Nora, in skin-tight jeans and heels, drags two suitcases behind her across the car park towards her Vauxhall Corsa. With angry movements, she shoves her luggage into the back seat then climbs in and reverses so violently, the wheels throw up a shower of loose gravel. A loud horn blares, disturbing at this early hour. It goes on blaring as if she’s leaning on the steering wheel with both hands all the way as she drives out of the car park, down the drive and through the main gates. I can still hear it when the car is halfway up the hill on the Llancaradoc road.
“I guess she wants to wake us all up,” Alex says, watching her disappear. “A last ‘up yours’ to Kendric House.”
“She’s wasting her energy because no one is asleep this morning,” Llewellyn says, turning away from the window. “Let’s go and have some breakfast.” He suddenly looks five years younger, and much happier.
The cheerful relief on his face makes me realise how grim he’d been all the time since her return. I’m so happy for him that I forget all about my to-do list and agree to breakfast.
“Great idea.” I collect my things. Hopefully, they’ll tell me more when we’re eating.
Chapter Thirty-eight
Great idea. So great, everyone else seems to have had it.
When we walk into the café, we find it full. Meredith and Rhian are on waitress duty. Both are scrubbed and wearing pretty aprons with an orange tree design. As part of the test opening, most of us have also designed uniforms and branded clothing for our helpers.
“Porridge or bacon sarnies. That’s all we’re serving this morning. Leonie’s busy,” Rhian announces, sounding like she’s had lots of practice answering the same question already. “And it’s builders’ tea – take it or leave it.”
“Builders’ tea is perfect.” Llewellyn moves towards the counter and pulls out high stools for me and Alex to join him. “Two bacon sandwiches for me please, and…?” He looks at the two of us.
“Same,” Alex says.
“One for me.” I sit down and take out my wallet so I can pay now to save time.
“Don’t you dare.” Llewellyn pushes my hand away. “Breakfast’s on me.”
“No guesses why you’re so happy.” Alex laughs.
“Nymphet Nora,” the bird suddenly screeches.
A tiny silence spreads throughout. Then the entire café explodes with laughter.
“Everyone.” Alex waves a hand at the large room. “This is your chance to eat at Llewellyn’s expense while he’s in a good mood. He’s super excited because as soon we’re finished with the Easter test run, I’m taking him to meet some pretty and obliging young ladies.”
“Is this a service you’re providing?” Gethin asks, pressing the lever on his wheelchair as if raring to go. “And is it only for Llewellyn or can anyone else join?”
“I can come,” declares Ricky – who can’t be seventeen yet – with a cheeky grin. He’s sitting at a table with Ashe and Amani.
“All of you can join. Or”—Alex makes a big show of coughing and clearing his throat—“all the men.”
“That’s discrimination, that is.” Rhian brings us a large teapot.
Ashe, looking a little upset, suddenly gets up from her table and hurries out.
“She left her phone!” Amani tries to call after her. “She’ll need it if she’s doing the first guided tour.”
I slide off my stool, teacup in one hand. “I’ll take it to her. I’ve a million jobs I still have to finish before we open our gates to the public.”
“Did you have to remind her?” Llewellyn complains to Amani. “We only just managed to get her to sit down.” Then turning to me. “You haven’t even had your bacon sandwich.”
“Not hungry. You have it.” I swallow the last of my tea, grab my lever-arch file and move toward the terrace doors.
“Just make sure you come to the lectures,” Professor Jones calls as I pass him.
“Why?” Ricky pipes up. “Are you worried you’ll have an empty hall? Because lectures aren’t at all boring.” He pretends to stifle a yawn.
“That’s enough out of you.” Amani cuffs him lightly on the side of his face, which he clearly enjoys.
Amani and Ricky are working together on the social media. She not only regained her mojo, she’s also the one who pushed me to trial the Mini Adventures.
