Page 24 of Autumn at the Oak Leaf Café
‘So sorry about that,’ Madeline said. ‘I got a bit … flustered. Thanks for taking Hazel.’
‘You’re in demand,’ Ruby said with a grin.
‘What?’
‘Firstly, I didn’t realise that was where Darren worked.’
‘Darren?’
‘Darren Smith, the vet. I mean, I knew he was a vet, but I don’t have any pets, so I’ve never seen him in battle, so to speak. Not that kind. He opens the batting with me for Milton Road.’
Madeline found herself shaking her head again, struggling to process the rolling waves of Ruby’s information.
‘The vet is called Darren, and he plays cricket. And I’m in demand?’
‘He asked where you were. I know he was wearing a mask, but I’ve seen that look when I turn down a run from the non-striker’s end. He was kind of gutted.’
‘The vet….’
‘Yeah. He’s cool, is Darren. A bit old, but you know, in a Dad-like way. He’s all right. I’ll hook you up this Sunday if you like.’
Madeline put up a hand. ‘I’m good.’
‘You’ve fallen back into the whirlpool of your ex?’
‘The … no, I’m … I’m fine.’
‘You know, the reasons you dumped him in the first place will still be there,’ Ruby said. ‘He might have concreted over them, but weeds will grow and all that. Even if he did look knife-sharp in that posh suit. Can you really sell your soul for a Merc?’
‘Can I … weeds … concrete….’ Madeline shook her head and squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. ‘Am I still paying you for this?’
‘Uh-huh.’
‘All right, well, thanks for everything. Get yourself home and I’ll see you tomorrow. Take a couple of bits of pecan pie if you’re hungry.’
Ruby grinned. ‘Boss, you’re the best.’
14
Treatment
‘Doyou think I’m drinking too much wine?’
Jonas laughed. ‘If you top it up before you finish it, it only counts as one glass. I think one glass might be enough, though.’
‘Yeah, me too.’
‘Are you sure you don’t want to tell me what’s wrong, dear? Is it the café?’
Madeline sighed. ‘No, the café’s absolutely fine. I have a cat, and a good part-timer, and the takings are great. Yesterday I had three people tell me they thought my coffees were as good as Angela’s. Not nearly as good, but as good.’
‘But not better?’
‘I think Angela took things to a celestial level.’
‘So you’re doing pretty good, then?’
‘Yeah. It’s just … I need more wine.’
