“My boss back home trained with the head chef here, so I had an easy in. But I also like New England–style cooking.”
“I’d have thought foodwise, America was very similar to the UK.”
He glanced round at the sound of Olivia’s voice. Looks like they’d decided to join them. Her choice? Or persuaded by her sisters?
“Sure, compared to Asia or Europe, American food is similar to the UK’s, but I hope the lunch today showed you that New England food has its own distinct flavors. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients and simple seasoning to let the flavors come through. There’s also a tradition to the cooking—some of it, like steaming, boiling, and stewing, comes from our own English techniques.” He swallowed, hoped she couldn’t hear the thump of his heart. “I want to bring that New England flavor to the UK in my own restaurant. A slice of New England in old England.”
Ashley and Jessica murmured their approval but Olivia... frowned. “That could work, as an idea,” she said carefully. “But would it be financially sensible? When people think New England, they mainly think seafood, especially lobster and clams. They’re plentiful out here, but back home—”
“Liv, stop.” Ashley put up her hand. “Turn your brain off for once and just appreciate the concept like a normal person. I’m sure when the time comes, Connor will work out the details.”
He pushed a grateful smile out, but inside, his stomach dropped. What the hell was he thinking, mentioning his poorly thought-out plan to someone as smart as her? Abruptly he stood up. “I’m going to check in with the guys. Enjoy the rest of your trip. We’ll be heading round Eel Point soon. You’ll get some great views of Tuckernuck Island.”
He started off toward the bridge.
“Hey, Connor, before you go.” He turned to find Sophie giving him a sweet smile. “We’re heading to the Gaslight later. Do you know it?”
“Sure. One of the best party venues on the island, live bands, big dance floor, lots of energy.” He forced a smile, though inside all he wanted to do was get away and nurse his damaged ego in private. “You’ll enjoy it.”
“If you fancy joining us for a bit of dancing, it’d be great to see you. And Luca and Ned,” she added quickly.
“Thanks, I’ll let them know.”
He turned to go, and his gaze collided with Olivia’s, who looked pensive. Probably working out how to get out of tonight without hurting her niece’s feelings.
Was it worth rushing through the rest of his shift, the station cleaning, prepping for tomorrow’s menu, and potentially risking Felix’s wrath, just on the outside chance of bumping into a woman whose interest in him was lukewarm at best?
Chapter 7
Sitting in the corner of the Gaslight, jostled by people trying to get closer to the dance floor, Olivia wished she were at home in her London apartment, which had views of Tower Bridge and wasquiet.
“Sorry, I can’t hear you!”
It was maybe the twentieth time she’d said that tonight. She’d tried to be the fun aunt, as dictated by Ashley. She’d not protested when they’d given her the most ridiculous ABBA-style silver jumpsuit to wear, just meekly slipped it on even though she looked like an old hen wrapped in tin foil. She’d danced with Sophie and her pals to all the ABBA tracks they’d requested, even though her body didn’t move the way theirs did.
“I said,” Jessica told her, almost shouting now, “I’m heading out after the next song.”
“Me too.”
Her sister shook her head and pointed down to her swollen belly. “I’m pregnant. You’ve got no excuse to leave.”
“I’m making sure you get back safely.” When Jessica started to reply, Olivia put her hands in the air. “I can’t hear you!”
Fine, that time it was a lie, but she was done with the thumping music of the live indie band and with not being able to talk. Done with looking like a seventies throwback and not being able to go to the loo without taking the whole damn jumpsuit off.
And she was done with expecting Connor to turn up any minute and flash her one of his flirty, sultry smiles.
She jumped to her feet. Yep, she wasdone. “Come on, let’s get you back to the hotel.”
Jessica humphed, but allowed herself to be helped up.
“I want it known that if I weren’t pregnant, I’d be shaking my booty with the rest of them,” she groused as they made their way toward the exit.
“Of course you would.”
“You need to make sure Ashley knows that. I don’t want her griping on about me having no staying power.”
“Look, if it helps, I’ll say I got bored and made you come back with me because I didn’t want to walk by myself in the dark.”
