‘Good thanks.’ Dawn smiled. ‘What about you?’
Allie gave a small shrug. ‘We just have to get on with things, don’t we? I keep telling myself that Mandy will be fine and hoping I’m right.’
Concern flashed through her when she looked closely at Camilla. Her skin was so pale it was almost translucent.
‘Are you all right, Camilla?’
‘What? Oh… yes, I’m fine. I just need the loo.’
‘You know where it is!’ Allie used the well-worn phrase but Camilla just blinked.
‘Yes. Okay. Uh… I’m going to go to the loo now.’
Dawn rubbed her shoulder. ‘You want me to come with you?’
Allie put the coffees back down on the counter. Since when did Camilla need her sister to take her to the toilet?
‘No, thanks. It’s fine. It’ll all be fine.’ Camilla nodded then headed for the door that led to the café toilets.
‘Is she okay?’ Allie asked Dawn.
‘Yeah… she’s fine. How many times have we all used that word this morning?’ She shook her head. ‘Camilla is just a bit tired I think.’ Dawn’s cheeks coloured and Allie wondered what was going on. If the sisters had a secret then that was fine, but they were both acting strangely and she felt sure there must be more to it than the whole dead cat debacle of that morning.
‘Do you want a coffee?’ Allie asked.
‘Better not as I’m breastfeeding, and I don’t want to mess with Alison’s sleep via a milky caffeine infusion if I can help it. I’ll have a glass of something cold, though, please.’
‘What about Camilla? Shall I make her a drink?’
‘Uh… yes please, she’ll have a cold drink too.’
‘Any preference?’
‘Surprise us. Shall I take those to the customers?’
‘They’re for Honey and Dane.’
‘Okay, I’ll pop them over then come back for ours.’
‘Thanks.’
Allie went through to the kitchen and opened the large fridge then brought out a bottle of sparkling elderflower juice. She’d make the sisters a refreshing mocktail and hopefully find out what was going on with them, but only if they wanted her to know.
21
Dawn
‘There you are. Two coffees.’
Dawn set the mugs down on the table in front of Dane and Honey.
‘Thanks, Dawn. How are you feeling after your busy morning?’
‘Ah you know… Relieved that Ebony was fine but a bit sad that those kittens ended up without their mum.’ Dawn had sent a text to Honey to tell her about the kittens, hoping it was something positive to come out of the sad situation with the squashed cat.
‘Yes so sad.’ Honey shook her head. ‘Hope they find homes.’
‘I’m sure they will. They are so cute! Tom’s keeping them in for a while but once he’s run some blood tests and fed them up a bit, they’ll be looking for homes.’ Dawn grinned. ‘I’m hoping Rick will let me keep them to be honest. I don’t want to split them up and they’re just adorable. The children would love them.’
‘Well if Rick doesn’t agree, let us know and I’m sure we can come up with a plan.’ Dane smiled as he took Honey’s hand.
‘Oh we can, can we?’ Honey tilted her head. ‘And what will that be?’
‘I’ve always wanted to have a cat.’
‘Really?’
He nodded. ‘But if Dawn takes the kittens on, then perhaps we should visit a rehoming centre.’
‘That sounds like a rather big commitment to me, Mr Ackerman.’ Honey waggled her eyebrows.
‘I’m up for that.’
Honey blushed with pleasure then met Dawn’s eyes and smiled.
‘I’ll keep you posted on them.’ Dawn glanced over at the counter. ‘I think our drinks are ready.’
‘Come join us if you want?’ Honey patted the chair next to her.
‘What and cramp your style? Ruin your romantic brunch, or is it lunch now… for two?’
‘It’s fine, really.’ Dane gestured at the empty chairs. ‘Please join us.’
‘Back in a bit then.’
Dawn went over to the counter and accepted the drinks from Allie.
‘Ooh! These look nice. What are they?’
‘Mocktails. Sparkling elderflower, lemon juice and some fresh mint. Nice and refreshing.’
‘Sounds yummy.’
‘Is Camilla still in the toilet?’
Dawn nodded.
‘She must have quite an upset stomach…’
Dawn frowned. ‘I’d better go and check on her.’
She walked towards the toilets but when she reached the door, it opened and Camilla came out. Her skin was waxy and dark shadows sat beneath her eyes like bruises. She stopped when she saw Dawn and her bottom lip wobbled.
‘Oh god… try to be strong, sweetheart.’ Dawn muttered under her breath. She took hold of Camilla’s hand and led her to the counter. ‘Look at these lovely drinks Allie made for us. Shall we go and sit down and enjoy them?’ She was aware that her voice sounded too bright, that her smile was too wide.
‘Okay.’
Just then, the door opened and Tom entered, turning to close the door behind him. Camilla gasped then shot behind the counter and through the door that led to the kitchen, while Allie and Dawn stared at each other, their mouths gaping and their eyes wide.
Dawn knew what must be wrong but Allie didn’t, so Camilla’s behaviour must seem very strange to their friend.
22
Camilla
In the kitchen, Camilla scanned the room for somewhere to hide the white stick that she’d tucked into the waistband of her jeans. She’d followed the directions and peed on the stick then been unable to look at it. She couldn’t deal with this now, so she’d have to find out what the result was later. Although the directions said that you had to read the results as soon as possible for accuracy.
Accuracy…
Damn that word. As an accountant she usually loved accuracy but today she felt differently. If she’d been accurate with taking her pill and so on, then she wouldn’t even be worried at all now.
She pulled the stick out of her waistband and held it out.
Her hand was shaking.
Turning the stick over slowly, she brought it closer to her face.
She took a deep breath.
Here goes…
‘Oh…’ She stared at the two blue lines sitting side by side. ‘Oh… dear.’
Her legs were trembling so badly, she thought she’d keel over if she didn’t take a seat soon. But she also couldn’t take the stick with her so she needed somewhere to leave it.
Voices in the café carried through and she recognized Tom’s.
What if he came looking for her? She scanned the kitchen and her gaze fell on Allie’s bag tucked under the island in one of the baskets. That would do for now! She dropped the test into it and tucked it back in the basket. She’d explain to Allie when she got five minutes, but for now she’d better go back out and act normal. Well, as normal as she could do knowing that Tom’s baby was growing in her womb.
Baby?
Womb?
GAAAAHHHH!
What would he think? Would he hate her and blame her for getting pregnant? Would he be horrified? Shocked? Was there a chance that he’d be happy about it all?
Nausea swirled in her belly and she took a few slow deep breaths. She could remember hearing that morning sickness was a sign of a strong pregnancy, but the idea of feeling like this for any length of time scared her. She could barely think straight let alone carry on as normal. But she’d have to until she decided what to do or Tom would know something was up.
She pinched her cheeks, licked her lips then pushed her shoulders back and headed for the door. She was a strong and confident woman and she’d dealt with plenty of difficult situations over the years.
She could deal with this.
Of course she could.
Couldn’t she?
23<
br />
Honey
Over Dane’s shoulder, Honey had seen Camilla shoot into the kitchen when Tom entered the café, as well as Dawn and Allie’s bewildered faces. There was definitely something strange going on and she wanted to find out what it was to see if she could help. However, just as she was about to excuse herself and go to the counter, Camilla emerged from the kitchen.
Camilla smiled briefly at Tom and he nodded, then they walked over and joined Honey and Dane at the table.
‘Are we crashing your romantic meal?’ Tom asked, looking a bit sheepish.
‘No, not at all. We said you should join us.’
‘How are the kittens?’ Dawn asked as she joined them too.
‘Snuggled up in one of the crates in the surgery. They took a feed, along with some kitten formula, then I settled them in one of the warmest crates along with a big fluffy blanket. They’ll be fine now but it’s a good job you found them.’
‘I can’t bear to think of them being out there all alone all night.’
‘Well perhaps it wasn’t all night. It might only have been a few hours,’ Tom suggested.
‘I hope it wasn’t long but even so, what if they came out and saw their mum?’ Dawn grimaced.
‘They’ll be fine.’ Tom nodded. ‘Absolutely fine.’
‘I’m going to encourage Rick to adopt them. I don’t know if it’s my hormones with Alison being so young but I feel the need to look out for the kittens too.’
‘You’ll be a fabulous cat mum.’ Tom smiled. ‘Camilla? Are you all right, angel?’
All heads turned to Camilla who was chewing at a nail and staring out the window.
‘Sorry?’
‘I asked if you’re okay.’
‘Yes. I am, thanks. Just a bit tired.’
Honey took in how pale Camilla was, how tired she seemed, and how she also looked as though she’d been crying. She hoped everything was all right between Camilla and Tom. It would be dreadful to see them split up now.
Allie came over to the table with a tray of cold drinks. ‘Everything all right? I brought some more mocktails and Jordan is going to take over so I can have a break. After last night’s emotional rollercoaster, I’m exhausted.’
Allie pulled a chair over from the closest table and sat down.
She looked from face to face then frowned.
‘What’s up? You all look troubled.’
‘Do you know what?’ Honey decided to try to change the subject. ‘I’ve been thinking about adding a wedding range to Purple Hen designs. It’s an area of the market I haven’t tapped into yet and I’m sure there are some products I could create that would appeal to bridal parties.’
Camilla flashed her a grateful look and Honey winked.
‘That’s a fabulous idea.’ Allie nodded. ‘You could make wedding favours, wedding gifts and table decorations and… ooh, all sorts!’
‘We can come up with some ideas together.’ Dane smiled. ‘I’d love to help you.’
‘Thank you.’ Honey touched his hand. ‘But you’ll have too much marking and planning to do, Mr Ackerman.’
Dane rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically. ‘Don’t remind me. But I will help as much as I can during the holidays.’
‘Did I hear something about weddings?’
‘Chris!’ Allie stood up. ‘I didn’t see you come in.’
‘I know, you were gazing intently at Camilla.’
‘Was I?’
Chris nodded.
‘Take my chair and I’ll get you a drink.’
‘No you won’t. I’m sure you’ve been on your feet since you got here. Anyway, I’m not stopping, I just came for the car keys.’
‘Why where are you going?’
‘I have some errands to run.’ Chris waved a hand dismissively. ‘Just need to get some more printer paper and a few other bits.’
‘Okay, love. The keys are in my bag in the kitchen.’
‘Great.’
Chris went through to the kitchen and Camilla’s eyes widened.
‘What is it?’ Honey asked, reaching under the table to take her hand. ‘You look like you’ve seen a ghost.’
‘No… it’s not that… I… I think I left the iron on at your house, Tom.’
Tom frowned. ‘Did you even use the iron this morning?’
‘I did. I’m sure I did.’ Camilla covered her mouth with her hand. ‘Yes… oh, now I’m not sure but I won’t be able to rest until I check. I’d better go.’ She stood up then glanced at the door to the kitchen. ‘Now!’
‘I’ll come with you, Camilla.’ Tom drained his glass then stood up. ‘Thanks for the drinks, Allie. See you all later.’ He flashed a smile but it was obvious that he was worried by Camilla’s odd behaviour.
As they left the café, Chris emerged from the kitchen, and now it was his face that had turned pale.
24
Allie
Allie shared frowns and shrugs with Dawn, Honey and Tom. It was turning out to be one of the strangest days she’d experienced in a long time and Camilla’s behaviour was quite troubling.
‘I’ve got the keys.’ Chris appeared at her side. His voice sounded different, quieter and strained, as if he was speaking over the phone on a bad connection. He stood there, his one hand dangling the keys and his other hand clenching and unclenching.
‘What’s up?’ Allie tapped his hand. ‘Have you got cramp?’
‘No.’ He shook his head then took a deep breath. ‘No, I’m great. Everything’s… great.’
‘Okaaaay…’ Allie stood up then walked him to the door. ‘Are you sure you’re all right?’
‘Yeah.’ He rubbed his hands over his face then through his hair. ‘Allie, you would tell me if you were worried about something wouldn’t you?’
‘What like about Mandy?’
‘Yes. But… I meant if there was anything else you’d found out and you wanted to tell me but were a bit worried about how I’d react.’
Allie blinked. What on earth was he talking about?
‘Of course.’
Chris cupped her chin in his hands and gently stroked her cheeks. ‘You don’t need to keep anything from me, you know? I’m with you in all of this and I love you. Anything that …arises… we can deal with it together.’
‘I know.’ She closed her eyes as he kissed her.
‘I won’t be long but if you need me, call me. I’ll keep an eye on my mobile. Perhaps we can have a good chat later on?’
‘Yep, no problem.’
He opened the door and Allie watched him until he was out on the road.
It really was a very strange day indeed, almost as if aliens had come to earth and taken over the bodies of her friends and loved ones.
‘Hello?’ Allie called as she entered the cottage and closed the door behind her. ‘Chris?’
There was no answer, so she swapped her shoes for her slippers in the hallway then padded through to the kitchen. Mandy was at the table drinking coffee and flicking through a magazine.
‘Hiya, love, how are you feeling?’
Allie was glad to see that Mandy had dressed and even had a pair of Allie’s trainers on.
‘I’m okay, thanks, Mum. Tired but more with it than I was this morning.’
‘I’m so happy to hear that. Are you hungry?’
‘Not really but I’m going to have pizza with Jordan and Max this evening and watch a movie.’
‘Oh!’ Allie went to the fridge and looked inside, keen to hide her delight. ‘That’s nice.’
‘You don’t mind, do you?’
Allie closed the fridge. ‘Why would I mind?’
‘Well, I know you like having me home.’
‘Oh, love, I do but that’s not to say you can’t go and spend the evening with your brother. It will do you good. Jordan and Max are fabulous company.’
Mandy nodded.
‘I don’t suppose I could… uh…’
‘You need some cash?’
‘This is so embarrassing but I don�
��t have any money left in my purse and there’s no cashpoint in the village.’
‘It’s no problem.’ Allie went through to the hall and located her bag then pulled some notes from her purse. Back in the kitchen, she handed them to her daughter. ‘Just have fun.’
‘I feel like a teenager again.’ Mandy chewed her bottom lip.
‘Come here my little girl.’ Allie hugged Mandy tight, stroking her soft blonde hair and breathing in her sweet floral scent. She’d do anything for her children and even though they were both in their twenties, they’d always be her babies. ‘Now go have some fun.’
‘Jordan said that if it’s late, I can stay over to save walking back.’
‘Just text me so I know what you’re doing.’
Mandy nodded. ‘Will do.’
Mandy left the kitchen and Allie leant against the unit, listening to the familiar sounds of the cottage, from the clock in the hallway to the floorboards upstairs as they settled, and the swishing of the trees outside the kitchen window as the evening breeze picked up. Her whole body ached and the idea of sinking into a hot bath was very appealing. But first she wanted to know where Chris was.
She checked her mobile but he hadn’t sent any texts or tried to ring so she went to her favourites and pressed call.
‘Hello?’
‘Chris? Where are you?’
‘Just pulled up outside. Be right in.’
Allie ended the call and placed her mobile on the worktop. She heard the front door open and Chris walked in carrying several bags of shopping and a box of printer paper.
‘You went food shopping?’
‘Yeah… thought we needed a few bits and bobs.’
‘Lovely.’
He put the bags on the worktop then shrugged out of his jacket.
‘Is that why you were gone for so long?’
Allie did trust Chris but old fears and doubts from her past made her wary, even when she thought she’d managed to push them aside. Chris did everything he could to make her feel loved, but her first husband, Roger, had done a lot of damage, and she wondered sometimes if she’d ever fully escape his shadow, and what it would take to feel fully confident about her relationship.
A Wedding at The Cosy Cottage Café_A delightful romantic comedy to make you smile this summer Page 7