Page 61 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Thanks, Joyce,’ said Jess, throwing down her paintbrush and settling herself in the seat opposite Rose.
‘How’s things, Tori?’ asked Rose. ‘Have you spoken to Leo?’
‘Leo? The hunky fireman?’ said Jess quickly. ‘Have you got your eye on him?’ Tori looked away. ‘Youhave, haven’t you?’ Jess thumped her hand on the table. ‘Why am I always the last to hear the gossip?’
‘Okay, fine,’ replied Tori. ‘There’s nothing going on but—’
‘But you’re madly in love with him and want to have his babies?’ said Jess quickly.
Rose laughed out loud. ‘Sorry, Tori,’ said Rose.
‘Well, the thing is…’ said Tori, taking a deep breath.
Before telling Jess about her encounters with Leo since she’d arrived back in Blossom Heath, Tori explained how she’d bumped into him at the pet superstore, which Rose was yet to hear about. Jess and Rose sat glued to the spot while Tori spilled the beans.
‘So, that’s it.’ As she finished talking, Tori took a huge bite of the cake in front of her.
‘I don’t get it,’ said Jess, looking confused. ‘He’s obviously into you,you’reinto him… so what’s the problem?’
‘Oh, to be twenty-two again,’ said Rose, rolling her eyes.
‘What?’ said Jess.
‘It’s not quite as simple as that, Jess. I’m just not sure I want to date again right now. Let’s just say I’ve got a few trust issues after what happened with Ryan…’
‘Who said anything about dating? I’m talking about—’
‘Weknowwhat you’re talking about,’ said Rose, ‘but I don’t think Tori’s looking for that either – are you?’
‘I mean, I’ve heard worse ideas,’ said Tori, leaning back in her chair. Jess laughed. ‘But Rose is right, I don’t want to complicate things with a one-night stand.’
‘Fair enough,’ said Jess.
‘I still think you should give Leo a chance,’ said Rose. ‘He clearly wants to get to know you and he’s prepared to go slow. I know you’ve got a lot going on right now, what with the café opening and all, but don’t dismiss the idea.’
‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ asked Jess. ‘Thingsdon’t work out and you both move on. You’re overthinking things, Tori.’
Tori pulled at a loose thread on one of the cushions.
‘Maybe you’re right… I’m just not in the right headspace for another knockback after Ryan.’
‘Sod Ryan!’ said Jess. ‘He’s not worth spending another minute thinking about. Seriously, Tori,’ she said, her tone softening, ‘don’t let that idiot screw up your future. Just because he turned out to be a waste of space…’
‘Doesn’t mean thatallmen are. I know, I know… I’ve already heard that speech from Rose,’ Tori said, jerking her thumb towards her friend.
‘What can I say? Rose clearly knows what she’s talking about,’ said Jess, laughing.
‘I’m with Jess. What’s the worst that can happen?’ agreed Rose.
‘Let’s just see how things go, shall we? I’m making no promises. I’ve got enough on my plate right now without worrying about men,’ said Tori.
‘When are the cats arriving?’ asked Rose, taking pity on her friend and changing the subject.
‘Funny you should ask…’ said Tori.
‘Uh-oh, this sounds like I’m about to be roped into something,’ said Rose, screwing up her face.
‘Fancy coming to New Beginnings with me on Saturday to collect them? Grace was going to but she’s on call and I could do with an extra pair of hands,’ said Tori.
