‘Isn’t it just,’ the assistant replied with a smile. ‘Are you visiting for the day or staying on the island?’
‘An unplanned day trip but leaving in the early hours. I can’t wait to explore.’
The girl smiled. ‘First time on the island?’
‘It is.’
‘I can guarantee it won’t be your last. You’ve made a good choice of book, it’s actually one of my all-time favourites.’ The assistant wrapped the book in old-fashioned brown paper, tied it with parcel string and placed a pink sticker in the top right-hand corner.
Verity read the message on the sticker aloud. ‘“With love from The Story Shop.” And a picture of a puffin, too.’
‘Just a small personal touch.’ The assistant smiled again as she rang up the sale.
Verity smiled too as she handed over the cash.
‘I’m a local, so if there’s anything you need to know about the island, just pop back. I’m always here, writing away and selling books, the best of both worlds.’
‘Writing? Are you an author?’ Verity asked in awe. She’d never met a real-life author before.
The assistant extended her hand. ‘Amelia Brown. A name to remember. One day, I hope my name will be on a front cover standing proudly on one of those shelves.’ She held up her hand and crossed her fingers.
‘I’ll have to come back to buy a copy,’ confirmed Verity, taking the parcel from Amelia.
‘I’ll hold you to that,’ replied Amelia with a smile. ‘And what do you do?’
‘I’m Verity Callaway, not a writer, just a relationship escapee – though a happy escapee. Anyway, I’ve upped sticks, thrown caution to the wind and left my job as a veterinary assistant in order to roam the world in my travelling van for the next six months.’
Amelia raised her eyebrows. ‘Woah! How exciting! Six months of travelling. I take it the relationship didn’t end well? You don’t need to answer that, but I do need a villain’s name for my book, so…’
They both laughed.
‘Don’t tempt me!’ said Verity.
‘And this travelling van of yours has brought you to Puffin Island?’
‘Yes, I left this morning from Newcastle upon Tyne. My first stop was meant to be Amsterdam, but my plans took a slight detour so here I am on Puffin Island. The ferry trip wasn’t kind to me.’ She shuddered.
‘Sea sickness?’
‘The worst ever. I’m beginning to wonder how I’ll manage to get to Amsterdam.’
‘Bands, you need travel bands. They sell them on the counter at the Nautical Nook, the gift shop, and at the Cosy Kettle, the tea hut at the cove. They might be a placebo but…’
‘Anything’s worth a try.’
‘Exactly and if you do decide to stay around tonight and want some company, you’ll find me in The Olde Ship Inn. Wannabe writer by day, barmaid by night.’
‘I might just do that.’ Verity gave her a smile and wondered if there was a possibility she might bump into Sam as well. She hoped so.
ChapterFour
Situated at the end of the cobbled lane, just metres from the path that led to the bay, was Betty Rose’s Tearoom. The pink thatched cottage was everything a tearoom should be, as well as boasting breathtaking sea views. It looked even more magical than the online images, with its pastel triangular bunting hanging across its front. Outside, the tables draped with floral tablecloths were all occupied, the whole place full of life. Verity was glad she’d booked and couldn’t wait to sample the delights. Opening the wooden gate, she made her way down the path. As she opened the door, the old-fashioned bell above her head tinkled and Verity was enveloped by the mouth-watering aromas floating all around her.
The inside was just as vintage as the outside. Homemade pastries on the open counter lined the way to glass-domed cake stands filled with the most scrumptious-looking cakes Verity had ever set eyes on. Antique dressers lined the wall, displaying vintage teacups and teapots, and behind the counter was a chalkboard with today’s specials. The whole room was packed to the rafters and Verity suspected this place was the heart of the community.
‘Welcome to The Café by the Coast.’ The girl behind the counter smoothed down her white pinny as she hurried over. Verity recognised her straightaway from the pictures on the internet. It was Clemmie, Betty Rose’s granddaughter.
‘You must be the girl in the travelling van booked in for a cream tea at three o’clock.’
