Page 11 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Any chance I could grab a quick baguette to go? I’ve got to be back at the salon in five, but I’m starving,’ said the woman.
‘Yeah, of course. I think Mum’s got some made up,’ said Tori, looking in the glass display cabinet. ‘Any preference?’
‘If you’ve got tuna, that would be great.’
‘Tuna and cucumber?’
‘Perfect,’ the woman said, beaming at her. ‘I don’tthink we’ve met before, I’m Claire. I run the salon over the road,’ she explained, pointing across the village green towards her shop.
‘Lovely to meet you. I’m Tori, Joyce’s daughter.’
‘Ah! Of course. I’ve heard all about you, you’re just back from travelling aren’t you?’ Claire asked, tapping her card to pay.
‘That’s right.’
‘Sorry, I’ve got to dash,’ she said, glancing at her watch, ‘but you should pop by the salon some time, say hello.’
‘I’ll do that. I could do with a bit of a trim,’ said Tori, fanning out her hair.
‘Perfect, I’ll see you soon then,’ said Claire, waving goodbye.
‘Was that Claire?’ asked Joyce, appearing from the kitchen with a tray of freshly cooked biscuits.
‘Ooooh, they smell good,’ said Tori, attempting to steal one. Joyce batted her hand away.
‘These are for the customers,’ said Joyce. ‘So, was that Claire?’
‘Oh, yes, sorry,’ said Tori distractedly.
‘She’s a lovely girl, I’ve been meaning to introduce the pair of you.’
‘She seemed friendly. I said I’ll pop over to the salon for a trim at some point.’
‘Good idea. I’m sure the two of you will hit it off. It’ll be good for you to get out and about more, you don’t want to be stuck at home with me every night.’
‘I don’t mind, Mum. Honest.’
‘You’re a good girl, Tori,’ said Joyce, squeezing her hand.
Tori looked away when she heard a familiar voice call her name.
‘Tori,’ said Rose, waving from across the counter.
‘You made it,’ said Tori, leaning over to give her friend a hug.
‘Well, you did say that there’s a mocha with my name on it,’ Rose laughed.
‘I did! Grab a table and I’ll see if I can join you.’
‘Of course you can,’ said Joyce, rolling her eyes. ‘Great to see you, Rose, love.’
Tori busied herself at the barista machine, before heading to the window table to join Rose.
‘I’m so glad you came clean with your mum. Didn’t I tell you everything would be okay?’ said Rose.
‘I know. I should have done it as soon as I got off the plane, but I guess we’re always wiser after the event.’
‘Have you heard from Ryan?’ asked Rose.
