Page 13 of The Second Chance Supper Club
‘Helloo! It’s only us!’
On the front steps stood Andreas and Dan, bearing huge grins plus a gorgeous bunch of colourful tulips, and a Tupperware box which looked to be filled with goodies. ‘Baklava made by moi, and handmade boozy chocolate truffles care of Dan.’
‘Ooh, delightful. And the flowers are beautiful, thank you. You boys certainly know how to treat a lady.’ Cath smiled broadly. ‘Come on in …’ She led them through the hallway to her kitchen at the rear of the cottage, where a bottle of fizz was ready in an ice bucket. ‘Bubbles, or G he was absolutely not so bloody ‘merry’ now that he had been revealed as Mr Grumpy!
After a top-up of fizz, and some easy-going small talk, Cath felt it was time to start serving some food. ‘I’ll just nip back to the house and bring the starter platters up.’
‘Can I give you a hand?’ offered Mr Grumpy … oops, Will, politely.
‘Ah, thanks but I’ll be fine.’ She really didn’t want to find herself facing any awkward kitchen conversations at this point. She was still recovering from the shock of seeing ‘Mr Grumpy’ turn up on her doorstep.
Cath had to admit the platters looked good as she carried them up to the summerhouse. The dishes were greeted with smiles, and a ‘Wow, that looks delicious’ from Dan, and a ‘Scrumptious’ from Nikki.
‘So, what’s everyone been up to this week, so far?’ Cath asked, as they dug in to the cheese, chutneys, crackers and charcuterie. Andreas started, ‘Been full on with the shop, had our usual trip down to the suppliers, and then fitted in a few visits to Mama, of course.’
‘Oh, and don’t forget we had that stocktaking evening too … thrilling,’ added Dan.
‘The giddy life we lead.’ Andreas was smiling, as though steady as it was, they were both happy to be doing it.
‘Cleaning, cleaning, and more effing cleaning for me – all day at work, then sorting out the mess from my lot at home. Oh, and then throw in a bit of cooking and washing. Tonight is certainly the highlight of my week so far!’ Nikki added.
Will said, ‘And I’ve had a good few days at the shop. Kept myself busy.’
‘Oh, so you have a shop, too?’ Cath was curious.
‘Yeah, more of a repair place really … bicycles. It’s over in Kirkton, just past the garage there.’
‘Ah yes, I think I’ve seen it.’
‘The Cycle Man. Very original …’ He gave a wry smile.
‘Does what it says on the tin,’ added Dan with a grin. ‘He’s good, and doesn’t charge silly money, I can vouch for it.’
‘Yeah, it’s quite a new venture for me, but it’s going okay.’
He did look the sporty type, Cath mused, lean and healthy looking for a middle-ager. ‘Well, that’s good,’ she responded. ‘Not quite my thing, cycling, I have to admit. But I imagine it’s great if you’re into it. You said your business is quite new? So, what did you do before that?’
‘I used to be a fireman until recently, took early retirement and well, my hobby’s always been cycling.
Lots of locals are into mountain biking and road cycling around here.
It’s been a passion of mine for years. I used to do repairs for friend’s bikes.
So…’ He looked slightly troubled. ‘When I found myself with more free time on my hands, and a small unit came up nearby on a short lease – well, the idea came to mind, thought it was worth a try, and see how I go. So far so good.’
Cath suddenly remembered about his wife having died.
Was the ‘free time’ a lot to do with that as well as retiring?
Finding himself on his own, with his world turned upside down.
They had that in common, at least. She didn’t want to dig any further, nor probe too deeply, and make him feel upset or awkward – anymore than he already was.
She merely added, ‘Right, well that sounds interesting. Best of luck with the new business.’
The conversation rolled on again, and soon, after a quick whizz to the kitchen to boil the tagliatelle pasta, and add prawns and freshly grated lemon rind to her sauce, the next course was ready.
Phew . The olive-oil roasted potatoes had crisped up in the baking tray, the addition of rosemary sprigs fragrant and flavoursome.
The focaccia had risen well and had a springy-salty rosemary top.
A fresh and crispy side salad, with her own oil-and-vinegar dressing, was the final touch.
Nikki popped down to help her, and as they set the serving dishes out on the summerhouse table, it all looked and smelt good, she had to admit.
The meal recalled Mediterranean summers, commented Dan.
Aw, that was just what she’d hoped for. They all tucked in.
With contented tummies all round, a rest with a glass of chilled white wine to hand was very much needed. A large one for Cath, who was so relieved that she had somehow managed to pull the supper off nicely, so far. Foodwise, at least.