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The men slowed, allowing me to catch up.
Harris noticed me shivering and pulled me close. “I like the modern spaces around this part of the city. It matches what I want to do in going forward with Oblivion.”
“Which is?”
“Fusion foods. The reason I want to go international is so I can bring international flavors together for discerning clientele.”
“And have the best man at the helm to develop the dishes, of course.” Simon winked at me.
Harris made a show of clearing his throat. “Please. We all know I’m the best.”
Simon punched Harris’ shoulder. “I taught you everything you know, lad, and don’t you forget it.”
Mentor, then.
Simon looked at me as he jabbed his thumb toward Harris. “I taught this kid a lot of what he knows. I spent a year in the U.S. teaching over there. Then he followed me back here for a bit when I held a culinary training tour of the U.K. and Europe.”
“Florence, Paris, Madrid, Mykonos, Bristol, Aberdeen, and Istanbul,” Harris recalled.
“We became more than student and teacher. Harris had the kind of talent that rarely comes along. It wasn’t long before I became his student. Then, when some personal shit hit the fan, he helped me out. He may be an arrogant dickhead at times, but he’s a decent bloke deep down.”
Harris hissed through his teeth. “He’s talking out his ass.”
“I happen to agree with him.” I squeezed Harris.
“You’ve got a smart one here, mate. Keep hold of her,” Simon advised.
Harris gazed down at me. “She’s not going anywhere.”
“So, getting back to this fusion food idea. Can I be your taste tester?” My eyes lit up at the thought of being involved in Harris’ food creations.
Harris chuckled. “If you like.”
“You know I would.”
Eventually, we reached a building overlooking a park that would be beautiful and green in the warmer months. Lamar opened another door for us. “This way, folks.”
We stepped past the estate agent’s hulking form into another space that was emptier than the last. Aside from the kitchens, this one was much more of a blank canvas, allowing Harris to marry this restaurant with the one back home if he chose to.
Again, windows lined one side. I walked over to them and stared out at the park. Even in the winter, something about it was pretty. The grass was still lush, and in the bare branches of the trees, I noticed strings of lights. Hundreds of them. Add some snow, and it would be the perfect winter wonderland with a brand-new Oblivion to gather in and dine on amazing food with friends, family, and lovers.
I wasn’t sure how long I stood there, letting my imagination run away with me. But when I felt a warm hand rub up and down my back, I jumped.
“What are you thinking about?” Harris’ beard brushed against my ear as he bent down and whispered to me.
Shots of desire skittered down my body. I reached back and stroked my fingertips through his light brown hair. “Wouldn’t this be beautiful at night?” His arms encircled my waist. He peered out the window at the park with me.“Just like a fairyland.”
“Are you telling me you like this location, Louisa?”
Turning in his arms, I said, “I think it’s incredible. But your judgment is more important. It’s your restaurant.”
“Yeah, and your opinion is important to me.”
I twisted my lips and turned to Simon. “What are the kitchens like?”
“Suitable,” Simon answered.
“And what can you do with this space?” I looked around the room.
