Chapter Thirty-One
Kate had twelve reservations for Thursday's lunch. Having set them all up with cloths, cutlery, glasses, and candleholders, she stood back, surveying her handiwork.
The tables were spread out, making the restaurant appear more in use. If she had walk-ins, she would seat them at the front, in between the bookings, and pack the dining room out. Word was spreading fast about their 'new menu', which was nothing of the sort.
With Francesca working at Cherry Tree Monday to Friday daytimes, and with how much busier they were, she had to hire two new members of staff. Being the eternal pragmatist, Kate hired a kitchen hand, who Aidan was training to be a starter and dessert chef, and an all-rounder, someone she could use both front and back of house.
While conducting a routi
