Page 53 of The Runaway Wives

Dee smiled at her. She was surprised at how much she enjoyed working at the café, it had a real community feel. It made her feel useful and wanted, as if she had a part to play. And she was delighted that Moira had agreed to supporting the artists. She wanted to text Kenny and tell him straight away but the café was due to open in a few minutes and there was still a lot to do. She’d just have to wait until she had a break.

It was a busy morning. Snowy had become quite an attraction and many people came in to stroke him, ordering a drink and snack while they were there.

‘He’s good for business,’ Andi said with a smile as Snowy got down from his chair and went to join a young family, sitting very calmly while the little girl petted him. ‘I don’t know what we’ll do when Edna comes home.’

Dee didn’t know what she would do either, she’d really got attached to the little cat.

When the rush finally calmed, and they could sit down for a much needed break, Andi asked Dee how her evening had gone.

‘Really good. I’ve downloaded the app and got a meeting this evening with a couple who need someone to walk their dog. I’m so glad Kenny suggested it.’

‘It was very helpful of him. And to offer to download the app for you. Such a difficult thing to do,’ Andi teased.

Dee flushed. ‘He was just being kind,’ she said a little defensively. She didn’t want anyone thinking that she was hanging around with another man when she’d only recently broken up with Nigel.

Nigel didn’t even wait to break up with you before he jumped into bed with someone else.

The words flashed across her mind and she felt her cheeks flush. Heavens, what had prompted that thought, jumping into bed with Kenny wasn’t even on her mind.

‘Ooh, do I detect a blush?’ Andi cocked her head to one side. ‘Do you fancy our Kenny?’

Dee shook her head quickly. ‘I told you we’re old friends.’ She could hear the sharpness in her voice and saw the surprise register across Andi’s face. There had been no call for her to snap like that. ‘Sorry, it’s just that, well, Nigel and I were together a long time – and Margot was a very good friend of mine. Besides, I wouldn’t know what to do with anyone else. I barely dated before Nigel. I’m a novice as far as the dating game goes.’

‘Bless you, it’ll come naturally to you when you are ready to spread your wings again.’ She leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, ‘Besides, in my experience all men do the deed basically in the same way.’ She pushed her chair back and stood up. ‘Ah, here come the afternoon surge of customers.’

I hope I haven’t upset her, Dee thought as Andi walked off. She liked Andi, and she didn’t mean to make things awkward between them. She couldn’t help wondering though if everyone else was thinking the same thing about her and Kenny. Maybe she should keep her distance for a bit?

She was still mulling over Andi’s remarks when Kenny came in with Toffee. ‘How’s it going?’ he asked. ‘I don’t mean to nag, but I wondered if you’d managed to have a word with Andi about Moira allowing the artists to display their work?’

Dee clapped her hands to her forehead, she’d been so put out over Andi’s words that she’d forgotten to text Kenny about Moira’s decision. ‘Oh gosh, I’m sorry, we’ve been so hectic.’

He placed his hand gently on hers and she felt a flicker of… something. ‘It’s fine, I know you’re working. I didn’t mean to put any pressure on you. There’s no rush to ask her.’

‘No, no. Andi did ask her and she’s agreed.’ Dee filled him in as she served him his coffee and tea cake.

‘That’s amazing. I’ll let the others know. Thanks so much.’

She nodded, her eyes moving to the next customer in the queue. ‘Can I help you?’

She was aware of Kenny walking away and wished she had longer to speak to him. By the time she had a free moment, he had gone.

‘Excuse me, I wonder if you might like these?’ a young mum asked, handing her a pile of magazines. ‘I hate to throw them out and I thought maybe people would like to read them as they sat and drank their cuppas?’

‘Thank you. I’ll ask the manageress,’ Dee said, taking the magazines off her; most of them were women’s magazines but there were a couple of gardening and travel ones too. If Andi didn’t want them, she would take them home and read them herself, it would keep her busy in the evenings. Except this evening as she had to visit the Slaters.

‘Sure, let’s put them on the table with the condiments and cutlery, then people can help themselves. Anything that keeps the punters here longer.’ Andi grinned and Dee’s spirits lifted. She’d obviously forgiven her for snapping earlier.

* * *

After work she went to visit the Slaters. They were a lovely, friendly couple, and Betsy, their little dog, was a real sweetie, coming straight to Dee and allowing herself to be stroked. ‘She doesn’t do that to everyone, she knows a kind person when she sees one,’ Brenda said with a smile.

‘She’s gorgeous. How old is she?’ Dee asked as she fussed the little dog.

‘Almost eight, but she still has lots of energy.’ Brenda grabbed her walking stick to get out of the chair. ‘Let’s go for a walk now and see how she is with you?’

Dee was a bit taken aback. ‘Are you sure?’ she asked doubtfully as Brenda got to her feet, leaning on the stick.

‘I can walk, but I’m slower than I used to be. Betsy will need me with her, I can’t just send her off with you.’

---