Page 40 of A Kiss under the Stars
‘But you’re tempted, aren’t you?’
Her aunt’s eyes light up mischievously. ‘I suppose I am.’
‘It could be just what you need, you know,’ says Dorothy. ‘Anew pup to run you ragged.’
‘Well, maybe. We’ll see. I just feel terrible that I didn’tphone you before I left for the Lake District.’ Josie shakes her head. ‘It’s myage, I think. I’m getting a bit forgetful. My brain isn’t as sharp as it usedto be.’
Dorothy snorts. ‘Your brain at eighty-two is as sharp asmost people’s atforty-two, so don’t give me that!’
We all laugh and Dorothy asks her aunt if she’d like anothercup of tea.
‘You could probably do with some hot water for that pot.’ Ismile at them. ‘Why don’t you both sit down and enjoy the sunshine and I’llbring some out?’
Dorothy beams at me. ‘Thank you, Lottie.’ She reaches for myhand and gives it a tight squeeze. ‘Thank you for everything.’
I’m in the café, filling a jug with hot water and thinkingabout how everything’s turned out so well, when a voice behind me says, ‘Youlook happy.’
I spin round and Liam is standing there.
‘Oh, hi! Yes, I just helped reunite a lovely woman and heramazing aunt, and I suppose I’m feeling quite pleased with myself.’ My heart isracing, seeing Liam again. I wasn’t sure he’d come today, but I was reallyhoping he would...
He nods, glancing out of the window curiously. ‘Is that whoyou were talking to out in the garden?’
‘Yup. Dorothy’s aunt went missing for nearly a week and shewas really worried, thinking something terrible might have happened to her. Butit’s all ended happily, thank goodness.’
‘That’s good. That’s really good.’
We exchange a meaningful glance, and I know he’s alsothinking about Dylan. My heart gives a lurch of despair. Dorothy has her AuntieJosie back, but will I ever getmyhappy ending?
‘Did you make all of this yourself?’ he asks, his eyes sweepingadmiringly over the goodies in the display case and thecroquemboucheonthe counter, which has decreased in height considerably, thanks to itspopularity with customers!
‘Oh, no. I had plenty of help. So what can I get you?’
‘Do I get personal service?’ He flashes a mischievous smileat me and I feel my knees turn to cottonwool.
‘Of course.’ I hold up the jug. ‘I’ll just deliver this,then I’ll be back.’
My heart is beating fast as I hurry out to Dorothy and Josiein the garden, thinking someone else might serve Liam before I can get back tohim.
After almost colliding with a tree in my haste, however, Igive myself a firm talking to.
Calm down! Men are off the menu, remember?
But still, I can’t help the smile that spreads across my facewhen I go back in to find Liam standing to the side of the counter, clearlywaiting for me to return.
We exchange a warm smile.
‘So... what can I get you?’
‘Well, I’m tempted to say I’ll have one of everything butthat might be just a touch greedy. Just one of those delicious-lookingchocolate globe things, please.’
‘It’s all for a good cause,’ says a voice and when we turn,there’s Maddy, hobbling in on a pair of crutches.
‘Hi! You should be at home with your foot up,’ I point out, nippingbehind the counter to serve Liam’s cake.
‘And miss all of this? I don’t think so. But I won’t beserving for once. I just came in to see everyone.’
Ellie appears at that moment with another batch of thechocolate globes, and with the news that Fen had a scare and Rob took her tohospital.
