Liv stops in front of one of the most unassuming places on the side of the river. A shack, really. If I can call it that.
The clapboard structure is painted blue and white with a window thrown open in the front. An older man is standing there, taking orders.
“This is where you want to eat?”
Liv nods and steps into line. “Don’t knock it until you try it.”
“I’ll trust your judgment, my little Londoner.”
She beams up at me before moving to the window. “Hi, Mr. Ramsey.”
“Oy, Liv. My favorite customer. How are you tonight?”
His accent is thick, much thicker than I’m used to.
“I’m good. I’m getting dinner with my friend tonight. He’s new in town.”
Friend? I don’t know if that’s going to fly, but hey, she’s already talked about a second date, so maybe this is going well. Well, at least until I get her to agree to said date.
“I’m showing him the best London has to offer.”
“Well, you brought him to the right place.” He gives her a toothy grin as she orders fish and chips for each of us. Pulling out a crisp, twenty-pound note, I pass it over and tell him to keep the change.
“Thanks, mate. Liv taking good care of ya?”
“She is. After I took her to quite possibly the worst restaurant ever.”
“It wasn’t the worst,” she confesses. “It’s not my taste.”
“This one is not easy to please,” Mr. Ramsey says, handing over two paper plates with large slabs of fish andcrisp chips. “But once you know the way to her heart, it’s easy.”
“Good to know.”
Taking the plates, I tip my head in his direction and follow Liv to a picnic bench next to the building. Two single lampposts light up the small patio area.
“This is your favorite place in London?” I ask, setting her plate in front of her.
“It is.” She grabs the vinegar on the table and pours it on. “Here. You have to eat it the correct way.”
“With vinegar?”
She nods. “Trust me.”
“Oh, I do.”
Grabbing a piece of fish, I bring it to my mouth and take a bite. It’s hot, fried, and absolutely delicious. “Damn. This really might be the best thing I’ve had since I got here.”
“Told you.” Liv uses a fork and knife to cut into a piece and pops it in her mouth.
“How’d you discover this place?”
“I stumbled upon it one day while exploring the area after I moved here. Mr. Ramsey was easy to talk with and I’ve been coming back ever since.”
“Well, maybe I will sweet-talk Mr. Ramsey into letting me bring this to the office for our next lunch. That is, if you’ll let me.”
Liv bites another tiny piece off her fork and chews, pondering my statement. “As long as there is no French food, you can bring me lunch.”
“Done.”
