Page 46 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Well, I hardly think—’ said Violet.
‘Weallknow that, dear,’ said Jean Hargreaves, her steely tone silencing Violet. ‘I think Tori should be applauded for her tenacity. We need more of our youngsters to stay in the village, instead of having to move away to find work. I say the more diverse businesses we have in Blossom Heath, the better!’
‘Well said!’ shouted Beth, applauding.
‘Hear, hear!’ agreed Maggie, joining in.
Before Tori knew it, the entire hall was nodding in approval and clapping. She couldn’t quite believe it – had she really won the village over? The expression of shock on Violet’s face was priceless, she was almost the shade of purple her name suggested.
‘Sorry to throw you under the bus there, Jake, love,’ whispered Joyce. ‘I promise I was going to ask you about installing the bike racks, but I got a bit caught up in the heat of the moment.’
‘It’s no problem, Joyce. I’ll be over first thing in the morning to take a look.’
‘I don’t think it’s a big job,’ said Joyce.
‘I’m on it,’ said Jake, grinning back at her.
Tori turned to see Leo, a smile plastered across his face.
‘Well, I’d say that went pretty well, wouldn’t you?’ he said. Tori had to admit it – he was right.
Chapter 17
Tori was still waiting for a response to her plans from the council, and running to check the post when she heard the daily thud of letters hitting the doormat had become somewhat of a ritual.
‘Morning, Mum,’ said Tori, rushing into the kitchen to grab a glass of juice.
‘Before you ask, no, there hasn’t been any post yet,’ replied Joyce.
‘Am I that predictable?’
‘Afraid so, love. Just be patient, I’m sure it won’t be too much longer.’
‘I just don’t know why it has to take so long,’ she said, pulling her hair back into a ponytail.
‘It’s just how it is and worrying isn’t going to make it turn up any faster.’
‘I know. It’s hard not to think about it, though. What if our application gets turned down? What are we going to do then, after all the work we’ve done?’
‘Like I said, worrying isn’t going to make a blind bit of difference – you just have to be more patient. I’m sure everything will be fine. You know what these council offices can be like.’
‘I’ll try.’
‘Well, you’re having lunch with Claire today, aren’t you?’ Tori nodded, gulping her juice. ‘That’ll keep you occupied. It’ll be nice for you to make some more friends now you’re home.’
‘Yeah, I know. She seems nice. I probably won’t get to see much of Melissa and Harriet now they’ve got kids.’
‘Oh, Claire’s lovely. I’ve been going to her since she took over the salon last year. Always got a smile on her face. She’s not a gossip either. She must hear half the village’s secrets but she’s not one to repeat things.’
‘Ooh, you’re right – they say people tell their hairdresser secrets they don’t tell anyone else. Justthinkof what she must know… I wonder if she’s got any dirt on Violet?’
‘Don’t go asking!’
‘Why not?’
‘You don’t want to put her in an awkward position.’
‘But she might know something that could be useful in case Violet kicks off again—’
