Page 18 of A Fresh Start at Bramble Cottage
Debbie’s cheeks were pink. No, she was probably too shy to mingle at the school gates.
Vicky hesitated briefly. “Look, I’d offer to go and fetch her for you, but she doesn’t know me. Why don’t I mind the café for a while instead, while you go?I worked in a café while I was at uni, so I know the ropes.”
Debbie’s soft brown eyes opened wide. “You could? I’d pay you, of course...”
“Oh, no — think of it as for old friendship’s sake.”
“Well, if you’re sure — it would be an enormous help.”
Vicky rose to her feet and picked up her empty plate and mug. “Just show me where everything is.”
Debbie’s shoulders relaxed as she led the way behind the counter. “It’s really very simple. Have you ever used one of these barista coffee machines?”
“One very similar.”
“And the till. All the prices are on it — it’s quite self-explanatory really. The hot drinks are all under this button, this is for cold drinks. The cakes are here...”
The door opened and a family piled in — a mum and dad, grandmother and three children.
Vicky laughed. “Ah — my first customers!”
Chapter Four
The café was busy, but Vicky was enjoying herself — she had always enjoyed working in the little place near her digs when she had been at university. Though the view here was definitely a bonus — and so were the happy customers enjoying their holidays.
She served up every variety of coffee, served tea in pretty china teapots with matching cups and saucers, home-made scones with Devonshire cream, slices of cake, pasties, bacon baps and triangles of quiche and pizza.
She was clearing a couple of tables when Debbie returned, a little mini-me at her side — the same soft brown curls, the same wide eyes and shy gaze.
“Are you okay?” Debbie asked. “How’s it gone?”
“Absolutely fine — it’s been fun. We’re nearly out of the coffee-and-walnut cake — it’s very popular.”
“There’s another one in the pantry — I’ll fetch it. Amy, say hello to Auntie Vicky.”
“Hello.” A shy voice, a small hand gripping her mother’s sleeve.
“Hello, Amy.” Vicky smiled warmly. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Now pop up and change out of your school uniform, then you can bring your colouring book down and sit at one of the tables.”
The little girl nodded solemnly and scampered through the door that led to the family’s apartment upstairs.
“I’ll fetch the cake.”
More customers had come in, the children excited by the selection of iced cupcakes. Vicky was pouring an espresso when the door opened again. She glanced around — and almost spilled the hot coffee on her hand.
With the light behind him she couldn’t be sure at first, but as he strolled into the café she felt an odd little tingle scud down her spine.Tom.Quickly she turned her attention back to serving up the coffees, before she felt able to turn to him, a bright smile fixed in place.
“Hello.” He raised one dark eyebrow in sardonic question. “Got a new job already?”
“I’m just helping out.”
“That’s very kind of you.” Something in his tone lacked sincerity. But she wasn’t going to get into another brangle with him.
Debbie bustled through from the kitchen with the cake. “Hello, Tom. Your usual?”
“Yes, please. Make it a very special one for Bill.” He winked at her. “You know how he loves your pasties.”
