Page 23 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Oh, Mum. I’d never feel like that. I love being back here. You’re stuck with me for a good while yet, okay?’
‘Well, I appreciate you looking after this place while I get back on an even keel,’ said Joyce.
‘It’s the least I can do. You’re always there when I need you and I’m glad I can be the one to look after you for a change.’
‘I’ll put an ad in the local paper to hire a replacement for Cathy. It’s just not practical to think that I can run this place on my own.’
‘There’s no rush – I can pitch in for now. Running this place is definitely a two-person job.’
‘I know we’ve never really talked about it properly, but I’dalways hoped you’d want this place permanently one day,’ said Joyce, looking around the Cosy Cup fondly.
‘I’ve never really given it much thought. It’s one thing to help out now and again but if it’s what I’ll be doingforever…’
‘Well, don’t dismiss the idea. If you want to be involved properly, the Cosy Cup has your name written all over it.’
‘Thanks, Mum, I don’t know why we’ve never really talked about it before. I assumed I’d end up living in London or somewhere, but I’ll definitely give it some proper thought,’ said Tori, taking a huge bite of the chocolate fudge cake sitting on her plate.
Chapter 9
Tori and Rose walked to the Apple Tree together that evening. Their route from Jasmine Cottage was filled with the scent of fragrant blossom trees, the early evening sunshine glinting through in pretty patterns. Tori could almost feel the long, lazy days of summer within reach.
‘So, how are things with you and Jake?’ Tori asked, as she looped her arm through Rose’s.
‘Really good, thanks. I can’t believe how lucky I am really. When I think how things were with Ollie, how wrong we were for each other… I don’t think I realized how unhappy I was until I met Jake. And now? Things couldn’t be more perfect. Oh God, sorry, that’s so tactless of me, what with you and Ryan…’
‘Don’t be daft, I’m happy for you, Rose. It sounds like you went through a lot with Ollie, but you’ve come out the other side. I can’t imagine dating again – the thought fills me with horror.’
‘Don’t say that, I’m starting to get seriously concernedyou’re off men for life. Your perfect someone is out there somewhere…’
‘Well, maybe I’ll find them one day… in theverydistant future.’
‘That’s more like it.’
‘Don’t get your hopes up – I’m thinking a few decades ahead. Maybe when I hit seventy? Then I mightthinkabout dating again.’
‘God, if we’re still dating at that age, you can count me out!’
‘You’ll be married to Jake with about ten grandkids by then,’ Tori laughed. ‘I can see you both now, sitting on the porch up at Harper Farm…’
‘Oh, stop! EvenI’mnot thinking that far ahead,’ Rose said. ‘You need to take the pressure off, stop thinking about dating and just enjoy the moment. Who knows how many gorgeous men we’ll spot in the pub?’
‘Hey! You’re spoken for!’
‘I know! But if I spot any hotties, I’ll send them your way.’
‘Listen, I’ve got something for you,’ said Tori, pulling a package wrapped in shiny gold paper out of her bag.
‘What’s this?’
‘Open it and you’ll see,’ laughed Tori.
Rose pulled at the wrapping paper to reveal a stack of pretty notebooks and pens wrapped with a silver bow.
‘Oh, Tori, they’re gorgeous.’
‘I know how much you love your stationery, and I thought they’d be perfect for journalling.’
‘You know me too well,’ Rose said with a smile.
