Page 85 of Sunrise over Strawberry Hill Farm

Katy shook her head. ‘Actually, we’ve just had a late cancellation. I have a waiting list, but you’re welcome to jump right in if you don’t tell anyone.’

‘Table for three, please,’ said Flora.

Katy looked delighted. ‘Of course,’ she said. ‘This is great. You’ve never been in before, have you?’

‘Never had the time,’ said Flora.

But it was more than that. Of course, money had been tight too, but it was that she hadn’t thought to have a nice night out. But thanks to Nico, she was feeling a little more free to make impetuous decisions, something that she had never done before.

* * *

‘We’re going out to dinner tonight,’ Flora announced with a flourish when she found Grams and Nico back at the farmhouse.

Grams looked at her in astonishment. ‘Since when?’ she asked.

‘Since I decided about half an hour ago,’ replied Flora. ‘All three of us deserve a break from time to time, don’t we?’

Nico looked delighted. ‘Well, that sounds great,’ he said.

But Grams was shaking her head. ‘Wish you’d told me sooner. I’ve made other plans.’

‘With who?’

‘Bob, Maggie, Eddie and I are off to a special dance class tonight,’ said Grams, looking excited. ‘We’re going to learn the American smooth!’

‘Oh. I wish I’d known,’ said Flora.

‘Anyway, you youngsters go and enjoy yourselves,’ said Grams.

Flora looked at Nico and felt a little embarrassed. So much for being impetuous, she thought. Now it appeared that she’d planned a sort of date in an Italian restaurant.

51

Nico looked around, somewhat amazed by the difference in the way Platform 1 looked that evening.

Having only ever seen it as a coffee shop by day, and the pizza counter open at the weekend, he hadn’t imagined it would look so soft in there by night.

Although the sun was sinking down slowly outside, there were fairy lights across the ceiling and tea lights on every table, giving the whole place a romantic atmosphere.

‘I had no idea it would be like this,’ he said, pleased.

He looked across the table at Flora who smiled. ‘I’m glad you like some of my interior design ideas,’ she told him.

‘You helped decorate in here?’ he asked, not surprised. ‘You did a great job.’

‘Thanks.’

She shuffled awkwardly in her chair opposite him. They were surrounded by couples and the occasional table for four, but the atmosphere was cosy and warm.

‘You look very pretty tonight,’ he found himself saying. It was true. In the soft light, with her hair down, she looked very attractive. She had caught some sun and her skin had begun to take on a glow.

She blushed. ‘I’m wearing an old top and skirt. I had no time to get ready properly as it suddenly got busy this afternoon. I look a bit of a mess.’

‘Not to me.’

She studied him with humour in her green eyes. ‘Is this your seduction technique?’ she asked, with a smile.

He shook his head. ‘If I were wanting to seduce you, believe me, you’d know about it.’