Page 18 of Wishes & Waves at the Cornish Bakery
‘I’m looking forward to tomorrow and spending some more time with you.’ His voice was low, his tone serious.
‘Me too.’ She grinned before the high-pitched hiss of the pub’s sound system broke the spell, and their bubble disappeared.
‘The results are in!’ Gerald’s voice filled every corner of the pub. ‘And we had a close call but in third place...’
‘Nothing going on, hey?’ Brooke nudged her again and raised her eyebrows as she looked pointedly from Tilly to Isaac and back again.
‘No, I...’ Tilly was relieved when a drumroll sounded through the pub, people tapping the wooden tables as Gerald began to announce the winning team of the pub quiz.
‘Congratulations to The Bakery Family Team!’
A round of applause erupted around them as the group discussed who should go and collect the prizes. After a few moments, Wendy stood up and made her way to the bar.
‘I said I had a good feeling about tonight, didn’t I?’ Brooke beamed.
‘Right, that’s us done. We should get back and pick up Bonnie.’ Daisy stood up, shortly followed by Ollie.
‘Yep, us too. Come on, Wendy.’ Pushing his chair back, Connor stood before holding his hands out to Wendy and pulling her to her feet.
‘Aw, you make me feel bad staying out, but Gavin has the kids, and besides, he will have already put them to bed, so I’m grabbing another drink.’ Teresa laughed as she poured herself another glass before holding the jug up. ‘Anyone else?’
AS THE EVENING WOREon, Tilly fell into an easy conversation with the people at her table, discussing life in Penworth Bay.
‘... and then, would you believe it? They only went and did one of those dance crazes right there on the beach!’ Molly laughed as she recounted the story. ‘You know the ones I mean? Where a group of people start doing a dance routine, and then the people around them join in until there’s a huge crowd of people dancing together.’
‘Ah, yes. I’ve seen those on social media sites. Did you join in?’ Brooke leaned her elbows on the table.
‘Yes! We both did, didn’t we, Jude?’ Molly looked across to her partner, Jude, who nodded enthusiastically.
‘That does sound fun. I’m sorry I missed that. I could have recorded it and shown my dad.’ Isaac placed his hands palms down on the table and pushed himself to standing. ‘Talking of him, I’d better get off. Great night, thank you everyone.’
‘Good to see you out, Isaac.’ Jude stood and shook his hand before sitting back down again.
‘Yes, good to see you, mate.’ Scott raised his half-empty pint glass in his direction.
‘And I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning?’ Isaac looked down at Tilly.
‘Uh, yes. Actually, I think I’ll head back now, too. I certainly don’t want a headache in the morning.’ Pushing her glass away, Tilly stood up. She could see the glint in Brooke’s eyes as she said her goodbyes. This wasn’t what she thought it was, though. Tilly wasn’t leaving now just so she could walk back with Isaac. Well, that wasn’t the only reason, anyway.
Chapter Thirteen
‘It’s still warm.’ After holding the pub door open for her, Isaac let it swing shut behind them.
‘I don’t know. It’s a bit chilly.’ Rubbing her arms, Tilly grimaced. The breeze was definitely bringing a little chill to the air, something she should have realised would happen being as they were so close to the coast, and she should have brought a little cardie or something with her. Next time.
‘Ah, at least it doesn’t look like it’s going to rain.’ Isaac paused and turned towards her before placing his hands on her arms and rubbing them up and down her skin, warming her. ‘Any better?’
She looked at him and nodded. His touch felt good.
‘Thanks for tonight. This was a nice distraction.’ Isaac nodded towards the closed pub door.
‘From what?’
Isaac paused and let his hands drop to his side, his face clouding with worry. ‘From worrying about my dad and about work.’
Tilly frowned. He’d always seemed so upbeat, so easy-going. Had she misjudged him or just not looked hard enough, not thought about what might be going on in his life? He’d said his dad had retired early last year, but she hadn’t asked why. She hadn’t wanted to pry. ‘Sorry, I’ve been babbling about my problems. I’m sorry I didn’t ask about yours.’
He shrugged and gave her a small smile before leading the way through the pub courtyard and out onto the street. ‘I don’t tend to offer up much about what’s going on in my life.’
