Page 75 of The Village Inn of Secret Dream

He mentally crossed his fingers before handing the menu to the restaurant critic.

Oh well, he thought. It was too late now.

The restaurant was officially opened.

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Belle looked around the restaurant and thought that it was going to be okay. Everyone had their drinks and were smiling and chatting away.

Although she had to admit that quite a few people appeared to be shuffling on their bottoms, quietly complaining about the hard seats.

The dark wooden chairs were not a huge hit, she had to admit. And with the darkness outside, along with the dark tables and chairs, the whole place felt even more stark than before.

The restaurant desperately needed colour, but everything Pete had chosen was dark wood and grey. But at least the fireplace was giving some cheer with its pretty flames. And some much-needed warmth as well, as the starkness made everything feel colder, especially with the rain hammering against the windows.

She was pleased to see Cassie and Aaron were doing really well waiting on everyone and nobody appeared to be without drinks or a bread basket to keep them going until the food arrived.

Pete sidled up to her. ‘That’s the restaurant critic fromThe Times,’ he said out of the corner of his mouth.

Belle glanced over to where a solitary man was sitting and studying the cleanliness of the wine glass that he was holding up to the light.

She grimaced. ‘Okay,’ she whispered back. ‘So are you going to be the one to serve him?’

He nodded. ‘God, yes. I don’t want Aaron to start chatting about compost heaps or whatever.’

‘He means well,’ she said.

Pete rolled his eyes. ‘Just not tonight,’ he said, looking stressed. ‘Tonight we’ve got to get the best start ever to get ahead profit-wise.’

Belle sighed. ‘Can’t we just enjoy the fact that we’re actually open for business and not worry about profits for just one evening?’ she said.

She walked away to head over to the table where Stanley and Frank were sitting with another man.

‘Good evening, all,’ she said. ‘So what do you think of our new restaurant?’

‘It’s marvellous,’ said Stanley, as affable as always. ‘You remember my grandson, Logan?’

Belle smiled down at the man sitting opposite. ‘Hi, yes of course I do,’ she said. ‘It’s been a while since you’ve been in Cranbridge, hasn’t it?’

Logan nodded. ‘It certainly has, but you’ve clearly been working hard in the meantime,’ he said, looking around the room. ‘This all looks great.’

‘Thanks,’ said Belle. ‘Are you staying in the village for the weekend?’

‘Actually there might be exciting news in that regard,’ said Stanley, looking pleased. ‘Logan may be joining our happy community on a permanent basis.’

‘How wonderful,’ said Belle.

Newcomers were always welcome to the village, especially ones in their early thirties like Logan. They brought life and hopefully business back to Cranbridge.

‘Are you all right for drinks?’ she asked. ‘And I see you’ve got the bread basket as well.’

The three men nodded.

‘Good thing too,’ said Frank. ‘I don’t normally eat this late, but as it’s a special occasion.’

‘I’ll get the kitchen to hurry up your order,’ said Belle, giving his shoulder a squeeze.

Frank waved away her concerns with his hand. ‘It’s fine,’ he said. ‘No fuss required.’