Chapter63
As Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby’s silky tones began to flood down across Ferry Lane Market, stallholders, customers and locals alike looked around wondering where the music was coming from. The two old crooners sang together, dreaming of a white Christmas. And then, right on cue, there was snow! Lots of magical white flakes were pouring from a large snow machine behind the back of Tasty Pasties, and for those who didn’t realise, it really did look like the real, wondrous thing. Skye and Tegan rushed out of their respective shops and hugged in the street. The Christmas lights twinkled, and the excited chatter of intrigued folk filled the air.
As Kara locked up her unit, she spotted Star walking towards her, arm in arm with a familiar-looking man.
‘Is it really you, Jack?’
‘Hello, Kara.’ He kissed her on both cheeks.
‘It’s a long story,’ Star told her, ‘but this one does have a happy ending, at last. Now come on, let’s go up and see what’s happening. We don’t want to miss the grand unveiling.’
A grinning Billy appeared and, at the sight of Jack, made a quizzical face at his girl. ‘I’ve no idea what’s going on yet, but Star looks happy so that’s what matters,’ Kara breathed in his ear.
When a small crowd had gathered, Conor and Darren appeared at the door of Tasty Pasties.
‘What the bloody hell is going on?’ Pat Dillon queried to Charlie who shrugged his massive shoulders.
In silence Conor and Darren looked at each other, then counted down from three. When they pulled away the red blanketing that had been shielding the old Tasty Pasties sign, a collective gasp went around the captivated audience. There, replacing the familiar depiction of a Cornish pasty, was a beautifully hand-painted image of a Burlesque dancer, with a pink neon sign to match Frank’s saying simply MONIQUE’S.
Conor nodded for Darren to turn the music off. He then picked up a handheld microphone from the top of the speaker.
‘Welcome, everyone, to Monique’s. When I arrived in Hartmouth just under three months ago, I was jobless, a little bit sad and not sure where my life was heading. But I’m a prime example of how fate can turn on a sixpence. I found a job and a great friend in Billy on the ferry, despite my seasickness.’ A hum of laughter went round the crowd. ‘And I also found a beautiful girl, who I am now proud to call my friend.’ He smiled at Star, not even flinching at the sight of Jack who, on this comment, gripped her hand territorially. ‘I’m proud to say that my son Niall is here with me for the Christmas holidays and made a fine Pierre on his bicycle, delivering the leaflets, I hope you can agree.’ The gawky, metal-mouthed teenager stood by the side of his dad and smiled awkwardly.
‘So, back to Monique’s,’ Conor continued. ‘I’ve always had my finger in many pies—’
‘Oi, oi!’ Charlie Dillon shouted.
‘Stop that!’ Pat Dillon swiped him on the arm.
The crowd laughed again.
‘But this new venture is not going to be one of them.’ Helooked towards Star, whose brow furrowed slightly. ‘As I said, my time down in this beautiful town of yours has been amazing, but in January I shall be moving on again.’ Billy did a thumbs-up as the Irishman caught his eye, while beside him Kara was feeling slightly aggrieved that her partner had not told her this news. Conor then looked over to Star, who was wearing a strained smile.
‘Please don’t worry, the pasties will always be on the menu, and of course, ourvery ownMrs Harris will remain at her post.’
At the mention of her name, the plump assistant appeared in the doorway wearing a new Monique’s pinny and, smiling broadly, she waved at them all as if she was the queen.
‘I mean, we had to keep her on,’ Conor confided to them all in a stage whisper, ‘as she does have the secret pasty recipe and Philip Gilmour is now locked away somewhere safe, screaming to get out and claiming that we have stolen it. Anyway, my friends, I must stop gabbling and give you the facts. Big Frank has bought the place, and will be bringing in somebody to manage it. The only French thing about it is Monique’s name because she is so lovely, and of course the odd croissant or two will be served. Market stallholders, you will no longer have to go all the way down the hill to get your coffees now.’ There was a hurrah from the crowd. ‘Monique’s will be offering takeaway food similar to Frank’s and there are a few more eat-in seats too.’
At that moment, all six feet four of Big Frank appeared in the doorway with a huge tray balanced in his hands, full of hot pasties on one side and warmed mince pies on the other. Monique, wearing her trademark bright red lipstick, was right behind him with a tray of mulled wine, teas and coffees, which Conor swiftly took off her and placed on oneof the outside tables that had been set up next to the snow machine.
‘Do help yourselves, all. We are open tomorrow for Christmas Eve drinks, pasties and mince pies, and then will be fully up and running from the start of the new year.’
With Kara now deep in conversation with Jack, Star went to get a mulled wine for him and a cup of tea for herself.
‘I hope it’s not down to me that you’re going, Conor. I thought we were good?’ She let out a funny little nervous laugh. Pulling his big shoulders back and swallowing down the lump in his throat, the handsome Irishman put his hand gently under her chin and lifted it.
‘You, my lovely girl, worry too much.’ He nodded in the direction of Jack, who was still chatting away to Kara. ‘I take it that’s him?’
‘Yes. That’s Jack.’
‘Make sure he treats you right, OK? One false move and I’ll be back to make pastry out of him.’
Star laughed. ‘Well, you always said you were here for a porpoise.’
‘You loved that one.’
‘I did.’ She bit her lip. ‘Where are you going, anyway?’
