After she’d given instructions to the pot-wash, Ollie, on what needed doing to close down the kitchen until evening service, Penny kept Francesco waiting for a minute longer to slip into the kitchen office and look in the supplier’s book for Priyesh’s number. She flicked through the heavy binder of business cards and price lists, finding his details handwritten in her uncle’s cursive at the back. It had a landline number and a mobile, so Penny dialled his mobile. She needed to focus on the idea of somebody other than Francesco. If he understood that she was seeing somebody else, she knew he’d be respectful of that. Not that she was going to use Priyesh. She’d been a bit silly with him at the party, but the way he looked at her afterwards, how he came to the pub and brought flowers and didn’t get frustrated when Francesco turned up and interrupted them – that was very attractive. He was a proper man, and Penny knew in her heart she deserved to spend time with a proper man like that. What they’d done together had certainly been spontaneous, but she wasn’t going to over-think – that’s what she’d pledged to herself.

Penny also wasn’t going to fall back into Francesco’s arms because he was here, either – he’d kissed somebody else, when she’d not even been gone thirty seconds. She didn’t even care why, now. Yes, they’d had chemistry, but hadn’t she proved she could have chemistry with other men, too? In London it was as if she would never be fancied again until Francesco came along. Maybe she’d talked herself into liking him more because she was afraid she’d be left on the shelf forever. But here, in Derbyshire, it was different. Here, she magically had choices – Thomas had shown her the area and been open-hearted and kind. Priyesh was straight-laced and serious but playful and sexy too. And he wanted to take her out! So out she would go.

Priyesh picked up the phone. ‘Hello, Ms Bridge,’ he said, his voice brooding.

‘Hey,’ she replied. ‘I’m sorry we got interrupted. It’s a yes to dinner. Of course it’s a yes. Just let me know where to be and when, and I’ll be there.’

‘I’m thrilled to hear it,’ he said. ‘Sunday night. I’ll pick you up at 7 p.m. Dress code is smart.’

Penny went back through to Francesco and Charlie in the bar.

‘Right then,’ she said, clapping her hands together. ‘Shall I give you the grand tour?’

17