The Lake House

by Christie Barlow

  ‘There’s things called phones.’ Callie waggled her own phone in the air. ‘This was the last thing that Flynn needed this morning. Wilbur should be inside the restaurant, not sailing the boat. We need all bums on seats to make the restaurant look busy, but I’m just about to rope in a few more of the gang. Julia and Eleni will hopefully get over to the restaurant once everything is sorted at the B&B.’

  ‘Today will run smoothly, I’m sure. Roman will have an explanation, the TV news report will bring in more diners and as soon as I’ve talked to Dolores, hopefully we can all go on “A Trip Down Memory Lane”. I still can’t quite believe Flynn has faith in me to organise it, when I’ve only just arrived. I’m still a little nervous – can I organise such a star-studded bash?’

  ‘Without a doubt you can. Think about how you turned your own little business around. You tripled those profits with your browse-and-biscuit mornings, and the wreath-making classes, and I even remember your furniture-painting mornings were a huge success. When you put your mind to something you make things a success. You are amazing, and this is going to be amazing.’

  ‘Yes, I did do that, didn’t I?’ Ella felt proud, thinking how she’d turned her own business around to make a profit. ‘It’s all about believing in yourself.’

  ‘Exactly that! And I believe in you and Flynn believes in you.’

  Ella was smiling. ‘Eek, let’s hope Dolores agrees. I wonder what names she has in her little black book?’

  An hour later, they set off to work. It took a little over ten minutes to reach The Boathouse along the riverbank under the wide dark sky, but thankfully for the time being the rain had stopped and the buffeting winds had calmed down a little. This was the perfect walk to work for Ella, the view of the cliffs and the river tumbling over the rocks beat fighting for a seat on a hot and over-packed bus that took twenty minutes to ride into the city centre each day. There was something enchanting about travelling to work by a boat.

  ‘There’s Bette.’ Ella pointed to the Land Rover parked at the side of The Boathouse. ‘And there’s Roman.’

  They witnessed Roman stepping out of the driver’s side of the car whilst buttoning up his shirt. He thrust his arms into his jacket then checked his hair in the wing mirror before pulling his cap on his head. Then he hurried down the jetty to the water taxi that had just docked, and stepped on board. For a moment he was in conversation with Wilbur before taking the helm behind the wheel.

  ‘Good morning,’ Ella chirped as they stepped on board, looking towards Wilbur and Roman.

  ‘Good morning,’ replied Roman with a smile, quickly tucking his shirt into his trousers.

  Ella noticed that he looked exhausted, not to mention a little dishevelled. His tie was wayward, his shirt wasn’t pressed and he didn’t quite look his usual immaculate self.

  Hearing voices in the distance, Ella turned around to see Isla and Felicity leading the gang to help support Flynn and put bums on the seats. Isla waved over towards the boat and within seconds they were joining them on the deck.

  ‘The cavalry has arrived!’ trilled Felicity.

  Callie had a big smile on her face. ‘You lot are stars, Flynn will really appreciate this.’

  ‘I hope so,’ replied Drew. ‘I should be over at the markets, but,’ he said, straightening his tie, ‘you never know when your fifteen minutes of fame is going to happen!’

  ‘Ella, meet Drew, my husband,’ said Isla. ‘He’s only here to try and get his mug on the telly.’ Isla gave him an adoring smile, but Drew was rolling his eyes.

  ‘Whatever the reason, I’m sure Flynn appreciates all the community support.’ Ella stretched out her hand and shook Drew’s. ‘Pleased to meet you.’

  ‘Oooh, it’s your first day,’ remembered Isla, ‘and with all this going on too!’

  ‘I know, and I’m really looking forward to it,’ replied Ella, moving towards the front of the boat. As the boat began to rock Roman held out his hand to steady her. Even though he was putting on a smile, Ella noticed his eyes looked troubled.

  ‘We’re going to perch in the middle,’ Callie told Ella. ‘It’s less rocky.’

  Ella nodded. ‘I’m going to catch the breeze up at the front.’ She sat down just at the side of Roman. Wilbur had taken a seat next to Drew and everyone was chatting away as Roman readjusted his seat and carried out the safety checks.

  ‘Aren’t you sitting with your friends?’ asked Roman, casting a glance over his shoulder towards the rest of them.

  ‘I quite fancied a seat up the front and thought I’d come and keep you company, if that’s okay?’ Ella knew this would be the perfect opportunity to hand back the appointment card and once more offer any help she could. She was just waiting for the right moment.

  ‘Of course,’ he replied, tipping his cap. ‘Let’s get you all across this river. Thankfully the rain has stopped for the moment. It’s definitely the finest views up front.’

  ‘And the best way to travel to work,’ said Ella. ‘So different from the city life. You must find that too, coming from Edinburgh,’ she continued. ‘Which do you prefer?’

  ‘They both have their pros and cons,’ he replied, sitting down and placing the key in the ignition. ‘Pull on that lever… go on!’

  Ella leant forwards and pulled the lever. She jumped out of her skin as the horn hollered out across the water.

  Everyone behind her laughed.

  ‘We are ready to set sail,’ declared Roman, giving her a smile.

  The journey across to The Lakehouse was blissfully therapeutic even though a little rocky today, bobbing along the river with the breeze in her hair, compared to her old commute to her gift shop in the city. The sky was dark and no doubt more rain was on the way. Ella could hear nothing but the slapping of the waves against the boat and the gulls circling above the whitewashed cliffs. She took in the magnificent view and knew she would never tire of it. In the distance there were a number of speed boats crashing through the water further along and a handful of bikers riding along the coastal path.

  ‘How’s the travel sickness today?’ asked Roman, casting a sideward glance towards Ella who thankfully wasn’t feeling queasy at all.

  ‘I’m actually doing okay. How are you doing today?’ Ella felt a tiny trickle of nerves as she glanced backwards at the others who were in deep conversation. This was the perfect opportunity to hand back the appointment card that was stored safely in her bag, but she had no clue how Roman was going to react.

  ‘Just the same as normal,’ he replied, looking out over the spectacular scenery.

  ‘Roman.’ She blew out a silent breath and he looked towards her.

  ‘Is everything okay?’ he asked.

  ‘I am, but are you?’ Ella reached into her bag and pulled out the card.

  Immediately Roman’s smile disappeared. ‘Where did you get that?’ His voice was low, not wanting to draw any attention to himself.

  ‘I found it in the street, you must have dropped it. I saw you arguing with your daughter – Megan, is it?’

  Roman stared, expressionless, at Ella, his face slightly reddened. ‘You’ve been doing your research, haven’t you?’ He didn’t look best pleased and Ella knew he had every right to be upset if he thought she’d gone delving into his business, but it wasn’t like that. She knew something was wrong and genuinely wanted to help.

  ‘What’s going on, Roman? This place is a rehab centre and my educated guess, judging by the way you conduct yourself, hold down your job and the fact that you are usually dressed immaculately, is that you haven’t got an addiction.’

  Roman looked down at his creased shirt and quickly straightened his tie.

  ‘But something is going on, because you’ve been late for work, and today of all days you aren’t looking your usual self. Is there anything I can do to help?’ she asked tentatively, watching Roman slip the appointment card into his inside pocket without saying a word. ‘Is there something wrong, Roman?’

  Roman nodded. ‘But I reall
y can’t talk about it, I just can’t.’

  ‘Please let me help you,’ she continued. ‘If it wasn’t for Callie helping me when I was in a mess… Don’t struggle on your own. If you continue being late, what’s going to happen to your job?’

  ‘I never intended to be late this morning. I was up early but sometimes things are taken out of your hands.’

  ‘What things?’ probed Ella softly. ‘Everything is fixable, you only have to look at my life. It hasn’t at all been plain sailing, but I didn’t have to struggle by myself. I had a friend who cared, and you have friends who care.’

  Roman looked like he was going to share something with her, but instead said, ‘No one can help me, I just can’t talk about it, Ella. Please just leave it.’

  Ella had no alternative except to leave the conversation there. She’d offered her help and Roman had turned her down. What more could she do? Except be there if he changed his mind.

  ‘What are you pair chatting about?’ Callie appeared behind them, causing Ella to jump and turn around. ‘First-day nerves, is what we are talking about. I was just telling Roman how I’m feeling nervous yet a little excited, but I can’t wait to become part of the team.’

  Roman glanced across at Ella and gave her a look of appreciation. Ella knew the conversation between them was private, and even though she had got very little out of Roman she wasn’t going to share his business with anyone. She just hoped whatever was going on, he got some help from somewhere, because Ella recognised the signs. Roman was on a downwards spiral, and things must be proving too much to handle, especially as he had started being late for work.

  Roman fixed his eyes back on the water ahead as he began to steer the boat through the weeping willows, leaving Isla and Felicity gasping at the view as the restaurant came into sight.

  ‘The beauty of the place gets them every time.’ Roman smiled warmly towards Ella.

  ‘It is a magical place,’ agreed Ella, suddenly thinking of Dolores. In her mind she could picture Dolores stepping off the boat dressed up to the nines and mingling with the rich and famous. ‘A Trip Down Memory Lane’ was what this place needed and hopefully Dolores would agree.

  ‘Who’s that?’ asked Felicity, now joining them at the front of the boat. She pointed to the huddle of people standing on the sandy bay outside the restaurant along with Flynn.

  ‘That’s the TV crew,’ observed Isla, clapping her hands together. ‘It’s all go!’

  They all stood up as Roman slowly sailed the boat alongside the jetty and cut the engine. He turned towards everyone. ‘Here we are folks, please step on to the jetty with care. The boat sails back half past the hour, every hour.’

  Like a gentleman, Roman held out a steady hand and helped each and every one of them off the boat. Ella was the last to leave. ‘Thank you for keeping my business between ourselves,’ whispered Roman as he helped her down.

  ‘You’re welcome,’ she replied, ‘and you know where I am.’

  Ella followed the gang towards the entrance to The Lakehouse, but she quickly glanced back over her shoulder. Roman was watching her and Ella saluted, leaving him grinning at her. She could only hope that, in time, he would begin to open up.

  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.’ The director introduced herself as Nancy. Her eyes were framed by brown-rimmed spectacles, her magnified hazel eyes looking straight at Ella. She was a tiny voluptuous woman – five foot, if that – and her blonde curls were tinged with purple dye that ran through the ends. Ella couldn’t even hazard a guess how old Nancy was, but dimples appeared in her blushed cheeks as she gave them both a warm smile and extended her hand, which they both promptly shook.

  ‘We’re going to start filming in a minute, we will be wandering around and taking some sweeping shots over the restaurant, so just carry on your business and pretend we aren’t here. We’ll do our best not to get in anyone’s way.’

  Ella noticed Wilbur being interview behind the bar as they headed towards the kitchen. ‘There’s a real sense of community here at The Lakehouse. What does being a part of this community mean to you and your team here?’ asked the interviewer, firing questions at Wilbur, who seemed at ease with a microphone held in front of his mouth and a camera pointing in his face.

  ‘We source all our food locally…’ The sound of Wilbur’s voice trailed off as Ella and Callie wandered back into the staff-only area and closed the door behind them.

  ‘Gosh, it’s all go, isn’t it. What time is break time?’ joked Ella.

  ‘That’s a good thing – being busy and all this going on makes the day go quicker. You need one of those.’ Callie pointed to some brand-new notepads sporting The Lakehouse logo. ‘Pick one up at the start of each shift, ready to take your orders.’

  Ella took one and placed it in the pocket of her apron.

&nb
sp; ‘Come on, I’ll take you through.’

  After Callie had introduced Ella to everyone, she checked with Gianni that he was ready for them and then led them into the main kitchen. Breathing in the kitchen’s unique aroma – a mixture of coffee, sweet desserts and pots of herbs scattered about the worktops – Ella noticed Gianni piling up profiteroles on top of each other. He looked up and quickly wiped his hands on a small white towel stuffed in the front of his apron, then beckoned everyone over to the tasting table. ‘Come, come…’

  Callie touched Ella’s arm. ‘Good luck, you’ll do just fine.’

  Everyone lined up as Gianni began to lay numerous dishes out in front of them. ‘The restaurant is busier than normal, especially with the TV crew in. Each and every one of you needs to act professional and courteous at all times, nothing is too much trouble for the diner, and remember – what the customer wants, the customer gets. And smile.’

  ‘Yes, Chef!’ they all replied in unison without any prompting, causing them all to look at each other and grin.

  ‘Get your pads and pens out ready in case you need to take notes,’ ordered Gianni. ‘Today’s specialities are laid out in front of you.’

  Gianni was talking so fast that Ella had to concentrate to understand his accent. Her pen was poised on her pad as Gianni began reeling off the day’s dishes, which Ella had to admit looked amazing. He handed each of them a fork. ‘Taste,’ he ordered as everyone delved in before he fired questions at them. Thankfully everyone had written down the key ingredients and once Gianni was satisfied they knew their stuff, he ushered them over to the whiteboard in the corner of the kitchen. ‘The area of the restaurant you are covering is up on the board, take a look and get out there… Oh, but this is important.’

  All the waiters stopped and looked at Gianni. ‘Tiffany Down is in the restaurant. She is a restaurant and food critic so please have your wits about you. The food is down to me, but the customer service is down to you.’ Gianni pointed at a waitress whose name was Amy, according to her name badge. ‘Tiffany is in your section of the restaurant, you have been here the longest, so make sure she leaves here a happy critic.’