“Sometimes, but the most interesting villains are the ones who start out as good people but get driven to do bad things by circumstances. Maybe they make a decision that seems right at the time and turns out to be a mistake. Then they have to cover up the mistake, so they make another decision and that’s worse.”

“So you’re saying that the chef that needs to be in your book was a really good person until someone stole his fish knife? Then when he found out, he gutted them.”

The smile spread across his face. “You’re better at this than you think.”

Despite her anxiety, the conversation flowed, and over the best meal she’d ever eaten they traded life histories. She discovered that he’d spent the first five years of his life in Cumbria, and then his parents had separated and he’d gone to live with his mother in Boston.

“You’re not in touch with your father?”

“No. My mother always said that parenthood didn’t suit him. I have no memories of him. He died shortly after they separated. How about you?”

“My dad left when I was twelve. And it was hard.” She didn’t need to elaborate. Brendan was a writer. She knew instinctively that he’d sense all the things she was leaving unsaid. “He said he loved me and would always love me, but all I kept thinking was that however much he loved me it wasn’t enough for him to want to stick around. I think that’s why I married Richard so young. I was looking for stability, and he seemed to offer that.” She’d never said it aloud before. Never really acknowledged it. “I was looking for some sort of guarantee, and of course, that doesn’t exist.”

“No,” he said. “But that early experience shaped you. And it must have made it extra tough when Richard left because you were dealing with parts of the past as well as the present.”

“Yes.” It was true, and she wondered how he could see instantly what it had taken her ages to work out. “But mostly I was worried about Zoe. About the impact on her.”

“She’s lucky to have a mother like you. I think you’re incredible. And resilient. You’re running a business and raising a child, and you still find time to make delicious lemon chicken and nurture your guests.”

He thought she was incredible. Not boring or a martyr. Incredible.

She flushed. “I’m just getting on with life.”

“That’s the very definition of resilience. Did your mother marry again?”