Sam burst out laughing before realising she wasn’t meant to react as she wasn’t listening to the conversation, and she definitely wasn’t supposed to be taken in by Gabe’s charm. It was difficult not to giggle because Chloe had realised a split second too late that Gabe was having her on. Sam noticed his Cornish accent had already thickened since being back in his hometown.

‘You … you devil!’ Chloe burst out, finally realising she’d been led up the garden path.

Gabe was all smiles. ‘Seriously, I took three of the staff from that hotel with me when I started up my first restaurant. Two are now senior people in my own business and the other has opened her own restaurant in Ireland and is still a good mate. You don’t have to be a bastard to gain respect and get on in this business. Tough and savvy, but not an absolute shit, excuse my language. Mind you, you also have to be prepared to rub people up the wrong way from time to time. As my grandad said: you’re not a fifty-pound note, Gabe, not everyone’s going to like you.’ He grinned.

‘Was that your grandad Chris?’ Sam couldn’t help asking, picturing a silver-haired old guy with a bristling moustache who occasionally used to turn up to the chip shop. She wasn’t surprised that Gabe had stood up to the bullying chef or that he’d given his mates a job when he had the chance. Apart from that one act involving Ryan, he was a generous and compassionate man, there was no denying it, which was partly why he’d always stood out for her.

Gabe nodded.

‘How is your grandad these days?’ she asked him.

‘OK. Ninety-three now. Still misses my gran. He’s moved in with my auntie Leia in St Austell. Not too mobile, but he’s enjoying life.’

‘I liked him,’ said Sam. ‘I was very sorry to hear your gran had died.’

‘Me too. She was a formidable woman. It was my nan who was the real energy behind the chip shop business. Grandad was at a loss when they all had to move here to live with my great uncle and auntie during the war in Cyprus … My nan always spoke well of you,’ said Gabe.

‘That’s a real compliment from your nan,’ Sam said, and she meant it.