Page 11 of Only You

With that, Thomas left, and Julie stepped forward.

Julie was not what Ana imagined. She introduced herself, talking in hushed, conspiratorial tones, which made Ana laugh. She was in her mid-twenties, from South Africa, on a working visa, enjoying the sights and British life. Julie had been working at Mount Crystals for six months and loved it. She gave Ana a guided tour of the restaurant, showing her where everything was and how the evening service ran. She explained that most of their clients were wealthy businessmen, businesswomen, or celebrities. They wanted exemplary service and to be left alone. The trick to great tips, Julie said, was to ensure you monitored empty wine glasses and plates. You never cleared a plate away until the entire table had finished, and when they had, you checked and were quick and efficient. Ana nodded, her mind in a daze as she tried to take in all she was being shown and told.

Before she knew it, the doors were open, and the first customers were being shown to their tables. Ana was wearing a badge that let patrons know she was new. Julie reassured Ana that she wouldn’t be penalised if she didn’t know the answer, as everyone needed to learn. Ana watched in awe as Julie greeted the customers, took their drink orders and talked them through the menus and chef’s specials. She knew she would get there. It wasn’t much different to the job she had at Randy’s, only the clientele was on a much higher level.

“So,” Julie announced after Ana had watched her serve the first three tables of their six. “Are you ready to try the next table yourself?”

Ana’s shocked expression had Julie laughing.

“Don’t panic,” Julie said. “You’ve got this, and I’ll be right behind you to jump in if you get stuck.”

Ana nodded as she gripped her hands together before moving towards their latest guests.

“Good evening,” Ana said, trying to hold her voice steady and ignore the tightness in her chest. “Welcome to Mount Crystals.”

She handed them their menus and pointed out the wine list before listing the chef’s specials. Then, as Julie had done, she checked whether they were ready to order some drinks or whether they would like a few moments. Ana was pleased her memory was reliable, so the script flowed once she had gotten over her nerves.

Julie patted her on the shoulder as they reached the bar to file their drinks orders.

“You were awesome,” Julie said, grinning. “I’ll have to watch out for my job.”

Ana shot her a sidewards glance but relaxed when she saw Julie’s grin.

“I thought my tongue would stick to the roof of my mouth. It was that dry,” Ana heard herself admitting.

Julie smiled.

“You’re a natural. Come on, another table just arrived. Tonight is going to be a busy one.”

“Bring it on!” Ana said.

She was enjoying herself. Her eyes darted to where Julie was pointing, and she froze.

Julie shot Ana a questioning glance as if sensing something was amiss. “You, okay?”

The man in the doorway laughed at something his dining companion said. Ana’s heart stalled, and goosebumps prickled her skin. Her eyes widened at the sight before her. It had been over seven years since she’d heard that laugh, and it wasn’t something she’d ever expected to hear again. At least not in person. His face was still the same, although his features had sharpened and matured with age. His dark-blond hair was more tamed than it had been when she had last seen him. It would be impossible for her not to recognise him. His deep blue eyes stared down at her every morning and evening from the walls of the tube station.

Julie touched her arm, snapping her back into the present. Ana’s voice wavered.

“That’s my ex-brother-in-law.”

“Which one?” Julie asked.

“Please don’t stare,” Ana begged. “It’s the one on the left.”

“You mean the heart surgeon from Morning TV?”

Ana nodded, wanting the ground to open and swallow her whole.

“Yes,” Ana replied quietly.

Ana glanced across, keeping her profile away from Andrew, not that he’d recognise her. The last day she’d seen Andrew in person, he hadn’t been interested in Ana. He’d been there to beg her sister to not give up on their marriage and child. Ana could never understand how her sister could walk away from them. Especially when, later that night, she’d heard her crying through the bedroom wall. The whole thing had made no sense to her fifteen-year-old brain. But Eva had left Andrew seven years ago. Then within a year, when the divorce was final, Eva moved abroad to start a new life. That had been six years ago, and Ana hadn’t seen her sister since.

“Ex is never a good word. Don’t panic. Just stand behind me,” Julie said, touching her arm in reassurance. “I’ve got this table.”

Ana’s heartbeat stuttered as they approached the table. Ana made sure she stayed out of Andrew’s line of sight by hovering behind Julie. Andrew had only met her a couple of times, as she had been at boarding school during most of his and Eva’s visits. Ana hadn’t even attended their wedding. Their father had felt it frivolous and unnecessary for her to miss any school. The last time Andrew had seen her, she’d been an overweight, spotty fifteen-year-old, and he’d had much more important things on his mind than his wife’s little sister.

Julie was the epitome of professionalism. Ana’s heart sank as she realised she had let herself down. What would Robin Downsend think when he heard. Or Millie and George, who got her the job?

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