by Nicola May
‘No. To be perfectly honest, I haven’t got a clue. Like I said the other night, I was left the shop. Before that I’ve literally been doing bar work, shop work and the occasional telesales job. But I figured it can’t be that hard. Buy stock, sell stock, buy more stock, make a profit, spend the profit on nice things.’
‘And also, you need to add to your list: pay bills, buy food, pay accountant, upkeep property, have time for a life . . . this lark is harder than you think, Rosa.’
‘You sound just like Josh.’
‘Just keeping it real, honey. Plus, you need to deal with being the new girl on the block. It took us at least six months before we were accepted here. This place used to be a rundown boozer; every local had their specific stool at the bar. They didn’t like it when the townies came in, took away their seats and turned it into a gastro-pub. It was when I started taking business from Madam Hannafore that it got really interesting though. I had a fire in my stockroom last summer. Yes, it was an incredibly hot day and the smoking area is adjacent, but I still have questions.’
‘Really?’ Rosa was wide-eyed.
‘I’m not saying anything like that will happen to you, but make sure you get your insurance sorted pronto. And don’t get me wrong, there are some great people down here - the majority, in fact - and when the tourists start coming, it is good fun and that’s when the money begins to flow. But just watch your back, Rosa.’
‘Josh kept on about insurance on too. I will sort it tomorrow.’
‘He’s cute, your Josh.’
‘He’s not “my” Josh – he’s not my type. We’re friends because he used to be my landlord. OK, he’s more of a friend with the very odd benefit, but more benefit for him really.’
‘Aw. I thought you went well together. Tell him though, if he wants to teach us how to rugby tackle next time he’s down, send him our way.’ Jacob grinned saucily at her. ‘Any idea what you are going to sell yet, anyway?’
‘Actually yes. I was thinking of pet products. Leads, bowls, food, gifts, maybe even little doggy coats.’
‘I like it - and of course you have your first customers here. I’m not sure if I can see the locals putting their hounds in a pink tutu, but you never know. However, the general pet stuff, yes, I see a definite market for it. There are loads of dog-friendly B&Bs and holiday cottages around here too as it’s such a good walking area.’
‘That’s what I thought.’ Rosa felt cheered by his enthusiasm.
Jacob put his hand to his head in thought, then said: ‘Actually, there’s a guy I know in London who set up an online business selling similar stuff. Would you like me to check out his supplier for you?’
‘Oh Jacob, that would be amazing, thank you!’
Just then, the door to the pub opened.
‘Here we go, girl. It’s over to you.’
Jacob watched on as Rosa ably poured a pint of Guinness and located the requested wine at quick speed. His gut had been right; she was very capable. The customers would love her too.
The girl reminded him a bit of how he was at her age. In his twenties, the nearest he got to looking to the future was booking his next holiday, and relationships just ebbed and flowed with no sense of settling down. It wasn’t until his thirties that he had bucked up his ideas and started making a success of himself. He had wished he had had some guidance earlier on, but hindsight is a wonderful thing and he certainly had created his own path in a good way. He had also been very lucky to meet Raffaele, who was not only extremely fit, but was also loyal and a hard worker, with a close family who had similar values to his own.
The evening moved along swiftly, with Rosa taking both food and drink orders without incident and chatting amiably to the clientele. Both tables were renting cottages in the bay and had taken an extra week off work after the New Year. Jacob had gone upstairs once he was sure Rosa was happy to be left alone, with the instruction that she was to ring the bell at the bottom of the stairs if she needed him.
By ten o’clock the place was empty. Rosa was just thinking that on a cold Wednesday night in January it was unlikely they would get any more business and maybe she would ask Jacob if she could go, when the door was pushed open.
‘Hey.’ She greeted the lone punter with a smile. ‘What can I get you?’
The fellow was attractive in a geeky sort of way. Tall and skinny, the top of his nose had a little bump on it and he was wearing horn-rimmed glasses. His blond hair was cut short in a Tin-Tin style, with a trendy little quiff. His lips were full and his eyes light blue and almond-shaped. Clad in a grey woollen hoody and well-fitted jeans, Rosa likened him to a younger-looking Leonardo DiCaprio.
They both stared a little too long at each other and Rosa felt that strong connection that only eyes can make.
‘Rocking in here tonight, then?’ the newcomer said.
‘We’ve had a few in earlier, but to be fair it is January.’
‘I’ll just have a half of the local ale, please, to get me back up the hill.’ The man took off his hoody to reveal a tight black T-shirt then sat at the bar. ‘I’m Joe, by the way.’
Rosa handed him his drink. ‘Rosa.’
‘Ah, proud new owner of the Corner Shop. As announced by the landlady’s son the other night at the Ship.’
‘I didn’t see you there.’
‘Because the last I saw of you was with a big rugby lad carrying you out under one arm, that’s probably why.’
‘Oh God. Ways To Make an Impression, Part One.’
‘It’s fine. I doubt anyone really took any notice. Most people were pretty drunk. I guess you’ve forgiven the landlord’s son though, as I saw him skulking out of your place on New Year’s Day.’
Oh bugger. ‘He was just adjusting my pipes before he left.’
‘That’s what they call it these days, is it?’ Joe winked at her.
‘How rude. No way! He has a girlfriend.’ Rosa was indignant but fuming inside that someone had spotted Lucas leaving.
‘Anyway, what brings a young - and can I detect from that accent, a Mancunian - man to an empty pub in the middle of nowhere on a Wednesday night in January?’
‘Boredom. Knowing there was a new pretty barmaid in town. Top marks on the accent, by the way.’
Rosa smiled. ‘Flattery will get you everywhere.’
‘Good that he sorted the plumbing for you, anyway.’
But Rosa didn’t want to be talking any more about Lucas Hannafore.
‘I paid him,’ she said tightly.
‘Same night as his girlfriend got hit up the road, wasn’t it? He must have been frantic when he took the call at yours.’
‘What did you say your name was again - Monsieur Poirot?’ Rosa was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
Joe cocked his head to the side. ‘Rumour has it, it was Lucas himself who ran her over, you know.’
‘If you live here I’m surprised you believe anything you hear. This place seems to be one big rumour.’
‘Ha! You learn quickly. So, how’s it going with the shop anyway?’
‘Fine, fine. I’m ready to start stocking it up now. Want to make sure it’s right though, before I open.’
‘People can’t wait to see what you are going to be selling.’
‘I have a few ideas,’ was all Rosa would say. ‘Anyway, it’s refreshing to see another younger person down here. Old Queenie Cobb was telling me that when kids get to a certain age, they try and escape the boredom.’
‘Oh, I don’t herald from here, as you’ve gathered already.’
Rosa felt a surge of disappointment as she clocked his wedding ring.
‘So, when do you think you might open?’ Joe asked.
‘Depends on how quickly I can get hold of stock. I’m thinking of selling pet products, as it goes: food, bowls, accessories, flowery doggy butt-plugs. What do you reckon?’
Joe laughed out loud. ‘Interesting - and a fine start to shocking the locals, but the rest s
ounds like a good idea. There would definitely be a market for most of those things because the nearest decent pet place is around forty miles away.’
‘I was actually thinking of doing an Open Day.’
‘Great idea.’ He downed his drink.
‘Maybe you could help drum up some business and then come along. Bring your wife and kids.’
Joe pulled on his hoody and stared right into her eyes again.
‘Soon-to-be ex-wife and no, I have no kids of my own. Here, take this. I’d be happy to help.’ He pulled a business card out of his pocket, closed his hand around hers as he passed it to her, then left.
Putting his glass in the washer, she whispered out loud, ‘Ooh, Joe Fox, Editor, South Cliffs Gazette, you can cover my opening any time you like.’
CHAPTER 22
True to his word, Jacob had given her the supplier contact details he had mentioned and the next day, Rosa was up early and on the case.
She had opened a bank account in her name for now, with a view to opening a business account once things got going. Beavis Pet Supplies were happy to take a PayPal payment for her first order, and then if satisfied, they said they would set up an account for her. In just a few days she would be receiving her first order.
Also listening to Jacob’s advice, she had managed to find a second-hand till on eBay and that was on its way too. She had even set up a spreadsheet and worked out her mark-up on goods, whilst ensuring that the prices were still very reasonable.
As a child, Rosa had loved the kind of shop that sold little ornaments, decorated boxes, animals made of shells, bead necklaces, and joke tricks. She had taken a look up and down the main street here in Cockleberry Bay and noticed that nobody was selling old-fashioned sweets - the kind that were shaken out of big glass jars onto a set of scales. For a moment, her mind was full of pear drops, toffee pincushions, lemon bonbons and black jacks. It felt so right! She would cater for the adults with the pet products, and their kids with sweets and holiday trinkets and gifts. She could then see how it went and go from there.
Rosa had always had an artistic flair. She wanted the window and shelves of the Corner Shop to look pretty and unique, so had bought a selection of wicker baskets for display and some flowered fabrics with which to line each one.
On this Monday morning, feeling pleased with her progress, she made a cup of tea and sat down on the sofa upstairs to do some sums. After paying for her stock, she only had £200 left, but with no rent to pay and her little bit of money coming in from the Lobster Pot, she would just have to manage. With dog food on order at least, Hot would be OK. She had lived on beans on toast before, so she could do it again.
On walking into the bedroom and being faced with the pile of dirty clothes in the corner, Rosa accepted that what she really needed was a washing machine. The launderette would be fine for a short while, but carrying heavy bags up the hill, then back up the steep stairs of the flat would soon become a chore. Bless Ned and Dotty, they must have managed somehow. Strange - Queenie had not seemed at all keen to talk much about them, and in fact she had gone a bit funny when the subject of Dotty’s passing came up.
Rosa passionately wanted her business to be a success; she felt she owed it to Ned and Dotty, who had obviously worked hard to keep the shop going all their lives. She had an urge to find out more about them. Seb had said that Ned hadn’t had any family when he died, so they couldn’t have had any children. This snippet of information made the whole inheritance thing all the weirder. Rosa sighed. Why on earth had the Corner Shop ended up in her hands?
She opened the desk drawer and reached under some paperwork for the necklace. How could Queenie have possibly known about it? She had warned Rosa to keep it in a safe place - but why? It had obviously been stuffed down that sofa for years and nobody had known about it. She would just put it on the top of the wardrobe, in a box - it would be fine there.
Rosa climbed on the bed to get a look - and on seeing the amount of dust up there,
she immediately got down again and went to fetch a damp cloth. As she cleaned and started to see the grain of the wood through the dirt, she noticed a little brass catch. Intrigued, she pulled it up and it came away in her hands, along with a small square of wood. It was a lid.
Tentatively, not knowing what she would find, she put her hand inside the man-
made box underneath and felt around.
Feeling nothing at first, she delved deeper along the small tunnel that had been created beneath the false top of the wardrobe, and flinched slightly as her fingers touched something. Coughing as more dust flew up, she took the object out and placed it on top of the wardrobe.
The tight bundle of paper had yellowed, the blue ribbon that it was tied with, was frayed. Rosa sat down on the bed, gently untied the ribbon, pulled a letter from the pile, unfolded it and started to read. She had only got to the words Dear T, when her phone rang and jumped her back into reality.
With Hot yapping downstairs, she hopped down off the bed and answered it, leaving the letters where they were.
‘All right, Rosalar?’ came Josh’s familiar voice. ‘Made your millions yet?’
‘Not yet, but I have ordered some stock, plus opened a bank account like you said. How’s it going - still missing me?’
‘No, but I’m missing Hot though.’
‘You’re such a liar. Anyway, news on the bay is that I’ve had my fortune told - and listen to this: old Queenie Cobb told me not to sell the necklace. I mean, how did she know I even had a necklace anyway?’
‘Maybe because we chatted about it in front of her granddaughter in the Co-op.’
‘Did we?’
‘I don’t know, but use your brain, Rosa. She’s probably just on a fact-finding mission like everyone else. I thought you were savvier than that.’
‘I am, but . . . she was so specific. Anyway, I’m not going to sell it yet. I’ve paid for some stock upfront - the shelves aren’t going to be packed, but I want to see how I go first.’
‘When did you ever get so sensible?’
‘Since I realised that if I don’t pay my bills, I won’t have hot water or light.’
‘Any more been said about the hit-and-run?’
‘No, it’s gone all quiet . . . oh, apart from a guy called Joe who I met in the Lobster Pot. He’s a journalist stroke editor on the Gazette, and he was actually asking me questions about Luke and his timings. Ruddy cheek. I just acted dumb. Talking of Luke . . .’
‘What about him?’
Rosa suddenly realised that if she asked Josh why he hadn’t told her he’d seen Luke, he’d know that she’d seen the plumber. Oh God, it was all too complicated. He would go mad if he knew she’d spoken to Luke again, let alone shagged him!
‘Have you been in the Ship again?’ Josh asked suspiciously.
‘God, no, but Jacob asked if I could do a couple of shifts for him at the Lobster Pot as he’s broken his ankle. He fell off his four-inch heels when dancing as the Rover’s Return’s Betty Driver at the fancy-dress party.’
‘That’s bloody hilarious.’ Josh snorted with mirth.
‘I know. He’s a decent bloke though. Gave me details of the supplier for pet stuff.’
‘Good. Good. I suppose I’ll have to think about when I can come down to see you again.’
‘You’ve only just left. See? You are missing me really. How about you come down for the opening? I could do with rent-a-crowd, especially if the Gazette is covering it.’
‘When were you thinking of doing it?’
‘Two weeks’ time maybe. That’ll give me a chance to get the shop looking good and to promote it. The sooner I start making some money the better.’
‘OK, just keep me posted - and make it a Saturday, yeah?’
‘You’re so bloody demanding,’ Rosa teased.
Josh got off the phone and sighed. Despite her being a nightmare most of the time, he missed Rosa more than she would ever know. Even afte
r getting drunk at his work’s conference and sleeping with Lucy from PR, all he could think of was the quirky ways and pretty face of his errant ex-housemate. But, he had to be realistic, they were worlds apart. He was doing really well in his job too. But the more he tried to pull away from her, the more he seemed to want to see her.
What was wrong with him? Lucy was a pretty girl, not natural like Rosa, but she was a similar age to him, had a great personality and shared the same values, but she didn’t have that special something. That special something you just can’t put your finger on when you try to explain to yourself why you want to be with someone.
CHAPTER 23
Rosa had finished her Friday shift at the Lobster Pot and was walking home with Hot trotting jauntily beside her. He had been delighted to meet his new friends Ugly and Pongo, and had had a whale of a time running up and down the bar and being petted by the punters. Rosa was feeling happy too: it was nice to have some cash in her pocket.
She noticed a light still on at the Cockleberry Coven and wondered what Mary and Queenie did to fill their evening hours. There was now a beautiful pink crystal placed on the windowsill at one end and a window box of winter pansies on the other.
Hot was still full of energy, so flashing her torch as she did so, she carried on walking past the shop and headed down towards the beach. Rosa loved the feeling of peace and freedom that this quaint little town brought and felt safe walking about, even in the dark. And despite being on her own a lot of the time, she discovered that she rarely felt lonely. Mind you, she’d always been a bit of a loner. She found it hard to trust - almost expected to be let down. Yes, Luke and Sheila had betrayed her trust, but Jacob, Raffaele, Mary and Joe to date had shown kindness.
Rosa acknowledged to herself that she did miss the familiarity - and the safety too, of living with Josh, as she knew he would always bail her out, whatever kind of trouble she got herself into. However, it was time to stand on her own two feet: also, she wanted to make him proud. She had never known any different, but not having a mother or father to look up to was hard. She had no yardstick of how she should behave. Had never really had any restrictions placed on her and when they were, she had rebelled against them with an ‘it’s not fair’ attitude.