Page 66 of Best Summer Ever

I got the distinct impression that he thought I was about to plead for my position on his team and his surprised reaction when I didn’t, confirmed that.

‘If it’s all right with you,’ I began, ‘and judging by my performance this evening, I have a feeling it will be, I’d like to stop working here, with immediate effect.’

‘Oh,’ he said, his eyes widening, ‘right.’

‘Marguerite mentioned that she’s keen to stay around here for quite a while and I think she’d love it if you offered her my hours behind the bar. With her taking my place, you wouldn’t be left in the lurch over the summer season because let’s face it, she’s the consummate pub professional and, more often than not, I’m a hindrance rather than a help.’

Sam smiled at that.

‘You can dispute that if you like.’ I smiled back.

‘I don’t think I can,’ he laughed.

‘So, you’re happy to let me go?’

He actually looked thrilled, not just happy.

‘Yes,’ he said, sounding relieved, ‘I’m happy to let you go.’

‘I’m sorry it hasn’t worked out. I didn’t think it would take me so long to get the hang of it and I hadn’t realised the place would always be so busy.’

‘Well,’ said Sam, ‘you gave it a shot and you were getting there, most of the time. Your time-keeping needs some work though.’

‘I blame Josh,’ I said, passing the buck and then taking it back again. ‘No, I don’t. I do need to be more diligent about turning up on time.’

‘So,’ Sam asked, ‘what’s next? Is there somewhere new on the horizon or are you taking a break?’

‘There’s somewhere new,’ I told him. ‘It’s only going to be part-time again, but it would have been hard trying to juggle working here and there.’

‘And where is there?’

‘As soon as I’ve told my new boss,’ I said laughingly, ‘I’ll come in and tell you.’

Chapter 15

Knowing it was the first weekend of the school summer holidays and having checked the weather forecast, which was set to be sunny and hot, it didn’t take me a second to work out that Wynmouth, and especially the beach, was going to be busy that Saturday. Consequently, I was up with the lark and waiting at the café even before Penny had appeared.

I heard her before I spotted her, rushing along the path and muttering under her breath. She didn’t sound particularly happy and I hoped my presence and the offer I was about to make was going to make her day, rather than ruin it.

‘Good morning!’ I said, jumping up the second she came in sight and relieving her of a large cardboard box she was struggling to manhandle, while rifling through her pockets for the café keys. ‘I’ll hold this while you get the door open, shall I?’

‘Daisy!’ she gasped, obviously surprised to see me. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘Let us into the café first,’ I said, because the box was really heavy, ‘and then I’ll tell you.’

Once we were inside and the door was again closed andlocked, Penny relieved me of the box and having stowed it in the kitchen, began turning on various lights and gadgets.

‘I won’t be ready to serve breakfasts for a little while yet,’ she told me, sounding flustered. ‘There’s lots to do before I’m officially open for the day.’

‘I guessed there would be,’ I told her, ‘and I haven’t actually come for breakfast. Though that avocado, lemon and lardon thing you were on about the other day does sound good…’

‘That’s one of the things I’ve taken off the menu,’ Penny said with disappointment, while my mouth continued to water. ‘So, why are you here?’ she asked.

‘To offer my services,’ I declared and I gave her a salute as I refocused.

‘As what?’ She frowned.

‘Your official assistant,’ I told her. ‘I’ve jacked my job in at the pub to help you here in the café instead.’

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