Robby replied with a smile, ‘You have. It’s totally because of me and not because of anyone else. Remember that.’
Nina laughed. ‘I will remember that the only reason I get invited to all sorts of things is because of you. That’s right, isn’t it?’
Robby joked, ‘Yes, you'd better watch yourself, or you’ll end up with no invites at all.’
Nina chuckled. ‘How come this place is so highly regarded? I mean, we’ve been to loads now, but this is always the one everyone mentions.’
Robby shrugged and raised his eyebrows. ‘I’m not really sure. It’s one of the chowder events that takes place in a house. Maybe that’s the reason.’
Nina queried, ‘Why would that be then?’
‘Because it’s in a house, it’s got more limited numbers and therefore it’s more sought after? Who knows, really?’
Nina nodded. ‘I see. That makes sense, I suppose.’
Robby put his arm along the back of the seat and shifted closer to Nina. ‘Get ready to have a lovely evening. This one never disappoints.’
Nina nodded again. ‘I will. How many people do you think are going?’
Robby shrugged again. ‘No idea. Not many. All I know is that my aunt will be there and that the food will be out of this world. That’s enough for me. Oh, and, of course, an evening with my fiancée. There’s that.’
Nina raised her eyebrows in question. ‘The food? What do you mean by thefood?’
‘What?’
Nina frowned. ‘I thought there was only one type of food. I thought it was just chowder at these things.’
‘Yeah, sorry, when I said food, I meant chowder. It will be amazing. Just wait and see.’
‘So, if it's just chowder, what makes it so special that everyone wants an invite to this one specifically?’
Robby leaned closer and lowered his voice. ‘It's not just any chowder. They say this one is a secret recipe passed down through generations.’
Nina rolled her eyes. ‘Pah! They all say that. Birdie says that about ten times a day. Ask me how I know. She won't let you forget it.’
‘The atmosphere of the event itself is something else. It's like stepping into another era, with jazz playing in the background and the house is, well, you’ll see when we get there. Yeah, the setting helps.’
Nina's eyes went wide. ‘Ooh, yes, June said the same.’
‘You won’t be disappointed.’
‘So no one knows it’s this one tonight apart from those of us who are going?’
‘I assume not. That's the best part. The location is kept secret until the last minute, and you need a password to get in at this one. It's all very hush-hush, adds to the excitement.’
Nina laughed. ‘A password? No, you don’t, surely? Really? What is it?’
‘That,’ Robby joked, tapping his nose, ‘is something I cannot reveal until we're on the doorstep.’
‘I love the idea of a secret gathering. It feels like we're part of an exclusive club.’
Robby nodded. ‘Hmm, I guess so. It harks back to a time when people gathered in secret and smuggling and all that. Maybe that’s why…’
Nina leaned back, imagining the scene. ‘I can’t wait.’
‘This one has live jazz if we’re lucky.’
‘I didn't realise chowder could be so... romantic.’
