‘Me and her mum go way back. She’s a good girl, is Fran.’
Sarah smiled at Fran being called a girl. She must be pushing fifty. Her smile faded as Joy lit a cigarette and Sarah found herself smothered by a cloud of smoke. She should have picked a table inside.
‘How are things going with yoursituation?’ Hattie asked Felix under her breath, but not quietly enough.
‘What situation is this, then?’ Joy asked Felix.
Felix blushed. ‘Oh nothing, nothing, just something to do with the café.’
The café? Sarah hadn’t heard of any problems at the café.
‘Sorry,’ Hattie mouthed to Felix.
‘It’s all right,’ Felix mouthed back.
What the hell was going on? Sarah hated secrets, especially if she were the only one not in on them.
‘Shall we order?’ asked Bob. ‘I’m starving.’
‘You’re always starving,’ laughed Kate. ‘Speaking of which, Fran and Sarah, I could do with your opinion on a menu for the wedding.’
‘Hey,’ said Bob. ‘No wedding talk tonight, you agreed.’
Ah, thought Sarah.This is why you’re here. ‘Yes, it’s best if we discuss it at work. This is our day off, after all.’
‘Sorry, sorry,’ said Kate. ‘I just get a bit carried away.’
‘And so you should,’ said Fran, frowning at Sarah. ‘You’re entitled to be excited about your wedding day. Sarah can enjoy her day off, me and you can have a chat about food in a bit.’
‘Thanks,’ said Kate.
Sarah wished she was back in her tipi by herself. Somehow, she’d upset Fran again. This friendship malarkey didn’t suit her.
Chapter 26
Sarahpickedatthefood in front of her, remembering why she didn’t enjoy group situations. How was it possible to be in a group, yet feel so alone? The others chatted around her, over her, despite her. She couldn’t keep up with their discussions about current affairs or politics. Even when the conversation turned to favourite TV shows, she couldn’t join in, the only person at the table not to have a Netflix account.
‘You’re quiet there, dear,’ said Joy.
Sarah recoiled at her bitter, tobacco-scented breath. ‘There’s not much opportunity for TV or watching the news when you live in a tent.’
‘I don’t suppose there is. How are you finding life under canvas? I used to love a bit of camping in my youth. These days my arthritic bones require a proper mattress.’
‘I’m getting used to it,’ said Sarah with a polite smile.
‘So what are your plans once the season’s over?’ asked Joy. ‘You can’t stay in a tent over winter.’
Sarah winced. The old lady had an uncanny way of looking at you, like she could read your mind, or worse, your soul. ‘I haven’t thought that far ahead. A lot depends on my parents and their plans.’
‘What have your parents got to do with anything? It’s your life.’
‘Joy,’ said Kate, her voice holding a note of reproach. ‘Leave poor Sarah alone. She’s only just moved to Cornwall, let alone had time to think about what she does next.’
‘It’s fine,’ said Sarah, staring at the table and avoiding catching Joy’s beady eyes. Now would be a wonderful moment for Hattie to offer her a job through the winter, but she stayed quiet. Not for the first time, Sarah wished she’d signed a proper contract, so she’d know where she stood.
‘I met your fella the other day,’ said Joy.
‘Pardon?’
