Page 48 of Christmas at the Little Cornish Bakery
‘I think so too.’ She hesitated before adding, ‘I felt her here tonight, like she’d come to give me her blessing, I don’t know if that sounds daft. I often feel her with me but tonight even more so. I think she would’ve loved this. She would’ve approved of me getting you along, luring you over to the dark side.’
Tristan laughed. ‘It’s not the dark side, Lola, if anything your side is very bright and beautiful. Soft and gentle. It’s made me think we’ve all lost our way a bit. I could learn a lot from you about how to be a better man, a better vicar, too.’
Lola batted the notion away. ‘You don’t need to be a better man or vicar. In fact, I think you’re perfect, just as you are.’
Tristan was about to say something but before he could get the words out Anna bounded over to them.
‘There you are!’ she exclaimed in an over-friendly way before turning to Lola. ‘I really enjoyed that. I’m not very good at relaxing, too much going on in my brain.’
Lola smiled at her, determined not to let a hint of irritation show. ‘Thank you. I think everyone enjoyed it.’
‘It’s not my normal cup of tea, but I think it’s important I experience all sorts of things before moving down here,’ Anna gushed, glancing adoringly up at Tristan before looking hopefully at Lola.
‘And this was definitely a wonderful one,’ Tristan interjected. ‘But it’s not all bonfires on the beach,’ he said, trying to put her off. ‘There’s a lot of sideways rain and it can take a while to be accepted.’
After their closeness moments earlier, Lola’s heart sank as she watched Tristan stumble around the issue of Anna moving. Lola shot him a venomous glance before taking a step back.
Anna remained oblivious to the tension. Instead, she glanced from Tristan to Lola as if seeking reassurance. ‘Erm, yes, totally. I get that. I wouldn’t just swoop in.’
Lola glared at Anna and Tristan looked at her in disbelief.
‘You mentioned the pub, didn’t you? I definitely need a wine or two!’ Anna laughed. ‘I’ll go and find my sister and we’ll come along.’
‘Why didn’t you tell her?’ Lola said through gritted teeth as Anna bounded across the sand.
Tristan’s laugher faded. ‘I don’t think she means any harm and I don’t really think she’ll move here. She’s always jumping from one idea to another without settling.’
Lola turned to him in disbelief. ‘Tristan, can you not see it? She’s already told you she hopes you’ll get back together. It’s obvious. In fact, I reckon she thinks you already are back together.’ She didn’t like the way jealousy coloured her voice but she had reached the end of her tether with Tristan not sorting the situation out, for leaving her floundering whilst he pandered to Anna.
Shock washed over Tristan’s face. ‘I thought I made it clear to her.’
‘I think you need to make it clearer, for her sake at least.’ Lola’s voice softened as the fight went out of her. ‘I get the impression that unless you make it very clear she’ll be moving here in January and that would be awkward for everyone. If you don’t sort it out tonight, Tristan, then there’s no future for us. I can’t be with someone who can be so easily swayed by another woman. Or who’d put her needs above mine.’
The request hit Tristan square in the chest. Lola saw him blanch as the strike landed, saw the threat of losing her completely flash across his face. He reached for her, but Lola pulled back.
‘Sure you don’t want to come to the pub as backup?’ He laughed nervously.
Lola shook her head. ‘No. You need to do this alone. You need to choose.’
Tristan gave a tight nod. There was a pause as they gazed at each other and it was as if the rest of the beach had ceased to exist. The look was raw with longing as they drank each other in, the risk Anna posed to both their futures hanging between them. Lola resisted the urge to throw her arms around him, to pull his lips towards hers, to bury herself in the safety of him. To remind him of what they’d shared. She couldn’t give herself any more to him until she knew she was his choice. Couldn’t risk falling deeper for him if he wouldn’t, couldn’t be brave enough to choose her.
‘I’ll sort it.’ His voice was soft, his face solemn.
Lola watched him walk away before gathering her stuff together. Once everything was packed up she searched out Freya, finding her handing out melted marshmallows to whoever would have one. Lola took one. ‘Having fun?’
‘Yes, I had to demote Angelo as he was burning all the marshmallows. I’m guessing you weren’t expecting us to use your big spiritual cleansing fire to make s’mores.’
Lola shrugged. ‘It would be a shame to waste such a fantastic bonfire.’ She studied the flames that were starting to burn themselves out and popped the perfectly melted marshmallow in her mouth.
‘It would. Tonight has been lovely, Lola, I’ve really enjoyed it. You should do more of this. Everyone has been saying the same. How about a big one for the summer?’
‘Oooh, I’m sure I could rustle something up for that,’ she said, ‘it’ll be much warmer then.’
‘Better for the naked dancing!’
‘Not you too!’ Lola laughed. ‘What is it with everyone and naked dancing around the bonfire?’
‘I guess it feels a bit woo-woo,’ Freya giggled, ‘though it’s far too cold. Are you coming to the pub?’
