Page 27 of Things We Need to Say (Second Chance Love Stories #2)

‘Not sure. But if it means I’ll be working less, he’ll probably be all for it as I’ll be less stressed. What does worry me, though, is can we earn enough with just our own private catering?’

‘I don’t know. We’ve been doing pretty well here at Diva’s so we haven’t really been pushing our own business that much. If we concentrated on that, maybe we could make it work. At least then we wouldn’t be splitting ourselves in two.’

‘I’ll have a look at the accounts and see what we’ve already got booked in, and then we can have a meeting early next week to see if the figures pan out.’

‘Yes, that works for me.’

‘And we can also discuss staffing levels. I definitely think we need to take on a temporary chef and I was wondering about front of house too. If we had someone solid out front, it would certainly make things run more smoothly.’

‘Perhaps. Did you have anyone in mind?’

‘The other week I was wondering about Emma. I know she said she wanted to learn the ropes of managing a hotel and stand on her own two feet, but she seems so unhappy in her job at the Rosemont. Do you think she would be up for it?’

‘I really don’t know,’ Jay said. ‘The situation with her line manager came to a head last week and Heather’s gone off sick.

Another manager has taken over as Emma’s manager and she’s set her on a proper training programme.

In fact, she started on Reception this morning.

And best of all, Heather’s conduct is going to be investigated. ’

‘Well, that is good news. I’m so happy for Emma, she didn’t deserve to be treated like that.’

‘I completely agree. It’s like a huge weight has been lifted from her.’

Jay got back up to tidy up the kitchen.

‘So you don’t think she’d be interested then?’

‘It won’t do any harm to ask her, but, like I said, she’s much happier now.’

‘Do you want to speak to her or shall I?’

‘I’ll do it, but I think we might have to have a Plan B.’

‘Fair enough. Are you two getting on better now? Managing to find more time for each other?’

‘It’s not easy but we’re working on it. We had a brilliant weekend. We went to Winston’s on Friday night and then for a walk on the Heath with a picnic on Saturday.’

‘Ah, Winston’s. I remember those days well. Seems like a distant memory.’

‘You have other things to keep you entertained now.’

‘I will do soon,’ Liz replied, resting a hand on her stomach.

‘Susie was there,’ Jay said casually.

Liz raised her eyebrows. ‘Was she now? Did she make her presence felt?’

‘Tried to, but I told her again I wasn’t interested.’

‘Good for you.’

‘I know. Even though we’d split up, at first whenever I used to see her my heart would start to beat that little bit faster, but the last few times I’ve felt nothing.’

‘That’s good, Jay. Have you told Emma that?’

‘What?’

‘That you don’t feel anything when you see Susie.’

Jay frowned. ‘No, but she knows I don’t want Susie back.’

‘Tell her, Jay. Put her mind at rest.’

‘Why is she worried about Susie?’

‘Because Susie’s a model. Us normal beings tend to feel a little inferior when our boyfriend’s ex is a model.’

‘That’s daft.’

‘But it’s also true. So tell her.’

Jay nodded. ‘Yeah, okay, if you say so.’

‘I do. I think you and Emma are perfect for each other, so I’m sure you’ll be all right, but you just need to make more time for each other and make sure that you tell each other how you’re feeling.

And ask her about the job, and in the meantime I’ll think about an alternative if she turns us down. We can have a catch-up next week.’

‘Good idea,’ Jay said. ‘Now, let’s get out of here before we incur the wrath of Tia again.’

* * *

To Liz’s surprise, Alex was already at home when she arrived and there was a delicious smell wafting towards her.

She walked into the gleaming white kitchen. Of all the rooms in what she thought of as a show apartment, this was the one where she was most at home, which was hardly surprising, considering her occupation. She pulled out a bar stool and sat down at the kitchen island.

‘That smells wonderful. What are you cooking?’

He shrugged. ‘Just a chicken casserole, nothing to your standard.’

‘I’m sure it will taste lovely. Especially as I haven’t cooked it myself. You’re home early.’

‘Yes. There wasn’t much I was needed for at the hotel today.’

‘All running smoothly, then?’

‘Yes. I suppose I should be glad but I do feel a bit in limbo at the moment. I’d like a fresh challenge, but I don’t want to take anything on that’s too involved just before the baby. Do you want a cup of tea?’

‘No thanks. I had tea with Jay earlier. I’ll just have some water if you don’t mind getting it for me?’

‘You look tired. You’re not overdoing it, are you?’ Alex reached for a glass and removed a jug of filtered water from the fridge.

‘No, of course I’m not. I do have some decisions to make though.’

Alex handed her the glass of water, then took the saucepan off the heat and turned off the gas. ‘About?

‘About the business and what happens when I go on maternity leave.’

‘Can’t Jay run it and you can get in some extra staff on temporary contracts?’ He opened the fridge and reached for a carton of milk.

‘Well, that was the plan but I’m not sure it’s going to work out that way.’

‘How come?’ He pulled out a bar stool and sat down opposite her.

‘I went to Diva’s today to see Jay.’

‘Oh? There wasn’t a function on, was there?’

His answer was so reminiscent of Tia’s that she wondered whether he did know about Tia’s threat of charging rent.

‘No, there wasn’t.’ She decided not to mention that Jay had been there experimenting — she wanted to get a genuine reaction from him, not one that was clouded by other issues. ‘When I got there, Tia was talking to Jay. She was...’ Liz paused, searching for the right word.

‘Agitated?’

‘Yes, she seems to think that that Jay and I are spending too much time at Diva’s, and we’re using it as a base for our whole business and not just for the Diva’s functions.’

‘And are you?’

‘No. We can’t just turn up there on the day of a function. We hold stock in the kitchens, so it makes sense to compile our orders there so we’re not buying in things we don’t need.’

Alex nodded. ‘Yes, I can see why that makes sense.’

‘And sometimes planning for Diva’s overlaps in planning for the private catering.’

‘And Tia isn’t happy with that?’

Liz looked him straight in the eye. ‘I think you know the answer to that.’

He held her gaze for a moment and then looked away. ‘Yes, I must admit Tia does seem to have a problem with it. She’s mentioned it a couple of times.’

‘Mentioned it? She gave me the impression that she’s taken it a lot further than that. She says she’s spoken to both of you about charging us rent.’

Alex spluttered. ‘What? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.

I just thought she was having one of her gripes and it would all blow over.

That’s why I didn’t tell you. She started going on about it when you were first pregnant, when you were feeling so ill.

I didn’t want you to be worrying about Tia when I didn’t think it would come to anything. ’

Liz nodded. She would probably have done the same in his position. And his reaction about the rent seemed genuine enough. It definitely looked like a case of Tia throwing her weight around.

‘She also reminded us that our contract is due for renewal in a few months and it’s an ideal opportunity for her to renegotiate the terms.’

Alex sighed. ‘Sometimes Tia forgets she has two other partners. I’ll have a word with her. There’s no need for her to create obstacles where there aren’t any. You and Jay are doing a brilliant job with the Diva’s functions and I don’t understand why Tia is trying to rock the boat.’

‘Don’t have a word with her, Alex, not on my account anyway.’

Alex frowned. ‘Why not?’

‘The contract is up for renewal just when I’m about to go on maternity leave.

Jay has entered this competition and, if he does really well, I don’t know what opportunities might open up for him afterwards.

But if he’s having to run both sides of the business, he won’t be able to take up any of the opportunities that might come his way. ’

‘But you’ve worked hard to build up your business.’

‘I have, but I’ve always said to Jay that the business shouldn’t get in the way of our friendship. So in all honesty, if he wants to pursue other ambitions, I don’t want to be the one to stand in his way.’

‘You’re too nice for your own good. Jay has earned a bloody good living since you made him a partner.’

‘And he’s earned every penny.’ Liz took a sip of her water.

‘It’s not just about Jay, though. My life is about to change massively when our baby is born and I’m wondering if it would be simpler if we just concentrate on the private side of the business, especially if Tia is going to be so difficult.

’ She paused. ‘I know she’s your business partner, Alex, but she’s not mine and I haven’t got the energy to have to deal with her mind games. ’

‘She can be difficult and I can see how life would be easier if you just had one business to deal with, especially while you’re on maternity leave. I certainly don’t want you to be any more stressed than you have to be, but will that earn enough income for both of you?’

‘I don’t know, but Jay and I have time to work it out and generate enough bookings.

Whatever we decide, I promise you we’ll give you plenty of notice to find a replacement if we decide not to renew the Diva’s contract.

’ Liz thought privately that it was a lot more than Tia actually deserved after the way she had spoken to them today, but she was determined to keep the peace for Alex’s sake.

Alex came over and gave her a hug. ‘I do appreciate that. But I’m going to have a word with Roberto. I think Tia needs a gentle reminder that Diva’s is a partnership, not her solo project.’

‘I think Roberto might agree with you,’ Liz said.

‘The restaurant is running well, as are the hotels. Maybe I’m not the only one who wants a new challenge. Maybe Tia needs one too, something that stops her sticking her nose in where it’s not needed.’

Liz smiled. ‘That’s a good idea. And in the meantime Jay and I are going to do our very best just to keep out of her way.’

‘I don’t blame you,’ Alex replied. ‘Now enough about work. This should be ready.’ He took the casserole dish out of the oven. ‘I hope you’re hungry. I’ve made loads.’

‘I’m starving,’ Liz said, thinking how good it was to finally have her appetite back.