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B y now they’d reached the lane-way near the complex. Lucy watched as Jack hit a button on his remote and the wide doors opened. He drove the car in then led Lucy through the storage area and out through a side door into the kitchen of the restaurant.

Brad caught sight of her. “Lucy! Hey, you’re back!”

“Hi, Brad.”

“You eating here tonight, Jack?”

“Yeah, just off to find Seb and see what’s happening.”

“Got a lovely slow-cooked chicken tonight. I can recommend it.”

“Okay.”

Brad cocked his head and grinned at Lucy. “So, Lucy, how on earth did you let this maniac talk you into coming back?”

“Hey, Brad, I’m a smooth talker.”

“That you are, my friend. Still, I think it was the chance to taste my food again that drew her back,” he teased. “Talk to you later, Lucy. Better look as if I’m busy in front of one of the bosses.”

Lucy laughed as Jack took her out through the restaurant and then sat her at one of the outside tables that was free. It was close to the spit and the wood-fired oven.

“I’ll grab you a coffee then try to find where Seb is and what’s happening.” He leaned over and kissed her before she had a chance to answer, then walked off toward the club entrance.

Lucy gazed around. The place was getting crowded.

There were several families, and she noticed a play area fenced off between the trees she hadn’t before.

The sound of giggling and happy children wasn’t too loud, but it was pleasant to hear.

The aroma of baking bread was mouth-watering.

Turning her head toward the smell, she noticed some cooking in the nearby oven.

A few minutes later, a tall, thin man approached her with a latte in hand.

“Hi. Jack sent this over. He and Sebastian are just talking with Walt. My name’s Graham.”

“Oh, thank you, Graham. You didn’t have to bring this out. I could have waited or gotten it myself.”

“It’s okay. I was on my way back into the restaurant so it was no trouble. The bosses won’t be too long.”

“Well, thanks again. I appreciate it.”

Graham nodded and walked through the big restaurant doors. There was no sugar on the table, but Lucy took a sip and discovered her latte was already sweetened. Jack obviously remembered.

About ten minutes later, the two men walked over to her table.

Sebastian leaned in to kiss her lightly then sat down. Jack followed suit.

“Hi, Lucy. Sorry about this. Been crazy, but I hope everything’s sorted now.”

“That’s okay, Sebastian. I do understand you both have a business to run.”

Sebastian’s voice was quiet as he answered. “Thank you. I’m sure some people wouldn’t.”

He gave a sigh, leaned back in his chair, then looked across the table at Lucy. He had a frown on his face, and Lucy thought he looked stressed.

Jack shared a quick glance with Lucy and she thought he was telling her this was how he ‘sulked’. She gestured to the nearby oven. “That bread smells so tempting.”

“I know,” Jack said. “You’d be amazed at how many people who wouldn’t normally order bread do once the smell invades the restaurant.”

He and Lucy talked about bread, Lucy telling the men that it was one of her great food weaknesses. “I could eat a fresh, hot loaf all by myself, smothered in just butter or peanut butter and honey.”

“I’m a Vegemite boy myself.”

“What about you, Sebastian?”

“Uh? Sorry, Lucy, what was that?” Sebastian seemed to shake himself and come back to their world.

“I wondered if you liked hot, fresh bread like me.”

“Oh yeah. We’ll have to order you some bread then.”

“Oh yes, please!”

“I’m glad you’re here now.”

Lucy could hear emotion in his voice.

Jack reached out and touched his hand. “You okay now, love?”

“Sorry, you two. I need to put work behind me and concentrate on my two favorite people.”

“Yes, you do. It’s all sorted, so relax,” Jack suggested.

“I will. Tell me, Lucy, you’ve had a chance to think. Hope you haven’t changed your mind about getting to know us both?”

“No. I still feel the same way.”

“And I hope you don’t think Jack and I are kind of riding rough-shod over you. But we do want to know you.”

His voice sounded hesitant, unsure. It was unexpected, Lucy thought he was still unsettled from whatever work issue had taken place. Feeling unbelievably brave, she grinned at Sebastian.

“No, I don’t think that. I honestly think you’ve both let me make my own decisions without any pressure. And I do want to find out what makes you both tick.”

“Thank goodness! I know Jack and I would have been disappointed if you told us that after thinking it through, you’d decided to walk away.”

Plucking up her courage, Lucy looked from one man to the other. “At the moment, I certainly don’t want to walk away.”

Both men took a hand each. The three of them sat silently for a few minutes until Sebastian suddenly laughed. Obviously, he’d thrown off whatever dark mood had taken him. It surprised Lucy and made her jump. He stood slightly, leaned over, and kissed her cheek.

The look on his face made Lucy catch her breath. It was as if all his hopes and dreams for their relationship were on display.

“This is going to work. I just know it.” He rubbed his hands together. “Okay, my darlings, let’s get something to eat.”

“Great! I’m starving. What about you, Lucy?”

“Yep, I’m hungry.”

“Do you like chicken, Lucy?” Sebastian asked. “Brad does this slow-cooked chicken with wild mushrooms. It’s lovely.”

“I do. I was hoping you’d suggest it.” She cocked her head and grinned at him. “I was going to ask for it if you decided to order me something else.”

Sebastian laughed and Jack tapped her hand. “Good for you, Lucy. Don’t let him scare you into thinking you have to do what he asks.”

Sebastian looked at Jack thoughtfully.

Jack said ‘oops’, but Sebastian grinned at him. “I’ll let that go because Lucy has to understand I’m not an ogre.”

“Oh, gee thanks, Seb.”

“Don’t push it, lover!” He looked at Jack with an expression that promised next time he wouldn’t ignore it. “He’s right though, Lucy. I don’t want you to think you have to do anything. This is all about learning about each other, compromise by us all, and most importantly discussion.”

“I think I understand. But you have to realize I’m just not good at talking about intimate things. Food’s one thing, but emotional stuff is another. It’s way more difficult.”

Sebastian covered her small hand with his long, large one. “We do understand that, Lucy, but I think once you get over your initial hesitance, you’ll find it easier to open up.” He went on. “So tell us, did you get your roofing quote?”

“Oh. Yes, I did. It was rather enlightening because this last contractor told me most of the roof was fine. It was only where the iron is and some of the surrounding areas that need replacing. Plus a few spots here and there. I also discovered slate roofing lasts around four hundred years! None of the other contractors told me that.”

“Probably trying to get more money out of you, Lucy. I bet they figured you wouldn’t know and wouldn’t bother checking. Have you looked into the credentials of this latest one?”

“I did a bit of searching before I contacted all of them. This latest quote is from Up Top Roofing, and they had good testimonials on their website.”

“Up Top?” Both Sebastian and Jack spoke at the same time then began laughing.

Lucy looked at them in surprise until Jack said, “That’s who did the coach house. We were really impressed with them. Very honest and very fast. Reasonable price, too.”

“Wow, that’s funny, it’s exactly what I thought, too. Well, I’d virtually decided to go with them. Just need to ring and confirm all the details. Make sure I’ve got it right.”

“Lucy, if you want Jack or me to look over the quotes or contracts—you know, as another pair of eyes—just say the word.”

“Thanks, Sebastian. I think it’ll be okay, but if I run into problems, I’ll be screaming down the phone for help.”

“That’s good. You honestly don’t have to do everything by yourself. We’d love to be there to offer support, especially as we’ve been through the whole roofing saga.”

“Thank you. I do appreciate it.”

Lucy felt all warm inside at Sebastian’s words. Despite what Jack had said earlier, those words more than anything had made her feel like they were both hoping this was long term, permanent.

Jack looked at her then Sebastian. “Lucy’s been worried this might be just a casual diversion for us.”

“I hope you told her we don’t do casual. I thought we’d made that clear on Saturday.” He smiled at Lucy.

Embarrassed, she managed to say, “Like I told Jack, I was on a kind of information overload the other day. Some things got a bit lost.”

Sebastian grinned then said, “Honestly, Lucy, we’ve never gone into anything thinking it was just for a five-minute bit of fun. We’ve always hoped it would develop into a permanent relationship.”

She blushed and was saved from saying anything else by the arrival of their food.

A sizzling pot of chicken was placed in the center of the table then another platter of steamed fresh vegetables along with a bowl of mixed wild mushrooms in butter.

They were given a plate each and wished ‘Bon Appétit’.

“Gee, this looks so yummy!” Before Lucy could serve herself, Sebastian began piling food onto her plate. “I can do that!” she protested.

“You can, but you don’t have to. I’d like to look after you, sweetheart, if I may,” Sebastian said as he piled another spoonful of the chicken onto her plate before ladling some onto Jack’s.

Just then, Brad came out, pulled out the remaining chair, then sat. He had a wooden board with a steaming artisan bread loaf and a dish of butter on it. “How is it, Boss?”

“Smells good.”

“Want some bread? Just lifted out a few sourdough loaves. Nice and crispy on the outside, and warm and soft inside.”

“Thanks, Brad. Smells delicious. Lucy’s a bread fiend.”

Jack moved the dishes so Brad could fit the bread on their table.

Brad ripped off large chunks of steamy bread, buttered a piece, and handed it to Lucy. “Tell me what you think, Lucy.”

She thanked him and bit into it. It was just as he said. It was so fresh, the outside crispy and yet the inside so soft. “Brad, this is wonderful! Makes me wish I could bake bread.”

“It’s not that hard, Lucy. Just a bit of time and effort, really.”

“Mm, one day.” She snickered. “I just have to learn how to cook first, and the bit about not burning food.”

Brad and the others laughed with her. “Yeah, that probably would help, Lucy,” he agreed.

“I’m going to teach her if she’s willing,” Jack said. Turning to Brad, he added, “Brad can vouch for me.”

“Yes, I can. He’s a good cook. I’ve had him in the kitchen often when we get caught shorthanded.”

Brad stayed with them for another five minutes then excused himself.

The three of them were silent while they tucked into their meals. Lucy finally pushed her plate aside after mopping up the last of the chicken gravy with another piece of the delicious bread. The two men finished, although Lucy noticed Jack picking up the tiny bits that were left on the platter.

One of the wait staff came over and cleared the table when Jack said he’d finished.

Sebastian ordered them a coffee each and they sat back, relaxing.

The restaurant was fully packed now. There was an early evening chill that occasionally came in February. A cool southerly change had blown in around lunchtime bringing rain with it and it was still overcast. Lucy gave a shiver.

“Cold, Lucy?” Sebastian’s voice held concern.

“Not really. I prefer the cooler weather. Can’t wait for winter.”

“Have you ever skied?”

“No, but I always thought I’d like to try.”

“We generally go down to the snow fields a few times during the season. You’ll have to come with us. Jack’s a lot better skier than me, but I enjoy it immensely.”

Jack nodded. “Seb’s dad often comes, too. He’s pretty good. You’d like him. Very droll sense of humor.”

They sat lingering over their coffee until Sebastian spoke. “You look tired, Lucy. Think we’d better get you home.”

She thought the stress of wondering how the day would turn out was now catching up.

The two men stood and Sebastian pulled out her chair, helping her to her feet. He kept his hand on her arm as they walked back toward the garage.

Jack opened one of the doors and they entered. He held the car door open for her then climbed in the back seat while Sebastian got behind the wheel.

In no time at all, they were back at her front door.

Lucy was certainly tired but happy now she knew the two men were just as pleased to see her as she was to see them.

Plus, they were hoping for something long-term.

When they walked her to the door, Sebastian held out his hand for her keys and unlocked it.

He pushed it open and Lucy turned to face them both.

“Thank you. It was a lovely night.”

“How about coming on a picnic on Sunday?”

“I’d love to!”

“Okay, we’ll pick you up about eleven.”

“Get inside. See you Sunday.”

He gave her a soft kiss then waited as Jack added his own goodnight and a kiss.

Lucy watched them turn away and she shut the door, leaning against it. She gave a very self-satisfied grin and pushed off the door. Climbing upstairs, the smile never left her face.