‘It was brave to go on that show, Spence. I know you’re not scared of doing hard things, but maybe a more mainstream fresh start will work out a lot better than your last venture. Maybe you’ll meet a widow, who knows exactly what you’ve been through, or maybe you’ll pick up some new hobbies. Louisa and I are in our twilight years, and as rough as it sounds, you’ve likely passed the halfway mark, mate. It’s more important than ever to seek the things that make you happy.’
Spencer thought of Clem and her girls, Addison, whose kids were now young adults, and Jeff and Mia’s pair of boys. He had so much to be grateful for. So why was he still chasing a version of happiness that maybe he didn’t deserve?
17
It was infuriating how quickly a flu could make days and even weeks evaporate, and by the time Clem was back on her feet, they were a week into December.
‘I’m miles behind,’ Clem told Kev, writing the summer specials on the cafe chalkboard. ‘I’d normally have the specials menu designed and laminated by now, a Christmas turkey in the freezer at home, and at least half the presents purchased, wrapped and hidden in the wardrobe.’
‘And a Christmas tree in the corner of the cafe, with staff bonus envelopes dangling off each branch?’ Kev grinned, holding the ladder as she climbed down.
‘Bonus envelopes I could get behind, but a cafe Christmas tree—nuh uh. Customers’ kids would have a field day with the baubles, and this is a cheese-free zone. I’m not ramming the commercialism down anyone’s throat. Besides, who’s got time for putting trees together?’
As much as she hated to, she’d relied on Jack’s help the last week or so. He’d been a gem getting the girls to theatre rehearsals and swimming, and Lauren, Hazel and Mia had also stepped in to help.
‘We’re going there anyway,’ Mia and Hazel had both insisted. ‘And we need you to get better, for the cafe, if not our own selfish reasons.’
Romance had been the furthest thing from her mind too. She’d been worried her relationship would be sucked into the Bermuda Triangle of her unshakable virus, but Spencer had kept in touch, and even called around with a doorstep delivery of flowers one week and soup the next while the girls were at school. Then there were the messages he sent each day, little bright spots that made her hopeful for the summer ahead.
The cafe phone rang, and the call was a reminder that not everything had been smooth sailing in her absence.
‘You know how much we love our Wednesdays,’ Brenna said apologetically, ‘but there’ve been a few glitches over the last few weeks. I don’t want to make a fuss, or embarrass sweet Selina, but my bank statement’s out. She charged me $450 for my order last week, not $45. I’m so used to tapping my card without looking and walking away, I should have checked,’ Brenna said. ‘Plus, Laura said her produce order was dropped off at the wrong address, and in this heat, the veggies were all wilted by the time her neighbour got home from work. It mightn’t be Selina’s fault, but she does seem to be the common link.’
Apologising, Clem promised to set things right and hung up with a heavy heart.
‘We’ve got to get a few runs on the board again,’ Clem told Kev, looking at the tables that had remained empty throughout the quiet morning. ‘I’m going to call Selina tonight and let her go. It’s not just about personality clashes, it’s about income, and we’re not making enough to sustain a casual. Not even if I get the coffee van back on the road.’
Kev nodded gravely, looking out to the field of sunflowers that had grown tall and thick while she’d been unwell.
‘It’s been mighty awkward since she and Seb started their cold war. I tried to make them sort things out while you were crook, but I’m not a miracle worker. Honestly, if I had to choose between her and Sebby, I’d pick him every day of the week.’
Clem leafed through their reservations book. The Wednesday coffee crew were back in this week, but their usual routine would soon be hijacked by school holidays and Christmas commitments. Apart from them and a couple of others, the lack of bookings and foot traffic painted a grave picture.
Clem signed. ‘We’ve had more bad reviews than ever since Selina started. I don’t think I have a choice.’ Isobel had also had to delete several scathing comments from their social media, and the stress of the bad reviews had added to her sluggish recovery.
The one positive to come out of this flu is a bit of perspective,Clem thought that evening, as she walked back to the house. Her lungs felt clear for the first time in weeks, the sun was glorious on her pale skin, and she was confident she could walk into the hall tomorrow night and pick things up with Spencer where they’d left off.
Harriet bounded off the bus with a spring in her step.
‘Guess who got made the shortlist for next year’s middle school captain!’
Clem threw up her hands, dancing on the spot. ‘I’m guessing it’s my beautiful Harriet Mae, with her amazing acting skills and razor-sharp smarts! Well done, honey.’
‘Can we have a celebration dinner? We can invite Alma and Reggie, Pop and Uncle Jack. Spencer can come too if he wants, to keep Reggie’s dad company. Maybe the Grubbs could come as well?’
Clem skidded to a halt, puffing from her first real exertion in weeks. No way was she inviting Marco into her home.
‘Let’s shelve the party idea for now, honey, I’ve been sick.’
‘But you’re better now! You’re out of bed and you’re taking me to theatre practice tomorrow night. You promised.’
Clem took Harriet’s backpack with a nod. ‘Taking you to theatre practice is easier than hosting a party. Did Pansy get shortlisted too?’
Harriet bit her lip. ‘Not exactly. She was disqualified because she was promising biscuits and hot chocolate vouchers to everyone who voted for her. Her brother helped her print them up and everything.’
Clem burst out laughing. ‘Did she really? And are you sure it was her brother?’ She’d never met any other Grubb children, and no one had ever said anything to dispel her assumption that Pansy was an only child.
‘Her stepbrother. He’s pretty old. Like, Selina’s age.’
