“I get together with some colleagues from school every few weeks for dinner and this is one of our favourite spots. Also, my dad is a big fan of this place, so when we have a special family occasion to celebrate he likes to come here.”
“In that case, I can’t wait to try the food. This bread is delicious.” She’d already devoured a slice of the pillowy ciabatta, tearing off pieces to dip into the silky olive oil and rich balsamic vinegar the waiter had brought.
“They make their own bread here, too,” Peter said, tearing a chunk from his second slice. “My sister says it’s completely lethal and should come with a health warning.”
Gaby laughed and was about to say something else when a man appeared at their table. He wore the smart attire of the restaurant staff and held a sheaf of paperwork beneath his arm.
“Peter, it’s great to see you,” the man said, clapping a hand on Peter’s shoulder. “I must’ve missed your name on tonight’s reservations.”
Peter rose from the table with a smile and embraced the man. “Eddie, how are you my friend?”
“You know me, Peter, always busy.”
“Gaby, this is Eddie Carlotti,” Peter said once he’d sat down again. “He owns this place. Eddie, this is an old friend of mine, Gaby Leonard. She’s here visiting family for a few weeks.”
Gaby smiled and shook Eddie’s outstretched hand.
“Great to meet you, Gaby. Listen, don’t let this guy leave you with the bill once you finish your meal. He’s sneaky that way.”
“Ignore him,” Peter said, shaking his head. “He’s just trying to wind me up because I beat him at squash the last time we played.”
“You only won because you were cheating, Peter.”
“If that’s the lie you need to tell yourself to feel better about losing, then so be it.”
Gaby laughed as the two men grinned at each other.
“Are my people looking after you alright?” Eddie asked.
“Of course they are,” Peter said. “In fact, I think that’s our starters coming out now.”
The waiter emerged from the kitchen, plates in hand, and crossed the restaurant towards them.
“In that case, I’ll leave you to enjoy your food,” Eddie said. “Let me know if you need anything at all.”
“Thanks Eddie.”
Eddie smiled at them both and walked off to the bar area. The waiter set down their first course, stuffed mushrooms for Gaby and bruschetta for Peter.
“You’re well-connected, Peter,” Gaby said with a laugh. “When you said how much you liked this place, you didn’t mention you also know the owner.”
“That would’ve sounded like arrogant bragging.”
She couldn’t help smiling at his half-embarrassed, self-deprecating expression. “No, it wouldn’t. It’s a nice thing to live in a small town where people know each other.”
Peter seemed to consider what she’d said. “I didn’t know if Eddie would be here tonight. It might’ve seemed weird to mention it and then, if he wasn’t here, I’d end up looking like a name-dropping tosser.”
Gaby laughed, amused that he’d imagine she’d ever think of him that way. “He seems like a nice guy.”
“He’s a great guy. Terrible squash player, but a great guy.”
Gaby laughed again and sampled her food. The stuffed mushrooms were delicious. “It must be nice to be friends with the owner of one of your favourite local restaurants.”
“I knew Eddie from playing squash before he took over this place. He was the manager of a chain restaurant at the retail park before he decided to go into business for himself. His great-grandparents used to run their own restaurant. They were second-generation Italian immigrants who moved to London, and Eddie said he was always fascinated by their story and the business they’d set up. He’s been running this place for about five years and has made a great success of it.”
“It’s not hard to understand why it’s successful. It’s a gorgeous place and the food is wonderful.”
Peter smiled. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
