Page 38 of Coming Home to Crumbleton

I’d love to play a game if you’re up for it?

Ruby paused and glanced over her shoulder just to double-check check she was still on her own and that Mabel hadn’t decided to sneak up to take a peek over her shoulder. The only person anywhere nearby was Stuart, and he was busy tapping away at his phone. She quickly turned her attention back to the paper in her hand.

Remember you once told me that you used to like doing treasure hunts around the town?

‘What?’ she laughed in surprise. How on earth had he remembered? She’d once told him how her mum had been too busy to take her out on her birthday. Instead, she’d sent Ruby on a treasure hunt around all the different shops in town. Every clue she solved had told her what she should buy, and where she should go next.

It should have been the loneliest birthday ever - but Ruby had loved every second of it. She’d slowly filled her “birthday adventure basket” with all manner of goodies, and the whole thing had ended in a glorious birthday tea party with her parents when she got home.

Ruby swallowed. Oli might have remembered… but she’d almost forgotten the precious memory. She felt a sudden rush of love for her mum and dad. They might be different… but maybe they’d always known her better than she’d ever really given them credit for.

Taking a deep breath, followed by a fortifying sip of super-coffee, Ruby carried on reading.

Since you’re only back for a few days - it’s time for a treasure hunt! To start with… you need your adventure basket. Maybe if you turn around right now, you’ll find it waiting for you. Yes?

Solve the clues. Have fun, whatever you do!

Oli

Ps remember what our English teacher always told us - beginnings are important.

Ruby frowned, re-read the bewildering PS a few more times and then - feeling like a bit of an idiot - turned around.

‘Hey Ruby!’

Stuart was looking right back at her, holding up a beautiful wicker basket - the type they sold down at Bendall’s.

‘Hi!’ she said. ‘Is… erm… is that for me?’

‘Yep!’ he said cheerfully. ‘Special delivery.’

‘Oh wow,’ she laughed. ‘Thank you!’

Stuart shrugged good-naturedly. He’d always been a man of very few words, but from what Ruby could remember of him, he had the kindest heart and treated his members of staff like family.

‘You have a wonderful day now, Ruby,’ he said, giving her a fond smile. ‘And I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow.’

‘You are?’ said Ruby.

‘We’re closing the shop especially,’ said Stuart, his face serious. ‘It’s a special occasion, that’s for sure.’

Ruby smiled at him as a strange warmth bloomed somewhere in her chest. ‘Thank you, I’m looking forward to it too,’ she said, surprised to notice that she actually meant it. ‘I’ll see you there!’

Stuart gave her a little nod and then his face broke into a broad smile as he glanced over her shoulder. Ruby turned, only to find Mabel making her way towards them with Stuart’s breakfast.

‘My favourite part of the day!’ he said, rubbing his hands together.

Ruby grinned and left him to devour what was basically an entire English Breakfast crammed between the two halves of a soft, white bun.

‘Right, young lady,’ said Mabel, joining her back at her corner table two seconds later and slipping into the chair opposite. ‘What’s up?’

It was a question Mabel had asked Ruby dozens of times over the years. The café had been Ruby’s safe space, and Mabel had seen her through many teenage ups and downs.

Smiling at her old friend, Ruby reached across the table and took her hand. ‘Absolutely nothing,’ she said, giving it a squeeze.

‘That’s not what your face was telling me ten minutes ago!’ said Mabel, peering at her suspiciously. ‘If that boy’s managed to upset you, I’ll be having words! You’ve been back all of two minutes and-’

‘It’s fine,’ laughed Ruby. ‘I promise!’ she added when she saw that Mabel was still in full-on protective mode. ‘Look - here’s the note he left for me.’

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