‘Really none of your business, but if you thought stealing my staff would stop me you sorely misjudged my Mariah attitude and resilience.’ There was a brief moment where his eyes flicked in Liv’s direction. She would take that as a tacit acknowledgement that her pep talk had worked.
‘Of course not. Remember, I know you well,’ said Lizzie her voice a little husky. ‘I don’t want to fight with you. I think we are both wasting time being enemies.’ Liv mimed sticking her fingers down her throat. And Fraser smirked at the gesture. Lizzie shot a look at Liv and she quickly pretended to do something on the ancient computer. Surprisingly the screen sprang into life. It wasn’t even password-protected.
‘Lizzie, I literally don’t have time for this,’ said Fraser.
‘And that is exactly why I am here. I’m sure you understand that employing the best staff is merely a smart business decision; however, I concede that my timing could have been better. I’d like to propose a compromise.’ She lifted her chin and, looking rather pleased with herself, she clearly felt she had the upper hand in whatever she was about to negotiate.
‘No,’ said Fraser and he stared her down.
Lizzie pouted. ‘But you’ve not heard what I’m—’
‘Not interested,’ said Fraser and he turned to walk away. Lizzie grabbed his arm and he froze. He stared pointedly at where her hand was gripping him tightly. ‘Would you please let go of me. I need to get on.’
‘Fraser, don’t be so hasty. This is cutting off your nose to spite your face.’
‘My granny used to say that,’ said Liv but when all eyes darted in her direction she returned to randomly tapping away on the keyboard. The autocorrect was having a field day.
‘Read my lips,’ said Fraser. ‘I’m not interested in anything you are offering.’ His eyes swept over her outfit.
Ouch, burn,thought Liv and she gave Fraser a thumbs up, although this time she only received a scowl in response.
‘Fraser, I hate to see what you’ve worked for fail. Remember this was my dream too. I am offering you a partnership. I would buy ninety per cent of the business, you retain ten per cent and would have a job here for as long as you want it and, if you agree, you can have your staff back. Tonight.’ At that she let go of his arm.
This was tense. Liv was fascinated. Fraser scratched his head. He leaned in and spoke softly. ‘I don’t need your money or your flaky staff. Now please leave before I call the police and have you removed.’
Lizzie laughed and an image of Cruella De Vil popped into Liv’s head. ‘You mean Robbie. That dim-witted yokel couldn’t undo his own handcuffs.’
The kitchen door swung wide open and Effie came barrelling out looking thunderous. ‘Don’t you dare bad-mouth Robbie. He’s worth ten of you.’
‘I’d be surprised if either of you could count that high,’ said Lizzie. She turned back to Fraser. ‘It’s a one-time offer. Don’t be a fool,’ she said.
‘I was a fool once,’ he said. ‘Thank you for teaching me a valuable lesson, because I’ll not be fooled by you again. Now please leave.’ The level of menace in the last three words was quite impressive. It sent a shudder down Liv’s spine. There was something wildly attractive about a forceful Fraser, as long as she wasn’t on the receiving end.
‘Fine,’ said Lizzie. ‘You’ll regret snubbing me. This place will never be more than a cheap canteen.’
Fraser looked as if he was going to retaliate but instead he turned and went back to the kitchen. Lizzie turned to Effie who stuck her fingers in her ears and began humming as she followed after Fraser. Lizzie then turned to Liv, who picked up the telephone and pretended to tap in numbers. ‘I don’t know why I wasted my time with these halfwits,’ said Lizzie and, with a click clack of her heels, she left.
It was all quiet after the drama. Liv needed to think through what she was going to do. Leave with her tail between her legs or stand up for herself? She definitely needed a better plan than walking into the kitchen and shooting her mouth off. She picked up her bag and headed into the library which, thankfully, was empty.
Liv put down her bag and climbed onto the window seat holding her phone over her head. The elusive single bar popped up. ‘Ah-hah,’ she said, like a pantomime pirate. A quick bit of investigation on Google and she had what she needed.
With renewed energy she strode to the dining room door and was about to enter, but Fraser was in full flow speaking to the roomful of guests, making her feel compelled to listen.
‘You can see I’ve not been the luckiest, but I wouldny be beaten by circumstance or people who would enjoy seeing me fail, so this is me giving it a go. The local community has rallied around and tonight we are going to do our best to present to you a sample of what Bonnie Scott’s restaurant will be capable of. I hope you enjoy it.’ There were murmurs of interest from the group.
As he left the room he almost knocked Liv out with the door. The look he gave her was one of contempt. ‘Seriously, you’re still here?’
Liv straightened her spine and stared him down. ‘Yes, because there are a few things I’d like to say.’ Robbie was out of the picture, so at least she wouldn’t be arrested. ‘Firstly—’
‘I dunny care,’ he said.
It stopped her speech dead. ‘What?’
‘Whatever it is you think you need to say. I dunny care. I’ve got meals to prepare.’ He turned and walked into the kitchen with Liv close behind him, her temper rising to the challenge.
They entered the kitchen and people glanced up and then away, including Effie who blushed crimson at the sight of Liv. Liv looked at all the expectant faces including an angry-looking Fraser who picked up a particularly large knife. Liv took a deep breath. It was now or never.
29
