‘Yes, she was never afraid to be honest,’ Gabe said. His voice was soft and there was genuine warmth in his rich brown eyes. Sam felt herself thaw a little. No matter what had passed between them, she had to admit that success didn’t seem to have gone to his head. He still loved his family and was proud of his roots. She realised that obviously he must have been back in the area many times to visit his extended family and she’d never known it. A pang of regret struck her, surprising her with its sharp edge. She’d lost a lot of time … time they could have been together, maybe even had a family … if Gabe hadn’t caused such pain to her own family, of course. That thought snapped her back to reality and she fell silent.

After a while, Sam went to get another round in and when she returned, Troy started up a conversation about hull maintenance with Drew. Chloe and Gabe were talking about food – a subject much closer to Sam’s heart. They thanked her for the drinks.

‘I was just telling Gabe how much I loved his recipe for Scotch Eggs. I hope that doesn’t sound too fangirly,’ she said. Sam hid a smile, as Gabe laughed. No wonder Chloe seemed smitten with him. He could have melted chocolate with one glance.

‘You know, I have more messages and reaction to that recipe than any other. Ironic when it’s a family staple, but I think it’s easy to make and tasty. Family comfort food.’

‘My mother’s mother passed down some of her recipes and we— I still make them when I need some comfort food. Have you heard of Egg Foo Yung and zong zi?’

‘The Egg Foo Yung yes, the zong zi I don’t think so,’ said Gabe.

‘Zong zi is a traditional dish. A sort of glutinous rice wrapped in a bamboo leaf in the shape of a pyramid. I’ve made it sound awful but it’s gorgeous. And jiaozi too.’

‘Are those the little dumplings?’

‘Yes. We always made them at home and ate them especially at Chinese New Year. The whole family would come together to make them. All of us.’ She smiled at a memory. ‘You could always tell the ones I made. They’d be super collapsed and messy unlike the ones my mum makes and my grandmother’s. Theirs were like a pro’s.’

‘They sound delicious,’ said Gabe. ‘Especially the Egg Foo Yung.’

‘Oh, it’s still one of my mum’s favourites,’ said Chloe, clearly smitten with Gabe. Sam thought she could hardly take her eyes off him. Neither could Sam, although she was trying to listen politely to the conversation while sipping her drink.

‘The zong zi sounds like a delicious combination, Chloe,’ Sam said, finally deciding to enter the conversation.