Page 54 of The Gingerbread Cafe
‘We’re from Lower Paddleton.’ Hat lady shot a harsh look at Swingy Bob, and her daughters followed suit. ‘It used to be a charming village too, before our independent shops were bought up and those ugly chains and franchises took over. Dreadful business. It’s lovely to see such a unique café. Don’t get me started on the dishwater they serve up in Quickie Café. Perhaps I don’t fancy mycoffee in a jiffy.’
In the distance Gordon’s turnips crashed to the cobbles in a crescendo of cracks. A crowd cheered.
‘Not everyone can handle progress,’ said Swingy Bob, talking to Gretel as though the other women didn’t have ears. ‘But I can see you’re coming around to it. Thanks for jazzing the place up a bit.’
‘You never did like afestive puke disaster,’ Gretel said sweetly.
Even though Swingy Bob looked completely confused, Gretel felt silently triumphant.
‘Look at that meerkat thing in that girl’s apron pocket,’ said one of hat lady’s daughters, pointing at Amber in the near distance.
‘That’s a ferret,’ said the other woman. ‘And doesn’t she go to Lower Paddleton High with our Kasey? Ember, is it? No, Amber?’
Miss Whimple shot her head around to look, her hair in full pendulum swing as she gawped at Amber disappearing into the crowds, her red hair partly disguised under a baseball cap. ‘Sincewhen did she hang around this place? And why the hell is she wearing an apron?’ She turned and strode off in the direction Amber had gone in, her annoying black and gold trainers squeaking across the cobbles.
What on earth?
‘What’s the uniform at Lower Paddleton High?’ Gretel quickly asked.
‘Black skirt or trousers, white shirt, black and white tie—’
‘Black satchel,’ Gretel finished, taking a wild guess. Not unlike a waitress, apart from the tie. Or maybe she should have more faith in her friend. She couldn’t be at school if she was hanging around here in the week so often, could she? Though if she was at school, Gretel would surely be in all sorts of trouble for having her cleaning tables when legally she should have been in class.
A sack race of children bounced by, giggling and barging each other, sending Gretel’s thoughts into a jumble.
Whatever the story, much like her conversation with Lukas about Situation Whimple, it was a discussion for another day. Gretel just needed to get through this one without anything unravelling, especially in front of all of these eyes and cameras.Keep Smiling and Carry Onwas the mantra that would have to get her through.
Gretel took a few deep breaths and looked over to the top of the Christmas tree. It was a good few metres high, but she knew in the right light the low sun would dance across the iridescent wings of the fairy-turned-angel who represented her mother. She was sure she caught a glint of something. Was it a sign everything would be OK?
Chapter 44
Bea walked by arm in arm with her son Xander, leading a troop of children on the gingerbread treasure hunt. They all waved madly at Gretel. Xander had been so excited when Gretel had come up with the idea and his enthusiasm had reminded her of little Rosa. Rosa would have been skipping along after them with glee.
Gretel recognised some of the children from the café as fans of the gingerbread people she’d been making. Some days it still felt surreal to be in charge of things, but maybe she was making a small step in her mum’s more sociable shoes after all.
Gretel moved out of the way as two people came out of the café, raving about the new menu and how wonderful the place looked. Gretel still felt Lukas’s Michelin star-worthy desserts deserved a better showcase, but he was in his element making them and was thrilled when people enjoyed them. And as the bustle of her community continued around her, Gretel hoped that despite the strange events with the swingy bobbed woman, all would be well.
Gretel shook off her unease as Eve approached.
‘Look at this street. It’s buzzing! I couldn’t resist bringing over this pot of dwarf daffodils for you as a little thank you for coming up with the idea. They match your apron so well.’
‘Wow, thank you.’
Gretel noticed how Eve’s flowery gardening gloves matched the green and white kimono wrap dress she was wearing under her big shawl. She looked brighter and more glamorous every day. ‘Anyway, I’m proud of you, Eve of Eve in Bloom. The array of flowers outside your shop today would put The Chelsea Flower Show to shame. And don’t think I haven’t noticed how impressive Gordon’s fruit and veg are looking. I wonder who’s inspired him to scrub up his sweet potatoes and sing songs about purple sprouting broccoli?’ She gave Eve a nudge. ‘You both seem jolly.’
‘We do?’ Eve pushed her cat-eye glasses back up her nose. And was she blushing the shade of one of her pretty pink roses? ‘Yes, I guess we do. And I would never have picked him out as my type, although I’ve been busy telling myselfno oneis. But sometimes people surprise you when you get to know them. Don’t you think? Or maybe you just surprise yourself about what you really need. Thank you for coaxing me out of my cave and into this wonderful community.’
Gretel held up her hands. ‘It was teamwork.’
‘It takes a village,’ Eve nodded. ‘Even your Lukas seems to be accepting it.’ She looked towards the gingerbread village, which the whole gang had been cooing over that morning before the fair. ‘Although it takes a special someone to bring everyone together. I’m sure Nell used to be good at that too, in her day. It’s the secret sauce of a café owner.’
They both turned instinctively to look at the stained-glass version of Nell outside a gingerbread house, which sat on the windowsill in the bay window of The Gingerbread Café. She’d always loved a good nosey. Gretel didn’t know what the long-term future of the café would be, but for now, she was willing to believe Nell would have been proud.
Eve took her gloves off and put an arm around Gretel’s shoulder. ‘You’ve got the sauce, darling girl. Don’t doubt it.’
As they smiled in the sunshine the sounds of happy chatter from the market stalls hummed around them.
‘Why did the gooseberry go out with a prune? Because he couldn’t find a date! Ha ha haaaa. Grab your gooseberries here, madam. We only regret the gooseberries we didn’t take.’
