‘Whoa. We’re supposed to be keeping this simple.’ Even if it sounds delectable, that’s already six more ingredients than I’d planned.
If she’d eaten an entire Pavlova to herself Nell couldn’t look any more ecstatic. ‘Meringue’s a crowd pleaser.’ Her smile broadens even further. ‘I’m running these as Singles’ Club events for insurance purposes, but you need a proper title if we’re doing this a lot.’ It’s great she’s talking as if it’s all of us.
Sophie’s tapping an ice blue nail on the table. ‘Clemmie’s Cornish Kitchen sounds snappy?’
Even though I’m breathless with excitement, hearing my name in the mix makes the bottom drop out of my stomach. ‘Definitely not “Clemmie”, I prefer to stay anonymous.’ Or better still, not here at all. Except I definitely want to be here for the meringues, especially if there’s tasting.
Nell’s going again. ‘The Cornish Kitchen?’
My heart rate’s steadying. ‘Or … TheLittle Cornish Kitchen? True to what it is.’ Better still, keeping expectations small.
Sophie’s nodding madly. ‘Yes, yes, yes.’
Nell’s buzzing so much she hasn’t even scraped the squirty cream off her hot chocolate yet. ‘That’s good for starters, although we’re getting ahead of ourselves here. The word’s out about how much fun the sorbet evening was. My inbox has been pinging all day with messages from friends asking for a re-run so they can come too.’
I’m staring past the rope at the edge of the deck, and across the glittering turquoise expanse of the bay, asking myself what the hell I’m letting myself in for here. Then I suddenly remember. ‘Ooops, sorry. Scrub the sorbet, the freezer can’t cope.’
Nell’s agonising. ‘I’m sure if you asked Charlie, he’d be only too pleased to let you—’
I cut her off in mid flow: ‘AbsolutelyNOT.’ Quite apart from me not wanting to owe him, after last night’s disapproval the less he knows about parties at mine the better. Especially if we’re about to embark on a Pavlova fest.
She’s not letting it go. ‘It seems a shame, when sorbets are such a winner and there’s so much demand. And he does need to make amends for last night’s total train wreck.’ Her hand’s shading her eyes as she looks out along the beach. Then she drops her Aviator sunglasses from the top of her head and I can see myself reflected in mirror lenses the colour of the sea.
My voice is squeaking with stress. ‘I thought you said last night was okay?’ When exactly did it change from amazing to shit?
‘There are two sides to every story.’ Her eyebrows wiggle fleetingly over the top of her glasses frames. ‘Unless I’m mistaken Mr H and Diesel are on their way back from their stroll as we speak. We’ll see how contrite he is and take it from there.’
I turn to Sophie for support, but she’s fully absorbed cutting up Maisie’s cheddar. A second later, Diesel’s bounding up onto the deck, making a bee line for me.
I pull away as his tongue hits my face. ‘I washed already, Diesel thank you.’
Nell’s laughing. ‘Hey, you’ve made a friend for life there.’
‘Or maybe he’s hoovering the crumbs off my chin.’ As he moves on to the high chair I haul him away. ‘No, Diesel, Maisie doesn’t want your wet nose in her ear either.’ He’s not exactly under control here.
Nell’s hissing at me without moving her lips. ‘Nice to see our friendly developer scrubs up just as well when he dresses down.’
As I shake my head and hiss back, I’m still hanging on to Diesel. ‘Surely it’s not warm enough for cut offs and flip flops?’ It’s the flashes of stomach between the short T-shirt and the low-slung belt that are getting me.
Sophie jumps in to cover for us. ‘Hi, Charlie, great afternoon for a walk.’
He takes the steps in one jump then saunters across the deck. ‘What’s this, a mermaid’s chocolate convention?’
She’s straight back at him with a snipe. ‘Sirens against inappropriate construction. You don’t qualify to join us on either count.’
He ignores the jibe. ‘If the cake’s as good as last night’s sorbet, I’m in. What goodies are you hiding under those napkins?’
I send him a scowl. ‘Cut the “C” words please, the kids are having a nutritious tea.’
Too late. Marco is piping up. ‘Ple-e-e-asecan I have cake and chocolate?’
Charlie reacts fast. ‘Strong guys stick with carrot. Every time.’ He peers at the table. ‘And juice. And salad, obviously, because it’s so good for muscles.’ He crosses to high-five Marco, who high-fives back then returns to his pebbles.
Sophie’s biting back her grin. ‘Help yourself to a wrap, Charlie.’
He wrinkles his nose. ‘Thanks all the same, but I’ll pass on those.’
I cough. ‘I take it you’ve come for Diesel?’ I hold out his collar. ‘One dog. Returned.Again.’ Hopefully he’ll get that however slobbery and lovable Diesel is, I’d like this to be the last time.
