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“Take a break and join me?”
Stopping midstride, Evie blinked several times as the dog owners two tables away stood up, followed by the elderly couple sat beside them, pulling on their coats. She tucked a loose tendril under her hairnet and turned their way, smiling. “Thank you. Please come again.” Her grin, however, faltered as she swiveled back toward Nick, her brow furrowed.
“I know that face.”
Meeting his eyes again, she skimmed her perspiring forehead with the heel of her hand. “What face?”
“That one. The one you make when you’re shattered. You’ve earned a break, Evie.”
Her wince slackened as Jamie brought over Nick’s latte. “That’s kind of you to say, but…”
Her cousin skulked away with his tray.
“…I have those tables to clear and—”
As the words popped through her lips, Jamie began collecting the dirty cutlery and dishes.
Nick fought back a smirk. “Looks like you’re free after all.”
“I have food to prepare.”
“For who?” Nick eyed the empty tables. Make this about business and she’ll stay. “Hey, if someone new arrives, by all means go, but in the meantime can I borrow you for a minute? We need to discuss”—he clocked the remnants of smoked salmon, egg, and pastry on the plates Jamie was carting away—“quiche.”
Her brows knit together. “Quiche? We already confirmed all meals with your production manager.”
Nick’s focus dropped to her fingers picking the gauze on her right hand. “But maybe we could add some local alternatives? I’ve been sat here for ten minutes, and three of your five tables were all eating smoked salmon quiche. If that’s not a good review, what is?”
“I guess, yeah.”
Nick jumped up and fetched a vacant chair for her.
Evie sat gingerly on the edge like she might flee at any moment.
“So here’s the thing. After a long week of shooting, Saturday arrives and people are wilting energy-wise. If we could get an extra protein boost, something hearty and comforting like quiche, I reckon it would help kickstart the day.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “Do you have a preference? Smoked salmon or traditional quiche Lorraine—eggs, bacon, Swiss cheese?”
“No, let’s do salmon. It’s more Orkney.” Nick wondered how she’d react to what he was about to say next. “I had the salmon the other night at The Odin.”
Evie cleared her throat. “Oh really?”
Like she didn’t notice. “I forgot how good the seafood is here.”
The corners of her mouth quirked as she leaned in. “You still avoiding shellfish?”
Nick smiled slowly. “In public, yes.”
A faint grin met her cheeks then disappeared.
“It was nice seeing you out. You seemed…happy with soup bloke.”
“I’m not.”
“Happy?”
“With Caleb. I don’t date much.”
She’s single? A surge of selfish glee arose in Nick’s chest, but it was quickly overtaken by a twinge of sadness. He had meant what he’d said, hoping she was happy, but learning she was alone crushed his heart a little. If anyone deserved love, it was Evie.
