part0025

The first thing Isabella did the next morning was contact a locksmith and leave the job to him. The middle-aged man promised to install a new lock the same day, and she felt like things were finally going her way.

She was about to regain control of her life. It was a great feeling, but it was mixed with insecurity and anxiety. She was worried as to how Bob would react when he realized she’d changed the lock. Bob was unpredictable, and she’d never quite figured him out.

At the same time, she was annoyed at herself. How could she have been with him for so long without getting to know him properly? She kept discovering new things about him. How could unknown traits show up when she least expected it?

She found comfort in telling herself that she would have seen through him if they’d lived together. When you lived together, you got to know each other much faster, and you saw each other’s good and bad sides. Well, she’d learned. She would be more careful next time, if there were ever to be a next time.

Remy was staring out at the marina, where his boat was bobbing in the waves. Ah, how he loved the boating life. Too bad he only had time to use the boat on weekends. But he wasn’t complaining. Small town life had turned out to be very different from what he’d pictured when he worked long days at the top-tier restaurant in Oslo, some months ago.

Did he miss the hectic lifestyle? He sure did. He’d loved being in charge of a busy kitchen where the cooks worked hard and had one goal: to give each guest a unique experience. But one couldn’t always get everything in life. That was something his doctor had reminded him of the same morning when he went for a check-up. His blood pressure had increased and was higher than the young doctor liked. He’d left the office with an upgrade of his meds, and a warning to take it easy. Neither the doctor nor Remy liked the turn of events, so he’d promised to lower his stress level.

What stressed him the most now had nothing to do with the restaurant or the culinary class. It was Isabella’s ex, Bob, who was the biggest challenge for the time being. Remy spent way too much time worrying about him, or rather, Isabella. Worst of all was not knowing if Bob was planning on giving up now that she’d literally locked him out. How hard could it be to take a hint? Had the man no pride? Why would Bob want to be with someone who didn’t want him?

The door to his office opened abruptly, and Remy swirled around. Dinah came gliding into the room and gave him a red kiss on his cheek.

“Darling, I have a splendid idea.” She took a rhetorical pause to get his full attention, but Remy was busy wiping off the red lipstick.

“Solvik is such a cute town. How about I buy a cottage here? Then Fiona and I can visit you whenever we want. I’ve come to terms with the fact that you prefer to live by yourself at the moment.”

“Cottage? Do you have any idea what that would cost here by the sea?” He looked at her in bewilderment.

“But we have the money.”

“I have money, which I inherited. And as long as you insist on living in the big house, I can’t access any of it.”

“Well, we need to live somewhere. You know that.” She was miffed and not as cooperative anymore.

“Fiona is tempted to move to Solvik, but it might be better for her to keep living at home until she’s done with school. So, I’ll wait with selling the house until then,” he said.

Dinah was pleased with this small victory and beamed. “Great.”

“I’ll start looking for a bigger apartment, so Fiona can stay with me on weekends.”

She brightened. “I’ll come, too. Maybe it won’t be so bad.”

“No, you’re not coming. Fiona can take the bus on her own. There’s a direct route.”

Dinah stared at him open-mouthed, but he didn’t have time for more nonsense. He stood and opened the door for her to leave. “I have work to do.”

It dawned on him that Dinah and Bob had several things in common. They were both persevering, and impossible to get rid of.

Isabella was more optimistic than she’d been in a long time. Several days had passed without seeing Bob. She had Celine follow her up to her apartment every day after work. It was tiresome but better than being afraid.

It was Thursday night and time for another class. She greeted everyone and was both tense and nervous to see how Bob would behave. She’d discussed with Remy the option of excluding Bob from the class but had decided it would only make matters worse. Nevertheless, if he didn’t behave tonight, it was over. As it turned out, he knew how to act.

Isabella kept Bob at a distance and refused to accept a hug when he went around hugging all the woman at the class. Under no circumstances would she let him get close to her. He still managed to get near, but she couldn’t make a scene in front of the other participants.

“A new key and all. You thought you got me now,” he whispered.

Sheer black fright swept through her. What did he mean by that? Had he gotten his hands on her new key? No. That was impossible. She carried it with her at all times and guarded it like a precious jewel. She decided to act confident, unaffected by his words. “I’ve moved on with my life. I suggest you do the same.”

He snorted but was interrupted by Remy, who welcomed everyone and informed them about that evening’s class. The participants were cheerful and eager as always, and the kitchen was lively. Isabella helped wherever she was needed, while Bob was more helpless than usual.

It was easy to see through him, so every time he asked Isabella for help, Remy stepped in. Still, Bob kept up his mischievous act, something that pleased the other women. They didn’t notice Isabella’s tense attitude toward Bob. They had more than enough to do with preparing the food and finishing the dishes on time.

When everything was eaten and they’d taken their leave, she breathed freely again. “What a night.”

“Bob is quite a character.” Remy brushed her hair from her face. “I think he’ll tire after a while if he doesn’t make headway with you.”

“He needs someone else to focus on. It’s quite possible he’s been with others after we broke up. That might be the reason I haven’t heard from him until now.”

“Could be. Let’s spend more time together, and he’ll take the hint. He’s watching your every move.”

“I think you’re right. But that can’t be the only reason for us being together.”

Remy looked at her confused. “That wasn’t my best wording. You know how I feel about you.”

“Do I?” She sensed the chemistry between them, but they hadn’t talked about it yet.

“I’m not good with words, but my actions are clear.” He gave her an earnest look. “Besides, you’re the one being hesitant.”

“Only because I think you need more time.”

“What about taking chances? Do you have anything to lose?”

Yes, my heart, she said to herself. It would hurt if it didn’t work out between them.

They were still standing close. His hand caressed her back, and a prickling sensation ran along her spine.

“I pour my heart and soul into a relationship. It’s all or nothing for me,” she said eventually.

“Same with me. I never do anything half-heartedly.”

“I know, but let’s wait, Remy. You left Dinah not long ago. I need to be completely certain that you’re over her. I don’t think you are or will be, as long as she’s spending all her time around you.”

He was disappointed. “I’m done with her, but I get you. Good thing I’m patient. I never give up easily.”

She kissed him and wondered if she’d made the right decision. It didn’t feel like it.

The day had finally come for Solvik’s international food festival. The weather couldn’t have been better for a festival. It was lightly overcast, but pleasant. That meant few people at the beach, and more people gathered around the food stands at the square. It was teeming with people everywhere. The stands stood side by side and abounded with all kinds of food. The aromas that filled the air had attracted a crowd of curious people.

“I think your choice of food is perfect,” Isabella said to Remy. Elaborate canapés were delicately arranged on silver platters, waiting for potential, food-loving customers.

“It has to be something light in the summer. No one wants heavy food this time of year.”

Remy was the only representative from the Flying Fish. Since he was the drawing card, they’d decided to take full advantage of it. They’d agreed to stand by the table, instead of strolling around. If he was only there to distribute samples as quickly as possible, there wasn’t much point in him being there. This way, he got the opportunity to talk to people and encourage them to visit the restaurant.

“You don’t need me,” Isabella said.

“Stay. Who else am I going to talk to?”

She laughed. “You’re not exactly the most talkative person I know. You’ll be fine on your own.”

“Some people’s company is better than others.”

“That’s true.” She smiled at the subtle flirtation. There was nowhere she’d rather be than right here with Remy. It would have been even better if he’d sorted things out with Dinah.

As Fiona’s mother, Dinah would always remain a part of his life. She didn’t like the thought of her always being around, but there was nothing she could do to change that. The thought of what could have been was interrupted by Sara’s cheerful voice.

“How good to see you.” Sara’s clothes were the same bright colors as the furniture outside her bakery.

“Likewise. Do you have a stand here?”

Sara shook her head. “I considered it but figured it’s easy for people to stop by the bakery since it’s right by the square. I’m keeping it open for a few hours while the festival is on.”

“All your outside seating is already taken, so it looks like people are finding the bakery,” Isabella said.

“You’re right. I have to get back before it boils over. Lillian is on her own. Come by later to get some samples.”

“Would you like a canapé?” Remy held out the platter.

“I never say no to food, especially not yours.” Sara went for a curry and coconut crab. “Wow, this is amazing! Emmelin was praising your class. She’s recommending the Flying Fish to everyone she talks to.”

“That’s great. We’ve noticed an increase in the locals over the last week.” Remy was satisfied.

“It doesn’t take much to change things. We need to help each other when we live in a small town, where everyone is relying on each other’s support. I’d better run now.”

There were so many people that it was impossible to run, but Sara disappeared into the crowd.

“Nice woman,” Remy said.

“She is. Sara is one of the few people I know in town. Look who’s coming. Vera is out, inspecting the stands.”

The rotund older woman elbowed her way through.

“Hi, Vera. This food festival was a brilliant idea,” Isabella said. It was best to be positive, and compliments were never wrong.

Remy held out the silver platter, and Vera spent a moment making up her mind. “Oh, duck liver. That’s something Harriet has yet to try.”

“That’s the advantage of having different places to eat,” Isabella said. “We complement each other.”

“You’re right. I’ll give one to Harriet. She has a stand on the other side. We closed the café for the occasion.”

“Do that.” Remy held out the platter again.

“I think we’ve won her over,” Isabella said when she left. “Vera doesn’t seem too anxious about competition any longer.”

“I wonder why it was so slow in the beginning, when the hotel opened. It almost seemed like someone was working against the restaurant.”

“Miranda was of the same opinion. She suspected Vera was involved, but I don’t think that’s the case,” said Isabella.

“Hmm, strange. But as long as it’s going forward, we can’t complain.”

“I’ll go collect some samples, and I’ll bring you some.” Isabella strolled around and checked out the competition for a while. She didn’t know the others but was pleased to see the diversity from the surrounding towns. Most of the stands were preparing their food on the spot, and the luscious aroma rose up into the streets.

“Good thing the market is outdoors and not inside a building,” she said to Remy when she handed him a plate of samples. “Otherwise we would’ve been smoke poisoned.”

Remy was busy with the food, eating slowly like a chef. “This one is Lebanese and not bad.”

Isabella tasted something that looked like a small pirog. “Mmm, this is good.”

“Is there anything you don’t like?” Remy watched her questioningly.

She finished chewing. “Not that I’m aware of.”

“A woman after my own heart.”

This statement made an unflattering shade of red spread from her neck upwards. She wished she was his, but it was futile. If only they’d met later on…

They had many visitors over the next few hours. The canapé platters disappeared and were exchanged with new deliveries from the kitchen. People willingly tried what they offered and weren’t modest. Some came by twice, which pleased Remy. Several of them wanted to hear about life as a celebrity chef and even more wanted to take selfies with him. Remy posed for the pictures, used to being famous.

Isabella saw a new side to him, a side she liked a lot. He was more talkative than usual and spoke more enthusiastically than normal, with his index finger underlining every word he said. And his voice was calm. She didn’t get it. He was tough on the outside, but a soft and beautiful person on the inside. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. Expectations bubbled inside her, and she longed for the brief moments they’d shared in each other’s arms.

“You’ve started in the food business?” Bob appeared in front of her with a sly grin. He was standing too close for her liking, and she stepped back.

“I can teach you a thing or two, you know,” he went on.

“No thanks. What are you doing here?” She pulled herself together. He wouldn’t get to see her scared. She felt safe with Remy by her side, but her heart was nevertheless pounding.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Bob caressed her arm, and she moved closer to Remy, who was discussing lobster catching along the Norwegian coast with a gentleman.

“This is a festival. It’s open to everyone.” Bob grinned again, before turning serious. “You’re spending a lot of time with the celebrity chef. Who do you think you are? He’s not interested in an ordinary flower girl. He’s more sophisticated than that.” His laughter was low and hoarse.

Isabella’s internal resistance toward Bob increased. It was the familiar words that she wasn’t good enough. What a jerk. She’d pretend it didn’t affect her.

“That’s none of your business.”

“Don’t be too sure.” He gave her a quick kiss on her cheek and left as suddenly as he’d come.

She wiped the wet mark off her cheek with shaky fingers.

Remy had finally managed to wrap up the conversation. “What happened?”

She refrained from telling him what Bob had said. It was humiliating enough to hear it, let alone repeat it. “Bob believes I’m his.”

“You’re mine.” Remy looked at her with intense, nut-brown eyes.

“If it’s up to me.”

It was good to know how he felt, but this wasn’t the right time to discuss it. They were interrupted by more people who wanted samples.

“I’ll drop by the bakery before they close,” she said and left.

Sara was nowhere to be seen, but Isabella helped herself to some truffles. It was crowded, so she made her way back out. The three hours were coming to an end, and it was time to pack up.

Remy’s fan club had just left when she got back. “I’ve brought you truffles. By the way, are there any canapés left?”

“One tray. Are you hungry?” He picked it up.

“For canapés, yes. They taste heavenly.” She helped herself to a few and savored them, while hoping Bob was on his way back to where he belonged.

“I see some familiar faces.”

Remy groaned. “I thought we were done for the day.”

“So this is where you are?” Dinah headed for her husband’s neck, but he stopped her in time. Her arms fell.

“We’re closing now,” Remy said determinedly.

“What a shame. We just got here.” Dinah grabbed several canapés from the platter.

“It’s your fault, Mom. You fell asleep by the pool. I’ve been nagging you for ages,” Fiona said resignedly. “I’ll hurry and get some samples before everyone packs up their stands.”

“I suggest you do the same,” Remy said to Dinah.

“Your food is enough. It’s the best.” She eagerly ate the duck liver, ignoring both the fat content and the amount of calories.

Fiona was back, carrying two full plates. Food from every corner of the world lay piled before her.

“Hungry?” Isabella smiled at her.

“You bet. Mom took ages getting ready, and we didn’t have lunch.”

“Dig in. There’s a lot of good food here.” She put a pistachio truffle into her mouth and discreetly gave one to Remy.

“What? Are you feeding my husband?” Dinah looked at her, alarmed.

Isabella couldn’t help but start laughing. What a ridiculous accusation. “I didn’t put food in his mouth. He took it himself.”

“You’re a liar.”

Remy was fed up with the drama. “Dinah, if you don’t leave right now, I’ll cancel your hotel reservation. There’s no reason you should live here all summer just because Fiona works here. It’s costing me a fortune.”

“And where is Fiona supposed to live, then?”

“With me.” It slipped out of Isabella.

Everyone looked at her with surprise. “How fun, I’d like that,” Fiona said, with more excitement than her mother appreciated.

“You only have one bedroom,” Remy reminded her and realized he’d made a slip of the tongue.

“And how do you know that, if I dare ask?” Dinah’s bottle-green eyes were shooting daggers at him.

Isabella was grateful for all the noise around them. This was not something for the whole town to listen in on. They’d already strayed from the subject, and it was only getting worse. It was true she didn’t have space for overnight guests, so why on earth had she suggested it? Sometimes she was a little too spontaneous. She had to learn to think before speaking.

Remy ignored Dinah. Isabella did the same.

“It’s much cheaper to let Fiona stay in a single room than to pay for a suite.” He steered the conversation into safer waters.

“I don’t like being alone in the house,” Dinah complained. “It’s almost like a haunted house, that’s how big it is.”

“That’s why I want to sell it.”

“Come, let’s go, Mom.” Fiona tugged her mother’s arm. She appreciated it would be better to leave the market. “Let’s get a massage. What would you like? Does the hotel have a treatment you haven’t tried yet?”

Dinah considered this, then followed her daughter.

Isabella let out a long sigh.

“Phew, that was tense. Sorry you had to witness that,” Remy said.

“It was my fault. I’m the one who should apologize,” she said wryly.

“It was a slightly unfortunate wording. It happens,” he said and winked. “Perhaps it’s what Dinah needs. She has to understand that I’ve left her. There’s no way back.” He looked at her as if he meant it.

This was exactly what Isabella needed to hear. Such wonderful words. If only she could believe him. Wasn’t it common to change one’s mind, and give a marriage one last chance? Especially when they had a child together…