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‘They do. They’re made from a savoury choux pastry with cheese, which is deep-fried, and inside they are filled with a variety of fillings. We have hummus, tzatziki and taramasalata.’

‘Oh, delicious,’ Lord Weatherton said between mouthfuls. ‘What a clever idea. Liz’s dishes are always so creative — and of course she employs the perfect chefs to execute her ideas.’

Jay cleared his throat. This was what he was met with all the time — just being seen as one of Liz’s members of staff.

‘Actually, Lord Weatherton, Henry, I’m not her chef. I’m her business partner.’

Lord Weatherton’s eyes widened. ‘Oh, really, I didn’t know. I thought Liz always flew solo.’

‘She did.’ Jay smiled. ‘Until your daughter’s engagement party, which really put her on the map. So much so that she asked me to come into partnership with her. We’d been friends for years before that and we work really well together. In fact, the aigrettes were my idea.’

‘Excellent choice,’ Lord Weatherton said. ‘And I’m very pleased for you both. This little business seems to be going from strength to strength. I always feel at ease when I attend any event that Liz is involved with — it’s guaranteed that the food will be out of this world.’

‘Well, thank you,’ Jay replied. ‘That’s good to hear.’

The door to the kitchen swung open and Liz came bustling in, much to Jay’s relief. If they didn’t get a move on soon, the main course would be spoiled.

‘Henry, this is where I find you. Skulking in the kitchen again!’ Liz said as she approached them.

Lord Weatherton chuckled. ‘Ah, my dear Liz, yes, guilty as charged. I just can’t help myself.’

Liz smiled. ‘Oh, Henry, you really are a delight, but we need to get everyone settled down in the ballroom. Then you’ll get to taste some more.’

‘Excellent,’ Lord Weatherton replied. ‘Let’s get this show on the road then.’

As Liz ushered Lord Weatherton out of the kitchen, she turned to look at Jay. He mouthed, ‘Five minutes’. She nodded and he went to get the trays of smoked-salmon terrine and sea-trout mousse from the fridge, relieved to be able to get back on track.

* * *

Jay was just cleaning down after sending the dessert out — a trio of chocolate tartlets, panna cotta and cheesecake, which was a staple on their function menu — when the door to the kitchen was pushed open. Expecting to see either Liz, Emma or one of the servers, he gasped in surprise as Susie, his ex-girlfriend, walked into the kitchen. For a moment he was speechless. What on earth was she doing here? Whenever he’d seen her in the past he had often felt a jolt of electricity as she’d walked into a room, but today he was pleasantly surprised to feel nothing except wariness as she came towards him.

‘What’s up, Jay? Cat got your tongue?’ Susie said, with a sultry smile that had always won him round in the past.

‘Just surprised, that’s all,’ he said, finding his voice. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘I’m one of Lucinda’s friends. Of course I’d be invited to the christening of her first child.’

‘No, I mean, what are you doing in my kitchen?’

‘I think you’ll find it’s Lord Weatherton’s kitchen.’

‘You know what I mean.’

‘Of course I do.’ She came closer, close enough that he could smell her perfume. Something heavy and pungent that he took an instant dislike to. Emma’s perfume was light and floral, and, he realised, was much more appealing. ‘I heard you were working today, so I thought I’d come to say hello.’ She put ahand on his arm, her long red fingernails in sharp contrast to his white chef’s jacket. He fought the urge to tear his arm away. That would look like she was having an effect on him. That he was still emotionally engaged.

‘Well, it’s nice to see you, but I am rather busy and I don’t really think we have anything to say to each other, do you?’

‘Oh, Jay, don’t be like that.’ She leaned in closer. ‘I’ve been thinking a lot about us recently. About how good we used to be together.’

‘We were a disaster, Susie, or at least that’s the way I remember it.’

‘Oh, you’re being too harsh. But, yes, I admit, we did get things wrong then. But we’ve both moved on and I was wondering if things might be better second time around?’

He laughed. ‘I don’t think so, Susie. But you are right about one thing. We have moved on. Or at least I have. I’m with Emma now and nothing would tempt me to come back to you.’

‘What, your plain little waitress? You’re telling me you prefer her over me?’

‘Yes, I am,’ he said, finally pulling his arm away from her. ‘So if you don’t mind, I’d like it if you’d leave my— this kitchen.’