‘Tea or coffee, Sarah?’ Hattie called from behind the counter.
‘Just a tap water, please.’ Sarah didn’t want to drag out the meeting with Kate longer than necessary. It felt weird seeing her out of context.
Kate sat down and stuffed the magazine into her bag. She caught Sarah looking and laughed. ‘Don’t tell Bob. Those gossip magazines are my guilty pleasure. He thinks I’m becoming more cultured now I’m in my thirties, but I love seeing what all those celebs are getting up to. I’ve almost finished it, so I can leave it with you if you fancy a read?’
‘Go on then,’ said Sarah with a smile.
‘Right. So how’s it going here? I expected to find you behind the counter.’
‘Yeah, it turned out I was more suited to working in the kitchen,’ said Sarah. She’d never admit to Hattie how much she enjoyed working with Fran. She still believed Hattie had hired her under false pretenses.
‘So, are you helping with the cooking? Those cakes look delicious.’
‘Have one on the house,’ said Hattie, bringing over Sarah’s water.
‘Ooh, are you sure?’
‘Of course, Sarah works so hard she deserves a few perks for her friends.’
‘Thanks, that’s very kind. I’ll have a slice of coffee cake, please.’
‘Coming right up.’
Hattie moved back to the counter, and Kate turned to Sarah. ‘So are you the cake chef?’
‘No, I do the washing up.’
‘Not true,’ said Hattie, reappearing with a chunk of coffee cake. ‘Sarah’s turning into quite the chef. She’s a dab hand at scones and quiches, and I’m sure Fran will add to her repertoire in no time.’ Hattie beamed at Sarah. Sarah gave a tight smile. She wished Hattie would leave them in peace. She hated people complimenting her when it was undeserved.
‘Wow, this is good,’ said Kate through a mouthful of crumbs.
‘Fran is an amazing cook,’ said Sarah, offering a genuine smile. ‘She’s a brilliant teacher, too. I’ve got a lot to learn, but if anyone can teach me, it’s Fran.’
‘I’m so pleased it’s going well for you. How's the accommodation?’
‘Interesting.’
‘Sounds intriguing.’
‘Let’s just say it’s taken a bit of getting used to.’
‘Can I see it?’
‘Oh, I don’t think I have time.’
‘You’ve got time,’ called Hattie from behind the counter.
Sarah smiled and stood up. ‘Come on then.’
Kate scoffed down the rest of her cake, standing up to brush crumbs from her dress. They were walking out through the garden gate when Kate said, ‘I suppose you’ve heard Mark stayed with us last week?’
Sarah stopped in her tracks. Her throat dried out, her pulse raced. ‘No, I didn’t know.’
‘Oh, sorry. I thought you said you two were friends?’
‘We’re on good terms. I wouldn’t call it a friendship ,though.’
‘Ah, sorry. I’ve put my foot in it, haven’t I?’
