Page 83 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘No, nothing like that, Mum. But why didn’t you tell me about Violet?’
‘Oh, I didn’t want to worry you, I suppose.’
‘Well, it’s not Violet. I just overstepped the mark with Cora, I think,’ she said sheepishly.
‘You weren’t pestering her about adopting a cat, were you?’
Tori screwed up her face. ‘Well…’
‘Tori! What did I tell you? She comes in here for a cup of tea and a bit of quiet. Not to have you poking into her business—’
‘I know, I know, I’m sorry,’ replied Tori, looking down at her trainers. ‘But you have to admit, itisodd, isn’t it? No one has seen her in the village before and now she’s a regular here. I mean, it does make you wonder, doesn’t it?’
‘The sooner you learn to keep your nose out of other people’s business the better, young lady.’
‘I did try and apologize, but she wasn’t interested.’
‘Well, try again,’ said Joyce, popping some bacon under the grill.
Tori walked back through the kitchen doors, only to find Cora’s table empty, her scone untouched. Tori felt guilty about what had happened.
‘Are you after the lady who was sitting there?’ asked Claire, who was looking her usual glamorous self, her hair just as perfect as you’d expect, drinking a skinny latte and scrolling through her phone.
Tori nodded. ‘Has she gone?’
‘Afraid so. Just upped and left as soon as you’d finished talking.’ Tori’s face fell. ‘What’s wrong? She didn’t leave without paying, did she?’ asked Claire.
‘Oh no, nothing like that,’ replied Tori, twisting the tea towel she was holding. ‘I just wanted to talk to her about something.’
‘I’m in a bit of a hurry myself as well actually, do you mind if I get the bill?’
‘Sure,’ replied Tori. ‘I hope that was okay,’ she continued, pointing towards the latte on the table in front of Claire, which was barely touched.
‘Perfect, thanks. I’ve just remembered I’ve got somewhere I need to be.’
‘I can put it in a takeaway cup if you’d like?’ said Tori, placing the bill on the table.
‘Oh, I don’t want you to go to any trouble, just leave it,’ said Claire, pulling a five-pound note out of her blazer pocket and throwing it down.
‘Honestly, it’s no—’
‘Just leave it, would you?’ Claire snapped. ‘Like I said, I’ve got somewhere I need to be.’ She pulled a large pink holdall out from under the table and put the strap over her shoulder.
What was going on today? Tori had offended two people in less than ten minutes already. At this rate, she’d have no customers left by the end of the week. Just then, the bell to the café chimed to signal the arrival of a new customer, and Tori looked up to see Leo and Lara in the foyer, steppingaside to let Claire out. Lara was waving at her excitedly and Leo grinned as he ran a hand through his hair in a vain attempt to try to tame it.
‘Well, this is a lovely surprise,’ said Tori, as she greeted them. ‘I wasn’t expecting to see you two today.’
‘Tori!’ exclaimed Lara, wrapping her arms around Tori’s waist and hugging her.
‘We’ve not booked,’ said Leo. ‘We’re hoping you can squeeze us in for an early lunch?’
‘There’s always a table available for my favourite customer,’ said Tori, tussling Lara’s hair.
‘I didn’t know I was your favourite customer,’ said Leo with a conspiratorial wink.
‘No, Uncle Leo! She’s talking aboutme!’ said Lara indignantly.
‘You mean,you’reher favourite customer?’ said Leo, pointing at Lara with mock offence.
