Starry Skies Over the Chocolate Pot Cafe

by Jessica Redland

  I smiled and shook my head. ‘Nothing bad. Just thinking about not being alone on Christmas Day for the first time since I left home and it’s made me a bit emotional.’

  ‘Oh, honey. I can’t bear to think of you spending all those years on your own. We’ll make it really special this year.’

  I came round from behind the counter and hugged them both.

  ‘How hungry are you?’ I asked.

  ‘Starving,’ Dad said. ‘We had brunch rather than lunch as we wanted to keep plenty of space for afternoon tea.’

  ‘Food first then and a tour afterwards?’ I suggested.

  ‘Sounds lovely,’ Mum said. She looked round her. ‘I can’t wait to explore but first impressions are wonderful. I could not be prouder of you and everything you’ve achieved.’

  ‘Stop it! You’ll set me off again.’

  By the time they finished eating, the café had thinned out and the first floor was closed off and cleaned. I pulled aside the rope so I could show my parents upstairs.

  ‘I love it so much,’ Mum said, sitting down at one of the first floor tables. ‘It exudes such warmth, don’t you think, Tim?’

  Dad had wandered over to the windows and was looking up and down the street. ‘I completely agree. And this street is just perfect. I love the fairy lights strung between the buildings. Come and have a look, Kirsten.’

  ‘I’ll look in a minute.’ She was smiling but I suspected that fatigue had taken over again. They’d arrived with several shopping bags so had clearly wandered round town first and it had likely taken its toll.

  ‘Tell you what,’ I said. ‘Why don’t we go up to the flat? It means a couple of flights of stairs but there’s an amazing view from up there and then you can relax and maybe even both have a nap while I finish off in the café.’

  ‘Great idea,’ Dad said, smiling at me, his eyes conveying his gratitude.

  ‘Two flights of stairs?’ Kirsten gave an exaggerated groan. ‘I think the only thing that could persuade me to tackle that would be knowing there’s a giant house rabbit waiting for me at the top, desperate for cuddles.’

  ‘What a coincidence,’ I said, smiling. ‘Come on. I’ll get you both settled.’

  ‘Your parents are lovely,’ Molly said after I returned downstairs.

  ‘Thank you.’

  ‘Is the rift with your sister all sorted out now?’ She grimaced. ‘Sorry. Was that too nosy?

  I smiled reassuringly. ‘No, it wasn’t too nosy. It’s nice that you remembered. And, no, it’s not sorted and never will be. For lots of long, complicated reasons, my foster sister is no longer in their lives which means I can be.’

  ‘That’s good. Not for the foster sister, obviously, but it’s good for you. It’s sad when families lose touch.’

  ‘Still no word from your dad?’

  She shook her head. ‘I’m actually not bothered about him. He was no help with my brother and he cheated on my mum so it’s no great loss. I do miss my grandma, though. He told her she had to choose between him and us. He’s her son so what could she do?’

  ‘Aw, Molly. I’m sorry to hear that. Doesn’t sound very fair on any of you.’

  ‘It isn’t but I can either get upset and mope about it or I can accept it and move on. Now that he’s out of our lives, I’m closer than ever to my mum and brother who are great, I’ve got Nathan…’ She smiled dreamily as she said his name. ‘And it’s twelve more sleeps till Christmas. Happy days.’

  A regular appeared to order a takeaway latte so we couldn’t continue the conversation. Watching Molly chatting easily to the customer, I found myself smiling at her Pollyanna approach to life. Reconnecting with my parents and starting a relationship with Jed had been giant steps in putting my past behind me. I needed to focus on enjoying the here and now with him and let the future unfold in its own sweet way instead of worrying about the balance in our relationship. It hadn’t even been a week and it just happened that I’d had the first scenario requiring support. I might have the second one too but, at some point down the line, Jed would need me and I could be the strong one for him. As Mum said, I should stop creating problems that didn’t exist. Or at least try to stop.

  My team had left for the day and I was working my way round the café, switching off the fairy lights, when Jed knocked on the door.

  ‘I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight,’ I said. ‘What happened to the college thing with Lucy?’

  ‘She got a better offer. A friend of hers invited her for a sleepover so college and I have been ditched. Which meant I was free to come over and do this.’

  He bent over and tenderly kissed me. Closing my eyes, I melted against him. Yes, I definitely needed to enjoy the here and now because moments like that with Jed were worth savouring.

  ‘Did your parents like the café?’ he asked.

  ‘They’re upstairs if you’d like to ask them yourself. Or is that too scary and too soon? I know they’re keen to meet you.’

  Jed smiled. ‘I’d love to meet them and it’s not scary at all.’

  I asked him to wait outside the door to the flat while I went inside. It was only fair to check whether Mum was asleep as I didn’t want to embarrass her if she was. Fortunately she’d had a nap but was now awake and very excited to meet Jed.

  It couldn’t have gone better. Mum hugged Jed and Dad shook his hand. I didn’t feel at all nervous about introducing him and I didn’t think it was just because it was spontaneous and I hadn’t had time to build the nerves; it was simply because it all felt so right. It was so different to when they’d met Garth. Back then, I’d been anxious about my age, his age and how they’d feel about him being a long-lost family member. Watching them so animated and relaxed in Jed’s presence, it was obvious that any warmth shown towards Garth had been about supporting me and my decisions instead of them wholeheartedly advocating the relationship.

  At about seven, Dad announced that it was time to head back to the cottage. I was about to protest that they should join us for a takeaway but I could see that Mum was flagging again.

  Leaving Jed in the flat, I walked them down the stairs and to the door.

  ‘He’s gorgeous,’ Mum said, taking both my hands in hers. ‘And I don’t just mean his looks. I used to worry about you and Garth. I couldn’t put my finger on what it was but something wasn’t quite right and I used to tell myself it was because you were young and I was being overprotective. Jed couldn’t be more different and I know I’ll never need to worry about him hurting my little girl.’

  ‘Thanks, Mum.’

  I hugged her then Dad.

  He picked up an armful of carrier bags. ‘If you don’t have any plans for Sunday, we’d love it if you could both join us for lunch or dinner. I was going to say so upstairs but I thought we’d better check with you first.’

  ‘Thank you. It’s a definite yes from me but I’ll have to come back to you on Jed. He’s driving up to Newcastle on Saturday to collect Erin from university so they might want some family time on Sunday.’

  I waved them off then then made a couple of drinks.

  Back in the lounge, I placed the mugs on the coffee table, smiling at Jed who had Hercules sprawled across his knee like a dog. ‘I made you a chilli chocolate but don’t feel you have to drink it if you need to get home.’

  ‘There’s nobody home. Lucy’s at that sleepover and Mum and Dad are out for a meal with their friends, Peter and Joyce. I’m all yours if you want me.’

  I leaned over and kissed him. ‘I do want you.’ Colour rushed to my cheeks and I bit my lip. ‘Oh, I don’t mean… I’m not ready… I’m…’

  Jed took my hand and gently pulled me down onto the sofa beside him. ‘I won’t lie by pretending the thought hadn’t crossed my mind but please believe me when I say there’s no pressure on you to do anything until you’re ready. I’m not going anywhere. We can take things as quickly or as slowly as you want.’

  He raised my hand to his lips and lightly kissed it. So tender.


  ‘Thank you for understanding,’ I said.

  ‘You don’t need to thank me. Just be honest with me. If you feel ready to take things further and then you want to stop, you just have to say. We won’t do anything you’re not ready to do.’

  He put his arm round me I snuggled against his chest. Listening to his heart beating, I felt relaxed, safe and loved. He hadn’t said he loved me and I wasn’t sure if he’d even admitted it to himself but I certainly felt it from every look, every touch and every word. And, for the first time ever, it wasn’t an act. As for how I felt about Jed, I was in danger of falling very hard and very fast.

  40

  On Sunday afternoon, I was at my dining table surrounded by needle felted tree decorations. With just over a week remaining until Christmas Day, I’d received a flurry of orders via Etsy so wanted to package them up ready to take to the Post Office in the morning. I was looking forward to an afternoon as The Cobbly Crafter before driving up towards Whitby for dinner with Mum and Dad. Yesterday, Jed had collected Erin from university as planned but had assured me they’d have loads of time to catch up over Christmas and he was keen to accept my parents’ invitation.

  Jed’s number flashed up on my phone.

  ‘Are you busy?’ he asked.

  ‘Just sorting out my Etsy orders. Why?’

  ‘I know you weren’t meant to be meeting my family until tomorrow night but how do you feel about meeting a couple of them now? The girls have turned up under the guise of Erin wanting to check out the gallery but it appears they’re more interested in meeting you and Hercules. I know when I’m not wanted.’

  I heard a girl’s voice in the background saying, ‘Sorry, Dad, but you versus a giant house bunny? The bunny wins every time.’

  ‘Sounds like I’m not really wanted either,’ I said, laughing. ‘I’m sure Hercules would be delighted by the attention and you know I’m dying to meet your girls.’

  ‘Do you want me to give you ten minutes?’

  ‘Dad!’ came a whine.

  ‘You can come straight over if you want. I was going to say warn them I’m crafting and it’s a bit of a mess but I’m guessing they won’t even notice once they spot Hercules.’

  ‘You could be right there. See you in a minute.’

  I stood up and breathed in deeply. This was it. I was about to meet Jed’s daughters a day earlier than expected. It was probably a good thing because I wouldn’t have all tomorrow to get worked up about it. I’d been invited out for an evening meal with the full family, including Erin’s boyfriend, in celebration of Jed’s dad’s birthday. Meeting his parents didn’t faze me but I was apprehensive about meeting Erin and Lucy in case they didn’t respond well to their dad having a new girlfriend. Jed had assured me I needn’t worry and they were ‘stoked’ that he’d found someone new, having nagged him for years that it was about time he got his act together.

  He’d shown me photos and told me that, personality-wise, they were complete opposites. Erin was the mature, studious, organised, sensible one and Lucy was child-like, scatty, disorganised and prone to speaking before thinking. Lucy had apparently taken the loss of Aaron really badly and Jed admitted that he’d babied her which sometimes meant she acted far younger than her years. Despite their differences, the sisters were exceptionally close and fiercely protective of each other which he suspected was a direct result of being made to feel like unwelcome outsiders when living with their mum and Declan, poor kids.

  I’d no sooner reached the bottom of the stairs when there was a knock on the internal door. Deep breath. Smile. Nothing to be afraid of.

  Jed mouthed ‘sorry’ to me the moment I opened the door but I gave him a reassuring smile.

  ‘This is Erin and this is Lucy. Girls, this is Tara.’

  Erin gave me a warm smile but Lucy launched herself at me, wrapping her arms round my waist. ‘I’ve been dying to meet you.’

  I hugged her back, feeling quite choked-up at her reaction. I looked across at Jed who rolled his eyes and I realised this was one of her child-like behaviours but one I was very happy to go along with.

  ‘And I’ve been dying to meet you both,’ I said. ‘Do you want to come upstairs to see Hercules?’

  They eagerly followed me up to the flat. ‘Hercules? Visitors?’ He came bounding over to squeals of delight from both girls.

  ‘Oh my gosh!’ Lucy cried. ‘He’s gorgeous. Can I pick him up?’

  ‘Yes, but he’s very heavy so I’d suggest you maybe start by sitting on the sofa and getting used to him. He loves company so he’ll probably drape himself over you anyway.’

  There were more squeals as they followed me into the lounge area with Hercules hot on my heels.

  ‘You’re a hit,’ Jed said, putting his arm round my waist as we stood by the arched window, watching the girls cooing over Hercules who, as expected, had draped himself across both of them.

  ‘I think he’s the hit but I liked the hug from Lucy.’

  ‘She’s all about the hugs but it usually takes her several meetings before she’d dish one out so I’d say you’re definitely the hit.’

  ‘Must be down to you singing my praises then.’

  ‘I might have done, but everything was justified.’

  ‘They’re beautiful girls, Jed.’ Although both had long blonde hair with sun-kissed highlights, Erin’s was shoulder-length and neatly styled with layers framing her face and Lucy’s tumbled to her waist in an effortlessly messy style. Lucy had a slender frame, like a ballet dancer, and Erin had a curvier build. Lucy had her dad’s green eyes and Erin’s were bright blue but there was still no mistaking the family resemblance.

  ‘I’m going to have to get back to the gallery, girls,’ Jed said after about fifteen minutes. ‘Time to say goodbye.’

  ‘No way!’ Lucy cried. ‘We’ve only just got here and look at him. He’s loving it.’

  ‘You’re welcome to stay a bit longer if that’s okay with your dad,’ I said.

  ‘Can we, Dad?’ Erin asked.

  ‘You’re sure they won’t be in your way?’ he asked me.

  ‘It’ll be a great chance to get to know them.’

  ‘Okay,’ he said. ‘But best behaviour please.’

  Ten minutes later, we were seated at the dining table with hot chocolate and brownies.

  ‘I love your flat,’ Erin said, gazing round the room. ‘It’s so big yet so cosy.’

  ‘Thank you. It took a long time to get it how I wanted but Hercules and I are very happy here.’

  ‘My dad’s painting looks good,’ Erin added.

  I glanced round at the lighthouse picture and smiled. ‘Your dad is an exceptionally talented artist and that particular painting means so much to me. I’m very lucky to have it.’ I turned back to them. ‘I hear you’re both artists yourselves but different styles.’

  Listening to them chatter about their courses, I felt a warm glow inside. They seemed so relaxed in my company and I got no sense of hostility towards me as the new woman in their dad’s lives. Maybe them being a bit older helped. The physical and emotional distance from their mum probably helped too.

  ‘We have a confession to make,’ Erin said when we’d finished our drinks.

  ‘We didn’t really come over to meet Hercules,’ Lucy added.

  They exchanged solemn looks and nods and my heart sank. Was this the bit where they suddenly turned on me and warned me off their father?

  ‘Oh yes…?’ I prompted, trying to sound calm and assured.

  ‘It’s about our dad…’ Erin said.

  ‘Do you think you know him well?’ Lucy asked.

  I gulped. ‘It’s early days but we’ve talked a lot and I think I’ve got to know him fairly well.’ Oh no! Definitely about to warn me off.

  ‘Did he tell you what happened with him and Mum?’ Erin asked.

  Lucy nodded. ‘And do you know about Aaron?’

  ‘Yes to both.’

  ‘Good,’ Erin said, ‘because we’d welcome your advice on somethin
g.’

  ‘Fire away.’

  ‘We never stayed in touch with Aaron after the twins were born and we moved back to Dad’s, but he got in touch with me through Instagram a couple of months ago. He said he wanted to say hi and get to know his sisters again so I set up a WhatsApp group for the three of us.’

  Lucy stroked Hercules’s ears and sighed. ‘We used to get on really well but, when Mum and Dad split, it was horrible. By the time we moved back in with Dad, we hated him.’

  ‘Hated is a bit strong,’ Erin said.

  Lucy rolled her eyes at her sister. ‘What would you call it, then? I know it was tough on him but it was tough on us too. We couldn’t wait to move out and cut him out of our lives.’

  Erin looked at me and shrugged. ‘It wasn’t a good time.’

  ‘I can well imagine. It can’t have been easy on any of you. So how can I help?’

  ‘We didn’t tell Dad about Aaron getting in touch,’ Lucy said. ‘We didn’t think there was any point because it quickly fizzled out. Erin set up the WhatsApp group, we exchanged a few short messages about school and stuff, then it went quiet. We assumed he’d lost interest.’

  ‘Until he got in touch on it last week,’ Erin continued. ‘We’ve been in touch most days since then and it was all good until I mentioned how excited I was about coming home from uni and seeing Dad’s gallery.’

  ‘He lost his shit with us,’ Lucy said, scowling when Erin nudged her, presumably for swearing. ‘Said he wasn’t interested in hearing anything about “that loser”. He said that Dad had ruined his life and he hated him.’

  I winced. ‘That’s not good. How did you respond?’

  ‘Lucy had a go at Aaron for dissing Dad but I asked him why he thought Dad had ruined his life. He said it was because Dad didn’t want him and we both know that’s not true. Dad was desperate to keep Aaron in his life. He got legal advice and he begged Mum and Declan but they wouldn’t budge.’

  ‘And you told Aaron that?’ I asked.

  Lucy cuddled Hercules to her. ‘Yes, but he wasn’t having it. We haven’t replied to any of his messages since Friday. We don’t know whether to cut him off and forget about it or tell Dad. What do you think we should do?’