Addie shook her head. ‘You can, and you will.’
19
ADDIE
‘You’ve definitely taken on the role as the bossiest,’ said Susanna, as Addie slipped her arm into her sister’s to lead her inside the Sweet Life Café. With her other arm, she opened the door.
The familiarity hit the second they stepped onto the classic black and white tiles that she remembered so well. The same turquoise upholstery and chrome fixtures and fittings spiralled her back in time, as did the booths she’d sat in more times than she could remember, the menu board behind the counter with that day’s specials, and the sweet aroma.
‘Well I never, if it isn’t the Rafferty girls,’ came a voice.
Addie turned and felt an overwhelming emotion when she saw Nancy. She hadn’t thought about the woman in years, but right now it felt like her past was reaching out with both hands.
Nancy hugged them both. ‘It’s good to see you back on the island.’
Addie heard Susanna say, ‘It’s good to be here.’ The comment earned her a sideways glance.
Nancy hadn’t changed much at all, apart from shorter hair in a bob level with her chin, grey rather than black. She was still confident and just as bubbly as she’d always been.
Nancy lowered her voice. ‘I know Gayle got you here on false pretences, but she really was quite desperate.’
‘We’re working things through,’ said Addie diplomatically. It was the best explanation she could give to the woman who was likely the closest thing to family Gayle had had for years.
Nancy reached out and squeezed her arm. ‘I’m glad, for all of you.’
‘Is she here?’ Susanna asked.
‘No, she nipped home for a break.’
‘We must have just missed her,’ said Addie.
‘She’ll be glad you came in. And you’ll stay for the party?’
‘You mean living funeral,’ Susanna corrected.
Nancy smiled. ‘That is what she’s planned, but I like the word party instead. Whatever it’s called, I’m glad you’re here for it.’ Nancy pushed her pencil into the wire loops of her small notepad.
‘I see you’ve still got the cute notepads for taking our orders,’ said Addie with a grin.
‘You should’ve heard your aunt Gayle when a customer suggested we start using those QR things and let people order at the table.’
Susanna began to laugh. ‘I bet she was horrified.’
‘That’s an understatement!’ She waved the little notepad. ‘Personally, I love the old-fashioned method.’
‘Me too.’ Addie told her. ‘So, the living funeral…’
‘Time and place all on the invite,’ said Nancy, ‘but we could always use some extra help setting up on the day, if you’re amenable to that.’
‘We can come early to help,’ Addie agreed, earning a slight nod from Susanna.
‘I assume you’re closing the café for customers,’ said Susanna.
‘We will, but to be honest a lot of the customers are guests. We’ll shift all the moveable tables to the middle of the room in a long line, and move chairs to the edges for those who want to sit down. Then the tables will hold the puddings. And there are a lot of them. Gayle wants everyone’s tastes catered for. She wants to see everyone tuck into the food and mingle, chat and have a really good time.’ Her eyes danced as she added, ‘Now, what’s it to be?’
‘Excuse me?’ Addie asked.
‘Puddings, of course!’
