Summer at the Kindness Cafe

by Victoria Walters

  ‘Stop thinking about him,’ she said aloud to the empty hall. Tonight was about supporting her sister and Thomas and Eszter, and having fun. She had to put Alex out of her head at least for tonight. She took a quick glance in the hall mirror. The dress really was lovely. For once she did feel glamorous. She had tried to order a taxi but everyone in Littlewood had done the same thing so she would have to walk. It was a lovely warm evening though and it really wasn’t far, she just hoped her feet could stand the small-heeled shoes Abbie had made her buy. She supposed that ballet pumps wouldn’t have matched the dress but the extra height felt strange to her. Grabbing the clutch bag Abbie had lent her, Louise locked up and began her solitary stroll through her town.

  As she entered the High Street, Louise’s eyes naturally flew straight to the vet surgery, and she stopped. Parked outside was a car, and three men were heaving things out of it. One of them was Alex. Louise had never believed your heart could actually skip a beat but it felt like something happened to it when she saw him. She took a deep breath and started walking again, and soon Alex turned and noticed her. There was a moment when they locked eyes, and her pulse started to climb rapidly, and she wasn’t sure if he was pleased to see her or not but then he grinned and waved, and she sagged with relief and crossed over towards him.

  Seeing someone again after a break was a good way to decide how you felt about them, and she was even more certain that she had fallen for this man. Her cheeks flushed as she walked up to him, trying to hold her smile down but was convinced she looked like the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. Why was it so hard to be cool when you liked someone? ‘You’re back,’ were her first words. Her throat felt as if something was constricting it so at least she had managed to say something, even if she felt stupid for saying it.

  ‘It’s good to see you, Louise. You look . . . wow,’ he said, taking in her outfit. He leaned in and she went for a hug as he went to kiss her cheek, and they ended up awkwardly bumping each other before stepping back with nervous laughter. ‘You’re off to the party?’ She nodded, still embarrassed. ‘Well, I’m just bringing in my things, and then I’ll get ready and I’ll be over soon.’

  ‘You’re coming?’ she said, unable to stop the smile from spreading across her face.

  He smiled back. ‘How could I not? And I’ve missed you too,’ he added.

  Her blush was getting out of control but she knew if she didn’t say it now, she wouldn’t, and she had a plan and was determined to stick to it. ‘Do you fancy having breakfast tomorrow? To catch up?’ she asked, feeling a bit sick at the thought of going through with it but seeing Alex had made it clear, she was in love with him and she just couldn’t not tell him any longer.

  ‘I’d love to.’

  ‘Great. I’ll see you at the party then.’ She started to walk away, thinking she would need a big drink once she got there.

  ‘How about a dance later, too?’ Alex called from behind her.

  She looked back at him. ‘I’ll check my card and get back to you,’ she replied, feeling quite pleased with that comeback as she felt as if she might melt right into the pavement.

  His laugh followed her as she walked to the party, smiling the whole way.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Eszter arrived back at Huntley Manor wearing a chiffon knee-length silver dress and made her way to the ballroom. Waiters milled around in black and white, the barman was mixing cocktails, and the band had started playing. Abbie and Thomas stood in the room ready to welcome the guests who were starting to make their way to the party. ‘Wow, I feel like I’ve gone back in time,’ Eszter said, walking up to them. Abbie looked stunning in her dress, and Thomas was smart and handsome. They really looked like Lord and Lady of the Manor. The ballroom felt as if it was back to its 1920s’ peak, and Eszter felt as if she wanted to pinch herself that she was here in England, at a stately home party, wearing a gorgeous dress, ready to start a whole new chapter of her life. She really hoped Nick was watching this.

  ‘Here you go,’ Abbie said, grabbing two cocktails from a passing tray and handing Eszter one. ‘These are Bee’s Knees.’

  ‘Do we not need to be doing something?’ Eszter asked, concerned, as she took the glass from Abbie.

  ‘Everything is in place, don’t worry. Now’s the time to relax a bit and enjoy the party. If there are any problems you’ll be the first to know.’

  Eszter took a sip of the cocktail. ‘I feel drunk already,’ she said as the strong drink reached her throat.

  ‘Hi, guys,’ Louise said from behind her. ‘Where do I get one of those?’

  Abbie handed her hers. ‘Take mine. I need to check on the barman anyway. You look gorgeous, Lou.’

  ‘Guess what?’ Louise hissed, smiling broadly at them. ‘Alex is back, and he’ll be here soon.’

  ‘That’s great,’ Eszter said, pleased that things finally seemed to be working out for the two of them. British people definitely seemed to take longer to figure out what they meant to each other but she felt like Abbie and Thomas, and Louise and Alex were all for keeps. She took another gulp of cocktail, hoping she wouldn’t slip into melancholy tonight. Yes, she would love to dance with Nick tonight but she had to focus on all she had achieved and how much there was to look forward to.

  ‘I need to make sure everything is set for the chandelier unveiling,’ Thomas said, excusing himself along with Abbie. Eszter and Louise moved through the room towards the French doors, stepping out into the garden. The sun was only just starting to dip but the lanterns were lit, and the atmosphere already felt romantic.

  ‘I can’t believe the transformation,’ Louise said, looking around in wonder.

  ‘Everyone is going to want to have a party here,’ Eszter agreed, looking back at the ballroom. It was starting to fill with people now: men dressed in dark suits, and women wearing cocktail dresses, everyone holding a sparkling crystal glass in their hands. Eszter was sure that people would be talking about tonight for a long time, and that could only be good for their new business. ‘It would be perfect for weddings too. How are you feeling about Alex being back?’

  Louise took a sip of her drink. ‘Relieved but scared too. I’ve invited him for breakfast at Brew tomorrow, and I’m going to tell him how I feel. How do people do this? I feel sick at the thought of it. But also like I can’t bear not to do it.’

  Eszter smiled. ‘Of course you’re going to be nervous but I don’t think you have anything to worry about. You two belong together, I can feel it.’

  ‘Do you mind me asking how you and Nick met? How did you two get together?’

  ‘He came into the shop I was working in to ask for directions. He wanted to find the school he ended up working at for an interview. He was hopelessly lost, and nervous. I was due a break so I decided to show him myself as it was quite difficult to find, and I liked him instantly. After his interview, he came back to the shop and asked me out for a drink that night. We never left each other’s side after that.’

  ‘Wow,’ Louise said. ‘That’s so romantic. And you were both so unafraid to jump in, I really admire that.’

  ‘I knew I had met someone special. And you knew it too. You have been cautious but that’s okay, it’s understandable, you’ll get your happy ending, I’m sure of it.’

  ‘Thanks, Eszter.’ Louise looked behind her. ‘Oh, here he is,’ she said somewhat breathlessly. ‘Shall I go over?’

  ‘Definitely.’ Eszter smiled as Louise went to meet Alex. She looked around for Abbie and then spotted three familiar faces sneaking round the side of the hotel. ‘And what do we have here?’ she said, going up to Anne and Zoe, who had Ben on a lead.

  ‘We just wanted to have a peek,’ Anne explained. ‘We won’t stay long.’

  ‘It’s okay, I’m glad to see you all,’ Eszter said. After being surrounded by happy couples, it was lovely to see her family here. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘It’s like a fairy tale,’ Zoe said in wonder.

  ‘It’s perfect,’ Anne ag
reed. ‘Oh, look there’s Abbie.’

  Abbie was walking across the lawn towards them. ‘Hello, everyone. Thomas wants to do the chandelier unveiling in a few minutes,’ she said to Eszter.

  ‘Great, I’ll come and help.’

  ‘Can we stay to see it?’ Zoe begged her mum.

  ‘Okay, but then you need to go home to bed, deal?’

  Zoe reluctantly agreed.

  ‘Oh my God,’ Abbie said, looking away from them, her face draining of colour. ‘What is he doing here?’

  Eszter turned to follow her gaze. ‘Who . . .’ she trailed off as she recognised Abbie’s ex, Jack, stumbling around the side of the hotel towards them. ‘Did you invite him?’

  ‘No way,’ Abbie said. ‘I’d better intercept him. Try to get Thomas to hold off for a little bit, please,’ she said hurriedly, leaving them to walk towards Jack.

  ‘It was going so well,’ Eszter said, shaking her head. She handed her glass to Anne who was looking confused as to what was happening. ‘Hold this for me please, I’ll be right back.’ She hurried inside to warn Thomas and hoped that Abbie would be able to defuse the situation. There was no doubt in her mind that Jack was there to cause trouble.

  Chapter Seventeen

  ‘Jack, what are you doing here?’ Abbie said, standing in front of him, trying to block his view of the party, and the party’s view of him. Her ex stumbled a little. He was clearly drunk. His jeans and scruffy t-shirt complete with three-day stubble on his chin was in stark contrast to the man she had admired.

  ‘I saw everyone talking about coming here on Facebook. I thought you wouldn’t mind one more at the party.’

  Abbie silently cursed the power of social media. ‘You should have asked me. You’re not dressed for the party, for one thing, and it’s obvious you’ve been drinking. What are you really doing here, Jack?’

  ‘Kate told me you’re with him now,’ he said with a sneer. ‘When I asked about you, she said you’re really happy. Lording it up out here. You think you’re really something, don’t you?’

  Abbie sighed. She couldn’t believe that they had come to this. ‘None of this is my fault. You were the one who stole from work, the one who lied to me; you were the one who broke us. Don’t blame me for trying to rebuild my life. You need to do the same. Go home, sober up, and stop pitying yourself.’ She turned to go but he grabbed her arm.

  ‘Why are you with him? You know you should be with me.’

  Abbie pulled her arm from him. ‘I know nothing of the sort. Thomas respects me, he’s honest with me, he loves me, we are partners. I never had that with you. You’re not welcome here, Jack. Please leave.’ She was pleased her voice didn’t come out as shaky as she felt. She turned before he could see the tears in her eyes and she hurried back to the party.

  ‘Abbie,’ Thomas rushed up to her. ‘Eszter said Jack is here. Are you okay? You look shaken up.’

  ‘I’m okay.’ She grabbed a passing drink from the waiter’s tray and took a gulp. ‘I just can’t believe he would show up.’

  ‘Has he gone?’ Thomas asked, looking behind her.

  ‘I think so. I’m sorry, he almost ruined everything.’

  ‘You have nothing to be sorry for.’ He gave her a quick kiss. ‘Do you need to go home?’

  She shook her head. There was no way she was letting Jack ruin the night. ‘Let’s do the unveiling.’

  ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘Positive.’ She drained her glass dry and wrapped her arm through his. ‘Lead the way.’ She looked worriedly over her shoulder as they walked into the ballroom but there was no sign of Jack. She hoped he would get a taxi home and start to move on as she had done.

  Thomas led her to the centre of the room. The party was in full swing now, everyone oblivious to any drama, just enjoying themselves, which was what she had wanted. She smiled to see the room just how she had pictured it when she first walked in weeks ago. It had been neglected for years but now it was as it was supposed to be.

  ‘Eszter said Jack is here,’ Louise said, coming over with Kate. ‘What happened?’

  ‘He just showed up drunk. He was angry that I’m with Thomas now,’ she said in a low voice, not wanting to upset Thomas when he was about to have his big moment. He was talking to the man who was going to take the cover off the chandelier. ‘I can’t believe I ever thought he was the man for me.’ Louise gave her a quick hug.

  ‘I’m sorry, Abs,’ Kate said. ‘When I last saw him, he kept asking about you so I told him you were happy now. I thought it would mean he’d leave you alone, not that he’d come here.’

  ‘It’s not your fault,’ Abbie reassured her. ‘He’s gone. Let’s try to enjoy ourselves. I saw you talking to Alex,’ she said to her sister, who was clearly glowing.

  Louise’s face lit up. ‘We’re having breakfast tomorrow. I’m going to use the Kindness Board, like we said.’

  ‘That’s great!’ Abbie was thrilled her sister had finally opened up her heart and she was certain that she and Alex would be as happy as she was with Thomas.

  A clinking glass stopped their conversation, and the whole room turned to look at Thomas who stood holding a glass underneath the chandelier. ‘Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,’ he said in his clear, cultured voice when the room fell silent. Abbie wanted to tell them all that he was hers. ‘Welcome to Huntley Manor,’ he said to a ripple of applause. ‘I am so proud to welcome you all here tonight in our newly restored ballroom. This room was once the pride and joy of the hotel but it fell into disrepair and hasn’t been used for years until tonight. I think we can all agree that was a real shame. Seeing it back to its former glory has been a labour of love. I want to thank all the Huntley Manor staff and everyone who’s helped make tonight possible.’

  Thomas turned to Abbie then. ‘I’d like to add a special thanks to the wonderful Littlewood PR & Events, who have put this event together. This room would have stayed disused if it wasn’t for Abbie Morgan telling me to open it up again. Thank you, Abbie, and Eszter for all your hard work.’ Abbie beamed at him. She found Eszter in the crowd and raised a glass to her. Thomas turned back to the room. ‘The one part of the room that needed special care was the chandelier that has hung from the ceiling for many years. We had it restored and tonight I’m delighted to show you all the finished result.’ He gestured to the side and in one fluid sweep, the covering was pulled off to reveal the sparkling, lit chandelier. Everyone gasped. It really was stunning. Abbie looked up at it in wonder. It had been worth the wait. It was the perfect centrepiece for the room. Everyone broke into applause.

  ‘Here’s to Huntley Manor,’ Abbie cried over the noise. Everyone repeated her toast and raised their glasses. She went over to Thomas and he wrapped his arms around her. ‘It’s perfect,’ she told him.

  ‘So are you,’ he said, leaning down to kiss her.

  A loud bark made them draw apart. They looked at one another confused. The barking continued, making the room fall silent again as everyone looked around confused.

  ‘Oh, no, is that Ben?’ Eszter said in horror, turning around to see Anne and Zoe in the doorway, evidently having misplaced Ben. She followed them out of the ballroom towards the noise, with Abbie, Louise and Thomas and a lot of the guests behind them, everyone curious to see what the dog was so upset about.

  ‘Oh my God,’ Abbie said when she had stopped. She looked at the scene in front of her in disbelief. Jack was in the lounge of the hotel, holding a painting, with Ben in front of him, barking and blocking his exit from the room. ‘What the hell is going on?’

  Jack turned and saw everyone staring at him. ‘This dog tried to attack me,’ he said, trying to sound indignant, even though he had been caught red-handed.

  Thomas strode forwards then and grabbed the painting from him. ‘To stop you stealing, it looks like. You have already been asked to leave my premises,’ he told him coldly. ‘If you don’t do so in the next five seconds, I will call the police. In fact, I think we even have an officer with us tonight
, if you’d like to wait for me to find him.’

  Jack looked at him with pure hatred. He threw his arms up in the air. ‘Fine, okay, I’m going.’ He turned to Abbie. ‘Darling, I . . .’

  ‘I don’t want to hear from you ever again,’ she told him. She walked up to Thomas and took his hand in hers, so grateful that he was there. ‘Goodbye, Jack.’

  Jack slumped, as if in defeat, and shook his head, giving the now quiet Ben a glare before marching through the door of the hotel. A few people clapped his exit and Abbie leaned against Thomas, relieved that he had gone.

  Eszter took Ben’s lead and ruffled the dog’s head. ‘Well done, Ben,’ she told the dog who wagged his tail happily. ‘We did what we set out to do at least,’ she said to Abbie. ‘Everyone is going to be talking about this party,’ she said, nodding to the crowd heading back to the ballroom chattering excitedly.

  Abbie wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ Thomas assured her, seeing her concerned face. ‘Let’s go back in and enjoy ourselves. We won’t be seeing him again. We shouldn’t let him spoil our night. How about that dance?’

  Abbie smiled at him. ‘I’d love that,’ she said, taking his hand and letting him lead her back to the ballroom, closing the door firmly on the past behind her.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Louise let herself into Brew just after dawn the following day. She had begged Joy and Harry to let her have the place for a couple of hours before they opened and when she explained why, they had been happy to hand their keys over. After turning on the lights, she pulled a table out in the centre of the room and set two chairs down on the floor. She laid it for two, complete with fresh flowers in a vase she had brought with her.