Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97073 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
While we settle in and wait for our food, Mike throws his arm over the back of Freya’s chair in a quiet claim. She smiles and he winks before leaning in to kiss her on the side of the mouth.
I love how relaxed they are with each other. I’ve been around loving partners before, of course. Emma and Lincoln are so restrained though. Even my parents are pretty careful about PDA, and Andrew? Ha. I can’t recall him ever kissing me in public.
Would I even want him to?
My gaze slips to Nate’s profile. He’s looking out the window at the snow that’s coming down again. We’ve been without it for all of half a day and now it’s back with a vengeance.
“Did you get a haircut, Nathaniel?” Alice asks, drawing his attention back to the group.
“This morning” is all Nate says in reply, his gaze holding mine only for a brief moment. Maybe he doesn’t want to admit that he let me cut it. Who knows how this group would react to that revelation. I’m sure Mike would have a comment or two.
“’Bout time,” Mike adds with a chuckle.
Oliver turns to me and smiles, leaning in close while the group moves on to talking about something else.
“He’s not usually like this.”
My raised brow gives away how little I believe that.
“Not this quiet, I mean.”
I must bring it out of him, I think. Oh joy.
Plates arrive from the kitchen, and I was half-right to expect all the standard pub food, but it’s been done with a twist. Fish and chips, venison steak, butternut squash risotto—all plated to perfection as if we’re being served in a Michelin-starred restaurant. What kind of foodie rabbit hole have I fallen into? Alice got the vegan ragu with aubergine and green lentils, and it looks like a work of art on her plate.
She notices my reaction, namely the fact that my mouth is opening and closing like a guppy.
“On top of Sedbergh being a Book Town, it’s also known for a few special restaurants.”
“This is one of them. The tourists demanded it,” Oliver says, his mouth full of steak. “They wanted nice places to eat at while they’re here for the festivals.”
“During the winter months, they work on their tasting menus,” Freya adds.
“And we get to be the lucky blokes who try it all out. You going to eat that?” Mike asks, already aiming his fork at Oliver’s meal.
Oliver picks up his plate before Mike can reach it. “Mate, I will stab your hand if you get any closer.”
“Oy! Don’t be stingy.”
“Eat your own sodding food!”
Nate ordered me the lamb shank, which, according to the menu (I review it because I want to know what I’m about to eat) comes with carrot, swede & celeriac puree, and red wine jus. He ordered the same thing for himself, and for the first time all night, he’s not shy about looking at me. He keeps careful watch as I take my first bite.
The words “Oh my god” come sputtering out of my mouth before I’ve even swallowed.
He nods. “It’s good, right?”
“Heaven! This is heaven!”
“Let me try it,” Oliver says.
“Oliver, let her eat.” Alice laughs.
“No, actually that’s fine. Here, have some, but I want to try some of yours too.”
We all end up sharing. Apparently, the lamb has been on the menu for a while, but the vegan ragu and butternut squash risotto are new. The bartender—who I learn is the chef’s husband—comes around to ask our opinions. I’m absolutely no help as I only have gushing reviews to give him about everything.
My mom would love this place.
Well, she would love the food. I’m not sure she’d love the atmosphere; a cozy country pub isn’t exactly bougie enough for Patricia Collins. She wants a fancy restaurant nestled between an Hermès store and the Eiffel Tower.
After we’re finished, we sit and drink our wine.
“Freya, I never asked, what do you do for work?”
She smiles tightly and looks down. Right away, I realize maybe it would have been better if I didn’t ask. “Between jobs at the moment, actually. I was working with my mum and stepdad. They own the grocery store down the way.”
“Martin’s store?” I ask, taking a gamble that I happen to know what shop she’s referring to. It’s not like there are that many in Sedbergh.
Freya smiles. “Yeah, that’s it.”
“Really cool. I’ve been in a few times now. I really like it.”
She nods. “Yeah, it’s not that I don’t like helping out. It’s just, I’d like to go back and study graphic design. Folks around here are always looking for someone who’s handy with computers. It’s tough though, hard to find the time.”
“Freya’s a single mum,” Mike says proudly. “Jack’s just turned three.”
“Oh! I have a niece about that age. I can imagine you have your hands full.”