Page 34 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Taking orders would be great,’ said Tori, passing Joyce a notepad and pencil. ‘And Mum?’
‘Yes?’
‘It’s great to have you back, you know,’ said Tori, hugging her tightly.
‘It’s good to be back,’ replied Joyce. ‘Now, let’s get to work, shall we?’
Tori nodded.
Joyce was in her element back at the tearoom. The regulars were happy to see her, and she chatted away to them, taking and delivering orders and catching up on all the gossip she’d been missing out on. Tori stood and watched her for a while.She looked so happy and full of life. Her eyes were brighter, her energy levels restored, and Tori felt truly grateful that she was on the mend.
‘Tori! I didn’t know you were back,’ cried a familiar voice from the other side of the counter.
‘Melissa! Hi!’ said Tori, looking up to see another of her oldest childhood friends standing in front of her with a pram. ‘How are you? And how’s the new arrival?’ she asked, stepping out from behind the counter and peering inside at the sleeping baby.
‘Oh, she’s good. I, on the other hand, am feeling a little ragged around the edges.’
‘A girl? How lovely. What’s her name?’
‘Annabel.’
‘That’s such a pretty name! I’m sorry I’ve not been in touch, I’ve only been home a few weeks and life has been… well, let’s just say, a little crazy.’
‘Oh, don’t worry, I know what it’s like. I’m totally out of the loop, what with this one keeping me up half the night,’ replied Melissa, rubbing her eyes.
‘Caffeine?’
‘I wish, I’m still breastfeeding. Can I grab a fruit tea? Berry if you’ve got it?’ said Melissa, pulling out her purse.
‘Sure, grab a table and I’ll bring it over. If I get five minutes, I’ll join you,’ said Tori, handing over the card machine.
As soon as the tearoom was quieter, Tori made her way over to Melissa’s table and pulled up a chair.
‘She’s still asleep,’ said Melissa in a hushed voice, rocking the pram gently back and forth.
‘How are things? You must be exhausted.’
‘Oh, I am, but she’s totally worth it,’ replied Melissa, her face lighting up. ‘I’m completely in love with her, so’s Harry.’
‘I bet! She’s absolutely gorgeous, Mel, congratulations. I’m so happy for you both.’
‘Thanks, lovely. But how are you? How was travelling? And Ryan? Is he back too?’
‘Ah well, travelling was amazing, thanks. But Ryan… well, we’re not actually together anymore,’ said Tori, dropping her gaze.
‘Oh, Tori, I’m so sorry! Are you okay?’
‘I’m getting there… It’s good to be home and with friends again. It’s helping.’
‘Break-ups suck. If you need to talk, I’m usually up doing feeds most of the night, so ring any time, day or night.’
‘Thanks, Mel.’
‘Who would have thought it, eh? When we started in reception class together, that we’d be still be friends all this time later?’ said Melissa.
‘It’s crazy to think how long we’ve known each other. All those ups and downs…’
‘Like when we both had a crush on Paul Jones; I seriously thought our friendship was doomed.’
