‘Absolutely. Thanks for reminding me.’ I kick myself for that the second it’s out. And even worse, when did I getsoleft behind with the trends?
She laughs. ‘We’ve been saying, next time we’re round we could have a driftwood fire and toast marshmallows by moonlight.’
I’m opening and closing my mouth. ‘You want to comeagain?’
She pulls me into a hug.‘Absolutely!’She digs me in the ribs to make sure I get the joke. ‘Everyone adores it here, and you’re such a great hostess! Will next Saturday be okay for you?’
I stare across at my mum for help.
She wades in. ‘We’ll have to see what your mum says first, Milla.’ Phew to that! Sophie will hate the idea. ‘But it’s good for Aunty Flo – you’re like a breath of fresh air – so I’m sure your mum won’t mind.’
Damn!
Did I mention sanctuary earlier? Because it’s not. It’s more like St Pancras on a Friday teatime. One more crazy Saturday, then I’ve promised myself I’m going back under my ‘duvet’.
12
Clemmie’s Little Cornish Kitchen, Seaspray Cottage, St Aidan
Slush puppies, pom poms, and request slots
Wednesday
‘Sounds like you wowed Milla and her friends on Saturday if they’re wanting a return visit so fast?’
Sophie, Plum, Shadow and I have popped into Clemmie’s Little Cornish Kitchen for lunch. We’re actually crashing the St Aidan Mums and Bumps group, which have regular get-togethers in Clemmie’s café, just along the sands from St Aidan harbour.
Clemmie’s doing well to comment. Not only has she got Arnie in her arms, she’s also spooning jelly into Bud’s mouth as she sits on the floor by her feet.
I shrug. ‘I’m not under any illusions about Milla and her crew. The hotel gardeners are the major attraction, not me.’
As Nell and Clemmie were going to be here anyway, the rest of us decided to brave the sticky-fingered toddlers and drop in too. Today the furniture has been pushed back to make room for toys, but on normal days the space is spectacular, with its floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides giving a view right around the bay.
The place is filled with a riot of bright clashing colours, set off by the deep blue of the sea beyond the windows, which today is striped with parallel lines of white breakers frothing towards the shore. As I look around at the painted wooden chairs in pinks and blues and yellows and reds clustered around bright-coloured wooden tables, and the fuchsia velvet sofas, it’s making me realise what Mum meant about minimalism being boring.
Sophie leans across, tapping my shoulder to get my attention. ‘Don’t worry, Floss, teenagers turn faster than the wind. The second something more interesting comes along, you’ll have your deck back.’
I’m very aware I might be treading on her toes with Milla and her impromptu invitations. ‘So long as you don’t mind them being at mine?’
Sophie’s voice is shrill. ‘Mind? Why ever would I mind?’ Which means she does. A lot. She gives a rueful sniff. ‘At least when they’re at yours I still know what they’re doing.’
Nell chortles. ‘By the way, Floss, I bumped into Kit earlier in Hardware Haven.’
I pull a face. ‘I’m keeping well out of his way.’ I’ve dodged his early-morning waves, and if I’m missing him dropping in every morning after Jean and Shirley, I’m not about to admit it. I wanted him out of my orbit, and I’ve got my wish. It’s not as if we were close. A month on I still hadn’t found a time to ask after his fiancée. For all I know she might be holed up in the beach hut that I don’t see, although somehow I can’t imagine her putting up with sand between her toes.
Nell ignores me and carries on. ‘He’s well up for a singles night. I said you’d join in.’
I groan. ‘But I’ve cut ties with next door!’
Sophie frowns at me ‘I still can’t believe you knocked back a free spa night.’
I sniff. ‘I refuse to deal with people who are dishonest or underhand, and Shadow’s the same.’ I’m giving his ear a tickle, as the door opens and Mum walks in.
She perches on the edge of a chair. ‘I saw Rye in town earlier. Has he dropped anything off for me?’
Plum sits bolt upright as she hears Rye’s name. ‘Will it be a big package or a small one?’ She gives a cough. ‘So Clemmie’s prepared.’
I’m shaking my head. ‘I expect it will be a box of smoke alarms.’
