Laid out on the table were a number of exquisite-looking dishes that the chef had already prepared. Ella watched as the staff began to line up. ‘What are they doing?’ her voice was low, and she couldn’t help thinking how heavenly it all smelled.

‘Those are today’s specials. Gianni believes that to be able to talk about a dish with a passion, you need to savour the flavours, taste it. Each staff member samples the food. This way, if the diners ask any questions, they can answer them accurately. Gianni is passionate about his food and it’s a team effort.’ Ella could see he took his food very seriously and the rapport he had with the staff was commendable.

‘Gianni can be a little hot-headed at times, but underneath he’s as soft as a brush and as you can see, very easy on the eye,’ added Callie, with a glint in her eye.

Gianni caught Callie’s eye and waved, beckoning them over. ‘Who have we here?’

Ella felt a little nervous walking towards them all, but even though she was the new girl, everyone gave her a welcoming smile.

‘This is Ella,’ presented Callie. ‘She starts with us on Monday. Ella, this is the team.’ Each and every one stepped forward and introduced themselves.

‘Excellent, excellent,’ said Gianni. ‘Come,’ he gestured for them to both come over. ‘Have a try.’ Gianni handed Ella a fork. ‘Tell me what you think.’

All eyes were on Ella.

Feeling the pressure, she plunged the fork into the dish and took a mouthful. She did everything in her power not to groan with pleasure or go in for a second helping. She’d never tasted anything so delicious.

‘That is amazing,’ she praised, as the flavours exploded in her mouth.

Gianni looked impressed by her reaction. ‘That is Scottish turbot, peas, razor clams, broad beans and lemon balm,’ he triumphed. ‘We have different foods each night – fish nights, comfort food nights – and we cater for a more discerning clientele on a Saturday night.’

Ella had never tasted turbot before. ‘It’s the best thing I’ve tasted in a long time,’ she admitted, going in for a sneaky second helping.

Gianni eyed her appraisingly. ‘Welcome to the team.’ He grinned, fixing his dark eyes on her.

Gianni had been the head chef at The Rose, in Manchester, a place where the rich and famous dined and which was booked up for months in advance. Flynn Carter had visited that restaurant on many occasions and head-hunted Gianni, who had been at a crossroads in his personal life. The offer of becoming the head chef in a secluded restaurant on the River Heart suited him down to the ground.

‘Thank you,’ replied Ella.

‘Before you all disperse, this afternoon, Ryan, you are the host. And all of you,’ Gianni swept his arm in front of everyone, ‘don’t forget to keep your uniforms clean and tidy. Any spillages, you change immediately.’