‘Leave her to me. I’ll calm her down and talk her round. It’s what I do best,’ she said.

‘No, it’s the thing you do second best. First place goes to being an easy target for my jump-scares.’

‘I’m just biding my time until I can get you back, Noah. Watch your back,’ Jo warned. ‘I can’t tell you when it will be, but it will be spectacular. Maybe I’ll jump out of the cake at your wedding.’

Noah smiled. ‘You’ll never get me, Jo. Accept it and move on.’

‘Whatever,’ she said, with a roll of her eyes. ‘You’ll see, Noah Simpson. Trust me. Now, work time.’

‘Yes, boss,’ he said.

‘Oh, and Noah, Mum says she’d appreciate a visit at some stage this weekend. She has a few wee jobs for you around the house since Dad is away.’

‘I’ll text her and tell her I’ll be round tomorrow,’ he said. ‘How is she anyway? And Clara?’

‘Clara is great, but our darling mum is hung-over this fine day.’

Noah smirked. ‘Is Mags to blame?’

‘Partly,’ Jo answered.

‘Yikes. I think I might call over today then. Bring some bacon sandwiches and get in the good books,’ Noah said.

‘Not until after the lunchtime rush. Which won’t happen if we don’t get those doors open and get Erin nice and calm.’

‘Anything Erin-related is your domain, as well you know. Good luck.’

‘She’s a pussycat really,’ Jo said, but she suspected she would have her work cut out for her.

It wasn’t long before those suspicions were confirmed. Erin was in full extreme-focus mode. Her face was red with exertion and Jo could see that Phil and the other kitchen staff were more than a little intimidated. Most of the time, Erin had the respect and friendship of her staff, but sometimes she pushed a little too hard and instead of making her staff work harder, she could make them feel demoralised. Keeping everyone happy when Erin was in one of those moods was hard going. And, of course, it was further complicated for Jo by their friendship and their flat-share.

‘Erin, how’s things?’ Jo said, plastering a smile on her face as if everything was completely normal.

‘Well, Jo, since you asked, I’m about ready to cancel today’s lunch menu as no one seems to be able to keep up with basic prep for tonight’s event while also cooking the same damn recipes they cook every lunchtime,’ Erin barked, her voice raised more than enough to make sure her staff heard every word.