The Winter Sea (24 page)

‘He meant my grandfather Carlo. He died a long time ago.’

‘Oh, that’s sad. Did you know him?’

‘No. It happened years before I was born.’

‘Still, you do seem to be a close-knit family,’ said Cassie.

‘We are,’ said Michael. ‘We all tend to do our own thing, even keep a little distance, and I can go some time without seeing any of them. That way we never wear out our welcome. But if I see a cousin or some relative in the street, like Frank, I always stop and chat for a bit. We all know we’re here for each other if anyone needs us, blood being thicker than water as they say.’

‘This is special, to be in the place where the family started its life in Australia and still has a sense of connection with each other across the generations. Everyone seems very proud of Ricardo’s father Joe.’

‘There are a lot of stories about him. He was a very strong character and a very successful person who arrived in this country with nothing but with hard work built up a flourishing fishing business, which continues to this day. Cassie, there are my parents. Let me introduce you.’

Cassie shook hands with Michael’s parents, Bob and Greta, and asked them how they liked life in the Blue Mountains. Then Michael’s sisters Rosemary and Linda, from Melbourne and Sydney respectively, joined them. Chatting to them all, Cassie was impressed by their friendliness and their interest in her restaurant project. A dark Italian-looking woman wandered over to join their little circle.

‘Cassie, have you met Angela? This is Frank’s wife,’ said Michael.

‘Nice to meet you,’ said Cassie, hiding her surprise, as she had no idea that Frank was married.

‘Nice to meet you, too. How are things with you, Michael?’ Angela asked.

‘Just the same. No, actually, things are good, really good. Hasn’t this event been a success? I think Ricardo is really chuffed at all the attention, despite saying he didn’t want any fuss.’

‘I was a bit worried that he might overdo things, but it’s all good. I’d better go and see to the kitchen. There’s more food if you’d like some,’ she said to Cassie.

‘I couldn’t! I feel I’ve done nothing but eat. It’s all been delicious. Can I help you?’

Angela shook her head. ‘It’s okay, we have it organised, but thanks.’

As she walked away Cassie said to Michael in a low voice, ‘I didn’t realise Frank was married. Does he have kids?’

‘Three boys and a girl. Frank likes to flirt so he doesn’t talk about his family to attractive young women,’ said Michael. ‘But he never puts a foot wrong or does anything he shouldn’t. He knows Angela would eat him alive.’

Cassie laughed. ‘Well, I was glad Frank came by with the lobster when he did. My soon to be ex-husband dropped in unexpectedly and I gave him the idea I’m surrounded by handsome Italian studs down here.’

Michael smiled. ‘There’s a whole tribe of us. Take your pick! Let us know if your ex visits again!’

‘I doubt he’ll drop by again. I’ve made sure of that.’

‘Good,’ said Michael, smiling. ‘Had enough family chitchat? I have another family lunch tomorrow so I’m ready for a break.’

‘It’s not so late, why not drop me home and stay for a drink on the deck if you like. Bill will be pleased to see you and anxious for his dinner.’

‘I’d like that. I’ll just let them know we’re going.’

‘I’ll say goodbye to your uncles. They’re quite a pair,’ said Cassie.

*

Michael lingered, reluctant to leave the deck where they were sitting. The stars were bright, reflecting on the lake’s smooth surface. The occasional splash of a jumping fish caused Bill, who was stretched out between them, to lift his head every now and then.

‘Probably a mullet. Not worth the effort, Bill. Go back to sleep. Do you want anything to drink, Michael?’ asked Cassie.

‘No, thanks, I’ve had enough and I have to drive home. I should be going. It’s been a big day, a big week, actually. I’m glad for Ricardo’s sake it all came together and that Pietro was able to make the journey.’

The two chatted about the party and Cassie told Michael how nice his parents and siblings were.

‘Yes, they are a good bunch. They’re probably back at my place now, so I’d better head home. Guess this hasn’t been such an exciting day for you, eh Bill? No walk tonight.’ He patted the dog.

‘I’ll make it up to him in the morning. Goodnight, Michael. Thanks for a terrific day.’

He smiled. ‘I’ve noticed that you’ve stopped wearing your wedding ring.’ And with that he reached out and wrapped his arms around her. Instead of pulling away Cassie lifted her face to his and he kissed her. It was a kiss of warmth, hinting at more to come. Finally they separated, both a little breathless.

‘I’d better go, right now. Or I won’t want to go,’ he said softly.

Cassie felt confused. She wasn’t entirely sure that she wanted him to go either, but she knew that this was not the right moment for him to stay. So she said nothing but watched him as he turned and walked out into the night.

*

The days blurred in a frenzy of activity as Geoff and his offsider, an energetic young chippie, flung themselves into fixing up the restaurant. Additional talents – a sparky and a plumber – came and went. Geoff ran every decision, large and small, past Cassie and even though she had no expert knowledge, she discovered she could visualise and understand what he was talking about.

‘Geoff, I don’t know the mechanics of how you can do this, but I can see that by facing this way, with the door opening that way, we could open up that space a bit more, and then we could squeeze another cupboard in.’ She waved her arms about and pointed, and, amazingly, Geoff nodded and knew exactly what she meant.

Cassie was physically and mentally exhausted from dealing with the chaos of living with builders and the remodelling, thinking through all the other things that had to be done and hunting down the things she needed. Equipment, menus, staff, marketing, publicity, supplies, produce and deliveries all had to be set up. She spoke to her mother when she had the chance and was grateful that Jenny knew exactly what was going on and could offer practical advice.

‘Pay careful attention to the lighting, Cassie. It plays such a big part in the ambience of the place. I’m pleased that you’ve given up the idea of linen tablecloths for every day. It would cost you a fortune in laundry bills. Save them for special occasions, private functions,’ she advised. ‘How are you going with wait staff? Got anyone yet? I think it’s a really good idea that you’re going the local fresh and organic route and using what is in season and available, but it’s a lot more trouble than using general wholesalers.’

‘I know, Mum. But using as many local ingredients as possible is part of the attraction and the theme of this place. Fresh, wholesome, organic and unusual food. Creative cookery. I want this to be a place where you turn up on the day and eat what’s available. Maybe limited choice, but always fresh and fabulous.’

‘There you go. Perhaps you could set up a mystery plate each day. Use whatever is abundant, on special, or in oversupply and throw it into a special dish,’ she suggested. ‘Of course the biggest worry for you is running out of local produce. These speciality farmers aren’t into mass production and their crops mightn’t be particularly reliable.’

‘True, but I figure that the shortages will be mainly in winter and I won’t have so many customers then. I may close altogether,’ Cassie replied.

She rose early every day, and made it a habit to have a solid breakfast before Geoff and the others arrived as she rarely stopped for lunch and was on the run most of the day. Bill waited patiently for his breakfast and then the two of them went for a quick walk, arriving back to find Geoff hammering and measuring.

She and Steve spent hours going over menu plans and contingencies should the ingredients they wanted not be available. They visited Sublime Pastures and sampled their cheeses.

‘I have the tomato man with his mate’s olive oil signed up. The organic vegie farm will be our main supplier, which we can top up with seasonal produce from wherever we can source it. I have my eye on that old fig tree in Michael’s garden that his grandmother planted. The organic beef farmer has some beautiful cuts. And Angela, Frank’s wife, told me about an old chap who makes his own salamis and pressed meats as well as smoking his own hams, and he’ll even smoke fish for special orders,’ Cassie told Steve.

‘Sounds as though he does a lot. I hope he isn’t too old for such intensive, hands-on work,’ said Steve.

‘Angela told me he has a grandson who wants to learn how to do that sort of thing, too, so he’s passing on his skills,’ said Cassie. ‘I think quite a few kids have found a vocation in the food industry these days.’

‘It could have something to do with all those cooking shows on TV. Kids want to become chefs,’ said Steve. ‘But training in a kitchen is hard work, especially when you’re at the bottom of the totem pole. I was trained by a great chef, but, boy, did he work me hard. Still, the food industry is a great thing to be part of, if you’re prepared to put in the effort. Good on those who want to try.’

‘I hope the staff will work out,’ added Cassie. ‘Sonia and Amy seem enthusiastic and as young mothers they are really keen to job-share the waitressing role.’

‘Jobs are a bit hard to come by in this neck of the woods, so I’m sure they’ll put in the effort. More importantly, I need a sous chef. Someone willing to do the grunt work for me in the kitchen who can also whip up a side dish.’

‘Yes, I know. I’m on the case. How would you feel about someone not so young?’

‘As long as they can keep up with the pace. Who do you have in mind?’

‘Mollie. A friend of Trixie’s. Trixie says she’s got energy plus and is looking for work. She was thinking of starting a lawnmowing business!’

‘Well, she sounds energetic enough. I’ll meet her for a chat. Peeling vegetables and stacking the dishwasher, cleaning up and stirring sauces ain’t for everybody!’

Almost every evening, after the tradesmen had left and Steve had gone home, Michael would arrive at the boatshed after he’d shut up the surgery, usually bringing with him some sort of dinner for both of them to share. Cassie was always disappointed when some animal emergency prevented his coming.

‘The place looks as though you’re getting close to opening!’ he said as the restaurant neared completion.

‘I’ve been thinking about the sort of event I want to put on to celebrate our opening.’

‘Hope I’m invited.’

‘Don’t be silly. Of course you are. I couldn’t have done it without you,’ said Cassie.

‘I don’t think that’s quite true, but I was happy to have input into the wine selection when we visited that winery you found,’ he said with a smile. ‘What do you want to do for the big opening?’

‘I want as many people as possible to come, so I thought I would have a very simple menu. But I’ll have to charge people for the meal or I’ll go broke on the first night.’

‘That’s right. You have to be sensible. Why don’t you let people know that part of the cost of the meal will go towards a local charity?’

‘What a great idea. People will be happy to do that. Did you have any one in mind?’ asked Cassie.

‘I’ve always been associated with the Royal Life Saving Society – why not choose them?’

Cassie laughed. ‘I reckon Steve will go along with that, too.’

‘Are you getting any media?’ asked Michael.

‘I’ll invite the local newspaper and the local radio station said they might send someone if the time suits.’

‘When you’re up and running smoothly, you could look at getting some metropolitan media coverage.’

‘Baby steps, Michael. I don’t want to get too ambitious. I just want to stay solvent.’

‘You will! It’s a great location for people exploring the south coast. You wait. Steve’s food and the fact everything you’re serving is organic and locally sourced will get you a following. Does the Chamber of Commerce and the local tourist information know about the opening?’

‘They’re on the invitation list.’

‘Good job. You’ve thought of everything. I can hardly wait.’

Cassie smiled to herself. Michael had been so supportive and she was grateful for his interest, and it was not just because he was a refreshing change from Hal. She realised that her feelings for Michael were deepening.

*

Sooner than she could have imagined, the Blue Boatshed was starting to look pretty slick. Not in a trendy city way, but with a casually elegant beach look. A cheerful striped awning sheltered the tables near the front entrance; there were tubs of bright red geraniums at the doorway; and on the shady cool deck over the water was the long communal table Cassie had originally pictured. It had all come together even better than Cassie had imagined. She’d painted the tables and chairs white and each table was set with the blue and white plates as well as a small vase of white flowers that she’d picked from the massive bush in Michael’s front garden. It all looked tasteful and slightly European because she’d bought a roll of red and white cotton gingham and Trixie had run up dozens of colourful serviettes. The clean, freshly painted surfaces; the airy, open-plan seating; the hospitable sitting room area, which served as a bar and place to drink coffee; and the compact and efficient kitchen all looked professional and inviting.

When it came, Cassie couldn’t have ordered more perfect weather for the evening of the opening of the Blue Boatshed.
The sea and lake were calm and shining, the stars glittered and, even though it was still very cool, there was not a breath of wind. Tall gas heaters at either end of the deck kept things warm, while inside candles and subdued lighting gave the place a cosy ambience. All the things on the ‘to do’ list had been ticked off and the staff were ready and excited. Steve, though faintly stressed, was on top of everything. Trixie had delivered her desserts and was staying on to help Mollie in the kitchen.

Jenny had arrived earlier in the day with a huge arrangement of flowers.

‘Made it back from Broome just in time for the grand opening,’ she told Trixie.

Cassie was at the front of house, as hostess. It did feel like a party for friends. After the warmth of Cassie’s greeting, all the guests quickly felt the same. Bill was restricted to the front entrance where he was the official welcomer, though his brief barks were hardly heard above the chatter and laughter.