‘Team?’ Sam managed a smile. ‘They’re volunteers … but yes, they are both big shoes to fill.’ And Sam herself would probably have to fill them, even though Chloe and Drew had asked some of the volunteers to help with their duties. People couldn’t be expected to step in at such short notice, not when they already had their other roles.

‘Can I help?’

‘You?’ Sam didn’t mean to be so abrupt but her mind had just reached Peak Festival. She was blindsided by Chloe’s news, and overwhelmed by the prospect of filling in for Drew and Chloe and getting her stock ready for the weekend. Finally, she’d bitten off more than she could chew. And for the first time, panic set in. This was too much …

‘I might not be able to do any of the specialist stuff, but I’m willing to try anything,’ Gabe continued. ‘I know more about the festival now and if there’s any dirty work – little tasks – anything I can do so you can handle the big stuff, then let me.’

‘Thanks for the offer, but I don’t know what you can do …’ Sam racked her brains. ‘You’re the headline name, after all. There’s some fetching and carrying you could do and I guess you could liaise with the chefs … if you don’t mind?’

Gabe touched her arm and his voice was soft, seductive. ‘I don’t mind fetching and carrying or liaising with my fellow chefs … I’m a Porthmellower first and foremost, but I’ve got another idea.’

‘I’m glad someone has because right now, my brain has fried. Fire away.’

‘You know all those pies you have to make for the weekend? Well, have I ever mentioned that I enjoy a bit of cooking? In my spare time, of course. I’m no professional but if you need a kitchen hand, I’m here.’

Sam’s jaw fell open. ‘You are joking?’

‘About being a professional?’ He grinned.

Sam was too overwhelmed to joke. ‘No, about offering to work in Stargazey … I mean … Aren’t you busy?’

‘Always, and my PA is going nuts already, but I’ve cleared my diary until next week. While I’m in your kitchen making pies, you can concentrate on the festival.’

‘I – do you think you can cope with doing all the prep? Would you mind being supervised by Stefan?’

‘That’s fine. I’m willing to learn; I’ve got all my hygiene certificates.’

Sam burst out laughing. ‘That’s a relief but … Oh, my God, Stefan will have kittens when you rock up at Stargazey as his apprentice.’

He rubbed his hands. ‘That sounds like fun.’