‘Hmm.’ Reeni doesn’t sound convinced. ‘Whatever.’ She’s obviously had enough of my advice and, unlike me, can flip her mood much like Olly does. She leans across the table, reaching for the leaflet Greg brainstormed on.
‘Are you making a list for your parents’ anniversary tea?’
‘No. Greg was trying to think of ideas to save the café.’
‘It’s no busier then? Shit. I know that café on the green is still teeming with people.’
I scowl. If one more person tells me how wonderful that bloody camper van is, I’ll scream.
Reeni runs her finger down Greg’s action plan. ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘I thought I could sort it. But I can’t,’ I say, picking at the thumb cuticle I was biting earlier. ‘I don’t know how much longer I can keep going. If the Camper Café grabs all the limelight and customers, it’ll kill me. I’ll lose my home and the café.’
Reeni glares at me. ‘You should have asked for help. What else am I here for? You’re always there for me.’ She takes another look at the back of the leaflet.
‘What do you think?’
‘Competition sounds like a great idea, and I can help with the social media stuff. I know you hate all that.’
I have one other idea which has been growing like a seedling invading my head, but I’m not sure if it’s stupid.
‘What do you think about me complaining to the council?’ I ask.
‘About the Camper Café? Isn’t that a bit sneaky?’
I pull a face. ‘Maybe it doesn’t have the right permits in place or hasn’t had a recent hygiene inspection. I don’t know. All’s fair in love and war and all that crack.’ I’m uneasy. If Reeni doesn’t think it’s a good idea, maybe I should shelve it.
‘Why don’t you go and talk to them instead? Lay it on a bit thick about the business being in trouble,’ she says. ‘They could move to the other side of the village. There are no cafés over there to disrupt.’
‘I might see him.’ A cold chill does a whistle-stop tour through my torso.
‘Would that be such a bad thing?’ Reeni gives a frustrated sigh. ‘It might actually be what you need. I don’t think you’ve ever got close to anyone you’ve dated. And lately you don’t even do dates. Just booty calls.’ Her perfect dark eyebrows arch to emphasise her point.
‘I can’t risk bumping into Jackson.’ His name catches at the back of my throat. Why the hell did he have to come back?
Something grabs Reeni’s attention and she looks towards the coast road. I follow her gaze and smile.
‘You always light up when Milo’s around.’
I pull a face. ‘He’s Jackson’s brother,’ I say pointedly. ‘He’s just a mate.’
‘If you say so.’
‘I came to see one beautiful woman and find two,’ says Milo, sauntering over.
‘Ha. Ha.’ I roll my eyes, cartoon style.
‘Too much?’ he says with a cheeky grin.
‘No way,’ says Reeni. ‘I’m up for anyone calling me beautiful.’
‘Enough, you two. Did you want me?’ I ask Milo.
‘I came to invite you over for drinks.’
I frown, not sure what he’s asking.
‘On the green …’
