Page 7 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

Jasmine laughed. ‘Wowzers, that’s some wild mix. Whatever it turns out they do for a living, they’ve generated a load ofinterest, so let’s hope it doesn’t disappoint the gossipmongers. Though, I daresay, after Zak’s been to the party we’ll be a bit more enlightened.’

‘Or even more confused,’ said Heather, making them both chuckle. ‘So, did you enjoy yourself with the lasses last night?’

‘I did, thanks, we had a laugh.’

‘Good.’

Jasmine inched closer to her mum, lowering her voice. ‘Very quickly, before the kids come back downstairs, I’ve been meaning to ask if you’ve noticed anything different about Chloe? She hasn’t been herself this last couple of weeks, seems to have lost her sparkle a bit. I know she’s not naturally as exuberant as Zak, but she’s been quieter than usual. It’s been worrying me.’

‘You beat me to it, flower, I was going to mention something once they were out of the way, but I did notice she seemed to have something on her mind, wasn’t her usual chatty self – your dad picked up on it, too. I asked her if she was okay, and tried some subtle questions to see if they’d reveal anything, but it just made her clam up so I thought it best to stop. But I did get the feeling it was something to do with school. The name Nina cropped up a couple of times and not in a way that made me think Chloe was fond of her, more like she was bothering her. Didn’t catch this Nina’s surname though.’

Jasmine’s heart twisted. ‘Poor little Chloe. I had a feeling it was something to do with school, not that she’s mentioned anyone in particular to me. She complained of having a tummy ache a couple of times last week, tried to convince me she was too poorly to go to school but I could tell it wasn’t genuine.’

‘Ah, bless her, that’s a shame. Sounds like this Nina girl’s the root of the problem if she’s trying to get out of going to school,’ said Heather. She looked thoughtful for a moment. ‘Zak might have a better idea about it. You could maybe try asking him a few discreet questions.’

‘Yeah, that was my next plan.’

Their conversation was interrupted by an urgent knocking at the door, startling them both.

‘Bloomin’ ’eck!’ said Jasmine.

‘Oh, my days! Who on earth’s that?’ Heather pressed her hand to her chest.

‘It’s probably Ali Harrington come to collect her parents’ anniversary cake.’

‘Talk about having a knock like a policeman.’

‘S’probably cos she’s running late,’ said Jasmine, on her way to answer the door.

‘I’m so sorry I’m late, Jasmine. I hope I haven’t spoilt your plans,’ Ali said, out of breath and looking slightly dishevelled.

‘Come in, and there’s no need to apologise, I had no plans to be anywhere this morning,’ said Jasmine. ‘Is everything okay?’

‘Long story, but it’s been one of those mornings. Grandad went AWOL from the care home; had us all searching everywhere for him. Poor Mum was frantic with worry.’

Jasmine recalled hearing that Ali’s maternal grandfather suffered from dementia. ‘You poor things, I hope he’s okay. Did you manage to find him?’

‘We did, thank goodness. He’d taken a wander down to the bottom prom and had been trying to persuade Ando Taylor to teach him how to skateboard, of all things. It was Ando who kindly contacted Mum, told her Grandad was with him.’

‘Blimey, that’s quite a morning you’ve all had.’

‘Aye, just a bit.’ Ali smiled as she rolled her eyes.

It crossed Jasmine’s mind that Ando may be a bit daft when he’d had a drink or two, but, ultimately, he had a good heart. It still wasn’t enough to make her want to spend an evening with him, sharing his jar of pickled eggs and “Gut Rot” homebrew, though. She couldn’t imagine anything would ever tempt her to do that.

‘The cake’s just through here. I hope you like it.’ Jasmine led the way to the kitchen.

‘I have every faith in you, Jazz. I know it’ll be awesome without even looking at it.’

Since Ali was running so late, she declined Jasmine’s offer of unboxing all the tiers of the cake so she could take a peek at each one, and was happy to just see the top one decorated with the roses.

‘Oh, my God, that’s stunning, Jazz! You’re so talented. Have you thought about giving up your other jobs and focusing on this full time? I reckon you’d be inundated with orders.’

‘That’d be the dream,’ Jasmine said, the praise making her cheeks flush as her thoughts went to her meeting with Lady Caro, though she didn’t want to jinx it by saying anything to Ali. ‘So, here are the instructions of how to put the cake together – it’s very straightforward – and here’s a bit of edible glue to keep the tiers in place. It’s best to do it once you’re at the venue, that way you don’t risk it getting damaged en route.’

‘Thanks, Jazz, you’ve thought of everything. Right, I’d best dash.’

‘Time for a cuppa, Mum?’ Jasmine asked once Ali had gone.

---