‘There you go. One small breakfast. One large one...and one doggy meal.’ She looked from one to the other. ‘Can I get you anything else?’
Pippa pushed out a smile. ‘No thank you, Katherine. This looks wonderful.’
Oliver picked up his cutlery wrapped in a serviette. ‘And smells amazing. No, thank you.’
Katherine laughed lightly. ‘Enjoy.’
Oliver placed Jess’s food on the floor and both Pippa and he glanced at each other before eating. They ate in silence for a minute or two, but Pippa couldn’t hold in her curiosity any longer. ‘So...your close friend came for a surprise visit?’
Oliver chewed for a few seconds nodding and swallowed before answering. ‘Yes. It’s a real surprise because I haven’t seen Ava in years.’
‘Or spoken to her?’ Pippa raised her brows, curiosity brimming inside her after remembering Oliver saying last week he needed to make a call to America.
Oliver had taken another bite of food again. He held his finger up, requesting a moment to finish eating. Pippa swore she could see cogs turning behind his eyes.
‘It’s been a while.’
‘How did you meet?’ She was never usually this nosey, so why was she acting like the Gestapo now? Oliver’s personal business was just that—personal. It had nothing to do with her.
Before he could answer, Pippa’s phone rang. She picked it up from the table and studied the screen. She didn’t recognise the number.
‘Hello?’
‘Hi, I’m calling about the job advertised in Chef’s Weekly.’
Pippa couldn’t keep the surprise from out of her voice. ‘Really? The job’s already on the site?’
‘Erm, yes. It is still available isn’t it?’
‘Yes-yes, it is. Sorry, what’s your name?’
‘Declan. Declan Riley.’
‘Right Declan. Sorry, let’s start again. Hello, I’m Pippa. You’ve caught me at a slightly awkward moment. Can I call you back in thirty minutes?’
‘Yes, of course.’
‘Can I call you on this number?’
Oliver watched her closely, the same curiosity she had for Ava burning in his eyes.
‘Yes.’
‘Okay great. Speak soon.’ She ended the call and looked across the table at Oliver. ‘A prospective chef.’
Oliver smiled. ‘Wow. That’s great. At least we know the job is appealing if you’re already getting enquiries.’
Katherine re-appeared. ‘Everything okay?’
Pippa nodded. ‘Mmm, yes. This is lovely.’
Oliver agreed. ‘Fantastic.’
‘Good. Any more drinks?’
Oliver shook his head. ‘Not for me. We’re taking the dogs to the beach soon.’
Pippa shook her head, too. ‘Just the bill please, Katherine.’
