Chapter 1 #3
‘Well, the baking never stops. Just today, I was on the go first thing with a big batch of walnut and honey baklava, and some feta and Mediterranean veg quiches. And then, there’s the never-ending whirl of provisions deliveries, customers, the post office counter to sort out …’
‘You love it really,’ said Dan.
‘I do, of course. The stores are our lives. That’s why we moved up here, after all.’
‘And I bet he was in that apron again!’ Nikki laughed.
Andreas’s naked Greek statue apron was the talk of the village, and had brightened many a shop visitor’s day.
You went in for a newspaper and a takeaway coffee, and got an eyeful of far more than you bargained for, some chirpy conversation, and came out chuckling.
‘Your little shop is the heart of the community,’ confirmed Cath.
‘Aw, thank you,’ said Dan.
‘Well, I wish I had time left for some baking.’ Lily puffed out a sigh and rolled her eyes.
‘I’m full-on with revision. The exams are looming ever closer.
It all kicks off mid-May, and I’m feeling the pressure now.
’ Lily was in her final year taking A levels, and her all-important Food Science and Nutrition Level Three qualification, at the local high school in Alnwick.
Cath responded caringly, ‘Hey, take a breath, lovely. You’ll be fine.
I’m sure you’ll have made a revision plan by now.
Stick to it, little and often, and be sure to get some exercise to clear your head each day.
’ Her advice, as a teacher, for getting through the exam period was sound.
‘Oh, and plan some treats into your revision. That’ll keep you motivated. ’
‘Thanks, Cath. I’ll try and remember that.’
‘Well, the very best of luck, petal,’ said Andreas.
‘Go smash it, Lils,’ Nikki added.
‘Good luck, Lily. Keep going, and Cath’s right, don’t forget to look after yourself, too. I remember my two girls at that stage … not so long ago.’ Will paused, seeming a little floored by his thoughts for a second or two.
Cath felt for him, catching his eye, whilst giving the gentlest of supportive smiles.
He’d previously told her how Sophie had struggled badly at that A-level period, with her mum’s devastating illness hitting hard at the same time.
Sophie had made it through with hard work and sheer determination, whilst Jane, her mum, had not.
It must have been a horrendous time for the whole family.
Will gave a small cough before adding, ‘Well then, very best of luck, Lily,’ his voice sounding a little hoarse.
*
With everyone settled, and having caught up on the latest group news, Cath rose to her feet, saying she was heading back down to fetch the main course.
This was the tricky part of hosting supper in your garden shed – bringing the hot food up the garden path and all the way from the kitchen.
Will and Dan stood up too, ready to go and give her a hand.
Teamwork was key, plus a good strong pair of oven gloves.
Back at the hut a few minutes later – after some sprightly step-negotiation from pan-carrying Will, and Dan bearing the buttered greens in their covered dish – Cath lifted the lid on a huge red casserole pot that was now set on a board in the middle of the table.
‘Ta-dah.’
Aromas of chicken and herbs and a white-wine gravy tantalisingly filled the space.
‘That looks amazing,’ said Dan, with eyes wide. ‘You, and the meal.’
‘Hah, well, thank you.’ Cath chuckled.
‘It smells absolutely wonderful,’ added Will. ‘Can’t wait to try it.’
Cath served out hearty portions of the main dish, and they helped themselves to the greens.
Tucking in, Andreas announced, ‘Oh my, you are the goddess of comfort food, Cath Taylor. Honestly, this is divine!’
Will was nodding in agreement with a big smile on his face.
‘Bloody scrumptious,’ added Nikki.
‘De-lish,’ said Lily. ‘This is unreal.’
To add to the comfort levels, they finished with warm chocolate brownies topped with a confectionery mini egg – a chocolatey nod to Easter approaching – served with fresh raspberries and a blob of thick melting cream. Delish!
Relaxing back into their chairs with happy tummies, they all needed a rest after that.
Some of the gang were wrapped in fleeces, some with blankets on their knees, as the inevitable evening garden chill drifted in.
With top-ups of wine, a lovely buttery chardonnay that Cath had chosen to go with the main course, the conversation rolled on until late in the evening.
*
Cath caught up with Will as the two of them cleared the dessert plates from the hut to the kitchen, finally catching a few minutes on their own.
She used the opportunity to ask about Sophie.
He’d obviously not wanted to go into any detail with the others, especially at the start of a social evening.
‘She’s feeling the pressure right now,’ he began to explain. ‘A bit like Lily. That revision and exam strain can hit hard. It’s a big year for her law degree. And I think it all just came to a head with one of her flatmates.’
‘Oh, dear.’