Page 4 of Daydreams & Doughnut Cake

Katja nodded. ‘I always had the impression new mothers lived in grotty pyjamas and were shadows of their former selves, being so sleep-deprived. But Ellie had actually found the time to blow-dry her hair and even put on a bit of make-up.’

‘Wow. That’s impressive.’ I was genuinely amazed. ‘My hormones were all over the place. I doubt I’d even have remembered what a hairdryerwas, never mind think aboutusingit!’

Katja laughed. ‘I honestly thought it would be me making the coffee and tidying up a bit for her. But the place was immaculate, she already had the coffee on –freshcoffee, at that! – and sweet little Isla was fast asleep, looking angelic and utterly edible in her Moses basket.’

‘Aw, how lovely. Was Ellie dressed, then?’

‘Yup. In her best jeans, although her top did look a bit crumpled.’

I tutted in fake disapproval. ‘You mean she hadn’t bothered to do an ironing? How utterly disgraceful.’

She chuckled. ‘I know. I’ll have to have a word with her. Standards slipping and all that.’

‘I guess she has Zak to help out. I can imagine him being a very hands-on dad.’

‘Well, yes, he is. But he’s really busy right now, working on the edits for this new book he’s written. He had to zoom down to London to see his new editor yesterday – all very last-minute – so I didn’t even see him when I called in.’

I sighed. ‘I’ve never been as organised as Ellie. I’ve got to make endless lists otherwise I’d forget everything.’

‘I guess it’s one of the reasons she’s so successful in business.’

I nodded. ‘It amazes me how she manages to keep so many plates spinning at the same time.’

‘She loves being busy,’ said Katja. ‘In a way, I suppose Isla is just another plate to spin.’

I chuckled. ‘But the cutest, most miraculous plate of all.’

‘Yes. That’s what she is. A little miracle. After everything Ellie and Zak went through on their IVF journey, they must thank their lucky stars every day to be blessed with little Isla in their lives.’

A customer approached Katja and my heart gave a leap of horror. ‘Gosh, I’d better get back to my stall.’

‘Is no one looking after it?’ Katja looked surprised.

‘I... just had to get away,’ I muttered, embarrassed. My shock sighting had derailed me so much, I’d even managed to forget all about my customers! ‘I don’t know what came over me.’

‘At least you’ve got the cash with you.’

I nodded, patting my money belt. Looking over, I could see a couple standing reading the chalk board at my stall. ‘Thanks, Katja. I’d better dash.’

‘Can you keep a Thai green curry aside?’ she called after me. ‘I’ll be along later to collect it.’

I stuck my thumb up and raced back to the stall.

‘Sorry to keep you waiting.’ The couple turned and I conjured up a bright smile. ‘Is there anything I can get for you?’

CHAPTER THREE

Next morning, I went through the motions almost on auto pilot, getting Amelie ready for nursery school.

I’d had a restless night after my shock at the market, and when I’d finally fallen asleep, I’d dreamed that I was back at school and my two best friends had turned against me, leaving me alone and on the verge of tears in the playground.

When I woke with the alarm, I lay there feeling too groggy to move, as the youthful heartbreak I’d felt in my dream slowly receded. Throwing back the duvet took quite some effort.

But Amelie, possibly sensing my mood, was perfectly behaved for once. She ate a whole bowl of the healthy cereal (not once complaining that she liked the chocolate crispy one better) and then went off to clean her teeth without me having to prompt her.

Now, we stood at the open front door as I helped her into her summer cardigan, and I breathed in the calming scent of lavender from the pot nearby, thinking about my shift later at the café. I didn’t have to be there until eleven, so after I’d dropped Amelie at nursery school, I could relax a little over a strong coffee and try to wake myself up.

Our lovely neighbours – Pauline and Nigel – came out of their house and we waved to each other as they headed down the drive to their car.

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