Banner by Noaluvjames

Chapter 13

William arrived at Rick’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow and parked the Land Rover around back. The restaurant was actually closed at the moment since it was between the lunch and dinner hour – perfect for William to sneak in unnoticed.

He assisted Buffy out of the vehicle, and they walked hand-in-hand to the staff’s rear entrance. If Buffy was confused as to why they were going in the back entrance to the fancy restaurant William had brought her to, she didn’t voice it. However, when a man in a chef’s uniform greeted William with such familiarity, she couldn’t help the questioning look she gave him.

“William!” the man boomed in welcome, his arms held wide. “When your mother called me and said you would be dropping by, I couldn’t believe it! It’s been what? Three years since you’ve visited?” 

“About that. Been rather busy...” he trailed off.

“I see. So... who’s this lovely lady you’ve brought with you?” 

“Buffy Summers. Buffy, this is Rick, the owner and head chef. Practically put Padstow on the map when he opened this restaurant almost twenty years ago.” 

“Oh, stop, William! You’ll make an old man blush,” he replied. “Hello, Ms. Summers,” he continued as he turned to Buffy and held out his hand in greeting.

“Buffy, please...And, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” 

Rick grasped her hand in his, bringing his other to cover the top of hers.  

“Come...you must meet my wife, Jill,” he told her, leading the pair through his pristine kitchens. “Ever since I mentioned that William was coming, and bringing a date no less, she’s been in a dither to get things in order. Nothing is too good for her William.” 

Buffy glanced back over her shoulder as she was led away and noticed a slight blush staining his cheeks. He looked adorable as he shuffled along behind them, embarrassed to be the object of discussion. Obviously, the two men were fast friends.

She was soon introduced to Jill and was happy to see that she was just as nice as her husband. It surprised her to see that such obviously successful people were personable. Although, looking at William... who wouldn’t like him the moment they met him?

When the round of introductions was finished, William asked, “So, what’s on the menu?” 

“I thought I’d whip up a seafood sampler, that way you’ll both be able to try a variety of items. Sound good?” Rick replied. 

“As long as you’re going to eat too. You are joining us, right? Doesn’t hardly seem fair that you’re going to cook all that food and not eat.” 

“We won’t be intruding on your evening?” 

Buffy answered the older man.

“Of course not. Besides, you can tell me all about your restaurant... possibly point out some areas of interest in Padstow...” 

The older couple just beamed at her. 

“It’s settled then,” William finished. 

~*~*~*~*~ 

Dinner turned into a wonderful affair; the two couples laughed uproariously at the tales Rick shared about when he had first bought the property.

“A night club? Really?” Buffy questioned.

“Yep,” Rick responded, smiling fondly at the memory. “Seems like we had a drunken brawl every night until finally the police shut the place down.” 

“What made you decide to open a restaurant?” she asked.  

Beside her, William leaned back in his chair – his belly full from the wonderful meal – sipping his wine. He smiled as the story was recounted, having heard the tale often in his youth. He’d spent a lot of time here – at one point working as a waiter during the summer to help pay for college. He glanced over at Buffy and was pleased to see that she was actually engrossed in the story. Jill caught William’s eye while her husband related to Buffy how he took a tiny bistro and made it into one of the best-known restaurants in the United Kingdom.

“Well, with the way you cook, it’s no wonder you were so successful. The meal was excellent,” Buffy told him.

Rick sat next to her and was genuinely pleased by her compliment. It was nice to have someone enjoy his cooking so much; it was why he’d opened the restaurant in the first place.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. So... tell me... how did you meet our William?” 

Buffy glanced at William, a blush staining her features.

“We’re neighbors for the week up at Crackington Haven,” William answered for her.

“So, Will, does this mean we’re going to see you at the Ivy Charity Auction in London in November? Or, do you have to get back to work?” 

“Unfortunately, I’ll be working. But, I’ll leave a check with you. Besides, it hardly seems fair to bid on you when I can get a meal out of you any time,” he smirked.

“That’s very generous of you, Will,” he replied.

“Pssshh... you know your charity is just as important to me as it is to you.” 

Rick nodded, saying nothing to refute him.

“How long are you in Padstow? Can you stay the night? Jill and I’d be happy to put you up at the house if you want to take in the sights before you both head back.” 

William turned to Buffy and quirked his brow at her in query.

“I’d love to, but I didn’t bring a change of clothes with me,” she responded.

Rick turned to his wife. “Jill, you’ve got some clothes that Buffy can wear, haven’t you?” 

“I’m sure I can find something. Why don’t you come with me, Buffy,” she urged and stood up from the table.  

Buffy made to rise from the table, and this time managed not to flinch in confusion as William quickly stood up and held her chair out for her. She smiled her thanks and followed the older woman from the dining room.

“William, I’ll bring back a change of clothes for you as well. Jeans and a shirt?” 

He nodded and watched as the two women left the restaurant before resuming his seat.

“She’s lovely,” Rick commented without preamble.

“Yes, she is. And, she has no idea who I am. Imagine that.” 

“A keeper then?” 

Rick watched a wistful look crossed the younger man’s features.

“You love her!” he exclaimed, shocked. His dear friend, William’s mother, had despaired of her son ever getting married, let alone falling in love.

“Wot? No...I...bloody hell.” William ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m not sure what I feel. I mean, I only met her a few days ago, but it feels like I’ve known her forever, ya know?” 

~*~*~*~*~

Jill cornered Buffy as soon as the two women were alone. She really liked the girl William had brought with him. He probably didn’t realize how telling his actions were, but Buffy was the first woman he had brought to the restaurant for her and Rick to meet. The action was the equivalent to a declaration of his feelings for the girl. Only, Buffy probably didn’t realize it. 

“How long are you going to be in England?” she asked Buffy, trying to make conversation on the short ride to her home. 

“I fly back in a few days, actually. On Saturday. My classes start on Monday, so I need to be back in the states before then.” 

“Classes?” 

“Yes. I’ve got two years left until I finish my degree.” 

“Really? That’s wonderful! What are you studying?” 

“Nursing,” Buffy answered. “I like kids... love kids, actually. I’d love to have a dozen if I could. But, since that’s not in the plans anytime soon, I’ll have to settle for working in pediatrics.” 

Jill smiled to herself, filing away that tidbit of information. She reached her home a few minutes later.

~*~*~*~*~

“I appreciate the loan of the clothes. I really didn’t see myself walking around the city in this flimsy dress and a pair of heels,” she told Jill ruefully as she gazed down at her dressy attire.

“It’s no problem, dear. Glad to help out. William always keeps clothes with us in case he has a chance to stop over and visit. I’m surprised he didn’t suggest you pack an overnight case.” 

‘Probably because we were going to go home and make love for the rest of the night,’ Buffy thought, blushing profusely at the wicked thought.

“Ahhhh...I see. Well, don’t feel like you have to stay here on account of us,” Jill told her.

“Oh...no...I want to stay. I left my camera in the car, and I’d love to take some more pictures.” 

“Well, I’ll make sure William takes you to all the best spots then. I guess we better hurry, before the sun goes down.” Buffy glanced out the windows before turning to look at the clock that was situated on the wall. 

Fifteen minutes later, Buffy was clad in jeans and a sweatshirt; surprisingly, the two women wore the same size shoe, so Buffy was able to borrow a pair of sneakers from Jill as well. The trip back to the restaurant went just as fast, and before long, they’d rejoined the men in the deserted dining room of the restaurant.

“All set, pet?” William asked as he stood to greet them. Beside him, Rick also came to his feet.

Buffy held her arms wide and did a quick pirouette to model her loaned clothing ensemble.

“Very nice, Jill. Thanks for loaning Buffy the clothes. I should have told her to pack a case on the off chance we would be staying over, but it completely slipped my mind.” 

“Don’t worry about it,” Jill commented. “Swing by the house later, once you’re done with your outing. You still have a key, right?” 

William nodded.

“It’s good to see you again, William. Give your mum our best the next time you see her,” she told him, giving him a quick hug. 

“I will. Thanks again for the meal. I’ll hurry and get changed so you can get set up for dinner. Buffy and I will be by later this evening. What time do you think you’ll be out of here?” 

“About eleven or so.” 

“Ok. We should be back to the house long before then.” 

William turned to Buffy. “I’ll be right back, luv. Just need to change real quick.” 

She nodded, assuring him she’d be fine waiting in the dining room for him while he finished. 

William walked off and Buffy turned to thank the older couple for their hospitality. She told them she was going to wait by the window and take in the view, that way the two could get ready for the dinner crowd.

They nodded, wishing her and William a pleasant evening and that they’d see them both later that night, before leaving the dining room to check on tonight’s dinner preparations. Buffy walked over to the huge window and gazed down at the beautiful scenery below. It seemed like only minutes had passed when she felt William at her back. His arms circled her midsection, pulling her back against his lean frame. They stood like that for a moment before he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Ready, pet?” 

She nodded and together they left to take in the sights of Padstow.

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