Pepper River Boat Hut (Pepper Bay #15)

14

Olive

After having a peek at the new kitchen being fitted in Zach’s house and telling him to take videos of everything so he’d have a before and after, Olive went with him to check out the lane he seemed so excited to show her.

Over the years, she’d visited many places, but none that looked fit for a fairy tale. Quaint cottages and farmhouses lined the top half of Pepper Lane, and as they got closer to the bottom, the small shops were few and just as picturesque.

‘When the weather’s nice, we’ll go on the tram,’ said Zach, pointing out the tram stop up by the car park where they parked. ‘It takes you to the next town, Sandly.’

Even with the cold, dreary day, Olive could see how pretty everything looked. There were flats above the shops with empty window boxes, and the large pub on the corner had white-washed walls and wooden beams.

She glanced down at the clear water in the conduit running the length of the shops along one side down to the small shingle beach at the bottom. ‘Ooh, that’s different.’

Zach started pointing out shops, telling her who owned what, but she couldn’t take it all in at once, but she did notice the pink tea shop at the end and realised that was where her breakfast had come from.

‘You could have a tearoom at the Boat Hut,’ she said, nudging Zach’s arm. ‘Use a small hut of sorts to serve hot and cold drinks. There’s a lot of profit in a cup of coffee.’

He grinned, and she smiled back at how flushed his cheeks looked from the chilly salty air. ‘Is that right?’

She nodded. ‘Old friend of mine has a restaurant, and I remember him saying exactly that.’

‘I suppose it would keep people around a bit longer.’

‘Ice cream,’ she squealed, not meaning to sound so dramatic.

Zach laughed. ‘You want ice cream in this weather?’

‘No, I meant for the business.’ She took a step back to peruse the area, really wanting to avoid the sparkle in his eyes. Why she was going on about his business, she had no idea, but her suggestion was out there now.

‘Sounds like a good plan to me. I’ll look into it. I’ve got a storage unit arriving tomorrow. I’ll check it out to see if one of those would work as a tea hut. I know the company sells smaller sizes.’

Olive smiled, more so to herself. ‘And with your videos, you can set up a social media account and document your journey. That way, your customers will see you on the map before you’ve even opened.’

Zach snuggled his face into his dark scarf. ‘Not sure I want to show myself to the world.’

‘You don’t have to. There are lots of faceless accounts.’

‘Oh, well, I don’t mind that sort of thing.’ He offered out his elbow as he gestured to the seafront.

Olive warmed as she slipped her arm through his. ‘It’s good business.’

They started to walk towards the small wall by the shingles.

‘I think you might be wasted tidying shelves, Olive.’

‘I don’t really know anything about business. I’m just telling you things I’ve heard or seen.’

‘You’ve still learned a trick or two. You sound like a clever businesswoman to me.’

Olive couldn’t think of a time anyone had called her clever. Her father didn’t exactly encourage her to work or even join his team, let alone teach her anything to do with business. ‘I just have a good memory, that’s all.’

Zach lightly squeezed her arm. ‘Hey, don’t put yourself down. You’ve just come up with brilliant ideas for the Boat Hut.’

She beamed his way as a gust of wind blew her curls across her mouth. ‘I think I should work with you instead.’

Zach stopped to push her hair back to her ear. ‘I think we should have brought hats.’

Olive watched him glance over at a pastel yellow shop called Doll’s Gift House, not that she was paying too much attention to where he was looking. His touch had stilled her heart momentarily.

‘Dolly might have some hats. She has lots of bits and bobs in there. Want to check it out?’

Trying not to think about any kind of winged creature wishing to take flight in her stomach, she simply nodded and let him guide her into the warmth of the gift shop.

‘Oh, hello, Zach. I heard you were back,’ said the owner, Dolly, standing behind the counter. ‘Cody and Willow have been that excited.’

Olive took note of the middle-aged woman’s Irish accent. It settled her to feel she wasn’t the only fish out of water, then wondered what had brought the lady to the island.

Zach introduced Olive, letting Dolly know she was his guest.

Big chestnut eyes held friendliness as Dolly came over to greet Olive.

‘Lovely to meet you,’ said Olive. ‘You have a nice shop.’ She hadn’t had time to take a good look round yet but felt it right to say.

‘Thank you,’ said Dolly. ‘I hope you settle here as well as I have.’

‘I hope so too.’ It wasn’t something she had thought about. It just seemed the right response, and by the look on Zach’s face, he didn’t believe her.

‘We were wondering if you had any warm hats,’ he asked Dolly.

‘Some woollies over there,’ she replied, pointing to a corner where tea towels were stacked.

‘Great,’ said Zach, heading that way.

Olive figured the small talk was over so joined his side to look at the selection. ‘Hmm, red for you, I think.’ She grinned, holding the hat close to his head.

‘And you?’

There was bright green, purple, or maroon to choose from. Olive picked the one that matched his car.

‘Good choice,’ he said quietly, taking them both to pay.

Olive pulled his arm. ‘Isn’t this wasting money? We won’t be out in the cold for long.’

Zach flashed one of those cute smiles he possessed. ‘Woolly hats are never a waste of money.’

‘Could play havoc with my curls.’

‘Let’s see.’ He reached up and tugged the maroon hat onto her head, adjusting the wayward strands around the sides. They locked eyes for a moment, then he stepped back, but not before she saw him swallow hard.

‘How do I look?’ she asked, having to swallow as well.

His eyes softened along with his face. ‘Lovely,’ he replied quietly.

Olive opened her mouth to speak but her brain had gone to sleep, so she closed it again and simply smiled.

‘You can keep it on if you like,’ called Dolly.

Zach headed for the till, placing the red hat on his head. ‘I think we will, thanks.’

Olive turned to browse the pretty scented candles on display. It was obvious they were handmade. ‘Did you make these, Dolly?’

‘Ooh, yes. One of my favourite things to do.’

‘They’re lovely.’

‘Thank you, Olive.’

Zach pointed at the display. ‘Pick one out. We can light it later at dinner.’ He cleared his throat as he turned back to Dolly. ‘You know, for the scent.’

Olive tried not to giggle as she chose a cream one that held vanilla.

With their candle wrapped, new hats on heads, and a wave to Dolly, they ventured back out into the cold.

‘Come and look at this,’ said Zach, taking her down to the sea. ‘Another water business here. Well, more of a sea sports thing. Owned by Jude and Harriet. They have a sea swimming club here, if you fancy.’

Olive almost choked on her laugh. ‘Goodness. I’ll end up an ice cube.’

‘I meant in the summer.’

‘Do you still think I’ll be here then?’

Zach’s head dipped. ‘I don’t know. Maybe.’

‘Maybe,’ she whispered.

The sound of the water lapping at the shoreline filled the silence between them for a while. It was cold but somewhat nice standing there doing very little but stare out to sea. She shivered, and Zach’s elbow swung out her way, which she gratefully snuggled into.

‘I think I prefer the river to the sea,’ she said quietly, not really wanting to disturb how peaceful they were.

‘When the rowboats arrive, I’ll take you out in one if you want.’

‘Ooh, may I row?’

‘Certainly.’

Olive almost rested her head on his shoulder, she felt that relaxed with him. ‘It’s quite nice here.’

‘Different to what you’re used to.’

‘Yes, but different can be nice.’

‘Yeah, it can,’ he said softly.

Their eyes met, and Olive was sure her heart had just sailed out to float peacefully upon the calmest sea.

Zach looked away first. ‘Ready for some pub grub?’

‘I think my lips are frozen, but I’ll give it a go.’

He laughed, then walked arm in arm with her up the slope to The Ugly Duckling pub.

It was even warmer inside than Dolly’s shop, and Olive was so pleased to see an open fireplace crackling away at the far end of the premises. Even more so that a table close by was free.

Zach grabbed a couple of menus from the bar as they headed for the table.

‘It’s so cosy in here,’ said Olive, whipping off her coat and hat.

Zach chuckled, pointing at the top of her head.

‘Frizz?’ she questioned, flattening her hair as best she could without looking.

‘Not too bad.’ He went to reach over to help but pulled his arm back. ‘Left a bit. That’s it. All done.’

Olive wished she could go to the hairdressers. It had been a while since a professional got their hands on her locks. ‘I’m usually more presentable.’

‘You look fine.’

‘I prefer beautiful.’

‘You are beautiful.’ Zach flapped a menu. ‘Let’s order.’

There was a fight to hold back her smile, so she held up the menu to hide. It was decent of him to be so polite about how unkempt she looked. Emilio would have been honest. He always told her when she wasn’t looking good. He’d even riffle through her wardrobe at times to pick something else for her to wear if he thought her unsuitable for an event.

Olive frowned at the memory. She hadn’t thought too much of it at the time, but now she could see how bossy he was.

Well I’m not sitting here thinking about you. I wonder if you’re thinking about me. No, just stop .

She peeped over the top of the menu to study Zach for a moment. He definitely had sexy CEO vibes, whereas Emilio was more boyband material.

Piercing blue eyes rolled up to catch her staring, and something in her stomach did a backflip.

‘You know what you want?’ he asked.

Just for a second she thought he had read her mind and was asking if she wanted him or Emilio. She really had to get a grip. He was talking about the food.

‘Erm, chicken salad, I think.’ She composed herself. ‘Depends what we’re having for dinner later.’

‘I was going to make a veggie stew.’

‘Do you think the kitchen will be ready to use when we get back?’

Zach shook his head. ‘Doubt it. They should be finished tomorrow. Were you thinking of using the oven?’

‘We’ll have more room to cook.’

‘Do you like cooking?’

She had to be honest. ‘I suppose I should have said, you’d have more room to cook.’ She raised a finger. ‘However, I’m willing to learn.’

‘Okay, but for now, chicken salad is it?’

She scanned the menu once more. ‘Yes, that will be fine.’

‘I’ll have the same, and when we’re finished here, we can get some cake from the tea shop to take home to have after dinner if you like.’

‘Ooh, I feel really spoilt.’

‘You are really spoilt.’ Zach’s mouth gaped. ‘I’m so sorry. That sounded terrible. I didn’t mean it.’

‘It’s okay. I am spoiled. Well, I was.’

‘I shouldn’t have said that. You didn’t do anything to deserve those words.’

‘It doesn’t matter.’

‘It does to me. Olive, honestly, I’m so sorry.’

Even though she felt deflated, she smiled. Years of practice had taught her how to mask her feelings.

‘Can we just order the food now please? And tomorrow I’ll spoil you a little with my wages, then we’ll be even.’ It was strange to feel a need to be his equal, as she’d never felt that way before about a man.

Zach rubbed around the back of his neck. ‘I’m such an idiot.’

She tried to lighten the mood. ‘Aren’t we all at times?’

His face softened a touch.

‘Let’s just eat and forget about it,’ she suggested, hoping he would.

He got up, taking the menus with him. ‘I’ll just sort this. What drink would you like?’

‘Orange juice.’

He gave a slight nod, still looking as bad as she felt, then headed to the far end of the long bar.

No point being upset. I’ll always be seen as spoiled .

She glanced his way, biting her lip to stop it from trembling.

‘You all right, love?’ asked a middle-aged woman.

Olive admired the lady’s short white-blonde hair, wishing hers was as manageable. ‘Yes, I’m fine. My… friend has just gone to order some food.’

The woman looked over at Zach. ‘Ah, you must be Olive Farringdon.’

Olive recoiled, wondering what was coming next.

‘Elaine Sparrow,’ said the lady, taking a seat opposite her. ‘I own this place with my husband, Ed.’

‘How do you know my name?’

‘Small town.’

That was a relief, as Olive was sure she had just bumped into another of her father’s victims.

Elaine held a sympathetic smile. ‘I won’t lie. I know about your dad. Not just because of the news. One of the people involved was an old family friend.’ She thumbed towards the bar. ‘I didn’t grow up here. Long story short, I fell in love with someone my aristocratic mother didn’t approve of, and I was disowned.’

Olive widened her eyes. She’d heard of such things happening but had yet to meet anyone it happened to. ‘She cut you off?’

‘Oh yeah. I was penniless when I came here, and Ed’s parents weren’t the type to pamper me.’

‘What did you do?’

‘Rolled up my sleeves and joined in.’ Elaine chuckled. ‘Been here ever since.’

‘You’re happy then?’

Elaine glanced at the bald man behind the bar serving a customer. ‘I never knew what real happiness was until I met him.’

Olive warmed at the love she could see in Elaine’s eyes, then smiled when Ed winked at his wife.

‘You’ll be all right here, love,’ said Elaine, patting Olive’s hand as she stood. ‘Good bunch round here. Feel free to pop in anytime you like, even if you just need someone to talk to. I’m always around.’

‘Thank you.’ Olive watched her go back to work, looking so at home in the coastal pub.

Aristocracy! Goodness. Well, if she can live without the wealth, then so can I .

Olive raised her chin, feeling that little bit taller. Elaine had filled the air with a comforting atmosphere, warming her heart and clearing her head.

Zach was at the bar, collecting their drinks. He glanced her way with a smile, and before she had time to think, she winked at him.

Some heat climbed her neck as she realised, and she swallowed hard, wishing the ground would open up and swallow her.

Zach seemed amused, then went back to talking to Ed.

Olive decided that as soon as he got back to the table, she’d jump straight into a conversation about the Boat Hut, because if he asked her what the wink was about, she was sure she might just die right there in the middle of the pub.