Page 16 of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn
‘I’m fine, Liv. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch. The move over here has been mad and I’ve the most awful morning sickness.’
There was a pause and then Livvy clocked what Yolanda was saying. ‘Oh my God! You’re pregnant?’
‘I am. It’s why I keep running out of frocks. I’m growing like billyo. Doesn’t help Cosmo is six foot three, I suppose. Trust me when I say, get sprogged up by a normal sized guy. Not looking forward to the hatching, I can tell you.’
Livvy laughed and then a snatch of envy caught at her, taking her by surprise. She’d thought she and Gavin would havechildren at some point. Tricky to run a business and have a family but not impossible. A wave of loneliness overwhelmed her, accompanied by self-pity. She brushed it away and said, more forcefully than she meant to, ‘Congratulations, Yolly, my love. I’m so pleased for you and Cosmo. When’s it due?’
‘Not until March. Took me by surprise to be honest. Thought it was all the stress about moving out here but turns out I’m up the duff. And there’s more. It’s twins. Another reason why I’m so bally enormous.’
‘Oh, Yolly, that’s amazing. Trust you, you never do things by halves.’
Yolanda giggled. ‘Of course. I mean, if you’re going to do something, you may as well do it properly. Rather hoping Cosmo will be happy to stop at two and then I’ll be done in one fell swoop. Just as well we have staff over here.’
‘Get you.’
‘I know. I’m rather enjoying it. It’s all rather marvellous fun. Apart from the fact I can’t keep anything down and I can’t even have a sniff of a drink.’
They chatted for a while about the pregnancy and life in Washington and then Yolanda said, ‘Now, what about you? Have you got over the beastly Gavin and are you surrounded by heavenly men?’
It was Livvy who giggled this time. ‘There are quite a few men around but I’m not sure I’d class any of them as heavenly.’ She went on to describe The Three Ds, Jason, Young Karl and Old Pete, and the skittles team. ‘I swear they’ve got an average age of a hundred and three.’
‘None of them sound at all promising,’ Yolanda reproved. ‘I can’t have my bestie marooned in deepest, darkest Dorset and be man-less.’
‘I’m not looking for anyone, Yolly. Too much else to do and after what Gavin did, I’d find it hard to trust anyone again.’
‘But that’s no way to live. You’ve got to get out there again. Not all men are like Gruesome Gavin. Aren’t you lonely, darling?’
‘I am a bit. When I have the time. Mostly I’m too exhausted to dwell on the fact I’m on my own. I suppose there’s Fabio.’
Over the airwaves Livvy could hear Yolanda’s ears pricking up. ‘Who?’
‘My new chef. Looks like Jack Savoretti and cooks like a dream.’
‘Oh my. Nowhesounds promising. I’d give my virginity to a man who looks that good and who could cook me lobster thermidor. Or rather I would, had I not lost the Big V years ago and can’t currently eat anything.’
‘And he’s my employee. It would all be far too messy. It’s been hard enough finding staff as it is. And there’s lovely Mark. He’s been so kind.’
‘Lovely Mark?’ Yolanda’s voice rose excitedly then she paused. ‘Ah. Kind? Friend material?’
‘Yes, I think so. Hope so. I saw him out with a very glam blonde the other day so he’s probably with someone anyway. The funny thing is, we seem to end up eating out rather a lot. In fact, we’re eating together tonight.’ She explained why and then went on to outline her plans for The George.
‘It all sounds rather wonderful. I’m so pleased for you. Looks like your dreams may come true and so they should, especially after what that bastard Gavin did.’
‘Gavin? Gavin who?’
‘That’s the spirit. Speak soon, lovey, and have fun with Lovely Mark.’
Livvy clicked off her phone thoughtfully. The spasm of envy had passed but it had left a residual ache of uncertainty. She gazed around her bedroom hearing the sea batter the cliffs below. Just what was she trying to achieve here? Was she goingto be successful? Lack of confidence swamped her. And then, spotting the time she yelped and ran for the shower.
‘You know,’ Mark said, leaning towards her over the table, an impish expression on his face, ‘If we continue eating out together like this, people will begin to talk.’
Livvy lifted her face from the menu. She had been right. Food was serious business in The Old School Kitchen. She and Fabio were going to have to raise their game to offer any kind of competition. ‘I’m sorry, what did you say?’ She returned his smile. He was looking good in a white shirt and chinos. The lights caught his glossy dark hair turning it chestnut.
He flicked a heavy lock off his forehead. ‘It doesn’t matter. It’s good to see you again, Livvy.’
‘Thank you for being my running mate. My fellow gastrophile.’ She pulled a face. ‘Is that even the right word? I’ve been so busy my head’s exploding and I’ve lost the power of speech.’
‘Gastrophile will do fine. And, a night at home with a Marks and Spencer ready meal, or dinner here? Tough decision. I’ve been meaning to eat here since it opened but never got round to it. Got to say, it’s got a great feel.’
