Christmas with the Queen

Chapter 47 Jack

Chapter 47

Jack

O live danced around my thoughts all week. All I could think about was our laughter together, the fun we’d had at Mason’s party, our kiss, her soft lips and the twinkle in her eye—but I still couldn’t seem to let go and throw caution to the wind. I was glad—relieved—she’d broken things off with Peter, but leaving that aside, it had still felt strange to kiss someone who wasn’t Andrea. I so desperately wanted to be able to move on, but maybe I wasn’t ready.

Mason and I had both put in another long week of double-shifts, working between the palace and the restaurant. We’d been forced to reprint the restaurant menus, the cutlery had been delivered—missing half of each set—and we’d started on the beverage menu. There would be wine and beer for sure, but it was a matter of deciding on which ones.

I stepped outside Andrea’s for a breath of fresh air and to calm my mind. I stooped under the leaves and tucked myself against the stone wall with a mug of tea. Max had said he needed to talk to me later, that big news was afoot at the palace, and that I might be needed for a special job of some kind. I couldn’t imagine doing a single thing more—I was overworked as it was. But I also didn’t want to let down my boss, the man who’d had faith in me from the beginning, and the patience to teach me so many new skills. Whatever it was, I would do my best to fit it in.

When I’d finished my tea, I headed back inside.

“Hey, can you help me with these deliveries?” Mason said.

“Be right there,” I replied, making my way toward the staircase.

But as I lifted a large heavy box from the pile on the ground, a loud boom, followed by an ear-splitting screeching sound, reverberated through the restaurant. After it, came a worrying gushing noise.

Mason looked at me. “Is that...?”

“Water!” I shouted.

We dropped the boxes and raced toward the back of the restaurant.

“Son of a—”

Water was gushing from the restroom in a steady stream and pooling in the hallway.

“It must be a burst pipe.” I swore loudly. How could another thing have gone wrong?

Mason darted to the linen closet, calling over his shoulder. “I’ll get some towels. You get the breaker in the basement!”

I raced toward the basement door.

“And bring up a bottle of whisky!” Mason called after me, laughing. “I’d say we’ll need a drop after we get this sorted.”

For the hundredth time that year, I was glad I’d chosen him as my partner.

It was a long day and a late night at Andrea’s with all the plumbing chaos. With so much on my mind, I’d been unable to sleep, staring at the ceiling in my room at Buckingham Palace for hours before I’d finally gotten up and worked on the cookbook to distract myself. It was nearly finished. When I finally fell asleep, I’d only managed a few hours of rest before my alarm clock woke me.

Despite my fatigue, I arrived on time for my shift the next morning. We’d promised Max we wouldn’t let our restaurant preparations get in the way of our work in the royal kitchens.

“Morning, chef,” I said, rubbing my eyes.

“You look like hell, Jack,” Max replied.

Max never beat around the bush, but I appreciated that in a person. “Yes, chef. I’m sure I do. It’s been a long eighteen months.”

He nodded. “How close are you to opening?”

“We were hoping for October, but we’ve now had a plumbing setback and need another inspection. Several of our major appliances have been back-ordered, too.” I sighed. “Looks more like an opening early in the new year.”

“That works out in our favor then,” Max said.

“How so?”

“This is what I wanted to talk to you about. The duke is going on a tour. He’ll be speaking at the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Australia, and while in the southern hemisphere, stopping in Antarctica to visit the British station there. We leave in October.”

“We?”

“Can’t go on a royal tour without one of my best chefs, can I. What do you say? I know you have a lot on with the restaurant, but how about one final sea voyage before you quit the palace for good?”

I was honored to be asked, but my mind raced with all that going on the tour would entail, especially not being around for the final stages before our grand opening at the restaurant. Then again, all the major decisions had been made—the place was decorated, the menus finished. All that was left were inspections, a few major appliances, and to order the food. There was also the advertising; we’d need some time for that. Still, it made me uneasy to think of leaving at such a crucial time.

“Is Mason going with us?” I asked, chewing my bottom lip.

“He’ll stay here, help run the kitchen for Her Majesty at Sandringham over Christmas, and manage the staff who stay behind.” A smile flickered in his eyes. “I wasn’t sure you would ever forgive me if I took you both away from the restaurant.”

“Thank you, Max. I’m honored that you would think of me.”

I worked hard the rest of the afternoon. I knew Mason would fully support Max’s decision, and it was good to know I had a trusted partner with whom I could leave the last of the details for our opening. But there was someone else who filled my thoughts: Olive.

Just as we were getting close, I was leaving. We’d arranged to meet in a few days’ time so I could help her make a tiered birthday cake for her mother. I’d have to tell her I was leaving then. I hoped she would understand—that she would wait for me and give me a chance to take her out properly when I returned. And yet, hadn’t we had so many chances already? Doubt chipped away at my confidence as I gathered up the ingredients I needed for my next dish.

We would have to make the most of the weeks we had together until I left. I had to prove to her that I was worth waiting for—that we were worth waiting for—and that no matter how long it took, it would be worth it in the end.