,’ said Ru, ‘we’ve made a chocolate tart with autumn raspberries.’ She darted a glance at him. He replied with a grin, sending a pulse of desire through her body. ‘Thought we should set the sommelier a challenge.’
Ruben and George returned to the kitchen, leaving Fiona with an ache in her heart. How could she heal with him constantly reminding her of her loss?
Kim folded her arms over her chest. ‘I reckon Ruben fancies you. Are you really a sommelier?’ asked Kim.
‘Yes.’ She puffed out her chest. ‘And I’m studying for the Advanced Sommelier qualification too.’
‘What does that involve?’ asked Kim rolling her eyes.
‘A lot of hard work and a lot of experience. Blind tastings.’
‘Blind tastings!’ scoffed Kim, ‘What’s the point of that?’ she asked and stalked off.
By opening time, Fiona was feeling nauseous and her head was pounding. She made herself an espresso and swallowed a couple of paracetamol. ‘You okay, love?’ asked Ivy, brushing a hair from Fiona’s face. ‘You’re looking pale.’
‘I’ll be fine.’ She gave a half laugh. She would soon be too busy to notice. The door opened and Fiona rushed to greet the customers, giving her head a shake to clear the brain fog. An hour later, her temples were still throbbing. Everyone sounded like they were shouting, and her hand felt too heavy to lift a pen to scribble down orders. Fiona was waiting at the serving counter when Kim joined her.
‘Table 5 is asking for the sommelier. They can’t decidebetween aMargusand aLynchysomething or other.’
Fiona smiled inwardly. ‘I suspect it’s a Margaux and a Lynch-Bages. I’ll see to it.’
Ivy puffed over. ‘Another wine request.’ She panted, ‘The Hastings table wants a bottle of Krug. Where can I find that?’
Fiona felt her chin tremble. The VIP table had ordered her favourite blended Champagne. Her chest felt tight and in front of her, Ivy’s head seemed to blur.
‘Service,’ came a sharp command.
The room spun and Fiona collapsed.
Before losing consciousness, she registered a man’s alarmed cry – ‘Mousse!’
Fiona could smell him – amixture of basil, caramelized onions and lemons – making her want to lie back in his arms and sleep. Her eyes flickered open and she saw his hands, chef’s hands with the nails neatly trimmed and spotlessly clean. She felt his warm breath caress her ear.
‘You fainted,’ he murmured.
She looked beyond the hands, saw the floor tiles. ‘I’m not feeling great.’
George lowered his head, his eyes narrowing as a quizzical expression spread across his face. ‘Moose?’ he said, addressing Ru. ‘You criedmoose. She fainted and you called her an animal?’
Fiona’s mind churned, trying to unscramble the misunderstanding. How was Ru going to explain this slip-up?
‘I saidmove, notmoose,’ Ru claimed hastily. ‘I was trying to give her some space.’
George chuckled, his laughter breaking the tension. ‘Ah,’ he said with a smirk. ‘I thought you saidmoose! I reckon she’s got Rose’s flu.’
