Page 19 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘I think technically it was Rose who invited you,’ she smiled, gesturing towards Rose, who was looking at Tori with interest from behind the counter. ‘But we’re always happy to see new customers at the Cosy Cup,’ she said, picking up the remains of Violet’s discarded scone and clearing the table. ‘Have a seat and I’ll send Rose over to take your order.’
‘Tori? What was that about?’ said Rose as she banged through the door to the kitchen.
‘What do you mean?’ said Tori, throwing the tea towel she was holding down on the worktop.
‘With Leo, what were you chatting about?’ she asked, eyebrows raised.
‘Oh, nothing. He just caught me bad-mouthing Violet, that’s all.’
‘That’s all?’
‘Of course,’ said Tori, rubbing her temples. ‘We’d best get back out there,’ she continued, nodding towards the door.
‘What’s the deal with “Vicious Violet” anyway?’
‘The nickname?’
Rose nodded.
‘Oh, it’s just something we used to call her when we were kids. She’s always just so… well, sorude. She can’t seem to stand anyone having fun. When we were younger, she’d moan about ball games on the green or the noise we were making playing outside. I can’t think of a single time she’s spoken to me kindly.’
‘Hence the name?’
‘Exactly,’ said Tori. ‘I wasn’t too hideous to Leo when he came in, was I? I almost bit his head off after my run-in with Violet,’ she said nervously.
‘I’m sure he’ll forgive you.’
‘Oh God, I’m such an idiot.’
‘Well…’ Rose said, laughing. ‘Look, why don’t you just take him some cheese scones and you can smooth things over.’
‘Do I have to?’
‘Yep.’
‘Let’s hope they’re not as bad as Violet says, then.’ Toripoked her tongue out at Rose, laughed and picked up a plate of scones in one hand and a cappuccino in the other. ‘Here goes nothing.’ She took a deep breath and walked out of the kitchen towards Leo’s table.
‘Here you go,’ she said, placing the scones and coffee down in front of him.
‘But I didn’t order this…’
‘I know, but you look like a cheese scone and cappuccino kind of guy. Think of it as a peace offering.’
‘A peace offering?’
‘For me biting your head off when you came in.’
‘Don’t worry about it,’ he said, smiling at her. ‘I don’t suppose I could persuade you to take a break for five minutes and join me?’
‘Er, no, sorry, I really can’t, we’re busy with—’
‘Of course she can,’ said Rose, coming round from behind the counter. She ushered Tori towards the empty seat at Leo’s table and put a herbal tea down in front of her. ‘It’s quieter now. I can manage, just take a break.’
Tori threw a steely stare in Rose’s direction.
‘Erm… okay, sure, why not? I guess I can spare a few minutes,’ said Tori, pulling off her apron and sitting down.
‘Great!’ Leo smiled broadly. The pair of them sat staring at each other awkwardly for a few moments. Leo broke the silence first. ‘So, how’s Ernie doing?’
