Page 80 of The Pop-Up Cake Shop

At that point, all the zing and bravado leaked out of me in one go, and I was forced to face the truth. Life was out to get me.

Swallowing down my huge disappointment, I walked over onto the green to find Rosie’s stall. She had a great spot, right in the middle of an aisle, and I couldn’t even get to speak to her because she and her mum seemed to be doing a steady trade. She spotted me and gave me a big smile and a thumbs-up,though, and that cheered me up a bit as I trailed back to open the doors of the cake van.

The good news (for other people) didn’t stop there.

At Primrose Wood, Judy and Bob arrived at the van together, with Twix the dog between them. But by the time they left with a bag of mini muffins to share, the pair were walking together, with Twix sniffing the bushes on Judy’s side.

As I watched them go, I felt like clapping my hands together in triumph.

My scheming the previous week had apparently worked because they were looking really chummy now.

Even the last stop, Hawksley Rise, had something lovely to offer:No Richard!

But as I pootled back along the country lanes to Sunnybrook, I was feeling almost as miserable as when I got off the plane from New York.

After serving the customers at Lockley Meadow, on my way out I’d stopped again by the building site, ever hopeful – only for Ivan to spot me and shake his head sadly.

Loretta was still in there with Caleb. I was forced to give up and leave.

And now, I could only wonder what on earth they’d been doing in that portacabin all that time.

I promised myself I’d open a bottle of wine and eat an entire family-sized packet of crisps when I finally got home...

*****

The wine was drunk, the massive crisp bag was empty and I was off to bed!

I’d been surrounded by love the whole day – but none of it was mine. I was entitled to feel a tiny bit sorry for myself, surely?

My mobile rang somewhere but I was too exhausted to go and find it immediately so I let it ring. Trailing into the kitchen with the empty wine bottle and glass, I picked up my phone which was lying on the bench below the crisp cupboard.

As I waited for the message, I was endeavouring to boost myself up with positive thoughts.

Things can’t get any worse.

I’ve hit rock bottom so the only way is up from now on.

The message was from Cheryl. She sounded giggly and excited and more than a little bit drunk.

She and Ray had been out for a drink.

Apparently, they were in love . . .

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

The following Wednesday, I was determined to stay focused on the business and forget about Caleb. I drove straight past the building site and I didn’t even glance over once.

I nipped over to see Rosie and that cheered me up a little, seeing her looking so positive and happy. Her mum certainly seemed to be enjoying herself on the stall, chatting to all the customers. Hopefully, she’d be able to persuade her husband that returning permanently to the UK would be a good thing for the whole family. Because I knew that would be the icing on the cake for Rosie and Amelie.

I was just finishing serving a line of customers and preparing to shut up shop, when I thought I heard my name being called. I turned, puzzled. Then I realised and groaned. It was Ivan and his loud hailer again...

Will Katja please report to the portacabin?

Katja to the portacabin! Katja to the portacabin!

As soon as you like and faster if possible, please.

I chuckled, looking around for him – and then he appeared, marching towards me and repeating the whole thing over again.

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