Ella and Roman shared a look that said they both had no clue what was going on. ‘I’ve just finished my break and need to get back to work,’ said Ella, remembering she’d just abandoned Isla’s table, and it may be her getting her marching orders at this rate. She took a step towards the stairs.

‘Stop right there! You aren’t going anywhere. What do you think?’ asked Callie, looking at Nancy again who was beaming.

‘Yes, they are both perfect,’ confirmed Nancy, looking through the lens of the camera.

‘Perfect for what?’ asked Ella, stringing out the words slowly.

‘A romantic meal for two!’

Roman and Ella looked at each other then back towards Nancy, who pointed to the table that was laid out on the balcony overlooking the bay, which neither of them had noticed. All the tables had been pushed to one side except this one, which was laid with a crisp white cotton cloth, champagne flutes and a tea-light candle in a silver holder flickering away.

‘This is the perfect backdrop for the news report. All you have to do is sit down at the table, enjoy a meal and look like you’re in love.’

‘And they call this work?’ joked Ella, grinning at Roman. ‘So you’re telling me I’m getting paid to go on a pretend romantic date with a gorgeous man and eat the best food prepared by Gianni. I think I can do that!’

‘I’ll second that.’ Roman smiled, thankfully looking a little more relaxed. He folded up the envelope and slipped it into his pocket.

‘I knew they would be up for it.’ Callie clapped her hands together. ‘I’ve cleared everything with Flynn too, so you don’t need to worry, Roman. Wilbur has already set sail to Heartcross and we should be all finished here by the time the boat is due to leave again.’

Even though Roman had received a written warning, Ella could see no one was treating him any differently. They were all so fond of him and he was part of The Lakehouse community, but if Roman wouldn’t open up to Flynn about why he was late for work, Flynn really had no alternative, he had to put his business first.

‘Okay, let’s get you seated,’ announced Nancy. ‘And look happy. I want you dreamy-eyed and pretend the cameras aren’t there. It’s as easy as that.’

Ella beamed as a make-up artist appeared from nowhere and began to powder her face. ‘Just taking away the shine for the cameras,’ she said, turning towards Roman who immediately put up his hand.

‘Not for me, I really don’t mind looking shiny,’ he said, clearly horrified by the idea of wearing make-up.

‘I think a little bit of blusher to those cheeks would do you the world of good,’ teased Ella, making her way to the table.