Page 47 of The Midnight Bakery
Beth shrugged. ‘It’s just an old pay-as-you-go we’ve had sitting in a drawer at home, but it works. I thought it might be useful for him to keep in touch with folk. And for us to keep in touch with him.’ She slid a glance towards William, and hewondered if what she wanted to say next was private. ‘He’s been over to see Jack a few times now. They’ve been discussing the farm, making a few plans. Did you know he used to grow plants for a living? Who’d have thought…’
Frankie nodded, smiling.
‘Anyway, it’s early days, but…’ Beth left her sentence hanging, and although the warmth of the bakery might be responsible for her rosy cheeks, William was pretty sure she was blushing.
‘Oh, Beth…’ Frankie reached over to squeeze Beth’s hand. It was an awkward movement given that one of her arms was strapped up, but there was no mistaking the pleasure she was feeling. ‘I’m so pleased for you. And for Jack – that’s lovely news.’
Clearly there was an importance to Tam’s visits which William knew nothing about.
‘Let me call Tam now,’ said Beth, ‘and see if he can come over.’
She moved away and William took the opportunity to slide into the chair next to Frankie.
‘I didn’t know she and Tam knew one another,’ he whispered, his head dipping in Beth’s direction.
‘I’ll tell you about it later,’ murmured Frankie, sighing. ‘Sorry, this is causing no end of problems for you all.’
Without thinking, William covered Frankie’s hand with his own. It seemed the most natural thing in the world, especially seeing that Frankie had just done the same to Beth, but as soon as he slid his fingers over hers, he realised it wasn’t the same thing at all. He pulled his hand back, grimacing at his clumsiness.
‘Sorry, I…’
But Frankie just smiled. ‘It’s okay,’ she said, pulling his hand back and pushing it flat to the table. She laid hers over the top.‘Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been here.’
William’s heart thudded in his chest. He should probably reply, but words suddenly seemed far beyond his reach. He smiled instead, feeling the seconds tick by as Beth continued her phone call, each one seemingly longer than the last. He scrutinised the grain on the table, tracing the whorls back and forth with his eyes until he heard Beth saying goodbye. He gently straightened, withdrawing his hand.
‘Right, all sorted,’ said Beth. ‘Tam’s on his way. I’ll hang on until he gets here, and then head home, if that’s all right. Are you sure you’re going to be okay?’
Frankie nodded. ‘I’ll be fine. Honestly. It’s feeling better already.’
The look on her face would suggest otherwise and William could see she wasn’t fooling Beth either, but he let it go. He’d get her home as soon as he could.
Tam arrived in what seemed like a surprisingly short space of time, until William remembered that all he had to do was climb out of bed, literally, and a makeshift bed at that. His hair was tousled, sticking up on one side, and his shoulders were hunched, his face pinched and drawn. The morning was still bitterly cold, and it was clear Tam hadn’t had much sleep.
‘Come in,’ said William as he pulled the door wider. ‘And I’ll make you a drink.’
‘Thanks.’ Tam shivered at the sudden blast of warmth, as if it reminded him how chilly he was. ‘A black coffee would be good.’
There was a sharp intake of breath. ‘Tam, you didn’t come to get your hot-water bottle filled. Or your flask. I’m so sorry, I should have realised.’ Frankie’s hand shot to her cheek, her mouth open in dismay.
Tam’s smile was easy. ‘I didn’t think it was that cold,’ he replied. ‘Won’t make that mistake again.’
‘Are you sure you still want to come over to the farm?’ asked Beth. ‘We can easily do this another time. When’s your next day off?’
‘No, no, today is fine,’ Tam assured her. ‘I’m better if I keep busy. I’ll seize up otherwise.’
William hung his head as he crossed the room to sort out some coffee. It had never even occurred to him what Tam would do when he wasn’t at work. Sitting in his car couldn’t be much fun, but where would he go otherwise? And what would he do? Keep moving because there was nothing elsetodo? He deserved so much better.
Tam slid into the chair that William had not long vacated. ‘What happened?’ he asked Frankie. ‘Are you okay?’
She pulled a face. ‘Long story,’ she said. ‘But the short version is that, like an idiot, I fell over. Sprained my wrist a bit, that’s all.’
William had no idea whether anyone knew about Frankie’s situation besides him, but it was a reminder that Robert was still out there, somewhere. And that Frankie would still be terrified. He carried the kettle to the sink and began filling it with water, his head racing with thoughts. So much so, he almost missed what Frankie was saying. All he heard was the word ‘amazing’. He turned around to find both Tam and Beth smiling at him. Was that what Frankie had said? That he was amazing? He swallowed, murmuring something non-committal.
‘But I’m afraid the job’s not over yet,’ continued Frankie.
‘So I gather,’ said Tam. ‘Beth mentioned you need help opening up.’
Frankie nodded. ‘The shop opens at half eight, but nothing’s laid ready yet. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to serve either, and the first hour is one of the busiest.’
