Summer at the Cornish Cafe

by Phillipa Ashley

  ‘I’ll have one, thanks, mate,’ says Luke.

  Isla shakes her head. ‘I’m driving.’

  Mawgan holds her hand over her glass. ‘Thank you but I have to go and mingle with other people. We’ve received the go-ahead to convert the old Headland Hotel into apartments and some of my investors are here tonight. You know where I am, Cal, if you want to talk.’

  She leaves us with a finger wave.

  Somehow I make it through the starter and mains, sandwiched between Robyn and Isla, though I can’t remember what we ate. It was physically painful to be so close to Isla but Luke seems oblivious to what’s in my mind, either that or he’s deluding himself. After the main course, it’s my turn to get another round at the bar.

  On the other side of the room, Demi dishes out more drinks, smiling at the guests and, by her forced smile, probably putting up with the men’s jokes and sexist comments. Some bloke paws at her arse, and I want to punch him on the face. No man should treat a woman like that. Demi says something back to him and his wife gives him a death look. She’s right: she can take care of herself but she’s way too good to be putting up with tossers like him – or me. I don’t think she’ll stay at Kilhallon long when she’s found her feet.

  I twist round as someone brushes my arm.

  A pretty girl, a good foot shorter than me, grins up at me. ‘My, don’t you scrub up, Mr Penwith?’

  I can’t help smiling. ‘Tamsin Penrose. How are you?’

  ‘Fine, thanks. It’s great to see you back in Cornwall. You’re looking good, Cal, considering what you’ve been through.’

  ‘Ah but you don’t know what I’ve been through, Tamsin.’

  ‘Something must have happened to keep you away from us all for so long, especially Isla.’

  Admiring her directness, while determined to give nothing away, I smile. ‘I think you know that’s ancient history. I’m focusing on developing Kilhallon into an eco-resort now.’

  ‘I heard on the grapevine. If you want to add a spa at any time, you know where to come. Here, have my card.’

  She goes to open her handbag but I stop her. ‘Great idea but my assistant is dealing with that aspect of the business.’

  Tamsin giggles. She’s a great girl and I can see her attraction for half the guys in the area but we were always just friends, which suits me. I don’t want any more complications in my life.

  ‘Your assistant?’

  ‘Yes. Actually, she’s here tonight. Robyn begged her to do the charity a favour by helping out on tables and she wanted the extra money. That’s her, over there.’

  I point out Demi, who’s expertly negotiating her way across the floor with a tray of drinks.

  ‘Oh, I see. She seems young to be your assistant and I thought Polly was in charge at Kilhallon.’

  ‘I needed an extra pair of hands and Demi’s very enthusiastic. If you want to give her your card, I’ll take it, but you’d be better off dropping us an email. Address it to me or Polly and I’ll forward it to Demi.’

  ‘OK. Will do. I’m really pleased you’re back and restoring Kilhallon. I always thought it was a lovely spot.’ She touches my hand. ‘Isla and Luke must have come as a shock though? You two were close, once?’

  ‘Once, but these things happen. I’ll get over it.’

  She takes a longer look at Demi. ‘Demi’s a very pretty girl too. You know people might jump to conclusions.’

  ‘Yes, she is,’ I say, fuming inside, not with Tamsin but the local gossip mill. ‘She is very pretty but she also has plenty of options. She’s smart, spiky, and ambitious and she won’t hang around Kilhallon long.’

  Tamsin raises an eyebrow at my passionate defence of Demi. I don’t blame her: I’ve surprised myself. ‘There’s nothing going on between us. I’m her employer. That’s it.’

  At that moment Demi approaches us.

  ‘Excuse me, sir; can I collect those empty glasses, please?’

  ‘Of course.’ I smile at her cheeky comment. ‘Demi, this is Tamsin who runs a local beauty spa. She wanted to contact you about offering treatments to the guests and I told her you’re in charge of that aspect of the business.’

  ‘That’s a brilliant idea, when we’re up and running. Can you ping me an email about it?’ Demi asks, looking pleased.

  ‘Of course. I’ll send you all the details and when you’re closer to opening, maybe we can have a meeting and I’ll show you what we have to offer. I can even give you a free treatment.’

  ‘I’d love to.’

  ‘I could even offer Cal a freebie too. You know a chest wax or a facial.’

  I cringe but the girls burst out laughing, then I find myself smiling too. If they want to make me the butt of their jokes, fine. ‘No chance, it sounds like torture,’ I say and they both laugh.

  The glasses chink loudly as Demi gathers them up. ‘Well, I have to get on. We’ll be serving dessert in a moment,’ she says.

  Tamsin has amusement in her eyes. ‘See you later and I’ll be in touch, Demi. Great to meet you.’

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Pots and crockery clash, people yell over the rattle of the dishwashers and the extractor fan sounds like an aeroplane taking off. When Robyn said the caterers were short of staff, she meant it, not that I’d ever complain to her.

  No sooner have I dumped my latest tray of dirty bowls next to the dishwashing area than Abby, the manager, calls to me. ‘Demi. Table ten still haven’t had their desserts and Gill’s too busy cleaning up after someone threw up in the bar area. Can you take them, please?’

  That’s Cal’s table – and Mawgan’s. So far I’ve avoided waiting on them.

  ‘Um …’

  ‘Demi?’

  ‘Sure. I’m on it.’

  Weaving between tables of half-cut diners, in Robyn’s heels, with an armful of mini strawberry Pavlovas should be an Olympic sport. I knew I should have worn my trainers. Cal’s seat is empty; he’s probably gone for a pee or to the bar again.

  As I reach the table, I stumble slightly and the plates wobble. For a split second I have a vision of a Pavlova landing smack in Mawgan Cade’s lap but luckily I recover. She ignores me as I serve the dessert and with a sigh of relief, I hurry back to the kitchens for another lot.

  After I’ve served the tea and coffee, there’s just some clearing up to do, and then I’ll be able to leave. A few of the waitressing girls want to get a cab into St Trenyan tomorrow night to go clubbing and I might just join them.

  Abby, the catering manager, throws me a smile as I pass by her, tray in hand. ‘Thanks for all your hard work, I really appreciate it.’

  ‘No problem,’ I say and carry my tray back to the function room, gathering glasses as I go. The lights are low now, and the DJ has just started up. People have taken to the dance floor, throwing some shapes that make me smile. I put the tray on a table and collect some glasses from behind the curtains on the window ledge. People love to hide them there for some reason. I turn round and bump into something – or someone.

  ‘You!’

  ‘You.’

  Mawgan glares at me and I mumble my apologies and pull away, only to hear a rip, even above the disco music.

  It could only be her penguin dress.

  ‘Get off me!’ Mawgan screeches.

  ‘Keep still or it’ll be worse!’ Isla is suddenly there, on her knees, extricating the heel of my shoe from Mawgan’s fantail but it’s too late. There’s a six-inch tear in the fabric. All my – genuine – apologies are drowned by a tirade of shrieks.

  ‘I’m so sorry. It was an accident. I didn’t know you were right behind me.’

  ‘You expect me to believe that? You did it deliberately.’

  ‘It was an accident, really.’

  ‘I don’t care. Do you have any idea how much this dress cost?’

  ‘Probably a lot more than it looks.’ Oh no, did I really say that?

  ‘What did you say?’ Her voice is a hiss.

  ‘I said it looks a lot worse than i
t probably is. I’m terribly sorry.’

  ‘Mawgan, that’s enough! It was an accident.’ I’m amazed to hear Isla jump to my rescue but I can look after myself.

  ‘No it isn’t. I want her fired. She’s done this kind of thing before.’

  That’s it. ‘I can’t be fired. I’m only doing this job to help out Robyn’s mate.’

  Mawgan snorts. ‘That doesn’t surprise me. You’re incompetent. I can’t believe Cal lets you in his house, but then he always has enjoyed rescuing waifs and strays.’

  ‘You’re not wrong, but didn’t he even refuse to go out with you once?’

  Mawgan jumps up, spitting venom. ‘Who told you that, you cheeky little cow!’

  ‘Just a guess,’ I say, already wishing I hadn’t revealed what I’d heard in the kitchens earlier.

  Isla’s face is pale but it’s clear the revelation is new to her. Me and my great big mouth.

  She tries to calm Mawgan. ‘Come on, you two. It was a genuine accident.’

  People are staring: we’re the highlight of the evening and the charity auction hasn’t even started yet.

  Cal strides over, followed by Robyn and Abby, the catering manager. ‘What’s going on here?’ Abby asks.

  Mawgan points at me. ‘I want this stupid girl sacked and I want my dress replacing.’

  ‘Why? What has she done?’ Cal demands.

  ‘Ruined my dress, the useless little cow!’

  ‘There’s no need to speak like that, Miss Cade,’ Abby says calmly. ‘And the catering company’s insurance will cover your dress as it was obviously an accident.’

  ‘Don’t make a big thing of it, Mawgan,’ Cal intervenes. ‘Calm down. Demi didn’t do it on purpose.’

  She laughs at him. ‘Oh, shut up. Everyone knows why you’re sticking up for her.’

  That’s it! ‘Leave him alone!’

  Mawgan rounds on me, her eyes narrowed like a cornered cat. ‘So you’re defending him now, are you? That makes sense. Everyone knows you only got the job because you’re shagging him. I never thought he’d resort to the gutter. Literally.’

  ‘Mawgan …’

  ‘Yes? What are you going to do? Ride in on your white charger and challenge me to a duel? You think you can play the lord of the manor but you’re just a washed-up loser now. You and your cheap tart should crawl off back to that dump you call Kilhallon.’

  Cal bursts out laughing but my anger and humiliation bubbles over. Cheap tart? I’ve tried to act the lady, I really have, but my fingers twitch. I’m going to have to slap Mawgan …

  Cal’s hand closes around mine. ‘Demi. Come on. This is pathetic. She truly isn’t worth it.’

  His grip tightens and I try to pull my hand away. ‘I can fight my own battles!’

  ‘That’s what I’m worried about.’

  Mawgan folds her arms in triumph. ‘What did I say? I knew there was more to him taking her on than philately.’

  ‘I think you mean philanthropy,’ says Isla coolly. ‘Philately is stamp collecting and I really think everyone needs to calm down.’

  ‘Isla’s right,’ says Cal exchanging glances with Isla. ‘Come on.’ Cal half drags me across the dance floor.

  ‘Let me go.’

  ‘No. I’m trying to save you from getting arrested for assault.’

  He lets go of my hand and propels me out of the function room and outside. Frost glitters on the driveway and the wind whistles across the car park. I realise I’m shivering.

  ‘Are you OK?’ he asks, his breath misting the air.

  ‘Fine,’ I mutter, still fuming. ‘It’s just a bit cold out here after working in the kitchens.’

  He takes off his jacket.

  ‘I don’t need it, thanks,’ I snap.

  He shrugs it back on. ‘OK. Have it your way.’

  ‘I can look after myself.’ I wrap my arms around my chest.

  ‘That’s the problem. If you’d smacked Mawgan, and yes, I know most of the people in the room wanted you to, you’d have been arrested and ended up with a police record. That’s exactly what she’d have loved.’

  Deep down I know he’s right but I’m too angry to say it. Ripping off the stupid frilly apron, I throw it into a puddle and stomp off.

  Cal runs after me and grabs my arm but I shake it off.

  ‘How the hell are you going to get home?’

  ‘Not your problem.’ I march off. Who cares if I get paid? I took some crap when I worked in the cafe, but no one speaks to me like that and I agree with that cow, Mawgan, on one thing: I don’t need Cal doing a knight in shining armour act.

  At the gates of the country club, I finally stop and risk a glance round but he’s not following me. The damp air clings to me and seems to seep into my bones.

  Of course, I already regret storming off and letting Mawgan wind me up, and being angry with Cal for dragging me away from doing something silly. I felt I was being treated like a child, but maybe that’s because I was behaving childishly.

  Will I ever learn?

  I’ve spent many nights out in the cold but without shelter, without a coat or Mitch, I’ve never felt more alone. For the first time since I saw Cal, I wish I was back on the streets in the shop doorway. I wish I’d never met him or Mawgan or Isla. Especially Isla, because that one glance between them told me everything: they’re still in love with each other.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  I could have run after Demi again but I can hardly force her to go back to the club and I don’t blame her for being angry with Mawgan, who really has grown more bitter and volatile since I went away. The past two years have definitely magnified all her worst aspects, not mellowed them.

  A quick jog down the club’s driveway shows no sign of Demi sneaking back to the club. If she really does plan to walk back to Kilhallon, it’s a five-mile hike and she can’t walk all that way on unlit roads in that outfit and shoes.

  What if she decides to hitch a lift? I doubt if any harm would come to her round here but I’m not prepared to take any chances.

  A couple of minutes later, while I’m still debating whether to walk home myself or go back into the club, Isla comes up to me. She’s shivering in the cool night air and it is all I can do not to pull her into my arms.

  ‘Cal? Are you OK? Where’s Demi?’

  ‘She went off.’

  ‘On her own?’ Isla looks horrified.

  ‘She said she wanted to walk home but I’ve called Sandra Tremayne at the taxi firm and told her where Demi’s heading. She should be with her in five minutes.’

  ‘I’m glad to hear it. I’m sorry Mawgan kicked off.’

  He sighs. ‘Yes …’

  ‘I didn’t know you and Mawgan had history.’

  ‘We don’t and that’s partly why I’m not Mawgan’s favourite person.’

  ‘Oh I thought …’

  ‘I would never have screwed Mawgan or anyone while you and I were together. I swear it.’

  ‘I believe you,’ she says softly.

  ‘Good. At least one thing is straight between us. I’m going now.’

  ‘So soon? The disco’s started.’

  ‘I’m not in the mood for dancing.’

  She touches me on the arm. ‘Not even with me?’

  ‘Is that a threat or a promise?’ I ask, wondering if she knows how she tortures me every time she touches me.

  ‘Whatever you want it to be. What about one dance for old times’ sake?’

  ‘Won’t Luke mind?’ I try not to sound bitter.

  ‘He’s in the casino and he’s pissed. He won’t even notice and anyway, I want to talk to you.’

  She’s so close; I can smell her perfume, and the sensuality beneath it. My body reacts painfully to the thought of that smooth, warm skin beneath my fingertips and the tight heat of her body inviting mine inside.

  ‘Cal …’ Her voice curls around me, seductive, delicious, tempting.

  I snap to my senses. I don’t know what Isla’s playing at but it’s a game I daren’t
join in. ‘You can talk to me out here,’ I say.

  ‘It’s freezing and I don’t think that would be a good idea.’

  ‘Why? Are you worried about people seeing us out here and getting the wrong idea?’

  ‘No!’

  I can’t help myself and I don’t care if my demand gives her pain. I have to hear the answer, however much it hurts. ‘For God’s sake, Isla, why are you marrying Luke?’

  She stares at me, as if I’ve asked her why the tides have to come in twice a day. ‘Because I gave up hope,’ she says. ‘Because … I was lonely. Because he makes me laugh. Because you never asked me to marry you. Because you never even told me you loved me. Do you want any more reasons?’

  I find I’m holding the tops of her arms, my fingers resting on her perfect flesh. She doesn’t push me away. This moment is so dangerous, I only have to press the button, step off the path and everything could explode in our faces and destroy us.

  ‘Will saying “I love you” now change your mind?’

  She shakes her head. ‘Would you really mean it? Ask yourself.We’re different people now. I want different things and I think you do too.’

  ‘I don’t.’

  She pulls away from me. ‘You have changed. You didn’t care about Kilhallon before you left; nothing here meant enough to you. You were hell-bent on proving to your father – and everyone – how little you needed him or us. Now Kilhallon means everything to you suddenly? You want to turn back the clock and have all that you threw away? It can’t happen.’

  ‘So I’m a good guy now and I’m here to stay.’

  She shakes her head, tears shining in her eyes. ‘I hope you’re not doing all this work at the farm to prove a point to me because I forgot to say the number one reason I’m marrying Luke. I love him.’ She moves further away from me. ‘Move on, Cal, or the regrets will destroy you and I never want to see that.’

  Long after she’s left me, my body aches for her with a pain that’s almost worse than I endured in prison.

  ‘I love him.’

  I don’t believe her, I don’t want to. Why did she ask me to dance with her if she really loves Luke? Why tempt me?

  ‘Move on, Cal.’