Summer Ever After by Crittenden Jane

Author:Crittenden, Jane
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Published: 2024-07-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 31

ALICE

Now

The following morning I’m up early to go to La Boqueria, the food market on La Rambla, before it gets too busy. Xavier’s tapas last night has inspired me to play around with some recipes.

Jimmy’s already in the bar, frowning at some paperwork, and I wonder if this has something to do with why Andy is helping out.

‘Everything alright?’ I say, touching his shoulder.

He jumps. ‘Jesus, don’t creep up on me like that.’

His face is pale and there are dark imprints beneath his eyes. ‘You look like shit.’

‘Thanks for nothing.’ He cracks a small smile and rubs a hand over his buzz cut. ‘I’m knackered.’

I hesitate. ‘Is Andy in the kitchen today?’ It still feels strange.

‘No, he’s at a family celebration. Though I have no idea why he’s gone. It’s not as if he—’ He clamps his mouth shut. ‘Anyway.’

A warm feeling spreads across my chest as an idea springs to mind. ‘Would you like me to help? I mean, cook for you today?’

Jimmy’s face lights up. ‘Would you? That’d be amazing!’ He hugs me hard. ‘You sure?’

I’m beaming. ‘I’d love to! Free rein, right? I can cook what I want? I was on my way to the market anyway.’

‘Darling, you can do whatever you like.’

I go to leave and then stop at the door. ‘Jimmy?’

He looks up.

‘Why’s Andy working here?’

Worry creases his forehead. ‘Didn’t he tell you at Susie and Xavier’s last night?’

‘I thought he wanted to keep it a secret from Mariana,’ I respond snippily.

‘I didn’t think she . . .’ Jimmy’s eyes glaze over in thought. ‘Well, yes, I guess he doesn’t want Susie and Xavier to know either,’ he murmurs. Then he brightens up. ‘Juliana’s usually the cook but she’s not well at the moment, and my other chef is away, so he’s helping out.’

‘Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.’

Jimmy waves me away. ‘She’ll be fine once they get her medication sorted out. It’s something to do with her thyroid, so she’s exhausted all the time. Then, of course, the twins are a handful, I’m running this place . . . Thank God her parents live close by – they’re a fantastic help.’ His trademark grin is back. ‘I’d have been stuck without Andy. He’s a great guy – but don’t tell him I said that!’

I head off to the market and as I go from stall to stall, picking out seafood, a ring of chorizo, shiny aubergines, garlic, I ponder what Jimmy said. Andy’s a great guy? He hasn’t always been a great guy.

Has he?

Soon I’m back in the kitchen with two bulging bags and I get to work. By afternoon, my experimental recipes have paid off as I plate up the last portions of grilled paprika scallops and chorizo, aubergine crisps with garlic aioli and Sofia’s fail-safe paella. When Mum calls me at 4.15 p.m. while I’m washing up, I realise I’ve not thought about her, or home, all day.

Joy bubbles out of my mouth before she’s had a chance to speak. ‘I’ve had the best day! I’ve been making tapas for a cafe in one of the squares.

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