Page 23
“You look suspiciously pleased with yourself,” Ember observes from across the table, pushing her sunglasses up into her hair.
“I’m hungover, not pleased.”
“Hmm.” She takes a sip coffee, her expression conveying that she absolutely does not believe me. “What time are you heading over today?”
Groaning softly, I rub my eyes, as nerves flutter beneath my ribs. “I need to wait for Saint. I offered to take him in as he doesn’t have a car. His merchandise is being couriered straight to the venue and he was going to take taxis but I have the space so.”
“I want to get there early and set up before it gets busy. I’m nervous already.”
“Same,” I admit. “I keep having stress dreams where nobody comes to my table except one man who wants to argue about pricing.”
“That sounds like personal hell, I hope no one behaves like that, I wouldn’t know what to say. I’m keeping everything crossed for both of us that this weekend goes without any disasters.”
We both fall quiet, as she glances around the courtyard. “Speaking of disasters, have you seen Saint yet?”
“No, but considering the amount of wine he consumed last night, I assume he’s deceased.”
She snorts. “He staggered to bed before I did, honestly, he looked like a glamorous Victorian woman dying of consumption.”
Our laughter echoes across the quiet courtyard.
“That’s exactly how he’d want to go,” I say. Laughing as I picture him dramatically draped across his bed with one hand over his forehead. “Give him another hour. He’ll emerge demanding coffee and attention in equal amounts.”
“Buongiorno ladies,” Enzo bellows from the patio doors, making me wince. My head suddenly feels far more delicate than it did thirty seconds ago. “Breakfast ready. Pastries, fresh bread, meat, and cheese, in the dining room, help yourselves.” His gaze lands on me, grinning. “More coffee too, Miss Bri. You look like you need it, sì?”
“Oh, did someone stay up too late last night?” Luna asks, appearing behind me.
I groan dramatically.
“I don’t know,” Ember replies innocently over the rim of her mug. “She’s been smiling to herself all morning though.”
Luna gasps softly. “Oh, I wonder why.”
The two of them dissolve into mutual smugness while I flip them both off affectionately moving inside in search of coffee before they get any worse. The smell hits me immediately. Fresh coffee, warm pastries, toasted bread and something buttery and sweet curling through the lodge.
Long wooden boards lay across the table piled high with flaky croissants, pain au chocolat, and crusty breads still warm enough to steam. Bowls of mixed berries sit next to thick-cut ham, salami, smoked cheeses and little pots of jam and honey. There’s even scrambled eggs under silver covers and tiny roasted potatoes dusted with herbs.
My stomach growls, embarrassingly loud, as I help myself to a plate, loading it without shame. Proper fuel is sensible considering I’ve got no idea how long setup will take today or when I’ll next get a chance to eat. Out of the corner of my eye I notice Ember doing the same, whilst behind us I can hear Luna already charming Enzo into organising our own little after party.
“And maybe pizzas Saturday night?” she’s asking. “Plus, drinks and music, something relaxed after the event?”
“Sì, certo!” Enzo replies enthusiastically. “We make a party. Leave it to me.”
I smile to myself as I listen to them, Luna could charm the stars out of the sky if she wanted to, all effortless warmth and natural charisma.
The morning turns properly warm, as we enjoy breakfast on the veranda, and the slow easy flow of spending the morning with Luna and Ember helps me to relax.
“Oh my God,” Ember mumbles, biting into a pastry. “This is incredible.”
I nod around a mouthful of eggs. “I could cry.”
Luna leans in conspiratorially. “I might need to kidnap Enzo, his skills are way better than mine.”
We laugh loudly, settling into the easy rhythm of sharing food and jokes with long-time friends. It’s weird feeling so close to people who were literal strangers this time yesterday, but I like it. A lot.
As we eat the conversation drifts naturally back to last night, their curiosity getting the better of them.
“So,” Luna starts casually, “what time did you and Jax finally call it a night?”
