Page 37 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Thanks, Claire, I appreciate that.’
‘So, this ex of yours, were you together long?’
‘Just over four years.’
‘Do you think you’ll get back together? I mean, maybe this is just a bump in the road?’
‘I doubt it; I’ve not even heard from him since I’ve been back.’ Was Tori imagining it, or did Claire’s face fall a little at this news? She shook her head; don’t be silly, she doesn’t even know Ryan.
‘Well, never say never.’ Claire began running her fingers through Tori’s wet hair, checking the cut was even and snipping away any stray hairs that were out of place. ‘That’s looking great.’ While Claire was working, Tori chatted away happily to her, talking more about her plans for the café, and Claire filled her in on all the improvements she’d made to the salon since she took over.
After Claire had worked her magic with the blow-dry, Tori looked at her reflection in the mirror.
‘Wow, Claire, this looks amazing, you’ve done a great job. Honestly, this is just what I needed.’
‘It’s my absolute pleasure – I’m so glad you love it!’
‘I do!’
‘Joyce paid in advance so you’re all set, but pop on over to the counter and I’ll give you one of our loyalty cards.’ Claire’s patent heels click-clacked on the smooth black and white tiled floor as she walked towards the reception desk and Tori couldn’t help but wonder how she managed to stay upright in those shoes, let alone stand in them all day; the heels must be at least five inches.
‘Your shoes are gorgeous,’ said Tori, ‘but how on earth do you manage to stay on your feet all day?’
‘Oh, these?’ she said, standing on one foot and pointing the other out towards Tori. ‘They’re Christian Louboutins. Cost me an absolute fortune but totally worth the sore feet. Do you like them?’
‘They’re stunning but I’m more of a Converse kind of girl,’ said Tori, flashing her blue and white Converse trainers in Claire’s direction.
‘Right, I’ve stamped your loyalty card for you. If you get six stamps you get twenty per cent off your next cut and blow-dry.’
‘Thanks.’
Just as Tori was about to turn and leave, Claire added, ‘Oh, I meant to ask. Did I spot you having coffee with that new fireman? Oh, what’s his name? Lee? Lance?’
‘Do you mean Leo?’
‘Oh yes, I think that’s the one. Know him well?’
‘No, not really. He rescued my cat, Ernie, when he got stuck up that tree,’ said Tori, pointing at the offending sycamore through the window.
‘Oh, I see,’ said Claire. Was it Tori’s imagination or did her shoulders seem to relax a little? ‘Listen, Tori, why don’t we grab lunch soon? You can tell me more about your plan for the cat café.’
‘Sure, that would be great.’
‘How about the twenty-eighth at the Apple Tree? One o’clock? It’s on me.’
‘I’m pretty sure that should work but I’ll just need to check that Mum’s okay to manage on her own.’
‘Of course, well, my number’s on the card. Great to meet you properly.’
‘You too,’ said Tori.
As she walked away from the salon, Tori stopped to admire her shiny new haircut in the window. Claire really had done a great job; she barely recognized herself and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so buoyed when she’d looked at her reflection. Things really did feel like they were starting to turn around. Her mum was on the mend, she had big plans for the Cosy Cup, a glossy new haircut, and she was finally starting to feel happy to be back in Blossom Heath. Ryan or no Ryan.
Chapter 13
Tori spent most of Sunday afternoon sitting in the Cosy Cup glued to her laptop, making plans for the cat café in her notebook. She’d already submitted the relevant paperwork to the council, and she didn’t want to lose momentum while she was waiting for permission to be granted. Grace had messaged her earlier in the week with links to websites that would help her understand all the animal welfare regulations. Tori had listed all the things she’d need to think about and what adjustments would need to be made to the Cosy Cup to make it cat-friendly. She had everything on a spreadsheet and her business plan was well under way. By the time she got home that evening, her mind was swimming with ideas and she was feeling more than a little overwhelmed with the enormity of the task she was undertaking.
‘Earth to Tori?’ said Joyce, clicking her fingers from across the dinner table.
