Give me strength. The Hippy Hut. Really! Lulu thought as she got to the door, cupped her hands around her eyes, and looked in the dusty grimy window. Seeing what was inside, she nearly recoiled in horror. Everywhere she looked differing shades of purple gazed back at her. Topped off with the odd splash of bright green here and there, the combination was more than offensive to the eyes.
Taking the keys out of her bag, fiddling with the lock and eventually managing to push the old door open, the purple got deeper, the green darker, and everything became very much more insipid.
Lulu tutted and sat down on a discarded plastic milk crate. No wonder she’d had a call from the property management company informing her there had been a complaint from the neighbours. The whole place let everywhere else in the street down. If she was trying to run a business from a neighbouring shop she wouldn’t be too happy either. Especially the cake shop, it was to die for.
Walking across the tiny front of the shop, a small counter jutted out into the middle of the room and alcoves painted in purple and green stripes stood alongside a small, old-fashioned, fireplace. A door on the right led out to a kitchen area with a tiny set of spiral stairs in the far corner. The stairs were painted in yet another shade of lilac and stencilled with green flowers, open shelving ran around the top of the room, and a window with a bright yellow curtain which hadn’t seen a washing machine for a very long time hung limply across the panes. Lulu opened the back door and almost wished she hadn’t. An old discarded ashtray, a stack of tangled wire coat hangers, and a small timber table and chairs wearing the same purple paint as the stairs were all butted up against an old brick wall.
Picking her way through further debris in the yard, Lulu looked over the fence at the end and the small, narrow rickety old jetty jutting out into the water. Hearing a rustling then a gate opening to her right, she looked around.
‘Lulu! I heard you were coming home!’ Syd Sprinton said from the gate to the shop next door. Syd’s wife had been a good friend of Lulu’s mum and they’d spent most summers eating their way through the produce from Syd’s allotment.
‘Syd! Hello! What are you doing down here?’
Syd breathed in and scratched the side of his nose. ‘Husband Care is what I call it.’
Lulu laughed. ‘Still the same old Syd! Hilarious.’
‘It’s a bit of a long story, Lulu, but my brother owned this kiosk. You probably won’t remember him. Anyway, he passed away last year and I, well, I took this on and who knew but the people of Pretty Beach and the tourists like my herbs and produce.’
‘No surprise for me there at all,’ Lulu replied.
‘Yeah, so I potter around here a few days a week. Keeps me out of trouble.’ Syd laughed.
Lulu smiled in response. ‘Well, that’s always a good idea.’
‘You’re back in town and in Seafolly House, I heard.’
‘I am. I’ve been meaning to pop over and say hello. I’m not sure if you remember but Grandma never actually lived in the house, it was always only an investment, so there’s a lot to fix.’
‘Oh yes, I do remember actually. She was in Mermaids itself, wasn't she?’
‘She was. Anyway, this kiosk was Grandpa's back in the day and now, well, now it’s mine.’
‘Ahh, yes, of course, I should have put two and two together. You’ve stepped on a goldmine if my little kiosk is anything to go by…’
‘Really?’
‘Oh yes, one hundred per cent. I had nothing to lose putting a few plants in here and what with technology these days, I didn’t even have to set anything up. I’ve got this dongle thing that hooks up to a bank app on my phone. I was set up in here in less than a week and I’ve not been able to keep up. Saturdays are manic.’
‘Hmm. Who would have thought? Look at you doing all the techy stuff, Syd!’
‘Yup, ahh, I wouldn't be without it. The internet has changed the gardening world, that’s for sure, and it’s changed this whole area, what with that and the train. And with Jessica from Pretty Beach Fish and Chips moving in down the end there, it’s only going to get busier. They come from far and wide for those chips.’
‘Oh, wow. I didn’t know that. Yes, I can see how that will bring people down here. Goodness.’
‘What are your plans for the place then? Are you going to rent it out again or put your decorations business in there?’
Lulu smiled to herself at Syd thinking Lovely Little Things was a ‘decorations business’ and turned around to look at the squat little row of shops. ‘Ahh, Syd, I might give it a go. To be honest I’ve not thought too much about it. I was waiting for the tenant to finish up. Now, I’ve looked at it and there's a lot of work to do…’ Lulu sighed, her voice trailing off.
‘Ach, you’d have it done in no time. It’s just what we need down here, that and somewhere that makes a decent cup of tea.’
‘I’ll have to wait and see. I’m actually working at the hotel in the Old Town.’
‘Yes, I heard Willow was trying to get you in there. It’s gold in there apparently, if you can last.’
‘I’ve heard that. So far so good. I’m only working part-time but what with the house and everything there aren’t enough hours in the day. I didn’t think it would be worth doing anything down here a few days a week.’
‘You’d have to do your numbers but as far as I’m concerned two days and an afternoon and I’m selling plants like nobody’s business. Though, of course, growing it all myself I’ve not many costs as it were.’
Lulu mulled it all over in her mind, thinking about Lovely Little Things and looked back out at the water.
‘Well, Syd. I’ll definitely have to have a think about it.’
21
Lulu stood at the bar of the Pretty Beach Skiff Club, just along from the line of shop kiosks, waiting to be served. After chatting to Syd Sprinton that afternoon, Lulu had arranged to meet Syd in the nearby Skiff Club where he’d told her all the locals from around the kiosks went for Friday evening drinks.
Syd had been correct about the locals and the Skiff Club - the place was packed. As Lulu looked back at the tiny little tables full of people, she was surprised at how more and more people had seemed to come out of the woodwork and pile into the little club overlooking the sea. She’d seen a few people she’d recognised from school, one of Willow’s friends came over and said hello, and in a small function room off to the side she could see her friend Lottie’s stepdad Dimitri seated at a table playing bridge.
‘What can I get for you on this beautiful evening?’ the barmaid asked.
‘Pint of whatever it is that Syd has, a vodka and lemonade, and a house white please,’ Lulu replied with a smile.
A couple of minutes later, Lulu walked back to the table with the drinks, one for her and Syd, and one for Syd’s niece, Eloise, who met Syd every Friday night for a drink and dinner. Lulu had known Eloise for years and they’d spent the previous couple of hours catching up on the goings-on of Pretty Beach. They had exchanged gossip on locals they’d both gone to school with and laughed at how Willow with her flashy cars, huge boat, and ever-so-fancy house was now working in the cafe at the hotel.
After going to the bar for another round of drinks, Syd came back from the bar and was putting Lulu’s wine on the table when he looked over to the door as Holly, owner of the bakery in a sparkly silver jacket, and her mum Xian, came into the club in a cloud of strong perfume and designer bags. Syd looked up and smiled as Holly walked across the room towards the bar.
‘Holly. How are you? Don’t see you in here very often.’
‘Nope, I’m normally at the Marina Club, as you know, but Mum has a bridge match in here against Pearl Beach.’
‘Nice. Oh, yes. I saw Dimitri at the bar earlier,’ Syd replied.
Holly beamed. ‘So, I thought I’d pop in for a quick drink myself and have a bit of a change of scene.’
Syd jumped up from his seat. ‘Let me get you a drink, Holly. Would you like to join us? We’re talking
old times and gossip. Right up your alley.’ Syd laughed.
Holly nodded, her mum Xian went towards the function room, and Holly took off her jacket and sat down.
‘Well, this is all very nice. I haven’t been to the Skiff Club for ages.’ Holly smiled.
‘You’re missing the most happening place in Pretty Beach.’ Lulu laughed.
‘So, what’s the topic of conversation in here tonight? Putting the world to rights are you two?’ Holly asked.
‘We’ve been through all sorts, yes,’ Eloise said as Syd came back from the bar, sat down next to Holly, and they started chatting about how Syd’s plants were going in the kiosk.
While Holly and Syd chatted, Lulu lowered her voice. ‘So, how’s it going on the relationship front, Eloise?’ Lulu asked. Eloise had broken off a relationship with a guy from Pearl Beach she had been engaged to a few years before and had been single ever since.
‘Ha, Lulu. I’m a single girl still and I’ve decided that I’m better off with my cats and my cycling. I’m destined to be alone. Although, I have been out with someone I met on a dating app and he is very nice. I mean, you wouldn’t exactly say no to a fireman from Pettacombe even if he has been married twice before and has three kids.’ Eloise laughed as she took a sip of her vodka.
‘Ooh, interesting. No, I wouldn’t say no to a fireman.’ Especially one with green eyes. ‘Ahh, don’t say you’ll end up alone! At least you're not on the scrapheap of divorce like me and doomed to live the rest of your life rattling around in a huge old house, and you meet your end by being eaten by rats one night when you’re old and incapacitated.’
‘I’ll have to move into that huge house of yours, Lulu, keep you company in your old age. We can be two old singletons getting eaten by rats together.’ Eloise chuckled.
Lulu fell about giggling. ‘Who would have thought I would be divorced and living in a nearly derelict house and back in Pretty Beach? I really never saw myself living back here.’
‘Not us.’ Syd laughed interjecting from his conversation with Holly. ‘Up there with your fancy London folk and all those homewares, and now you’re back here by the sea with normal people.’
‘Normal! There’s nothing normal about Pretty Beach,’ Eloise said, leaning on the table. ‘But you are back home and you are free. I reckon that’s worth toasting, don’t you?’
Holly raised her glass. ‘Absolutely, and we are glad to have you back from the big smoke.’
‘Yeah. I never thought I would say it but it’s quite nice being on my own in a way. Just me and Mabel and getting on slowly but surely with the house. It’s taken my mind off things.’
‘Indeed,’ Eloise said sipping her drink. ‘You’ve got one of the best houses in Pretty Beach in my opinion, falling down or not, a new job, and you’re making a go of it on your own. Cheers to you, Lulu, and even bigger cheers to new starts and getting rid of Fenton. Never did like him anyway. I mean, really, what sort of a bloke changes his name from Darren to Fenton? I ask you...’
Lulu burst out laughing. ‘You know what, Eloise? You’re so right. I need to appreciate what I’ve got down here a lot more than I have been,’ Lulu said, pursing her lips and nodding.
‘You do. That job alone is gold. Do you not remember how hard it is to get a decent job around here? I mean, even with the changes in the area, the new train and the local economy improving, it’s still tough.’
Holly sighed. ‘Getting good staff who want a job is just as tricky.’
‘Yep. I guess you’re right,’ Lulu replied with a serious look on her face.
‘And the Cavendish family are meant to pave the way with gold if you get on the right side of them, according to my mate whose uncle William has worked for them for years.’
‘Yeah. I’ve heard that from a few sources now. I guess I am quite lucky.’
Holly leant forward and lowered her voice. ‘Atlanta Cavendish is a machine. I’ve been to a business chamber meeting with her. She is one very clever woman who works extremely hard. You’ve done well to get your foot in the door there, Lulu.’
‘I have, but I also have my small business to concentrate on and from what I’ve seen at the kiosk today turning that into a bricks and mortar base for it might work very well.’
Holly nodded and Eloise put her glass down on the table. ‘Anyone who lives in Pretty Beach these days is not doing it bad as far as I’m concerned. It really is the most wonderful place to live. Even if you are alone and your only companions are rats.’
With them all chuckling, Eloise suddenly sat up in her chair, smoothed her hair back, whipped her lip gloss out of her bag, layered it thickly on her lips and looked over towards the door. Lulu and Holly turned around and tried to crane their necks to see who was walking in.
‘Turn back around!’ Eloise hissed.
Lulu giggled and turned back. ‘Who is it?’
‘I don’t believe it. It’s Aaron, the fireman from the dating app!’ Eloise exclaimed.
‘Ooh, exciting.’ Holly giggled. ‘Grab your popcorn, Syd. We’re in for a treat here.’
Eloise tapped Syd on the hand. ‘Oh, my goodness! They’re headed our way! Yikes, there are four of them. One for you too, Lulu,’ Eloise whispered as Syd smiled and looked towards the four men making their way towards the bar.
Eloise fiddled with her hair and lowered her voice. ‘God, I had forgotten how good looking he was.’ As the firemen approached the middle of the club and Aaron suddenly spied Eloise he made his way between the chairs to their table.
‘Evening, Eloise, fancy bumping into you in here, how are you?’ Aaron said with a smile.
‘Hey, Aaron, I’m in here every Friday night. This is my uncle Syd, and this is my friend Lulu,’ Eloise said standing up and Aaron kissed her on the cheek and held out his hand to Lulu.
‘Nice to meet you,’ he said with a smile and turning back to Eloise continued, ‘I’m just out with a few blokes from the station. We’ve been fishing for the day. Look, I was meaning to text you. Are you free over the weekend?’
Eloise replied saying that she was, and Aaron finished the conversation and strolled back to the bar. Lulu turned around to watch him, and as she did her eyes made it to the three other men standing at the bar. The three other men, one of whom just so happened to have honey-coloured skin and very nice eyes.
Lulu nearly stopped breathing for what felt like the hundredth time in so many days.
Ollie Cavendish walks into the club. Now, what do I do?
A little voice in the back of her head replied.
You do nothing. Absolutely nothing. Remember, he has an heiress girlfriend, is extremely good looking, and wouldn’t look twice at a divorced, deflated singleton like you.
Lulu turned around again and took a sneaky look at Ollie whilst he was standing at the bar, chatting to the barmaid and looking at the menu.
Good. He’s staying to eat. My god, he’s not only got amazing eyes but that is one very nice bottom in those jeans, too. Stop! Ridiculous! You sound like an over-enthusiastic teenager, rather an overgrown teenager.
Lulu had been thinking of getting off home and as Syd finished up his pint, looked out at the water and then back at the bar, she thought to herself that she might just have another drink. What would the harm be in that? One for the road.
Lulu took another quick peek at the firemen and turned back to Eloise and Syd with a smile as Syd took out his phone and checked his messages. ‘Well, ladies, as much as I would like to stay here and put the world to rights with you, I think I may have to call it a day. I’m not as young as I once was and I’m needing to get these old bones tucked up in bed.’ Syd laughed.
‘Yep. You and me both. I’m going to make a move,’ Holly added.
Noooooo! Please don’t go!
Eloise pushed back her chair, popped her hands on the table and lowered her voice. ‘See you, Uncle Syd, Holly. I, for one, am staying precisely where I am though. I’m not going anywhere. How about you, Lulu? One for the road? Or the lane
, actually?’
Lulu thanked her lucky stars and nodded her head enthusiastically. ‘I’d love one for the road,’ Lulu replied smiling.
Five minutes later, Eloise had been to the ladies, applied another layer of lip gloss and she smelled strongly of freshly-applied perfume as she came back from the bar with a large glass of wine and another vodka and tonic. Eloise put the drinks down on the table and sat back down in her chair.
‘How’d it go up there, then?’ Lulu asked as Eloise took a lug of her vodka with a huge smile on her face.
‘Well, it was worth our drinks for the road. I now have a lunch date on Sunday at the Smugglers with the lovey fireman! Woohoo. Go me!’ Eloise exclaimed.
I only wish I could say the same, Lulu thought as she took her wine, said thanks, and sipped.
‘Blimey. I tell you what all of them are pretty tasty as it goes. I wouldn’t say no to any of them.’ Eloise giggled.
You and me both.
‘Really? Well, maybe there are a few more options than you thought then,’ Lulu replied laughing.
‘Maybe you’re right, Lulu. We’ll have to get you fixed up next. Fancy yourself a nice fireman for the night?’
Do I? Just a bit!
‘Ahh. Don’t you worry about me. I think I’ve had enough of relationships with the last one. He’s put me off men for life,’ Lulu replied.
Except for one.
An hour later, after seeing from the corner of her eye that the firemen had taken a table on the other side of the club and Lulu had been to the bar for another round of drinks, she was ready to get off home. She hadn’t had the opportunity to get anywhere near Ollie and was now feeling rather ridiculous too. Like a schoolgirl trying to hang around for a boy.
Just as Lulu was picking up her bag from the floor and trying to decide whether or not to pop to the loo before she left or to chance it and wait until she got home, on the other side of the club the fireman all got up to leave.
Lovely Little Things in Pretty Beach : A magical feel-good romance book to escape with in summer 2021. Page 14