Page 35 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

‘Haha. Very funny.’ Fighting a smile, Stella stuck her tongue out at Maggie, making the others giggle. ‘What I was going to say before I was so rudely interrupted was that I’d be very happy to assist in my role as supervisor, as well as provide any necessary refreshments.’

‘You’re all heart, Stells.’ Jasmine couldn’t help but chuckle along with the others.

‘So I’m told.’ Stella flashed her a faux angelic smile.

‘Imagine how the kids would love it there, Jazz,’ Lark continued to enthuse. ‘Plus, the potential increase in business would mean you’d definitely be able to give up both your other jobs and work solely from home. In turn, it would mean you’d be around more for the kids which I know is what matters most toyou, and it would also help ease your childcare problems. It’s a win-win situation.’

Jasmine listened, surprised to find Lark’s idea growing on her. There was only one thing left holding her back from being totally sold on it. ‘Much as I’m really taken with?—’

Lark gently rested her hand on Jasmine’s arm. ‘I know what you’re going to say, but don’t let finances hold you back. I’ve got a really strong feeling about this working for you, Jazz. And you know I wouldn’t speak so passionately about something unless I was pretty certain about it. I wouldn’t want you to put yourself and the kids in a tricky position. But I’ve got this unshakeable feeling that this is your time, Jazz.’ Her eyes sparkled as she spoke. ‘The planets have aligned for you and you’re about to shine.’

‘About bloomin’ time,’ said Stella.

‘Woohoo! That’s what we like to hear for our lovely Jazz.’ Maggie gave a happy dance in her seat, Florrie following suit.

‘Hang on a minute, you lot, would you just calm your jets? I haven’t even looked at the place yet and you’ve got me moved in, baking cakes and weeding the garden.’ Jasmine couldn’t help but laugh, her friends’ positivity sending her spirits rising.

The week that had started on such an unhappy note, dipping to despair in the middle, now had an almost celebratory feel.Talk about life being like a roller coaster, Jasmine thought.

‘And lovely as your idea is, Lark, there’s a good chance it might never get off the ground. I haven’t a clue who the new owner is, or how to get hold of them,’ she said.

A mysterious smile played over Lark’s mouth. ‘Leave it with me. I have a contact who might be able to find out.’

‘That would be great, thanks, Lark.’ Jasmine found herself suddenly keen to learn more about the old bakery.

‘Now then, lasses.’ Ando Taylor appeared by their table, standing close to Jasmine, shoving all thoughts of the bakery outof her mind. He was swaying precariously, his half-drunk pint sloshing over his hand. ‘Don’t sh’poshe you fanshy a shteady little wander back tonight, do you, Jash? Maybe get a bag of chipsh to share,’ he slurred. He’d clearly indulged in several pints of Old Micklewick Magic beer that evening.

Jasmine wasn’t remotely tempted by Ando’s offer. She tipped her head back and looked up at him, noting the large scrape on his cheek. From the way he was swaying – he was almost making her feel seasick – it was a wonder he managed to stay upright. ‘I’ll be heading home with the lasses, thanks, Ando.’

‘Well, you know where to find me if you chanshe your mind.’

Rather than heading back to the bar as he usually did following Jasmine’s weekly rejection of his offer, he stood rooted to the spot. Jasmine hoped he wasn’t waiting for her to change her mind.

The familiar gravelly tones of Lobster Harry travelled across the bar above the fiddle music. Despite it being warm, he was wearing the Micklewick Bay gansey his wife had knitted for him many years ago, if the number of holes that peppered it were anything to go by. ‘Oi, Ando, I haven’t forgotten it’s your round, laddo.’ He waved his empty glass at the younger man, flashing a gap-toothed smile in his weather-beaten face.

‘Aye, righto, I’ll be over in a shec.’ Ando downed the contents of his glass in a single gulp and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, before staggering his way across the bar, tripping over his own feet and lunging into Lobster Harry who gave him a verbal savaging.

‘I wonder how Ando thinks he can walk you home when he can’t even manage to make his way across the bar in one piece,’ said Stella, watching Ando’s performance.

‘Good question.’ Maggie followed her gaze. ‘I reckon it’d be worth watching.’

‘Don’t even go there.’ Jasmine snatched up her glass and sent her friend a warning look.

SIXTEEN

SATURDAY

Jasmine was thankful Connor’s birthday cake had been collected before the viewing that morning. Zak had been thrilled when his friend had turned up. He’d arrived with a woman who introduced herself as Sabrina Osborne, elaborating by saying she was “Connor’s dad’s assistant”. From a few things Zak had mentioned, Jasmine got the impression Connor’s mum wasn’t on the scene and hadn’t been for some time. And though she had a friendly disposition, Sabrina, who looked to be in her late twenties or early thirties, with her long, poker-straight curtain of glossy, dark hair and striking blue eyes, not to mention delicate high cheekbones and legs that went on forever, had left Jasmine feeling inferior and distinctly dowdy. Even Sabrina’s casual attire of ankle-grazer jeans, chunky brown belt and crisp white shirt, complete with brown leather loafers on her slender feet, managed to look effortlessly stylish. The young woman had an air of authority about her, creating the impression that she was uber organised and efficient. That said, Sabrina was likeable – if not a little cool – and there was something about her that put Jasmine in mind of Stella. She’d found herself wondering if the role of “Connor’s dad’s assistant” extended to matters of a morepersonal nature. After all, Sabrina was very attractive, and no doubt turned heads wherever she went.

‘Zak’s very welcome to come back with us now, if he’d like?’ Sabrina had asked with a dazzling smile. Both Zak and Connor had jumped up and down excitedly, begging for Jasmine to say yes, which, of course, she had. It had been good to see Zak so happy after the Scragg drama.

‘Oh, and his dad’s asked me to double-check it’s still okay for him to stay for the sleepover? There are a couple of other lads staying, too.’

‘Yes, that’s absolutely fine, he’s been looking forward to it.’ As a rule, Jasmine would need to know the family before agreeing to her son going to a sleepover at their house, but after making enquiries about the family with some of the other mums whose children would be there, too, she’d satisfied herself that all would be okay.

Just then, Jasmine’s mobile had started to ring which had prompted Sabrina to declare it was time to leave. She scooped up the cake and headed through the door, the boys bouncing with enthusiasm as they left, Jasmine calling for them to have fun.

An hour later, her heart had plummeted to her feet when she’d answered the door to see Dodgy Dick and his wife Wendy looking back at her, an air of trouble around them. They put her in mind of a couple of black crows with their matching dyed-black hair and funereal clothes. Didn’t they know dark colours absorbed heat? As usual, Wendy was bedecked in an array of sparkling jewellery, her face caked in make-up, finished with a slash of red lipstick that was so vivid it practically screamed at you. They seemed to be embracing a generic gangster vibe, not realising it made them look more like caricatures.

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