Cleo recoiled. ‘What’s wrong with them?’
‘They’re baby hedgehogs. There’s nothing wrong with them,’ she said, feeling defensive towards her charges.
‘Oh. I thought it was a mouse with some awful disease with those spikes on its head.’ She leaned over for a better look. ‘Aww, they’re sort of cute, in a weird way.’
A noise drew Regan’s attention. ‘Elvis.’ Her voice was stern as Elvis pawed at the window. He stopped, blinked his hairy eyebrows at her and returned to licking his lips obsessively. ‘This parenting lark is hard work,’ said Regan, yawning and flopping back in the seat.
‘Parenting?’ Cleo was giving her a comical stare.
‘It’s like parenting, but because it’s with animals it’s probably harder.’ Cleo’s expression didn’t change. ‘Anyway, what are you doing here?’
‘Ah. Well …’ Cleo’s cheeks coloured up.
Penny came out carrying drinks, neatly sidestepped Elvis, placed the drinks on the table and kissed Cleo firmly on the lips. Cleo froze and Penny sat down between them.
A smile spread across Regan’s face. ‘Sothat’swhat you’re doing here.’
‘Oh, sorry. Had you not told her?’ said Penny. She was back to her usual effervescent self and it suited her.
Cleo shook her head. ‘Not officially.’ She reached for Penny’s hand. ‘We’re dating,’ she said proudly.
‘Brilliant. I’m thrilled for both of you.’ Regan gave them both a hug, being careful not to nudge the hedgehog crate.
Elvis flopped his head impatiently onto the table, making the drinks wobble precariously and jolting the hoglets awake. Immediately they began screeching. ‘He’s jealous,’ said Regan, picking up his milk and dribbling it into his mouth. He soon gulped it down and settled under the table.
‘While I feed these two, you can tell me what your plans are now Mr Hughes is selling up.’ Regan was overheating so she unzipped her hoodie.
‘Blimey, I thought you were going to breastfeed them for a moment,’ said Penny. Regan glanced skywards and carried on. She got out a jar of formula she’d got ready earlier and a syringe and starting feeding the babies. She was pleased to see Virginia latching on quickly and guzzling away – she was obviously feeling better.
‘Good morning,’ said a smartly dressed man. Penny nearly toppled over backwards in her haste to stand up.
‘Mr Hughes. I was just taking a quick break. I’ll get back to work …’
He waved Penny’s words away. ‘It’s fine. You can do whatever you like now it’s yours,’ he said. ‘I called by to say I’ve—’
‘Hang on,’ said Penny, waving her hands in front of Mr Hughes. ‘What did you say?’
Cleo cleared her throat. Regan whipped out anothersyringe in an attempt to shut up Trevor, who was still squealing to be fed. She didn’t want to miss the drama unfolding around her.
‘I was going to say something tonight, over dinner …’ said Cleo, her voice all wobbly. ‘I bought the café … for you.’ She looked glassy-eyed. Regan felt quite emotional witnessing it.
Penny was frowning hard. ‘You bought the Hug In A Mug?’
‘Yes, I did.’ Cleo was grinning.
‘So now I work for you?’ Penny was shaking her head and her smile was long gone.
‘No, it’s yours. It’ll all be in your name,’ said Cleo.
‘She drives a hard bargain,’ chipped in Mr Hughes.
‘I can’t accept this. It’s like you’re trying to buy me.’ Penny waved her arm perilously close to Trevor, making Regan inch her chair back.
Cleo was shaking her head and Mr Hughes joined in, most likely sensing his quick sale was about to crumble. ‘It’s just a gift,’ said Cleo, still forcing a smile.
‘You buy people flowers and chocolates, Cleo, not a sodding café.’ Penny looked around as if she was assessing her best escape route. ‘I need to get back to work. Is that okay?’ She stared at Cleo.
Cleo dropped her gaze and fiddled with the hair band on her wrist. ‘Of course.’ Regan felt for Cleo – she had seemed so happy a few moments ago; they both had. She hoped they could sort this out.
