The Italians: Alessandro, Luca & Dizo: Alessandro's Prize / In a Storm of Scandal / Italian Groom, Princess Bride

Hannah breathed in deeply, then exhaled. ‘I’ll suggest the marinara. If he objects to that, I may accidentally on purpose ensure the contents of the plate end up on his lap.’

‘Oh, please,’ Lily vented very quietly. ‘Allow me the pleasure.’

Minutes later Hannah returned. ‘He’ll accept fettuccini marinara.’

Lily shot her a look that indicated more than mere words could convey. ‘Will he, indeed?’ She set it up, and spooned the portion of marinara sauce into a bowl. ‘Return that to Mr Fussy, with the chef’s compliments. And smile nicely.’

‘If I must.’ Hannah offered a questionable gesture. ‘OK, play nice. Got it.’

Lily did her best not to laugh as Hannah sailed out of the kitchen.

Faux humour that soon died when Hannah returned with the plate and bowl in hand. ‘I swear …’ Lily trailed with barely suppressed anger.

‘Hold it, sweetie. He wants to see the chef.’

Lily straightened. ‘Does he now?’ She took a fresh plate, added pasta, marinara sauce, and tilted her head.

‘You’re not going to …’ Hannah began in hushed disbelief as Lily began walking towards the kitchen door.

Lily looked back over one shoulder. ‘Watch me. Table five, you said?’

Smile, she bade silently. Play nice.

And she did, she even chanced a quick glance towards the table Alessandro occupied, until she saw precisely who occupied table five.

James.

Playing nice went out of the window, or door, in this instance.

‘Buona sera,’ Lily offered with such chilling politeness it was a wonder the contents of his glass didn’t instantly freeze. ‘I understand you have a complaint about your meal.’

He directed her a superior look. ‘Yes. I returned the starter several times, and I’m not at all happy with the fettuccini.’

‘I understand, sir. The waitress has relayed your comments.’ She extended the plate with its perfectly presented pasta. ‘A fresh batch of marinara sauce has been especially prepared for you. With the compliments of the management.’ She placed the plate onto the table just a little too close to the edge, and as she removed her hand her fingers accidentally tilted the plate’s rim, causing the contents to slide onto his lap.

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