‘Thanks, Jay. You’re a life saver.’
‘No problem,’ he replied before quickly moving away.
When he got back to his own workstation, he found that his hands were shaking.
* * *
Liz was impressed by the Rosemont Hotel. She’d never been here before. Although she’d heard a lot about it from Emma, it was a different experience being a guest. She was looking forward to being the one waited on for a change, and was glad that her appetite appeared to be back to normal again.
Emma greeted them by the door with a smile.
‘It’s lovely to see you both. I’m glad you could make it.’
‘I’m only sorry that I’m here with your ticket,’ Alex replied. ‘It’s such a shame you’re working.’
‘Oh, it doesn’t matter. At least I’m here,’ Emma said.
‘How’s it all going?’ Liz asked. ‘Jay must be a nervous wreck.’
‘He certainly was last night. I don’t think either of us got much sleep as he was tossing and turning so much. But I popped into the kitchen earlier and everything seemed to be going well.’
‘At least after today it will all be over,’ Liz said. She was all too aware that Emma’s cheerfulness seemed forced.
‘Yes, I suspect it will,’ Emma replied. ‘Anyway, let me show you to your seats. I think you’ll be pleased. You’re on the same table as Roberto and your old friend, Lord Weatherton.’
‘Oh, good, Henry’s here. He’ll keep us all entertained.’ Liz tried to match Emma’s enthusiasm, but she was puzzled by her friend’s response. She had a horrible feeling that Emma’s reply hadn’t just been referring to the competition.
The food throughout lunch was divine and the conversation light-hearted. Liz was thoroughly enjoying herself. But the star of the meal was Jay’s apple dessert. It looked exquisite and solifelike, but she knew that what was inside would taste even better.
‘Oh, my.’ Liz stared at it in awe. ‘Jay has outdone himself. It almost looks too good to eat.’
‘Oh, I wouldn’t go that far,’ Lord Weatherton said, cracking the outer shell of chocolate with his spoon and diving inside. He lifted a full spoon to his mouth and closed his eyes in delight as he tasted it. ‘My word,’ he eventually said. ‘That is simply exquisite. You’ll have to get Jay to put this on your menu.’
‘I definitely will,’ Liz replied. ‘Although how he’s managed to make this for so many people, I don’t know. They all look identical.’
‘It certainly is a triumph,’ Roberto said. ‘He’s come on leaps and bounds since he left La Emporium and started to work with you, Liz. I’m so proud that both of you started out under my wing.’
Liz smiled back at him. ‘Which just goes to show how good a teacher you are.’
‘It’s a shame that as Jay’s friends Liz and I are precluded from voting for the best dish. Because I’d definitely be voting for him.’
‘I’m going to vote for him,’ Henry said. ‘Even though I’m acquainted with him, his dessert is definitely the dish of the day.’
‘I completely agree,’ Roberto said as he picked up his form.
The forms were collected by the servers, and then coffee was served. Liz poured herself another glass of water. Coffee was still something she couldn’t tolerate.
Henry turned to her. ‘You’re going to have to watch Jay. Everyone’s going to want him to cook for them after today.’
‘As long as they’re willing to pay for us to cater for their functions, that’s fine. But he’s promised to cover my maternity leave, so he can’t go anywhere else just yet. I need him too much.’
They all laughed, but Liz was conflicted. Jay had promised to cover for her, but she didn’t want to hold him back if someone offered him something wonderful. On the other hand, she didn’t know how the business would survive if he decided he wanted to work elsewhere.
‘It certainly won’t do the reputation of Diva’s functions any harm either,’ Roberto said.
Liz and Alex exchanged glances. He and Roberto hadn’t managed to sit down with Tia yet as she was away on a buying trip for her interior-design company, and Roberto had no idea that she and Jay were thinking of not renewing their contract when the time came. Fortunately, further conversation was prevented as the competition sponsors stood up to make a speech about the reasoning behind the competition and how successful it had been in showcasing the food that London and the south-east had to offer. After that they handed over to the two judges, Angela and Philip, who explained how the competition had been run and how the final four chefs had been selected. The four chefs were still wearing their chef’s whites, which were no longer pristine but clearly showing the toils of the day. Liz felt a presence behind her and turned to see Emma standing behind her chair. She nodded a silent hello as Angela continued.
‘I think I can speak for both of us,’ Angela said, ‘when I say that this has been a very challenging but rewarding process. The level of talent we have witnessed has been incredible. However, today has confirmed to us that our selection of the final four chefs was absolutely the right decision and that all four of them have brilliant futures ahead of them. I’m also absolutely delighted to announce that the final judging, on who the overall winner is, is not down to Philip and me, but to all of you. The votes have been counted and we are now in a position to reveal your decision.’
