They were utterly delicious, and even more so because the Cinque Port town of Rye was not far from Bluewater Bay. She was happy to pay a bit more for food that was locally sourced.
Although she wasn’t the one paying.
Raff hadn’t flinched at the prices on the menu, nor on the wine list, and as he was staying here, and had told her he’d stayed here a few times before, both last year and this, he clearly wasn’t concerned. He too, had ordered the scallops.
For their mains, Kate had selected Asparagus, Courgette, and Broccoli Linguine in a white wine sauce, while Raff was sticking with seafood and had ordered Baked Sea Bass with Smoked Aubergine served with roasted asparagus, wilted spinach, and garlic butter baby potatoes.
For dessert they had, once again, made the same choice, namely the Claybrooke Melting Chocolate Surprise, consistingof a decadently rich chocolate brownie topped with a melting chocolate dome sprinkled with edible gold sparkles, and a hot, white chocolate and Irish Cream liqueur sauce.
‘I would eat this every day for the rest of my life if I could,’ Kate said, savouring every mouthful.
Raff grinned at her. ‘I’m not sure about every day, but once a week, definitely.’
As a nod to Valentine’s Day their coffees had each come with a white chocolate heart filled with salted caramel.
During dinner Raff had told her more about the current Rafferty and Hope’s Rescue Centre for Dogs, in Oxford. He had also disclosed that Oxford was where his parents lived, and where the school at which he taught was situated. That obviously meant Raff lived in Oxford, because he had mentioned previously that he resided in a beautiful cottage on the school grounds.
Until then, Kate hadn’t asked where he called home because she wasn’t sure she wanted to know how far away – or not – it might be, but now she had discovered he lived in Oxford, she didn’t know whether she was pleased or disappointed.
Oxford wasn’t that far from Chelmsford, but it would take around two hours to get there from her home. Similar to the journey from Chelmsford to Bluewater Bay. More of a day trip than an evening out. And a day trip between Oxford and Chelmsford would mean a total travel time of over four hours there and back, so a weekend excursion would be preferable to a day trip.
Then again, Avery had managed to come and see Beth from his home in Meribel. Oxford was virtually next door in comparison.
Not that whatever this was between her and Raff could be compared to what Beth and Avery had.
Why was she even concerned about how long the journey would take? When Raff had talked about them seeing oneanother again, he probably meant whenever they both happened to be in Bluewater Bay at the same time.
He did appear to have enjoyed the evening as much as she had but that didn’t guarantee he’d want to repeat it anytime soon.
Although he had seemed keen to do so earlier. Would he ask her out again before she went home tonight? Or would he play it cool and wait for a few days? The ball was in his court. Having been the one who had done the asking today, she couldn’t be the one to ask for a second date.
Not that this was a date … Was it?
Hmm. It was time she went home. She was letting her imagination run wild.
Kate had been so engrossed in their conversation that she hadn’t noticed the weather had taken a turn for the worse. It had been appalling earlier in the evening but during their dinner both the wind and rain had intensified considerably.
It was only when Raff nipped to the loo that Kate became aware of the ferocity of the storm. How had she not heard until now, the howling wind and the pelting rain that were battering the building and rattling the windows?
And how had she not noticed that the restaurant was now virtually empty? Only two other couples remained.
She grabbed her phone to check the time and was astonished to find it was eleven p.m. How had the evening gone so quickly?
And how had she not heard her phone ping more than an hour ago when Granny Viv had sent a text? She hastily opened the message and was relieved to see her gran was fine. Not just fine; as mischievous as ever.
The text read: Please don’t come home. Weather diabolical. Millie’s staying here. You should stay there. I’m sure Raff won’t mind. Too dangerous to venture out. Have fun. Lots of Love. XX
Kate tutted. Granny Viv would try anything. True. The weather did sound dreadful but if her gran honestly thought that text would have the desired effect, she was gravelly mistaken.
Yet when Kate called Bluewater Cars a moment later, she was shocked to be told there were no cabs available. And there wouldn’t be for several hours. There was no guarantee even then, due to a backlog of bookings, a shortage of drivers, and a number of roads closed after several reports of flash flooding.
There were no other cab companies nearby but even when she rang another in the closest town, the dispatcher almost laughed at her.
It was too far for her to walk even in good weather. In this storm she would never make it. Raff couldn’t take her home because he’d definitely be over the limit after the champagne and the wine they’d consumed. And besides, Granny Viv was clearly right. It was too dangerous to venture out in any case.
Raff looked anxious as he returned to their table. ‘I don’t want to worry you, but it’s blowing a gale out there.’
‘I know. Apparently there’s been some flash flooding and several roads are closed. I think I may need to spend the night. I’ll have to ask if they have a room available.’
