Page 36 of Kiss Me Ever After
She screwed up her face. “Yeah, maybe. I’ve got a few things to do.”
I kissed the top of her head. “Okay. The paracetamol is in the bathroom cupboard.” I couldn’t resist throwing it out there as I left.
It was a lovely, bright summer’s morning and there were the usual people about on my walk to work. I nodded and said good morning to the dog walkers, the runners and the postman.
Everything seemed brighter after yesterday.
Everything seemed brighter after Justin.
Bryony was already at the cafe when I arrived. It was empty apart from the two of us and June in the kitchen. I put my bag in my locker and grabbed an apron to tie around my waist.
“Slow start?” I asked when I came back.
“I guess after the last couple of days people aren’t sure whether we’ll be open again yet.” She gestured to a pile of boxes sitting behind the counter. “But it gives us a chance to sort out the new crockery. What did you get up to yesterday after you left?”
Heat crept into my cheeks. Bryony was my boss. Should I share details of my private life with her? It had been hard enough with Mum.
“Me and Justin hung out for a bit,” I said in the end. It sounded innocent enough, and Bryony could draw her own conclusions.
She frowned. “Be careful with him, Lennon. From what I hear, he’s got a bit of a reputation.”
How did she know? She’d only met him yesterday. “I’ve known him for years, Bryony. We’ve been part of the same gang for about the last fifteen summers.”
“Mmm, okay.”
Except for Amber, it seemed the revelation of me and Justin becoming a couple was an issue for people. I don’t know why I was letting it get to me. “There’s no need for you to worry,” I said. “My mum came down last night and she pretty much had the same reaction.”
At the mention of my mum, I thought I saw Bryony stop for a moment. Then she carried on opening the boxes.
“That’s good. I worry about you in that house all alone after the other night.”
“I’m sure Justin would keep the bad guys away.”
“I’m sure he would.” Bryony pushed one box in my direction. “I think these are the new sugar bowls, so can you unpack them and put them out on the tables?” Clearly, the conversation was over.
Compared to recent weeks, the morning was quiet. A few people came in for drinks and cakes, but there wasn’t the usual steady stream of customers. Mostly, it was only the three of us, chatting or singing along to the radio.
When the door opened and Mum walked in, I thought Bryony had seen a ghost.
“Mum! Hi!” I ran up to her and hugged her. “What do you think?”
“Let me take a look. It sure has changed since I was last here.” She drew back and looked over at Bryony. “Is this your manager?”
Bryony recovered her composure and came over to her. “Hi, Mrs Cole, is it? I’m Bryony Burton.” She held out her hand.
“Call me Martha,” said Mum.
They shook hands awkwardly. Normally Mum wasn’t so stilted in social situations, she was the Queen of the Schmooze. Probably something to do with having to attend lots of boring dinners with Dad.
“Lovely to meet you. I’m so sorry about what happened to Lennon while she was working for me.” Bryony wiped her hands down the front of her apron. “Sorry, can I get you a drink? Tea? Coffee?”
“Given you were out until all hours last night, I’m guessing a coffee might be in order,” I joked to Mum. “I’ll get it.” I went to the coffee machine at the counter and started making the drink. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Mum and Bryony had moved away from me and seemed to be whispering to each other.
God, I hoped they weren’t comparing notes about how much they disapproved of Justin. That would be all I’d need.
17
Justin
