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‘It is good,non?’ Luca said smiling, watching me enjoy it.
‘SO good. Where did you get it?’ I asked.
‘This is one of Henri’s,’ he said, taking another sip.
‘Ah, fantastic,’ I said, turning to him. ‘Congratulations! This is quite something.’
Henri beamed with pride. ‘We have had the vineyard in Bordeaux for several generations and are extremely proud of the Le Pin produce.’
‘It is a king among Merlots,’ Luca said, ‘that is certain.’
Liv slipped quietly into the dining room, wearing a fixed smile on her face. I wasso in trouble, but it wasn’t my fault. She wouldn’t even speak to me so I could tell her my speed-eating plan to get her out of here ASAP and off on her date with Bella.
‘Good evening, Luca, Henri, Holly,’ she said, fake-smiling at us all. ‘Dinner this evening is a fresh crab and avocado toast, followed by steak frites with grilled mushrooms and tomatoes and a light chocolate mousse with a grapefruit and orange sponge.’
‘Sounds delicious,’ Henri said, smiling, ‘merci.’
‘It really does. Thank you,’ I said as Liv avoided eye contact.
‘Medium rare steak for you, Luca. How would you like yours cooked, Henri?’
‘Rare,s’il vous plaît,’ Henri replied.
‘Holly?’
‘Medium rare as well please, or whatever’s easiest,’ I said blushing. This was excruciating.
‘I’m sure Xavier can manage two medium-rare steaks,’ Liv said officiously as she strutted off back down to the kitchen.
‘Shall I top up the wine?’ I whispered to Luca, uncertain of my role and mindful of our glasses getting low.
‘Allow me,’ Luca replied, glug-glugging us back to a reasonable level, as Xavier appeared with our starters. He placed them delicately in front of us.
‘Your starters are served. Crab fresh in this morning from Devon and avocado from our sustainable farm out in Verona. There is a very light crayfish sauce served on the side which I would highly recommend trying and the toasts are half rye, half raisin. I hope you all enjoy.’ I kept trying to catch Xavier’s eye to make him laugh but he was such a consummate pro, there would be no deviation from the script.
‘Thank you so much, Xavier; this looks delicious,’ I said, desperate to get his attention.
‘Merci,’ Luca dismissed him with a wave, resting his arm on the back of my chair.
‘De rien,’ Xavier said with a funny little bow, backing out of the dining room and leaving us to it. How depressing. It was such a shame he and Liv couldn’t join us for dinner so we could all have a laugh together.
The crab was unbelievable.
‘Luca doesn’t exaggerate, so you must have a gifted nose for wine, Holly?’ Henri said, crunching into his toast.
‘I’m very keen to develop it, and I enjoy all the practice,’ I laughed, swirling my glass.
‘You’re very welcome to come and visit our vineyard, if you are ever in Bordeaux,’ he said. ‘I’d be happy to show you around.’
‘I’d love that,’ I said, excitedly, feeling happy inside. I think this was one of those moments Liv had told me to look out for on New Year’s Eve.
Henri pulled out his wallet and gave me his business card.
‘Please,’ he said, ‘call me any time, it would be my pleasure.’
Liv silently took our plates.
‘Thanks Liv,’ I said as she nodded, smile still stuck in position.
