The Lake House by Christie Barlow

Author:Christie Barlow [Barlow, Christie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780008413064
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Chapter Eight

Flynn greeted everyone inside the restaurant with a huge smile. ‘Thank you for coming, I know you are all busy and I really do appreciate it.’ He guided them all to the reception area, where a member of staff showed them to their tables.

Ella noticed that after a short private conversation with Callie, Flynn headed outside towards the boat. Within a couple of minutes Roman, looking sheepish, followed Flynn towards his office. Ella guessed he was going to have to explain why he was late for work and hoped he’d be okay. If Roman wouldn’t open up to her, he would hopefully confide in Flynn.

‘Let’s get started – your very first shift!’ trilled Callie, appearing at her side.

Ella had to admit, her confidence had wavered a little since she’d stepped inside The Lakehouse. Everywhere was a hive of activity and she didn’t know which way to turn. ‘Now I’m here, I’m actually feeling a little nervous.’

‘You’ll be brilliant,’ reassured Callie. ‘Come on.’

Whilst Ella and Callie walked towards the back of the restaurant, Ella noticed that Wilbur had changed into yet another bright flamboyant jacket and was now serving behind the bar, whilst Gianni peered around the kitchen door looking harassed. He waved a tea towel in Callie’s direction, who hurried over to him, and after a short conversation she began walking back towards Ella.

‘That man’s blood pressure must be through the roof,’ exclaimed Callie. ‘Gianni is having kittens.’

Ella couldn’t imagine the strapping Italian chef having kittens about anything. He always looked cool and collected and in charge.

Callie leant in and lowered her voice. ‘Don’t make it obvious, but see the woman sitting by the window overlooking the bay…?’

Immediately, Ella swung her head round and looked in that direction.

‘I said don’t make it obvious!’ Callie slapped Ella’s arm then rolled her eyes.

‘You know when someone says that I’m bound to look straight away.’ Ella laughed, turning back towards Callie.

‘Apparently she’s a food critic for a very well-known food magazine, and what a day to turn up, with the TV crew here too.’

‘How do you know she’s a food critic?’ asked Ella, taking another quick look at the woman who was busily scribbling away on a notepad. Her burnt-orange hair fell below her shoulders, her make-up was just so and she looked very business-like sitting there in a navy-blue pinstriped suit. ‘She looks very serious.’

‘She’s notorious, well known in the field. Apparently, she and Gianni have come to blows in the past after she gave him a bad review.’

‘Yikes, no wonder he’s feeling the heat.’

‘I’m counting on you to charm her.’ Callie tilted her eyebrow challengingly.

Ella looked horrified.

‘I’m joking! We wouldn’t do that to you on your first day.’

Once their coats were hung up and their bags stowed away safely in the lockers, Callie led the way towards the film crew who were standing in the corner of the restaurant surrounded by wires, microphones and a man with a huge TV camera on a swingy tripod.

‘Hi, I’m Callie, restaurant manager, and this is Ella, one of our waitresses for today.

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