GOOSEBERRY FOOL

500g gooseberries, topped and tailed

fresh mint sprigs, to decorate (optional)

When Hugh asked Ann to dinner she was thrilled. Of course, she had known him for years now, their workstations had been beside each other since the company had moved to North Sydney. But she had only seen him, socially, at work events or when they’d grabbed a quick lunch together at the Wok Station downstairs. a favourite haunt for everyone in the office.

And they were going to Bliss, run by Grant Hepworth, the latest chef cause celebre. That made it even more special and a little scary.

As soon as work finished on Friday Ann grabbed her bag and waved a quick goodbye to Hugh, who said in a surprisingly loud voice, ‘see you at seven’, which caused everyone around to raise their heads and look quizzical, shocked even.

At home Ann squeezed into the new red dress she had bought specially for the occasion. It was stretchy and tight and showed a lot of the boobs she normally kept covered up, and was surprisingly comfortable to wear. It was only looking into the mirror that made her uncomfortable. She had ducked out at lunch and gotten her nails done exactly the same colour, and yesterday’s cut and style had left her long hair still looking good. Some lipstick to match and she was physically ready, though her heart was thumping madly.

At exactly seven o’clock she entered Bliss and was ushered to a table in the back. Hugh was already there and stood when she arrived, leaning over the table to kiss her briefly on the cheek. The waiter was still holding her chair so she could sit when a familiar voice came from behind her. ‘Hello darling,’ it said. It was Melissa, from the 5th floor, who walked around the other side of the table and kissed Hugh on the mouth before waving a casual hand at Ann, the left hand with the large engagement ring and platinum wedding band. ‘Hi Annie,’ she said. ‘Thanks for giving us cover.’

E is for Eruption

G is for Grand