Page 17 of A Second Chance in Seabury
‘I understand,’ said Lionel, ‘and normally it would be a lovely gesture. But our Bee Daddy supplies us with honey for the Pebble Street Pudding, and for that, the man eats for free, and so do his guests. It’s on the house.’
‘At least let me pay for my own meal,’ said Hannah, fidgeting uncomfortably.
‘Not a chance,’ said Lionel, crossing his arms and fixing her with a stern look.
‘But… I…’ Hannah met Lionel’s gaze and noted the hint of steel behind the kind smile. Okay, there was clearly no point in arguing. ‘Well, thank you. That’s really kind of you.’
‘It’s my absolute pleasure,’ said Lionel. ‘I hope you enjoy every bite.’
‘I’m sure I will,’ said Hannah. ‘The only question is, what am I going to do for Jason for his birthday? How about I pay Hattie to bake a special cake?’
Lionel shook his head again. ‘You can’t go stealing young Sarah’s thunder. There’s already a three-tiered chocolate masterpiece worthy of a Parisian pastry chef in the kitchen.’
‘Oh wow!’ said Hannah, her eyes going wide.
‘Did you know she only came home to celebrate his birthday?’ said Lionel with a fond smile.
Hannah raised an eyebrow. ‘She told me earlier that she’s on holiday from college for a few days.’
‘Mmm,’ Lionel didn’t look convinced. ‘She’s been telling anyone who’ll listen that she wanted to see Mike and Kate, but I think we all know it’s really Jason she was missing.’
‘Are those two an item, then?’ said Hannah curiously. They’d certainly seemed friendly earlier… though she’d been getting more best-friend vibes than anything else. Then again, what did she know about anything like that?!
‘I don’t actually know,’ said Lionel, cocking his head. ‘The pair of them were practically inseparable before Sarah went off to college, and they visit each other whenever they can. As for anything romantic… I have no clue.’
‘That in itself is an impressive feat in this town!’ laughed Hannah.
‘You’re telling me!’ chuckled Lionel. ‘In reality, I don’t think they really know, either. Mind you, they’re both so young and there’s no rush, is there?!’
‘You’re right,’ said Hanna. If nothing else, it would certainly give her something to watch with interest over the meal later! ‘Hey, Lionel… can I ask you one more thing?’
‘Of course!’ he said, leaning in, looking intrigued.
‘I didn’t really bring anything suitable to wear to a fancy night out, and?—’
‘You’re perfect just as you are,’ tutted Lionel.
‘Well, thank you. But still, I’d like to tidy myself up a bit. It’s only polite.’
Hannah paused. Polite? Was that really the reason? Or did it have more to do with that unexpected glimpse of toned stomach she’d caught earlier when Mr Eaves… David… Bee Daddy… had been pelting around her garden? She shook her head, doing her best to dislodge the mouth-watering image. No, it definitely had nothing to do with that!
‘Earth to Hannah?’ said Lionel, looking amused.
‘Sorry, sorry…’ Hannah cleared her throat, suddenly grateful that Lionel wasn’t a mind reader. ‘I was just wondering if there’s anywhere in town I might be able to get something nicer to wear?’
‘You could try All Things Woolly?’ said Lionel.
‘The wool shop?’ laughed Hannah. ‘I’m afraid I don’t have the fairy-princess skills to knit myself a dress by this evening!’
‘Youmight not, but Ewan Pepper does,’ he said, his face serious. ‘That place sells more than just wool, you know. That boy has been filling every spare inch of the shop with all sorts of glorious things in between working on his big commissions. You never know… you might just find something that makes you feel like a fairy princess!’
‘Well, that would certainly take a miracle!’ chuckled Hannah. ‘I’ll take a look. I wanted to go in there and pick up a crochet hook and some wool anyway. I need something to do in the evenings other than staring at my laptop!’
Even as she said it, Hannah didn’t hold out much hope. Somehow, she couldn’t imagine turning up wearing a hand-knit dress.
‘Thanks so much, Lionel,’ she said. ‘I’ll see you later.’
‘Looking forward to it,’ he said with a little nod. ‘And… can I just say… Millie would be thrilled.’
