Page 32 of Best Summer Ever

‘On my way,’ she said with a nod.

She gave me an encouraging smile as she went, but I knew I was already on thin ice and that I needed to focus on my hours working in the pub every bit as intently as I had just been absorbed with Josh if I was going to make the best of all that this summer had to offer.

Chapter 8

Friday evening in the pub had been busy, but it was nothing compared to the number of people who crammed themselves in for the live music night on the Saturday. I purposefully turned up an hour earlier than Sam had requested because I was keen to make amends for arriving late the evening before. Had I not been so early, I never would have got parked, so that was something to bear in mind where my timekeeping was concerned.

‘I really am sorry about being late yesterday,’ I apologised again as soon as I stepped behind the bar.

Sam had barely said a word to me during the entire Friday shift, but with a steady stream of customers to serve, there hadn’t really been time to chat. I was probably making too much of his assumed bad mood, but thought it was wise to make amends. The last thing I needed was to pee off the boss just two shifts in.

‘Well, you’re here well ahead of your time tonight.’ He smiled, looking more like his usual relaxed self.

‘I’m not expecting you to pay me an extra hour though,’ I quickly qualified.

‘That’s all right then,’ he laughed. ‘It would be great if you could help Tess get ahead in the kitchen until things get more frantic out here.’

It seemed pretty full-on to me already, so he was obviously expecting a really full house.

‘Happy to,’ I said, hoping there was an apron large enough to cover the dress I’d decided to wear.

‘Oh, wow, Daisy,’ Tess said, smiling, when I joined her in the already hot kitchen. ‘You look gorgeous. I love that dress. Grab an apron from the back of the door.’

‘Thank you,’ I said gratefully. ‘I was hoping you’d have one that would cover it.’

The black, floaty skater dress, which was covered in different-sized gold stars, was my absolute favourite. I’d had it for ages, but hadn’t worn it for a while because Laurence hadn’t deemed it formal enough for evenings out. Not that I was thinking about those or him.

‘I thought it might be nice to make an effort as it’s an event night,’ I added, as I adjusted the apron straps to ensure maximum coverage.

That wasn’t entirely true. The deciding factor in picking it out had been knowing that Josh was going to be putting in an appearance and that the dress would give me an extra dose of confidence.

I’d taken my time over my hair and make-up too, which had the added bonus of keeping me in my room and out of Mum and Dad’s way. We were still skirting around each other a bit after Dad’s telephone blunder and I knew they were both still worried that Laurence might call the cottage. The terrified look on Dad’s face every time the phone rang was a deadgiveaway and I hoped things between us would shake down soon. An atmosphere of underlying tension wouldn’t be good for any of us while we were trying to get used to living together again.

‘Well,’ said Tess, who looked hot and flustered as she worked away in front of the searing stove, ‘you’ve put me to shame.’

That hadn’t been my intention and what she was wearing looked lovely too.

‘Give me an hour in here with you,’ I said, deciding not to comment on her outfit in case she assumed I was only offering her a compliment because she’d given me one, ‘and I won’t look anything like as uncrumpled. Now, what can I do?’

I was assigned simple salad prep, but didn’t get to spend the whole hour in the kitchen as Sam needed me in the bar so he could help finish setting up the inside and outdoor areas where the musicians were going to perform. The first half of the evening was happening outside, with a local band playing and the second half was going to be an indoor open mic event. I wasn’t sure Wynmouth had that many musicians of note, so that was going to be interesting as well as entertaining.

‘Bear with me, folks,’ I said desperately, when I looked up and realised how many people were waiting to be served, while Sam was still busy elsewhere. ‘This is literally my third night on the job.’

My nerves frustratingly got the better of me once I’d seen the queue and the next two pints I attempted to pour were all froth.

‘You’re all right,’ said the guy at the head of the queue, while he patiently waited for me to have another go. ‘Don’t stress. No one’s in a rush.’

I appreciated his patience and the next attempt was perfect.

‘Thanks,’ I said, flashing him a smile as I handed over the glass. ‘You’re very kind.’

‘We all have to learn.’ He shrugged. ‘Keep the change.’

With my confidence restored, I’d only got two couples waiting when Sam finally made it back.

‘Sorry about that,’ he had to practically shout to make himself heard. ‘It took longer than I expected. You’ve done well to keep on top of everything, Daisy.’

‘I nearly didn’t,’ I called back, but there was no opportunity to elaborate.

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