Chapter 31
A dreamy look came into Chloé’s eyes as she turned and smiled at Klara. ‘I already had a matcha reading the other week. And it was wonderful. Sasha saw my wedding day.’
Klara’s green eyes widened. ‘Really? How fabulous!’
Chloé held a palm to her chest, eyes shiny.
‘I feel so thrilled. What if I meet my true love right here in Matcha Moments? Do you think it’s possible I could have met him already?
I could be about to fall in love. Sasha saw me dancing with my true love.
What if I meet him and marry soon? Wouldn’t that be a perfect ending for the journey I’m documenting? ’
‘Journey?’ asked Klara. She flicked a concerned look at Sasha. ‘What are you talking about?’
‘It’s publicity for Sasha’s matchmaking service. I’m making a series of reels about the matcha readings – just editing the first one now. Imagine how many people will sign up if I meet the man of my dreams in Bramleigh Green!’
Klara pressed her arm, encouraging. ‘Wow – you have it all worked out already. Sounds like the perfect love story. Although, sorry to disappoint you, I think Ben rather fancies . . .’
‘Black tea!’ said Sasha quickly. ‘Ben prefers Oolong or Pu-erh rather than matcha lattes.’
‘We should ask him to come into the café, though – I haven’t seen him here for a while. I hope he’s not keeping away for a reason?’ Klara stared meaningfully at Sasha.
Chloé didn’t notice. ‘I just bumped into him and he said he had a meeting at Coffee Bean, but I can text him and ask him to come and meet us here. He could have his meeting here just as easily.’
‘I do owe him a matcha reading,’ said Sasha. ‘But not today.’
‘What if you saw the same vision in his reading? Could it be Ben dancing with me?’ Chloé’s eyes glowed, even dreamier.
Sasha felt jealousy twist the glass shard in her chest. She almost couldn’t breathe. But she forced out a light laugh. ‘Maybe it could be? Who knows?’
Klara’s eyebrows drew together and she pulled Sasha to one side. ‘Can I have a word? Annie – you’re OK to carry on while I clear something up with Sasha?’
Klara dragged Sasha through the door to her flat. ‘Hey, Sasha!’ She snapped her fingers in front of her face. ‘Just what do you think you’re doing?’
Sasha jerked backwards and rolled her eyes. ‘What’s wrong, Klara? Why the drama?’
‘Are you literally going to push Ben into Chloé’s arms?’ She had her hands on her hips.
‘Why not? He’s looking for a match. She’s lovely – extrovert, gorgeous, full of life . . .’
‘Everything you’re not?’
‘I realize that.’
‘I was being sarcastic. And she’s too nice for him! No sarcasm or edge – which is why Ben likes you!’
Sasha trembled, pushing Klara away. ‘I already told you – it’s impossible for Ben and me to . . . Just no.’
‘Nothing’s impossible – apart from Ben going out with Chloé. Did you really see her on her wedding day, by the way?’
‘Yes.’
‘I can’t believe you saw her with Ben.’ Klara narrowed her eyes.
Sasha couldn’t lie. She shook her head. ‘To be fair, I – couldn’t see who she was dancing with. But he was tall, dark-haired . . . It could have been Ben.’ There was that sharp pain again in her chest.
‘At least half the men in the world, if not more, have dark hair. There’s no reason for it to be Ben at all. Why are you doing this? You and Ben – it’s obvious you like each other – you have to stop pretending you don’t!’
‘What?’ Sasha barked out a laugh. ‘You’re talking nonsense. Making stuff up, Klara, like you always do. Ben and I – we’re just – friends. Nothing more.’
Klara shook her head sadly. ‘Can’t you see what a mistake you’re making?’
‘What’s the harm? They could date for a bit. Even if I didn’t precisely see them together, it’s clear Chloé fancies him.’
‘What’s the harm? You say you don’t want to risk your reputation as a matchmaker – can’t you see that pushing them together when you haven’t had a real vision of that is worse? Why not follow your heart?’
Sasha’s face flamed. Her heart was hammering and the pain in her chest had grown, gripping her whole body. How dare Klara question her decision like that? ‘You’ve been teasing me about Ben all along. But this is no joke, Klara.’
‘What? I’ve been teasing you because . . .’
‘It’s fine for you, Klara!’ Sasha burst out, consumed by frustration. ‘Your family support you unconditionally. But mine don’t. Some of us have to try and meet our parents’ expectations.’
‘What?’ Klara’s face was white and strained.
‘I’m sorry, Klara, but things are different for me and you.
You did a degree in English Lit with your family’s blessing.
Your grandmother owns The Bookery so you don’t have to worry about a lease renewal.
Why can’t you understand that I’ve already disappointed my parents with what happened at law school?
I can’t afford for my business to fail. Chloé wants to help me expand the matchmaking business and that has to be my focus.
I have to prove myself. My parents are waiting for me to muck this up.
My Por Por gave me a gift and I have to make a success of it.
I can’t risk jeopardizing it for – a passing inappropriate fancy for a client. ’
‘I see!’ Klara’s voice was harsh. ‘I’m glad to hear what you really think of me. I’m some spoiled pampered princess who gets everything she wants? Thanks a lot! At least I’m brave enough to follow my heart. And I don’t hide my true desires behind supposed duty.’
Klara walked out through the front door banging it behind her.
Oh, god! What did I say!
Sasha ran after Klara into the street. ‘That’s not what I meant! I’m sorry, Klara!’
But Klara was gone. Sasha went back into the café, feeling upset and ashamed. She and Klara hadn’t argued like that since they’d left uni. She hadn’t even taken her matcha latte and pastry.
Klara was always trying to get Sasha to be more adventurous and go for her hopes and dreams. She had always been there for her. Believing in her.
Sasha needed her!
She shouldn’t have flung those words at her, implying she had it easy when she knew Klara had issues with her parents too. Her grandmother did own The Bookery building, but with the provision it stayed a bookshop. If Klara ever wanted to do anything else with it, she couldn’t.
In a way, Klara was also following her duty. Sasha knew that.
She was so confused, she had lashed out and said hurtful things. She’d been awful. She could only hope Klara would forgive her.
‘Is everything all right?’ Chloé crossed to the counter and put her arm around her. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘Oh, gosh. I had a stupid fight with Klara. She’s always – so melodramatic.’
‘She’s a character, isn’t she? That’s what I love about this town: the community. You all support each other – to the death!’
‘Yes, we do.’ Sasha knew Klara wanted the best for her. But her matcha reading, this thing with Ben, it was none of her damn business.
She was right about one thing, though. Sasha had to end this ridiculous situation with Ben.
She knew what she had to do. And it wasn’t what Klara thought.