Page 16 of The Big Dip in Crumbleton
‘Shush,’ hissed Scarlett, feeling a flush creep up her neck. Lou had the kind of voice that could carry across an entire county—even when she was whispering. ‘I’m just being helpful.’
‘Mmm-hmm,’ Lou hummed, clearly unconvinced. ‘He’s cute, though, isn’t he? In that slightly scatty surfer-boy way.’
‘No comment. Anyway, do you want a coffee or not?’ said Scarlett, pointedly changing the subject, even though she couldn’t help sneaking a glance at Pete, who was busy charming Doris and Kathleen. His easy smile made something flutter in her chest.
‘Cappuccino, please,’ said Lou, dragging her attention back.
‘Why do you look so smug?’ said Scarlett.
‘You and those heart eyes!’ said Lou. ‘You’d better be prepared to give me a full report later.’
‘There’s nothing to report,’ Scarlett insisted.
‘Yeah, right!’ snorted Lou.
‘I’m serious!’ muttered Scarlett. ‘I’ve known him less than twenty-four hours.’
‘Sometimes that’s all it takes,’ said Lou with a wink. ‘Anyway, howexactlydid you get to know Mr Cutie-bum?’
‘Keep it down!’ hissed Scarlett, shooting another look at Pete. Was that a smirk playing around that gorgeous mouth of his, or was she just imagining it? ‘I know him because I’m staying in his hut.’
‘It’s his place, is it? Is it awful? Don’t tell me you’re having to share the bed? That would be very romcom!’ said Lou, her eyes going wide. ‘Do I need to rescue you tonight? Kathleen said she doesn’t mind if you squeeze in with us.’
Scarlett saw Pete cross his arms over his chest. So… hewaseavesdropping, then?! That was definitely the look of someone getting protective about their territory. Well… no issues there. She was more than happy to defend it.
‘No, no and no to all the above,’ said Scarlett with a little laugh. ‘Pete’s staying in his campervan, I’ve got the place all to myself, and I’m completely fine, thanks. I’m actually a little bit in love with my hut. It’s gorgeous.’
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Pete puff up proudly.
‘The breakfast options were a bit limited, though,’ she added, doing her best not to giggle when she saw him wince.
Lou glanced between Scarlett and Pete, and a troublesome gleam appeared in her eyes.
‘Don’t start!’ Scarlett muttered in a low voice. She knew her friend wasn’t above a spot of matchmaking… and if Lou got the rest of the Dippers involved, today would turn into a nightmare.
‘Would I?’ said Lou, doing her best to look the picture of innocence as she took her coffee.
‘Yes. You would,’ chuckled Scarlett. ‘But please don’t. I’m nervous enough about the swim as it is.’
‘Ah, you’ll be fine!’ said Lou. ‘Actually… do you know when everything’s going to kick off? Everyone seems to be a bit vague on timings.’
‘Eleven,’ said Scarlett. ‘Safety briefing in here first, though.’
‘How on earth did you manage to become a local overnight?’ said Lou, looking impressed.
‘Pete,’ said Scarlett simply, though she instantly regretted it as the look of curiosity reappeared in Lou’s eyes. ‘Look, if I promise to tell you everything when he’s not in earshot, will you promise to behave?’
‘Deal,’ said Lou, shooting her a wink before disappearing off into the crowd with her coffee.
The café continued to buzz with activity, but at long last—when it felt like every swimmer in a twenty-mile radius had been caffeinated to within an inch of their lives—there was a lull.
Scarlett wiped down the counter and then stretched her arms above her head, working out the kinks from standing in one position for so long.
‘You’re a marvel,’ Pete said, handing her a glass of water. ‘I owe you one. Or several.’
‘Not really,’ she said, taking a grateful sip of her drink. ‘I really enjoyed it. Anyway, if you count letting me stay in your hut, fixing the shower and then making me that treasure hunt this morning so that I got breakfast before the chaos, I reckon we’re square.’
‘Cool,’ said Pete, with a smile that practically melted her kneecaps. ‘Ah, finally—here come the experts.’
