by C. Fonseca
“Thanks, Jonathan.”
“Anytime,” he said. “And Jess, take it easy on yourself.”
“I will.” She ended the call.
Chapter 10
At five-twenty in the evening, Lili strolled through Ailie’s tranquil dining room. The lighting was elegant and welcoming—not too bright. Whimsical arrangements of field flowers with shimmering silver-greys and bright whites graced the sideboards. Their fragrance, as per Lili’s instructions, was delicate, not overpowering.
She ran her finger along the centre table that seated twelve. It was set with simple white porcelain, silverware, linen, and sparkling Italian glass. Even though the food was the heart, the décor influenced the diners’ total experience. It had to be perfect.
“Everything to your satisfaction, Chef?” Owen gave her an exaggerated bow from the waist.
“Excellent,” Lili said, and smiled at each of her waiting staff. “The room looks brilliant. And Mei, please thank your mum for the flowers. She’s done a great job.”
Mei shrugged. “Mum’s really glad to have the work.”
Owen handed Lili a copy of the in-house printed menu. “Can you talk us through the last-minute changes to tonight’s menu?”
“Yes,” Lili said. “We harvested an abundance of fresh peas this morning. So today’s starter will be chilled spring-pea soup shots with goat cheese gougères.”
“Gougères?” Haley looked unsure for a moment, then grinned. “Ah, they’re those little cheesy puffs, right?”
“Right. Little choux pastry puffs made with silky goat curd.”
“Yum.”
“Come back just before service so you can try one,” Lili said. “Then you’ll know first-hand what they taste like.”
Haley and Mei nodded in unison.
“Tuckerberry Hill delivered a tray of strawberries on our doorstep early this morning, so at the other end of tonight’s menu we have a bush honey panna cotta, served with cinnamon and star anise-spiced strawberries. Alex made the most amazingly thin layers of salted, nutty butterscotch brittle for the garnish.”
“I bet that’ll be popular,” said Haley.
“If you are all done, Lili,” Owen said, looking at his watch. “We need to get ready to welcome our guests.” He buttoned his waistcoat, straightened his tie, and turned to the servers who followed his lead. Haley adjusted Mei’s tie and evened her own shirt cuffs. They looked slick in soft charcoal button-down shirts and black straight-cut trousers. Grey denim aprons topped off the look.
Lili reached towards the kitchen swing door and felt a light tap on her shoulder. She turned around to face her attractive young server. “Hi, Haley. Do you have another question?”
“No, it’s not a question about the menu. I’m sorry I missed the staff party last week. I was looking forward to meeting Ben’s sister. I’ve followed her career for years. She’s awesome.” Haley fixed Lili with an eager gaze. “Do you think I’ll get to meet her before she goes?”
Lili smiled. “I’m sure she’d enjoy meeting a fan. I’ll see what I can do.”
She pushed through the servery doors and welcomed the sight and smell of her kitchen gearing up for service. As she stepped into the room, she nearly collided with Alan, her dishwasher, as he dashed across from the locker room.
He smiled shyly and looked at his watch. “Sorry, Lili. I’m late.”
“That’s okay. I’m glad you’re here.”
He gave her the thumbs up and moved towards the utility room.
Lili looked around at her dedicated team. A restaurant was only as good as its staff, and she was blessed to have one that operated so well, despite not being arranged in the classic hierarchical kitchen structure. They were a small group—a family, she thought to herself. Everyone had their strengths, but each chef had to know how to make, and plate, every dish on the menu.
Alex gently stirred the sauce simmering in the pan on the stove. “Cracking storm yesterday,” she said as Lili approached her.
“Powerful. It rattled the windows. How did your place fare?”
“All right. Tash was at work, and I hate being alone in storms.”
“You’re not the only one,” Lili said. “Jess really freaked out. I thought she was just grumpy about our meeting. I was anxious about talking to her, and it surprised me how edgy she was. There was a huge crash when lightning struck one of the large gums near the cottage. I didn’t know if Dad was out there.”
“Oh hell, Lili. I had no idea. Was he okay? What about the tree?”
Lili shook her head. “Yeah, Dad’s fine. He was in his work shed. The tree was a bit of a mess, but thank God it missed the cottage.”
“And Jess?” Alex asked.
“I was such a fool.” Lili slapped her forehead with her hand. “It wasn’t until I was outside that I remembered how Ben and Jess’s mother died. She was killed by a fallen tree during a thunderstorm when they were kids.”
“Damn. How was Jess when you got home?”
“She was in her room. I did knock on the door to check on her.”
“And?”
“She looked okay and acted like nothing was wrong, asking me about the storm damage.” Lili grabbed a clean spoon from her jacket pocket. “May I?”
“Of course.” Alex moved aside.
Lili closed her eyes and inhaled. The aroma was heavenly. She swirled the spoon through the sauce, lifted it to her lips, and tasted it. She let the sauce rest on her palate and then tasted it again. The red onion and beetroot reduction would accompany the spring lamb cutlet, caramelised fennel, green-pea tendrils, and savoury olive oil torta. “Perfect.”
“Thanks, Lil.” Alex took a napkin from her pocket and dabbed at her forehead.
“A little bit sweet, a little bit tart,” Lili noted. “It won’t overpower the lamb or the other accompaniments on the plate.”
Alex smiled. “Oh,” she said with raised eyebrows. “How did the meeting go?”
“The storm put a stop to it. We haven’t reached an agreement yet.”
“But did you tell her—”
“Yes. I told her I didn’t have the money.”
“Flying duck.” Alex’s voice rose.
The kitchen grew silent.
“It’s okay, everyone.” Lili nudged Alex’s arm. “Check your stations. Twenty-five minutes to show time.” She leaned closer to Alex. “Let’s finish this conversation later, without an audience.”
Alex nodded. “Where is Jess tonight?”
“At the house. She’s going to watch Ru later so Mum can pop by.”
“Whose idea was that?” Alex asked.
“Jess offered. I hope Ru won’t play up,” she said with a frown. “I don’t know if she’s had much experience with children, but she’s so sweet with Ru, I didn’t have the heart to say no. If things get out of hand, I’ve told her to call Dad.”
“Scott will charge to the rescue if required.”
“I’ll ring Mum now and see if Ru is settled.” Lili rested her hand against her office door.
“No problem.” Alex set the double boiler near the bain-marie at the end of her station. “Anything else you need me to do?”
“Check on Nora and let her know we have six confirmed vegetarians. And the flavour is subtle in the kale and potato gnocchi, so we need to be sparing with the Otway truffle in the hazelnut butter drizzle. It is heavenly but intense.”
“I’m on it.”
Lili entered the office, then stuck her head back through the open door to call out to her apprentice. “Josh.”
“I’m right here, Chef.” He walked towards her.
“Good. You’re working alongside me tonight. It’s time you got some plating experience.”
“Yes, Lili.” He grinned.
“Remember, plating food is an art. We keep it simple, using colour, shape
, aroma, and texture to achieve balance.” She returned his smile. “Help Nora set the shot glasses and plates for first course. I’ll be with you soon.” She turned back to the office to call her mother.
“Yes, Chef.”
Jess removed her glasses, laid them on the kitchen table, and rubbed her eyes. She’d read the executor’s e-mail twice to be sure, but it was clear she wouldn’t be able to sign the papers online. She’d have to go to their office in South Melbourne to complete the paperwork in person. Well, she might as well achieve two goals with one trip. She’d drive to the city and return the hire car at the same time. The Mini was fun, but Ben’s Jeep Wrangler was sitting in Scott’s garage collecting dust. The four-wheel drive was bigger than she was used to driving, but now that she’d decided to extend her stay in Australia, it made sense to have a more practical vehicle for rural conditions.
“Can I please have a glass of water?”
“Aruishi, where did you spring from?” Jess looked up with a start. “Your gran put you to bed ages ago.”
Aruishi smiled sweetly, her brown bear dangling from her arm. “I’m thirsty.” She looked down at her feet. “I’m hungry too.”
“Hungry? Didn’t you have enough dinner?” Jess closed her laptop and beckoned for Aruishi to come closer. “Tell me what you’d like to eat.” She patted the seat beside her.
Aruishi dragged her feet and placed her brown bear on the chair. “Boris wants milk and honey.”
“Okay, but what would you like?” She plucked an avocado from the bowl in the centre of the table. “How about your favourite, avocado on toast?”
She shook her head and stamped her foot. “I hate avocado.”
“How about a cracker with peanut butter? Or honey?” Jess stood up. “Come on, let’s have a look in the pantry.”
Aruishi put her head to one side, then gave it a determined shake. “No.”
What was safe to feed a child at night-time? Would Lili even want her eating this late in the evening? How would Jess know? It was her first time babysitting Aruishi. Maybe this wasn’t even about food and she just wanted attention.
It wasn’t like she was experienced with children.
“What if I read you a story from one of the books your grandmother left beside your bed?”
Aruishi ignored Jess’s question and grabbed the bear. She ran around the kitchen, squealing, and tossed Boris over her head.
Jess lurched forward and snatched the bear out of the air just as her phone rang. Before she could get to it, Aruishi picked it up from the table and swiped the screen.
“Hello,” she said. “Yes, Gran, it’s Jess’s phone.” There was a few seconds silence. “Ah-ha. No, Gran. I couldn’t sleep. I’m starving, but Jess won’t give me anything to eat. Boris’s tummy is rumbling. I am being a good girl. Okay.” Aruishi held the phone out to Jess. “It’s Gran. She wants to talk to you.”
Jess took her phone from Aruishi and sighed. “Helen?”
“Hello, Jess. Is everything okay?”
“Um…it was,” she said, reaching out to scoop up Aruishi, who was pirouetting on top of a kitchen stool. It tipped over and crashed to the floor while Aruishi dangled gleefully from Jess’s arms.
“What was that?” Helen asked.
“Sorry, I knocked over one of the kitchen chairs.”
“Ru was fast asleep when I left. When did she wake up?”
“Not long ago.” Jess sat down at the table and lifted Aruishi onto her lap. “I think she’s hungry. At least that’s what she told me.”
Helen laughed. “I gave her a full serve of veggie noodles and some yoghurt and berries. She ate the lot.”
Jess could imagine Helen shaking her head. “So, I shouldn’t feed her anything?” She held the phone close to her ear as Aruishi played with the zipper on Jess’s windcheater.
“No. Why don’t you just offer her a drink of water?” Helen said. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“I’ll read her another story. That may settle her,” Jess said. “I’ll be okay. You don’t need to come.”
“The little person is pulling a fast one. It’s Lili’s first night at the restaurant in a while, and I think Ru wants attention.”
“But…”
Helen chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’m heading over to Ailie anyway. I’ll just call by and tuck her in.”
“Okay, Helen. If you’re sure?”
“See you soon.”
Jess tucked the phone into her pocket. She lightly rested her cheek against Aruishi’s head and was surprised that the little girl appeared to be asleep in the crook of her arm. She carefully shifted into a more comfortable position. Jess didn’t dare move from her seat until Helen got there.
Helen walked into the kitchen with Scott trailing right behind her. She whispered in Jess’s ear, “We’ll take Ru back to bed.”
“Hopefully she will sleep through. I’m so sorry you had to come over.” Jess released her hold of the now-angelic sleeping child.
Scott lightly ran his hand over Aruishi’s curls. “No problem. We won’t be long.”
Aruishi snuffled faintly as Scott lifted her from Jess’s lap, cradled her securely in his arms, and followed Helen out of the room.
Letting out a sigh of relief, Jess stood and walked around to stretch her legs. How could a four-year-old move so fast? It was frightening, really. She could have fallen off that stool and hurt herself.
“Oh Christ.” She powered down her laptop and packed it away in the messenger bag. She sat down on the couch, hands tucked under her thighs and waited.
“She’s fast asleep, didn’t stir at all,” Helen said, walking back into the room. “Scott will stay with her for a few more minutes just to be sure. I guarantee she won’t wake up again tonight.”
“Thank goodness. I feel terrible I had to disturb your and Scott’s evening. Thank you. I’ll be okay now.” Jess hoped Aruishi slept through, because she didn’t know what she’d do if she woke up again.
“Jess, are you interested in coming to the restaurant with me?” Helen asked.
“Now? I promised Lili I would look after Aruishi until she got home.” Jess hadn’t done a very good job of it so far.
“Yes, you did, but you’d be doing me a favour. As you know, it’s Ailie’s first night after the winter break, and they’re booked to capacity.” She sat down on the couch beside Jess. “No matter where your brother was—whatever corner of the planet—he would ring Lili and wish her luck. It will be different tonight.” Her eyes filled with sadness. “I’m going over to make sure Lili’s okay.” She patted Jess’s knee. “It will be nice to have you along.”
“What about Aruishi?”
“Scott can watch the football game here and keep an eye on his granddaughter,” Helen said. “Why don’t you change and come along with me? I’ll let Scott know.”
She nodded. Of course they were missing Ben tonight. It was the right thing to do.
Jess got out of the car and waited at the passenger-side door. She was having second thoughts about coming to the restaurant. They were not planning to eat, so what were they doing here? Helen wanted to check on her daughter, and Jess could understand her concern, but Lili might not want to see her here.
“Ready?” Helen asked.
Too late to change my mind now. She followed Helen through the rear courtyard and into a side entrance of the building. They walked past Lili’s empty office and staff room, then along a short corridor into a cosy foyer.
Helen squeezed Jess’s shoulder. “If we sit at the bar, we can observe things without getting in anyone’s way.” As if sensing Jess’s self-consciousness, Helen smiled warmly. “You look lovely. Your V-neck sweater is a gorgeous shade of pink. Is it cashmere? It looks so luxurious. Come on, let’s see if Owen will pour us a drink.”
Glancing at the tables seated with elegantly dr
essed diners, Jess was thankful she’d taken time to change out of her jeans and windcheater. She held her head up and tucked both hands deeply into the pockets of her linen trousers, aware of the curious glances she received.
“Take a seat,” Helen said, pulling herself up onto a bar stool.
Jess slid onto the stool beside her. “The diffused light from the metal-wheel chandeliers transforms the restaurant.” The delicate glow and the flower arrangements were intimate and welcoming. “Up to now, I’ve only seen it during the day.”
“Yes, I think Lili did a tremendous job. She wanted it to be a little laid-back and minimal, but I think it’s stylish. Ben contributed some fantastic ideas as well.”
“I am impressed.”
“It is a good-sized room. Even though the place is packed, it’s not cramped or noisy,” Helen said. “The tables are well-spaced, and the large windows bring the garden indoors.”
Helen was right. The subtle lighting on the terrace and in the garden extended the diners’ view, making the restaurant feel more spacious. On a balmy summer evening, it would be lovely dining on the terrace under the stars.
The bar was situated to the left of the room, between the dining area and the kitchen. The back-lit open shelves behind the service counter were filled with bottles of multi-hued beverages. Squares of coloured glass were randomly placed between the shelves, and Jess recalled peering through them from the kitchen last time she was here. On the wall, directly above the bar, a large, moody seascape portrayed a stormy sky with heavy rolling clouds and beams of sunlight glistening on the turquoise sea. Jess peered at the signature and made out the name A. Rey. “I love the painting, Helen. Does the artist live locally?”
“She and her wife have properties at Hakea, on the Great Ocean Road. Andrea and Caitlin married in Ireland recently, and the wedding party was held here at Ailie. They were so impressed with Lili’s efforts—the wedding fare was splendid; I wish you could have seen it—that they gifted Andi’s painting to Lili.”
“What a special gift,” Jess said.
“It does look fabulous in this setting.”
