‘We’re exploring as much as we can in the time we have,’ she said. ‘First, we’re going to have a quick lunch, and then we’redriving to Tønsberg. It’s Norway’s oldest town, and you’ll be able to admire the views on the way as we drive south.’
‘Will I finally be seeing a fjord?’ he asked.
‘You will,’ she said. ‘I promise that you’ll enjoy the scenery, too.’
They fell into step side by side, with Harrison only breaking their stride when he opened the main heavy glass door for her.
‘So tell me, have you thought any more about Daniel’s offer?’
She laughed. ‘I thought you’d at least wait until we’d ordered lunch before asking.’
‘If I’m honest, Daniel found out I was meeting you, and he’s expecting me to pass on some insider knowledge.’
‘Well, in that case, you can tell him that his offer was very generous, and that I sent it to my lawyer,’ she said. ‘I’m tempted by it, truly I am, but I need another day to think it over. If the offer was in London, I’d have said yes already, but there’s more than just the restaurant to consider here.’
Harrison nodded, and she could tell he understood.
‘But, and it’s a big but,’ she said, glancing over at him. ‘I followed your advice and went to see my father.’
‘And?’
‘It was the best thing I could have done, and I have you to thank,’ Charlotte told him. ‘I’d become so consumed by the past when it came to reconciling, but it was worth it. So, thank you.’
‘You’re very welcome.’
She pointed to her rental car across the street and when they were both seated, she turned to him. ‘So, what did you do yesterday while I was consumed by family matters? Were you in meetings all day?’
‘Ahh, not as such. I actually had some personal matters to attend to.’
‘All okay?’ she asked, frowning at the look on his face. He suddenly looked as if all the colour had drained from his cheeks, and she hoped that he was feeling all right.
‘It will be, and exploring today is just what I need to take my mind off things.’
‘Then let’s go,’ she said, pulling out into the traffic, not about to make him uncomfortable by asking further questions. ‘My favourite little café isn’t far from here, and then once we’ve eaten we can head farther afield.’
‘Tell me, how’s it going with your great-grandmother? Have you discovered any more family secrets?’ Harrison asked.
‘I think we have more questions than answers, but she’s still talking, so that’s what matters.’ Charlotte quickly looked over at him and found that he was watching her, which made her grip the steering wheel and focus her eyes on the road. She hadn’t thought about being in such a small space with him, or about keeping the conversation going for the 100 kilometres or so it would take them to get to their destination. ‘Are you close to your family?’
‘Yes,’ he said, without hesitation. ‘We’re very close, but my sisters are busy raising families, so it tends to be a very hectic gathering when we all get together.’
‘They haven’t been tempted to visit you here?’
‘No, but I actually have friends arriving tomorrow, Luke and Louisa,’ he said. ‘They fly in tomorrow afternoon.’
Charlotte couldn’t resist the urge to glance at him again. ‘How long are they here for?’
‘Just a few days for our annual get-together. I’m looking forward to seeing them.’
‘Why don’t you let me cook for you all while they’re here? Unless you already have plans, that is?’ Charlotte asked. ‘I want to work in the kitchen one more time, to try out the mains I’mplanning. When I accept…’ She stopped talking, realising her error one word too late.
‘You’re going to accept the position?’
Charlotte groaned. ‘I didn’t mean that to slip out, but I am seriously considering it, especially given the shorter initial term. And if I do, I want to have a sample menu to show Daniel. I want him to know how much thought I’ve put into this, and I want to hit the ground running when it comes to recruiting the very best chefs to work with me. I’m even thinking of doing a special tasting for some influential locals, to show them what they can expect when visiting the hotel.’
‘You’ve put a lot of thought into this already,’ Harrison said. ‘I’m impressed.’
‘Well, just don’t tell Daniel yet, because I still have to think about it and see what my lawyer says about the contract. But invite your friends, spend time sampling the food and giving me feedback, and if it goes well, fingers crossed I’ll be able to accept.’
