The Way We Were by Marcia Willett

number.’
    â€˜Liv.’ He sounded pleased. ‘Yes. How are you? It's ages since we saw each other.’
    â€˜I'm fine. And you're doing well, from what I hear.’
    He laughed. ‘It's nice to hear it confirmed. And so are you. I can't tell you how many people have told me that you're just the person I need for a new project.’
    â€˜Really?’ Liv felt a little flutter of pleasure.
    â€˜Mm. Actually, I was hoping we might have this conversation face to face but I'd like to gel your reaction to my plans. I think you know the wine bar in Truro called The Place, up by the cathedral?’
    â€˜Yes. Yes, I know The Place. I haven't been in for a while, though.’
    â€˜Well, it's up for sale.’
    â€˜Is it?’ Liv was surprised. ‘But it was doing so well. Liam, isn't it, the chap who runs it? He seemed so, well, so good at it. It was terrifically popular.’
    â€˜Did you know his marriage broke up?’
    â€˜Yes, I heard about that. I don't think anyone was surprised, were they? His reputation was pretty well known. But that was a couple of years ago, wasn't it?’
    â€˜Yes, it was. The latest gossip is that he's been playing around with someone's wife. Her husband took it badly and made a few public scenes. It got a bit tricky. Some of the staff have left and the magic's a bit tarnished, if you understand what I mean.’
    â€˜I can see that,’ said Liv thoughtfully. ‘A great deal of its charm was Liam himself. What a pity. What was the other fellow called? The chap who did all the hard work. Jim?’
    â€˜Joe, and he's prepared to stay on as bar manager, which is good news.’
    â€˜He'll be very valuable, I have no doubt. Why are you telling me about it?’
    â€˜I've got plans for The Place,’ said Malt. ‘The building's on three floors, though the lop floors have only been used as storerooms and offices and lavatories. My idea is to turn the first floor into a kind of club. Open it up and use it for exhibitions, literary events, that kind of thing. Have a big open fire at one end, comfortable sofas. I want someone fronting it so that everyone who comes in has a great welcome. Sorry, I'm just talking off the lop of my head at the moment but you gel the idea. I want to create the atmosphere of going into someone's home, whether it's to look at paintings or listen to a poetry reading or have a party. I think you'd be great at creating that feeling, Liv, and so do a dozen other people who should know.’ A pause. ‘Am I pressing any of the right buttons?’
    â€˜I don't quite know. It sounds great but it's something I'd need to think about.’ Liv was flustered. ‘You know I'm tied up at the moment?’
    â€˜Yes, I've gathered that. But it's not a permanent post, is it?’
    â€˜I thought I'd probably stay until the autumn.’
    â€˜Well, that's not a problem. It's very early days. There's a long way to go yet but I wanted to sound you out. This would be quite a commitment.’
    Liv thought about Chris and Penharrow. ‘Look, I need to think about it.’
    â€˜Of course you do,’ said Matt easily. ‘I wondered whether you might like to come down and see The Place again. Refresh your memory and let me buy you lunch. We can have a look at it properly and discuss options. What d'you think?’
    â€˜I'd like that,’ she agreed. ‘But I'll need to check my diary. Shall I phone you? Will tomorrow be OK?’
    â€˜That'll be great. I'll give you my mobile number, shall I?’
    She wrote it down. ‘Thanks. And thanks for thinking of me.’
    â€˜Your reputation goes before you,’ he said. ‘I need you, Liv.’
    She laughed. ‘We'll see. I'll phone you.’
    â€˜Great. And, Liv, don't mention this to anyone just yet, will you? Like I said, it's very early days.’
    â€˜Course not,’ she answered. ‘See you.’
    Julia glanced up at her as