Page 31 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘I can’t see why it wouldn’t, as long as you follow all the advice and rules around cat welfare. You can certainly count on me as a regular customer.’
‘Aren’t you already?’ Tori laughed.
‘Well, yes, but if hanging out with cats is part of the package, I might be having fewer takeaways!’
‘I’ll save you a seat.’
‘Is that the time?’ said Grace, glancing at her watch. ‘I’m going to be late for afternoon surgery! Sorry to rush you out, but if there’s anything you need help with, you know where I am.’
‘Thanks, I’ll take you up on that. Swing by the café when you’re free – we’ve got some new tea blends on the menu.’
‘You realize you’ll never get rid of me in that case.’
‘Well, if all goes to plan, we’re going to need a resident vet,’ laughed Tori. ‘See you soon, and thanks again, Grace, I really appreciate this.’
As Tori walked across the village green back to the café, she felt her phone buzz in her pocket. It was a text from Rose.Dinner at Harper Farm tonight?Tori typed out her reply:Count me in xxBefore she’d had time to put it back in her bag, her phone buzzed with Rose’s reply.Perfect! 8pm, bring a bottle xxTori’s face broke into a smile. She hadn’t seen Jake since she’d been back in the village, and she couldn’t wait to share her travelling adventures with one of her oldest friends. It would also be the first time she’d seen Rose and Jake together asa couple. Two of her closest friends in a relationship – who would have thought? She couldn’t wait to tell Rose about the plans for the cat café and share the news that she might be staying in Blossom Heath after all.
Tori arrived at Harper Farm just before eight. She couldn’t wait to spill the beans about the plans for the tearoom; she justknewthat Rose was going to be as excited as she was.
‘Tori!’ said Jake, opening the front door and pulling her into a bear hug. ‘It’s been ages!’ Jake’s two Border Collies, Tagg and Finn, were jumping up around Tori’s knees, eager to greet her.
‘Jake! It’s been so long! How are you?’ said Tori, standing on tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek.
‘I’m good, it’s great to have you back – Friday nights in the Apple Tree haven’t been the same without you.’
‘I’ve missed you too – it’s good to be home,’ she said, bending down to fuss the two dogs. The front door to Harper Farm opened straight into the large kitchen and Tori spotted Rose, oven gloves on, pulling a huge casserole pot out of the Aga. Scout was sitting at her feet, clearly hoping there were titbits in the offing. ‘Please tell meyouhaven’t cooked dinner?’ said Tori.
‘Now, there’s gratitude for you,’ said Rose, pulling off the oven gloves.
‘Don’t worry,’ said Jake, ‘I’m the resident chef tonight.’
‘Thank God for that,’ said Tori, laughing. ‘The last time Rose cooked for me I nearly ended up at the doctor’s.’
‘Hey! It wasn’t my fault the fish was out of date,’ said Rose, taking the bottle of red wine out of Tori’s outstretched hand and kissing her friend on the cheek.
‘And that’s not something she should have noticed?’ Tori asked Jake. He laughed.
‘I couldn’t possibly say,’ he replied, putting his arms around Rose’s waist and kissing her gently on the neck. ‘Although food does tend to come in two distinct varieties when Rose is cooking. Burnt or frozen.’
‘Hey!’ said Rose, flicking Jake across the back of his legs with a tea towel.
‘Ow!’ said Jake in mock outrage.
‘Don’t be such a meanie, then,’ Rose chuckled as she opened the wine. ‘Large or small?’
‘Large, obviously,’ replied Tori. ‘So how are Blossom Heath’s hottest couple? I’m so excited for the pair of you! I can’t believe you’re official! Kate clearly approves too.’
‘Happy,’ said Jake, raising a glass, ‘very happy. In fact, I propose a toast. To Rose! The best girlfriend a bloke could wish for.’
‘To Rose!’ agreed Tori, clinking her glass against Jake’s. ‘Honestly, Rose, you’ve been a lifesaver in the café while Mum’s been poorly. Have I told you how much I appreciate you?’
‘Once or twice,’ replied Rose, taking a glug of wine, ‘but I’m always happy to hear it. I still can’t believe I made it through the week without breaking anything; I’m definitely not a natural waitress.’
‘Well, there was that near miss with Ted’s full English almost ending up in his lap,’ laughed Tori. ‘Seriously though, Rose, I don’t know what I would have done without you.’
‘Thankfully you don’t have to worry about that,’ replied Rose, raising her glass.
‘Actually, I’ve got some news I want to share—Oh, there’s four places set – is someone joining us?’
