Chapter 18
TARA
I’d only just unlocked the door on Monday morning when one of my regulars arrived – forty-something Colin.
‘Good morning,’ I said. ‘The usual?’
‘Yes, please, Tara, but can I have my drink in here?’ He handed me a small flask. ‘I’m starting a new job today and this was a leaving gift from my colleagues.’
‘Congratulations! Where’s the new job?’ Colin had been a department manager at Shipleigh’s – the department store around which the town’s small indoor shopping centre had been built.
‘Still Shipleigh’s but I’ve been promoted to assistant store manager.’
‘That’s brilliant news,’ I said as I placed his pain au chocolat in a bag. ‘Here was me thinking you’d abandoned ship, excuse the pun.’
Colin laughed. ‘As long as they keep afloat…’ He grimaced and we both laughed at the second pun, ‘…and as long as they still want me, I’ll stay there till I retire. You know me, Tara – the ultimate creature of habit.’
As I made Colin’s hot chocolate, something clicked into place.
When Anastasia had talked about being a creature of habit on Friday night, it had set some cogs whirring but I hadn’t been able to reach for exactly why until Colin said those same words just now – something he said any time I attempted to sway him from his usual order of a white hot chocolate and pain au chocolat for breakfast and a plain brownie for his break.
I handed Colin his flask and reached for a bag for his brownie. ‘Random question, Colin, but are you married?’
‘I was, but she left me five years ago and I’ve been single ever since. She said I was too boring.’ He gave a resigned shrug. ‘She was probably right. Can’t help it if I prefer a night at home after a hard day at work.’
I passed him his brownie. ‘I’m sure there are lots of women out there who love the same thing.’
‘If you find one, put in a good word for me.’
Colin smiled as he paid and I had to stop myself from saying I’ve already found one. I couldn’t shake the idea that he and Anastasia would be a perfect match and I might have an idea around how to introduce them.
I was restocking the mugs and Molly was wiping down the counter after the lunchtime rush when the door opened and a couple came in. I recognised Billy immediately, helped by him wearing the same Christmas pudding beanie from Boxing Day.
‘Good afternoon, Billy,’ I said, smiling warmly at him. ‘I’m still loving that hat.’
He smiled back. ‘I know we’re well past Christmas now but a warm hat is a warm hat.’
He introduced his wife, Pam, who I recognised from previous visits.
‘Sorry we never introduced ourselves before,’ she said. ‘We didn’t want you to feel like we were spying.’
‘It’s no problem at all. Good to meet you properly now.’
‘Would it be possible to have the afternoon tea?’ she asked.
There were a few options to choose from so I gave them menus, told them to pick their table and said I’d be over shortly to take their order.
‘Do you want me to serve them?’ Molly asked once they’d left the counter.
‘No, it’s all right. They’re Jed’s former in-laws and I want to quiz them about something.’
I gave them a few minutes before taking their order.
‘How are you doing, Billy?’ I asked.
‘Treatment seems to be going well but I get tired easily.’
‘We’d normally have a wander round the shops after coming in here,’ Pam said, ‘but it’s too much for him to do both.’
‘And afternoon tea will always win for me,’ Billy added with a cheeky smile.
‘I’m glad it’s going well,’ I said. ‘And are you still revelling in proud grandparent mode after Aaron’s heroism on Boxing Day?’
Billy’s eyes lit up. ‘So very proud. Aaron’s still brushing it off but I think it’s a big deal. He didn’t need to stop and lose his chance at winning.’
‘He’s like a fish,’ Pam said. ‘He’s been accepted into the local swimming club. It’s a big commitment – in the pool every morning before school, swimming with the club three nights a week and competitions at weekends – but he’s giving it his all and never moans about the early starts.’
I couldn’t resist the opportunity for a little further digging. ‘Mustn’t give him time for much else.’
‘It doesn’t,’ Billy said. ‘He manages to fit in his homework and that’s it.’
‘Sounds demanding but it’s good he’s doing something he loves. I’ll leave you to it and be back shortly with your drinks.’
Well over a fortnight had passed since Jed had given Aaron an art lesson but all those swimming club commitments would explain why he hadn’t returned – he clearly didn’t have the time.
Maybe it was for the best. He’d be leaving at Easter and, if Jed had reestablished their former closeness by then, losing him all over again would be devastating.
But as I glanced across the road, I knew Jed would far rather spend the time with Aaron and experience the pain of loss once more than never have that opportunity.