Page 104 of One Golden Summer

“This isn’t a Hollywood gala.” Kirsty motioned for Saffron to bring it down a notch. “No one will care if things are late. You have wine. Keep serving wine. Simple.”

“Wine, right.”

There was another knock on the door and Saffron practically leapt for joy before running to the door, the box still pressed against her side. “You’re here!”

Dolly apologised and asked directions to the kitchen, getting to work with a younger woman who worked at the restaurant.

Kirsty opened the bottle of red and after Saffron rinsed the decanter, she filled it. The two of them moved into the lounge to get out of the way.

“I feel better.” She shook her body, letting the stress go. “Can I get you a glass of wine?”

“What? No Jeeves?” Kirsty waggled her brows.

“He has the night off. Let’s go out into the garden.” Saffron grabbed a bottle and two glasses. “Sorry, my girlfriend, who owns a wine shop only just gave me a decanter so you have to put up with wine straight from the bottle.”

“How do you put up with such incompetence?”

“Luckily she has other qualities that make up for the wine faults.” Saffron shot Kirsty a suggestive look, making Kirsty roll her eyes.

The sound of waves greeted them, and the waning sun left a chill in the air.

“I’m going to miss the long summer nights.” Kirsty pulled her cardigan over her chest.

“I would like to point out, more darkness means more time in bed.” Saffron handed Kirsty a glass of red.

“Fair point, well made.” Kirsty took a sip. “Why’d you invite guests over when we’re still in the early stages of shagging?”

“It seemed like the grown-up thing to do.” Saffron shrugged. “Next time, I’ll run my ideas by you.”

“Oh, no.” Kirsty shook a finger. “I won’t become your assistant. It’s time, Ms Oliver, for you to spread your wings.”

“It’s kind of exciting and terrifying all at once.”

“Hello?” Ginger shouted from inside the house.

“Garden!” Saffron shouted back.

Kirsty shook her head, tsking.

“What? She has a key and as I said earlier, Jeeves has the night off.” Saffron flourished her glass.

“I brought the troops.” Ginger made ata damotion, as Helena, Hugh, Ian, and Ruth stood behind her.

“We all stopped at the pub on the corner for half pints.” Helena kissed Kirsty’s cheek and then Saffron’s.

After all the hugs and air kisses, Saffron pressed her palms together. “Let me get more wine glasses.” Saffron winked at Kirsty.

In the kitchen she surveyed the progress. “Do you need anything?”

Dolly, chopping mint, glanced up. “We prepped almost everything earlier, so don’t you worry about a thing.” She turned around. “Annie, can you set out the hors d’oeuvres?”

Saffron left them to it, taking one of the olives from the platter before Annie whisked it away.

Back outside, Saffron poured more wine, unable to keep her eyes off Kirsty, who was engrossed in a conversation with her parents.

“Whoa!” Ginger tipped the bottle up. “Don’t waste any.”

“Sorry!” Saffron wiped the side of the bottle.