The Midnight Bakery

Chapter 17

17

Frankie

‘What I hope is that whoever buys the bakery will keep you on,’ said Vivienne, nursing her mug with both hands. ‘And I shall certainly make that suggestion.’

Frankie nodded. ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘That’s very kind. But the main thing is that you’re okay.’ It seemed like the right thing to say, even though Frankie’s brain was still reeling in shock from Vivienne’s announcement.

‘There are no guarantees, of course,’ replied Vivienne. ‘But I’ve been lucky. The tumour was very small, was caught early, and I’m told the treatment has been a complete success. The idea to sell the business took me by surprise, though,’ she added. ‘It certainly wasn’t something I was planning, not for a good few years yet, anyway. But as soon as I began to think about it, I realised it was what I wanted. I’m not getting any younger.’ She took a deep breath. ‘But that’s life, I guess. When a crisis hits it changes you, in ways you may not have imagined, but the one thing it does do is make you look at the decisions you’ve made in your life. My husband and I realised it was time to take the foot off the gas and do something different with the rest of our lives.’

‘Makes total sense,’ said Frankie. ‘I think if I were in your position, I’d do the same. And who wouldn’t want to live by the sea?’ She smiled politely. ‘Do you know whereabouts yet?’

Vivienne shook her head. ‘We’ve got a shortlist of possibles, so it will be a case of visiting each to see where we like best. Our house is going on the market as well, so it could be some time before we’re able to make the move. Of course, it also depends on how quickly the business takes to sell, but I imagine it will be several months yet before anything is finalised. I hope that gives you enough time to make arrangements of your own?’

‘I’m sure it will, and I really appreciate you giving me as much notice as possible.’

Vivienne put down her mug of tea on Frankie’s coffee table. She’d barely even drunk half of it. ‘You must let me know if you need any help and, of course, providing any references you might need goes without saying. As I said, hopefully it won’t come to that, but do please let me know.’

Frankie cleared her throat. ‘I will, thank you…and…um…will you be selling the flat as well?’ She hadn’t wanted to ask, but she had to know. There was a tiny possibility things might not be as bad as they seemed.

Vivienne smiled awkwardly, making ready to leave. This wasn’t a social call, after all. ‘I’m sorry, but we’ll need the money from both the flat and the business if we’re to make our move.’

And there it was. Every bit as bad as Frankie feared. ‘Of course,’ she said. ‘I understand.’ She got to her feet to make it easier for Vivienne, leading her through into the kitchen. ‘I was going to make you a cake and pop it round later…I’m glad you’re okay.’

Vivienne was starting to look embarrassed. ‘That’s very sweet, but really it should be the other way around. I should be making a cake for you . It’s been a tough few weeks, but I’m lucky I can put it behind me now. I appreciate you being so understanding, though. I know this isn’t easy news to hear. Hopefully nothing will change but…Anyway, if you need a reference or anything, please let me know.’

‘I will,’ said Frankie. ‘And thank you. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Duggan’s.’

Vivienne dipped her head. ‘I will miss it,’ she said. ‘But I think it’s the right thing to do.’

Frankie couldn’t sleep after Vivienne left. It had been surprise enough practically barging into her when she’d just been the subject of her discussion with Mel, but even more so when she asked if she might come up and have a chat. And as for her news…

Frankie was also unused to having visitors. It made her feel awkward, self-conscious about the smallness of her home and its obvious make-do-and-mend appearance. She hated feeling that way, especially as Vivienne had been so lovely to let her have the flat in the first place. It was at times like these that Frankie felt her insecurities even more keenly. Part of her almost felt sorry for Vivienne. Actually, given what she’d had to say, Frankie felt terrible, knowing what she’d been through. And the fact that she’d had to impart her news in what were clearly sparse surroundings couldn’t have made it easy for her. Vivienne was a nice person, and it was obvious that leaving a ticking time bomb in the wake of her visit was something she really hadn’t wanted to do. But Frankie understood Vivienne’s position perfectly. Life was short; Frankie was only too aware of that.

She shivered as she crossed the bakery kitchen and peered out the window. She wasn’t cold, but the night was, bitterly so. She could only see a sliver of sky from where she was standing – deepest inky blue and shot through with stars. March could be such a harsh month, and although the cloudless days were cheerful enough, they brought with them below-zero temperatures and heavy frosts. The cobbles outside were already glittering dangerously. Frankie gripped her mug tighter, sipping her tea, grateful that she was warm and safe inside. It was just one of the many advantages to working at Duggan’s, and she had taken her comfort, along with everything else, for granted. Where would she find another job which suited her so well? Or any job, in fact. Let alone somewhere else to live.

A figure turned into the alley, and she automatically took a step back before recognising the silhouette. It hadn’t taken long at all for it to become familiar – the relaxed gait seemingly at odds with the broad bulk of the man. She smiled. William must be on his way home and her tea break seemed to coincide with his appearance more and more often these days.

It had been almost two weeks since she had first met William and, although she’d had no more bother with drunken louts, true to his word he had checked she was okay every day since then. Sometimes he gave a jaunty wave, sometimes it was a cheery salute, and it was oddly comforting, knowing that he was out there keeping an eye on things, even if it was only for a few moments.

A few days ago, while out running errands, she’d even gone to find the estate agents he had spoken of and, sure enough, there was a green door to the left of it, just as he’d said. She’d stared at it for quite a few minutes, wondering if he was inside, before tutting and walking back down the street. She felt foolish for having done so, but she had also acknowledged that a part of her felt better. It was most likely that her imagination had been working overtime, but the fear it might not have been never left her.

With a cheery thumbs up, William walked on by, and she watched until he reached the far end of the alley, disappearing from view as he turned the corner for home. She wondered whether he would be having eggs for breakfast, smiling at the thought of him slicing his bread into soldiers. Perhaps he might even put on some music while they were cooking, but somehow she doubted it; William didn’t look much like a dancer. With a tut, she swallowed the rest of her tea before turning away from the window. She could feel the cold air coming off the panes of glass – stand there any longer and she’d soon feel chilly herself. Besides, she had work to do.

She left her mug by the sink and was about to collect some maize flour from the store when a thought came to her. And it was such an outlandish thought that it stopped her in her tracks. She rolled it around in her head for a few moments, savouring the unusual feel of it, and wondering what it was that had put it there. It was definitely not the kind of thought Frankie normally had and that in itself was surprising. It was a good thought though. It was a lovely thought, but did Frankie really have the nerve to carry it out? Frances definitely wouldn’t, but Frankie…She looked towards the window again, wondering what it must feel like to be adrift on such a freezing night.

Her hand rested on the storeroom door. If she thought about it too much she wouldn’t do it, that much was obvious – she’d talk herself out of it. She needed to push open the door quick and get on with it before she changed her mind. Focus on just this one thing, push everything else out of her head and not think about what she would actually be doing…

It had long been a mystery to her why there was a flask and a hot-water bottle in the storeroom, leftovers from some long-ago crisis perhaps but, like everything else in there, Frankie had cared for them – wiped dust from the flask and loosened the stopper on the water bottle in case the rubber perished. The flask was a good size, too, plenty big enough for several cups. The only question now was whether to fill it with tea or coffee.

Carrying both items to the sink, Frankie set the kettle to boil again and, while she waited, busied herself choosing some pastries. She decided on tea for the first time – she could easily ask what he preferred going forward – and she would take some sugar in a little bag instead of adding it to the tea, just in case he had it without. Minutes later, having given the flask a good rinse out first, she made a strongish brew and then filled the hot-water bottle as well, putting both on the side while she fetched her coat. She paused by the door, before shaking her head. Out you go, Frankie, don’t stop to think or you’ll never do it .

After the warmth of the bakery, the cold night air fairly took her breath away, and she nestled her neck deeper into the warm, furry collar of her coat. The action only served to strengthen her resolve. Not everyone had the luxury of a warm place to be, and she hoped he at least had warm clothes and blankets. She reached the car park before she even considered that Tam might not be there. Hadn’t Beth said he’d been thinking of moving on? Course, if he was there, he would also probably be asleep.

She almost turned back. Stupid…If he was asleep, it had probably taken him an age to get that way and he wouldn’t take kindly to her waking him up. Plus, she’d have to rouse him in the first place, and that would be plain awkward. But then she looked at the things she carried, knowing what a difference they could make. Her discomfort was nothing compared to his.

Scanning the car park, she wondered which car belonged to Beth and which might be Tam’s. There weren’t many cars here at all, and any of them could be his. She spotted one, parked up against the far wall, close to the only light. She moved closer, heart beginning to pound.

As it was, she needn’t have worried about having to wake Tam. As she neared, trying to see through the dark glint of the windows, she realised that he was already sitting up. He was also watching her steadily as she approached. She lifted the flask and hot-water bottle so he could see them; what on earth did you say in this kind of situation?

‘Hello…Tam?’ She peered closer. ‘My name’s Frankie…I’ve brought some things for you.’

Tam’s car was an estate and with the back seats removed there was quite a large space in which to lie down. Tam, however, was huddled in one corner, leaning against the rear of the driver’s seat. She didn’t want to open a door or the boot and have all the cold air rush in, neither did she want him to open a window, but practically shouting at him from outside wasn’t ideal either. He was still watching her, all but expressionless. She smiled.

‘I’ve got some tea…and a hot-water bottle,’ she said. ‘I thought you might like them.’

She was beginning to feel very foolish, and very cold herself. She should have worn her gloves. And she didn’t know what to do. She didn’t blame Tam for being wary of her – he must think her presence odd to say the least, but he could say something . Otherwise she might have to leave the things she’d brought on the ground and just back away – which felt horribly like feeding some kind of wild animal. She tried again.

‘I’m sorry, this must seem very strange, but I work at the bakery around the corner – on the night shift – and I was thinking how bitter it was outside when I remembered what Beth had said about you?—’

At the mention of her name, Tam leaned forward and pulled on the door handle. ‘Beth sent you?’ he said as the door swung open.

‘No, she didn’t send me, but I’m a friend of hers and…I just wondered whether you might like these?’

Tam stretched out his arms to take the flask from her. ‘I don’t know what to say, this is amazing. Thank you…’ He paused a moment, as if unsure what to do next. ‘Do you want to get in? Sorry, you’ll have to go round the other side. I’ll shift my stuff.’

‘I’ll clamber over, don’t worry.’ She hurried around to the passenger side and pulled the door open, climbing inside to sit on a relatively clear patch of blanket. She quickly shut the door behind her, but it didn’t seem to make much difference. It felt as cold inside the car as it was outside.

It wasn’t until she was sitting looking at Tam that she realised how absurd the situation was. He might be known to Beth, but Tam was still a total stranger to her, and it was the middle of the night. Evidently the same thought had just occurred to Tam. He gave a low chuckle. ‘Well, this is interesting…I can’t say I’ve ever had this happen to me before.’

‘Me neither,’ Frankie replied. ‘I almost didn’t come. But I realised if I didn’t do it as soon as I had the thought, I wouldn’t do it at all, and it’s freezing tonight, that’s the point. It had to be now, really, or not at all.’ She frowned. ‘Not that this wouldn’t be a good idea on any other night but…you know what I mean,’ she finished, thoughts tied in knots.

‘I do,’ said Tam. ‘And it is bloody freezing. I’m very grateful.’ He took the hot-water bottle and shoved it inside his sleeping bag. ‘Really, very grateful.’

‘I didn’t know what you preferred either, so I’ve brought tea. I hope that’s okay.’ She fished in her pocket. ‘And I have some sugar too if you want it.’

‘I don’t usually,’ replied Tam. ‘Although I’ll take it this time, if you don’t mind. I’m craving sugary stuff at the moment.’

‘Perhaps it helps keep you warm,’ said Frankie.

‘Aye, it could well be that. Worth a try, I reckon.’

Frankie nodded. ‘I was worried I’d have to wake you.’

He shook his head. ‘I think I’ve managed about half an hour’s sleep so far. I got off okay, but woke up pretty sharpish, and that was it. Once you get cold, you’ve had it, it’s very hard to get warm again.’

‘It must be,’ replied Frankie, giving him a shy smile. She didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t sound rude. It wasn’t as if Tam could simply put on another jumper. She was certain he would have taken every precaution he could against the chill, and asking if there was somewhere else he could sleep was just plain insensitive – if there was, Tam would already be there. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said instead.

Tam frowned. ‘Not your fault,’ he said.

‘No,’ agreed Frankie. ‘But I’m still sorry you’re in this situation. I can’t imagine what it must be like.’

‘The worst thing is there’s nowhere to go,’ said Tam. ‘Night-time is closed. And it’s the loneliest place you can imagine. There’s nowhere to sit, or get warm, so I stay here, hunched and cold and uncomfortable, knowing that outside is even worse.’

Frankie suddenly remembered what else she had brought with her and pulled the bag from her pocket. ‘Perhaps these will make the night feel a little better.’

Tam took the bag with a look of wonder on his face. ‘This is a really kind thing you’ve done.’

‘You did a kindness for a friend of mine,’ said Frankie. ‘I thought that was worth repaying.’

Tam looked sideways at her. ‘Even so, most people wouldn’t have.’

‘I try not to be most people,’ Frankie replied. ‘Admittedly I don’t know that many, but mostly the things they do or say make me nervous, so I stay out of their way.’

‘Then coming here must not have been easy for you?’

‘No, I…’ Frankie dropped her head. ‘I’m trying to feel a little freer about things.’

‘And you thought you’d start with me?’ Tam grinned. ‘I’m honoured and, like I said, extremely grateful. People confuse me, too, some of them anyway. I can never quite figure out what makes them act the way they do.’

Frankie nodded. She guessed that Tam had probably been treated appallingly in the past. ‘Sorry, I can’t stay long. I’m still at work and I ought to get back, otherwise there won’t be enough loaves for sale come the morning.’

‘Is that where these came from?’ asked Tam, as he opened the bag slightly and peered inside, inhaling the enticing aroma which wafted out. ‘Heaven,’ he said. ‘Did you make them yourself?’

Frankie gave a small nod, grateful that her blushing cheeks would be hidden by the dim light. ‘There are always a few spares – ones which go a bit wonky when they’re baked. They taste the same,’ she added quickly. ‘But they’re not the prettiest.’

‘I don’t know what to say.’

‘No need to say anything,’ said Frankie. ‘I should get going and you should have some tea while it’s still hot. The flask isn’t mine, so I’m afraid I’ve no idea how well it works.’

‘I’ll have myself a proper midnight feast.’

‘At three in the morning?’ She laughed. ‘Well, enjoy…’ She began to shuffle her way towards the car door. ‘And hang onto the flask and hot-water bottle. There’s no need to return them straight away, so you can pop back whenever you need a refill. The bakery’s the one at the end of the lane there.’ She pointed to the road leading away from the car park. ‘There’s a back door a little way along the alley which cuts through to Green Street.’

Tam nodded. ‘I know it,’ he replied, watching as she pushed open the door. ‘Good night, Frankie.’

‘Night, Tam,’ she replied. ‘Sweet dreams.’

She didn’t feel the cold at all as she walked back to the bakery.