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‘A double-shot espresso.’
‘Oh, nice. Do you usually order breakfast too?’
He shook his head. ‘Not usually. Why? Do you want something?’
‘Oh, no … I’m actually not much of a breakfast person.’ I laughed and shifted my sandals under the table, causing a scuffing sound.
‘Sure. So, it’s up to you if you want to tell me, but I’d love to hear why you left Mon Amour?’ His green eyes glinted with curiosity.
‘Oh, umm—’
Our conversation was interrupted by the waiter placing our coffees down on the table. The strong aroma instantly wafted up to my nose.Mmm. A delicate leaf pattern was embossed on top of the foam, and Patrick nodded his approval as the waiter left us alone again.
Morning sunlight cast across the table, warming our hands, and frothy waves crashed the shoreline. Fresh ocean breezes swept in every now and then, calming me. Just sitting there and soaking in the environment was enough to lift a bit of my leftover misery from last night. Maybe all I needed was some fresh air and stunning scenery to clear my mind so I could search for jobs more revived.
I looked around the restaurant as Patrick took his first sip of coffee. I could hear soft chatter from other patrons, and I could see every second person was eating either eggs Benedict with salmon or smashed avocado on toast. They would take a bite of their food and wash it down with either a mimosa or coffee.
The clink of a coffee cup on the saucer caught my attention, and I looked back at my dining partner. He smiled at me and tucked a loose strand behind his ear, revealing his golden hoop earring. ‘We were interrupted. You were about to tell me why you left Mon Amour?’
‘It’s embarrassing, really.’ I looked at his eyes – the sclera was as white as the linen tablecloth and showed no signs of stress.His diet must be ultra clean, or he has good eyedrops.
After I recounted the events of the previous night (except for the sleaze part – I left that out), Patrick looked aghast.
‘I knew Daniel was rude, but I didn’t think he was that bad, and you’re very talented for an unqualified chef.’ He glancedover his shoulder, then back at me, smirking. ‘I will tell you a little secret. I only hired him for my birthday because he tracked me down. I didn’t even know him, but he kept calling my restaurant, and he said,“You have to come try our food.”So, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. It was good food, but I think that’s because he wasn’t cooking it. Am I right?’
I laughed and nodded my agreement, instantly feeling better about being insulted by Daniel. ‘You’re right about that. God, he’s a demanding man.’ I shook my head at the thought.
‘It was worth it in the end. I got to meet you.’ He grinned and took a sip of his coffee. I studied his hands; he wore a gold ring on his middle finger with the leaning Tower of Pisa imprinted into the metal and the same ruby ring from his birthday.How sweet that he wears a little piece of Italy on him.Not often did I see a man in jewellery, but Patrick pulled it off so well.Oh boy, did he ever pull it off.What a well-dressed male.
I swallowed a mouthful of my latte, a bit nervous about what I was going to say next. ‘That waiter, Simon, or whatever his name is, acted strangely when I said I was having coffee with you. Like, he said“one of those girls”. What was that about?’ I whispered in case the waiter was listening.
I could have sworn he blushed before replying, ‘Oh, it’s nothing. Sometimes women come in and say they have a reservation with me because they get to know my table and what time I come in, and he knows that ninety-nine percent of the time, they’re lying. I almost always come in here alone.’
Of course, women chased him. He was gorgeous, so that was no surprise at all.
‘Well, I guess it’s good you have someone to look out for you.’ I winked, suddenly feeling more confident.
He let out a hearty laugh and nodded in agreement.
‘So, while I have you here, I may as well ask you – would you like to come in for a trial? Say, tomorrow?’ he asked as his eyes stared into mine.
‘In your restaurant?’ My eyes grew with surprise.
‘Si.’He nodded.
What? Could things get any better? Was Patrick seriously asking me to come in for a trial at one of the most prestigious restaurants in Australia? Play it cool, Naomi.
‘Okay, sure. What time?’
‘Let’s make it eleven, and we’ll work out the rest from there. I will warn you, though, it’sextremelyfast-paced due to the constant influx of customers. We’re fully booked every night. That’s why I’m trialling you at lunch service because it’s less busy.’
‘I’m good at adapting. I’ll definitely give it a go. Thank you for this opportunity, Patrick. I appreciate it.’ I smiled, nodding.
‘My pleasure. Naomi.’ The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled at me broadly.
‘I’ll see you tomorrow at eleven?’
I nodded again, squealing with delight on the inside, and returned a smile I hoped was just as charming, then finished my latte and placed it back on the saucer.
