“So, are you up for this, Flick?” Brenda asked.
With talk of big things, big directors and big budgets, Flick thought it all a bit scary. Then again, she needed a big budget all of her own considering the amount of work that needed doing on the chateau. If she really was serious about a fresh start in France she couldn’t live on nothing, she’d have to bring money in somehow and this was the best chance she’d have at providing for herself. At least initially. She took a deep intake of breath, daring herself to just go for it. “Yes. I am.”
Brenda heaved a sigh of relief, while Gigi sat clapping her hands in delight.
Jess squealed. “This is so exciting.” She patted her husband’s arm. “Isn’t it, Pete?”
“It certainly is.”
“I might even sell extra houses on the back of it,” Dee said, ever the professional.
“Okay then,” Julia said with a smile. Eager to get down to business, she looked around the group, her pen and notebook at the ready. “So, who wants to start?”
“Obviously I can provide the bread,” Gigi said to Flick. “No French meal is complete without it. I can also offer pastries and cakes. And my son-in-law can give us someCidre.A Breton speciality, of course. I can also bring cheese, thanks to my sister. As you can tell, we are a family of artisans.”
“We can provide the wine,” Pete added. “Beer, cold drinks, whatever you need. We can even have a go at your infamous cocktail list, Julia.”
“And after everyone’s eaten I can do a more detailed tour of the building, selling both it and you,” Dee said.
Thanks to their generosity, Flick sat there wide-eyed and grateful. She also felt embarrassed as she didn’t have the cash to pay for any of this, something she’d have to explain before their plans grew even more extravagant. She felt herself blush. “This is very good of you and it all sounds fabulous, but I can’t really afford any of these things.”
Everyone returned her gaze, appearing aghast at the mere suggestion that money might exchange hands.
“We don’t want paying,” Julia said, sounding almost affronted.
“We just want to help,” Jess said.
“I might leave a few business cards lying around though,” Pete said. “To let them know about Café Ange. You never know they might call in.”
“And to be able to say we cater for events such as this will only add to our reputation,” Gigi said.
“And I’ve already said how I’ll benefit,” Dee added. “House hunters will be lining up to buy property around here once word gets out.”
Listening to them, Flick felt almost tearful. She looked from the group to her mum who, full of excitement, beamed back at her. “Thank you,” Flick said to them all, wishing she could find the words to say more.
“You’re welcome,” Julia said. “Now…” Reading through the notes she’d taken she was obviously keen to get back to the task at hand. “Where were we? Oh yes, the food. Who do we think should take charge of that?”
Everyone’s eyes automatically fell on Jess. Her cheeks reddened at being the centre of attention. “I don’t think so.”
“Why ever not?” Dee asked. “You’re a great cook.”
“Just not a professional one.” Jess looked to her husband for support, but he simply shrugged, clearly agreeing with everyone else.
“Your food’s as good as any chef’s I’ve ever tasted,” he said.
Jess laughed nervously. “You’re biased.”
“I’m not.”
“No, he isn’t,” Dee said. “But don’t take our word for it. What do you think, Flick? You’ve tasted her food, haven’t you?”
Flick felt a little uncomfortable being put on the spot, especially when she could see Jess wasn’t keen on the idea. But in considering the mouth-watering lunch Jess had previously made, just thinking about the Camembert dish made Flick salivate. “I think you’d be perfect for the job.”
“I think so too,” Brenda added.
“Really?” Jess said.
“As do I,” Julia said, scribbling something in her notebook. “So, that’s settled then.” She looked up with a smile. “Jess is on food.”
