A Little Sugar, A Lot of Love: With cupcakes, coffee and karma

by Halton, Linn B

  The word tragic pops into my head, although I suspect pathetic is probably more appropriate. The warm glow continues and I savour every little moment of it.

  ‘Hi, this is Katie …’

  ‘… from Sweet Occasions. My dear, thank you for getting in touch.’

  The voice on the other end of the line is vibrant and she sounds much younger than her years. I thank her for the note and the snow globe. Grace asks if she can place an order for Christmas cakes for her two closest neighbours. She would like them gift-wrapped and hand-delivered to her home, the day before Christmas Eve.

  As soon as she makes the request, I know I will be delivering them personally. Of course, I’m grasping at straws and all of this would be rather touching if it wasn’t so utterly ridiculous. I feel a connection with Grace, but it’s only through Adam, and what he’s told me. I need to get a life of my own and not attach myself to a family who have nothing whatsoever to do with me. I’m determined to meet her, this wonderful woman who means so much to her very special grandson. I imagine myself knocking on the door and the person who opens it isn’t Grace, but Adam … Oh, Katie! Get a grip.

  I put the order on the system and mark it down for collection. That way no one will ask any questions about why I’m making an out-of-hours, special delivery. Everyone will assume someone called in for it. The last thing I want is twenty questions from Hazel, or Steve. Not that it’s any business of his, either, but I know it will look odd. The only time I’ve ever delivered a cake was for Lily. Heck, what is it with this family, I chuckle to myself. They must really like cake.

  ‘Mrs Harper?’

  The old lady who answers the door is rather fragile looking and beautifully dressed. Lively, bright eyes shine out a beaming smile as soon as she spots the two boxes stacked in my arms.

  ‘Call me, Grace, my dear. You must be Katie. Wonderful, my special delivery! Mind the step; we don’t want you tripping up.’

  Her voice is soft and genteel, the sort of voice that instantly makes you feel welcome.

  She leans heavily on her walking stick to turn, leading me back inside as she excitedly chatters away. I feel a little concerned that she might stumble.

  ‘Take care, I’m just behind you,’ I call out.

  Grace leads me into a charming sitting room, with family photos lining the walls. It’s light, airy and very warm, despite the bitter temperatures outside.

  ‘How lovely to have an open log fire,’ I exclaim. It crackles, and the smell of the wood burning is even more festive than the lovely Christmas tree standing in the corner.

  ‘Well, I wouldn’t be without the central heating, but there’s something so cosy about sitting in front of a real fire. Do sit down and slip off your coat. Would you like tea, or coffee?’

  It would be rude of me to cut and run, when obviously having someone new to talk to is probably the highlight of her day.

  ‘Coffee would be lovely, thank you.’

  I place the two boxes on a small side table and pull the phone out of my pocket. I took photos of both cakes before I gift wrapped them.

  ‘Here’s your order, take a look.’ I walk over to Grace, holding up the screen for her to see. The first one is a snow scene, with a small boy in a red bobble hat sitting on a toboggan. The second one is a snowman, with two small children standing back to admire their creation.

  ‘Such fun!’

  Her smile is like a hug, so warm and genuine. She looks into my eyes as if she’s searching for something, or maybe I remind her of someone. Whatever it is, it’s a strange moment. Maybe it’s because of what Adam has mentioned in our little chats and I’m making a subconscious link that doesn’t really exist. I know at least a little bit about her and so I don’t feel that she is a complete stranger to me.

  ‘Incredible to believe it’s all made out of icing sugar. The detail is truly amazing. It’s almost an art form.’

  I smile. ‘Well, I hope that all of my cakes get eaten very quickly. I do take lots of photos. It’s very satisfying to look back at previous designs. I’m a bit of a perfectionist.’

  ‘And it shows, my dear,’ Grace says, kindly. ‘People with a passion are to be admired. Creativity is such a wonderful gene to have running through your family.’

  I notice her breathing is laboured, as if each breath is purposeful and doesn’t come easily. A wave of sadness touches my heart. No wonder Adam is worried.

  ‘I have the coffee tray all set up, if you’d be so kind as to carry it into the sitting room, my dear.’

  ‘Of course, lead the way.’

  An elegant, white china coffee pot and two matching cups and saucers sit on a tray. It’s covered with a hand-embroidered, white lace cloth. Grace flicks on the kettle, which boils in seconds. She’s a lady who cares about the small details in life. Welcoming her visitors, and being prepared to make them feel comfortable, is important to her. I find the fact that she’s been patiently awaiting my arrival, rather touching.

  ‘Right, you go first and I’ll follow with the tray.’

  ‘It’s so lovely to meet you at last,’ Grace calls over her shoulder, as we walk through into the sitting room.

  Her words are a bit of a puzzle. At last?

  ‘The same here. Your great-granddaughter is such a pretty, lively little girl. You must be very proud.’

  I don’t feel comfortable mentioning Adam, a paying customer, as if I know him personally. I feel on safer ground talking about Lily.

  ‘She’s a stunner, isn’t she – that little heart-shaped face and such a lovely disposition. She’s as happy as the day is long.’

  I offer my arm to Grace, as she takes her seat. Her hold is light and she smiles up at me, gratefully.

  ‘Thank you, my dear. One of my bad days today, I’m afraid. The cold weather seems to affect my chest and I find that I get tired very easily when I’m moving around. Old age doesn’t come alone.’

  Despite her words, she sounds accepting and feisty, as if it’s merely a temporary inconvenience. I’m rather at a loss for what to say, so instead I move the small table closer to her, so she can reach the tray more easily.

  ‘Thank you. Well, this is so lovely. Adam has talked about you and his admiration is plain to see. He’s such a special young man, don’t you think? Of course, I’m rather biased, because I adore my grandson and he’s given me Lily. He has a heart of gold.’

  Pride gleams in her eyes and she looks at me expectantly. It’s a difficult moment. I wrack my brains for some suitable, but safe, comment.

  ‘He’s always very particular about his orders. He told me you love traditional Christmas scenes and he wanted your balloon birthday cake to be fun.’

  ‘And don’t forget Lily’s princess cake! I saw the photos and she was thrilled with it.’

  Grace pours the coffee, handing me a cup.

  ‘Do help yourself to cream and sugar. Now, how do we make my grandson realise he’s in danger of making yet another big mistake?’

  I almost drop the scalding coffee into my lap. What on earth … I’m sitting opposite this little old lady, with my jaw hanging down and a look of total shock on my face. I close my mouth and swallow hard, wondering what exactly she means.

  ‘I’m not sure … um, a mistake?’

  I replay her words in my head. He’s already picked up the cake he’s ordered and probably delivered it to Grace the same day. Did I give him the wrong cake? I remember Hazel said he was coming up again on Christmas Eve, that’s tomorrow. Now I’m really confused. Grace simply chuckles.

  ‘I may be an old woman who probably doesn’t have very long left on this earth, but I know my grandson better than he knows himself. When he was telling me all about Sweet Occasions, and the guardian angel who saved him from hypothermia, there was a gleam in his eye. Something I’ve never seen before. A connection like that is very special. It happens for a reason, and that reason is Fate.’

  ‘But … he never said anything, I mean …’

  ‘He kept coming back, di
dn’t he? He’s a very private young man, and yet he found himself wanting to sit down and talk to you. I have a feeling he’s shared more with you than he’s ever done with anyone else in his life before. Well, aside from his grandma. Oh, don’t worry, he actually says very little, but I see a lot. I recognise the strength of feeling, and emotion, behind the words he chooses to share with me. He believes you’re in a relationship and Adam isn’t the sort of man who would come between two people. Sadly, and unlike myself, he has no faith in Fate. But I know better. I knew we’d meet, my dear, and I knew we’d have this conversation. What I need you to share with me is what Adam can’t tell me. Are you happy? If I’m reading this all wrong, then my excuse is that I’m a silly old woman, desperate to see her grandson happy before her journey comes to an end.’

  I’ve been sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time, holding my breath in total disbelief at what I’m hearing. I’m speechless, to the extent that all I can do is collapse back into the chair in silence.

  The sounds of the old-fashioned clock ticking and the hissing of the logs in the fire grate dominate the room.

  Several times I begin to say something, but before I can even open my mouth the words drain away.

  ‘Oh, forgive me.’ Grace puts down her cup with a shaky hand; her voice is uneven, reflecting the tears in her eyes. ‘I was so sure—’

  ‘No, please, don’t get upset. The truth is that my relationship began to fall apart a long time ago. The circumstances were difficult. Sometimes it’s hard to make the break. Life has a habit of throwing things in your way which complicate it. I am worried that you’re reading more into this than exists, though. I’m rather taken aback to be honest. Adam is a lovely guy, but aside from delivering Lily’s birthday cake, when admittedly I did stay to help out for a couple of hours, we’ve never spent any time together. It’s just been the odd chat here and there at the shop. All of that is down to his visits to you, actually. He hasn’t said anything specific, has he?’

  ‘It’s not so much what he chooses to tell me, my dear, it’s what I can see in his eyes whenever he’s mentioned you. It’s a look I haven’t seen before, either with Kelly, or Leonie.’ Grace continues sipping her coffee, peering at me over the edge of her cup. I can’t hide the puzzled look on my face.

  ‘Hazel, my assistant, did mention … I mean, when he called into the shop last Saturday, apparently he was with his girlfriend.’

  There’s no point in pretending I don’t know and as this conversation gets more surreal by the minute, I might as well be honest about what I’m thinking.

  ‘He’s been seeing Leonie for a little while. It began with a blind date, I think that’s what they call it. She is a friend of his neighbour, Charlotte. She looks out for Adam. I think she feels sorry for what he’s been through with Kelly.’

  So that day at the party I think I might have misread Charlotte’s questions. She probably thought I wasn’t interested, when I was only trying to tread carefully. What a disaster!

  ‘Opposites attract, I’ve heard that, but Leonie is merely ticking the boxes of what she feels she needs in her life, to make up the perfect picture. Somehow her feelings have become disconnected. Trust me; she’ll soon tire of having to accommodate the needs of a little girl and a doting father.’

  I sip my coffee, thinking this was the last thing I was expecting to hear today. Common sense tells me I need to conjure up an excuse, so I can make a quick exit before this gets out of hand.

  ‘You think I’m losing my grasp on reality,’ she challenges. Grace sounds more like a young girl, than an old lady. ‘There’s nothing wrong with my mind, my dear. The problem I have is one of time. My heart is failing. If I wait for Adam’s new relationship to fall apart, I may not be around to help pick up the pieces. Who will steer him in the right direction? I’m simply trying to hurry things along.’

  When someone chooses to tell you they aren’t deluded, it doesn’t mean to say they aren’t.

  ‘I’m very flattered, but you don’t know the real me. I have some awful habits. My ex-boyfriend will tell you I’m a dreamer and I have no head for business. I hate to disillusion you, but I don’t think I’m the best option, if you’re looking for a happy-ever-after tale for Adam.’ I’m babbling and Grace shakes her head, putting up a hand to interrupt my flow.

  ‘You can’t choose the person you are going to fall in love with, my dear. It’s one of those things that simply happen. Look inside your heart. If you can sit there and tell me in all honesty that you don’t have feelings for my grandson, then we’ll say no more.’

  I start laughing to hide my true feelings, but within moments the laughter dies in the wake of an onslaught of tears.

  ‘How stupid of me, I’m sorry.’ I swipe at the tears with my sleeve.

  ‘You came to see me today because you felt a connection to Adam, and to me. He’s spent time talking to you and, in the process, getting to know you. You understand more about him than Leonie ever will, because they aren’t on the same wavelength. I’m not being judgemental, dear Katie, I’m being crushingly honest. This has to be sorted before anything happens to me. I have to know Adam, and Lily, are in safe hands. He might not have faced up to his feelings for you quite yet, but they are there. I knew that from the first moment he mentioned your name. Then, when he ordered Lily’s cake, I could hardly contain my excitement. Even Lily’s accident was Fate taking a hand; everything happens for a reason and it allowed you to have a glimpse into his world, his and Lily’s life. Bakeries don’t deliver long-distance, but he gambled on the fact that you wouldn’t let Lily down. Stranger or not, you care, my dear, and that’s priceless. It’s one of the things you both have in common, which is a very good place to begin.’

  The tears are still streaming down my face as her words wrap themselves around me like a virtual hug.

  ‘I don’t know what to say.’

  ‘What we need is a plan. Lily and Adam are coming to collect me tomorrow, to take me back with them for a few days. Now what if, when they arrive, I don’t feel like travelling immediately and need an hour or two’s rest? You happen to drop by with a surprise delivery for me, from one of my neighbours …’

  This lady is unbelievable.

  ‘It feels like entrapment,’ I reply with a chuckle, wiping away the last of the tears. ‘I’m not at all sure Adam thinks of me in that way. It could all go horribly wrong.’

  ‘Trust me, my dear. I’m a bit of a psychic, always have been. I talk to people who have passed over, and while I keep it to myself, I know what’s in people’s hearts from the moment I first meet them.’

  I frown, how honest can I be with this gentle, but surprisingly enterprising, lady?

  ‘I don’t mean to be rude, but why didn’t your gift help when it came to Adam’s ex-partner? A lot of hurt could have been avoided. Is it possible that sometimes your instincts aren’t, well, accurate?’

  Grace looks at me intently and replies without a moment’s hesitation.

  ‘Everything happens for a reason, and the reason was Lily.’

  Point taken. I stand corrected, this lady isn’t only enterprising, she’s on a mission.

  ‘What about Leonie?’

  ‘Goodness, Katie, you’re rather slow catching up! Leonie is here to stir you into action. Adam is being a gentleman and his principles won’t allow him to acknowledge his feelings for you. Clearly, he doesn’t realise your relationship has ended.’

  ‘Ah, now I understand. Goodness, can you solve any problem, or are relationships your speciality?’

  Our laughter fills the room and suddenly I know that this is the right thing to do. Yes, there’s an element of risk here, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

  Before I leave, Grace asks me to write down my mobile number on a piece of paper and leave it next to the phone.

  ‘I’ll ring you in the morning, as soon as Adam’s been in touch to say he’s on his way.’

  At the door Grace gives me a hug, lingering for a moment or tw
o before releasing me.

  ‘My prayers have been answered, dear Katie. You are everything I knew you’d be and more. We’re doing the right thing, just bringing it forward. Without intervention it would still happen, but I can’t afford to wait around for Fate to take its natural course.’

  ‘But you don’t know me, not really, Grace,’ I reply. I feel the need to add a caution.

  ‘I can see what’s within and you have a good heart, Katie. That’s all I need to know, and that’s all I want for my grandson.’

  To say that my feet don’t touch the pavement as I make my way to the car, is obviously not true, but I feel like I’m floating on air. Did that really just happen? Is a fairy tale about to unfold?

  Grace

  I Refuse To Let Go

  ‘Oh, Jack, we’ve raised a very sensitive and genteel young man, which is quite a thing in this day and age. It’s just that Adam is so very… black and white. There are no greys when he assesses a situation and I know his gut instinct will be to let his head rule his heart. It will, no doubt, be telling him to think of Lily and Katie, first. If he does nothing about how he feels for Katie, then there’s no chance of a disappointment for Lily, or himself, if things don’t work out. He’ll justify his lack of action by telling himself that Katie’s relationship can probably still be saved, as long as he doesn’t interfere. He wouldn’t stand in the way of anyone’s happiness and we both know that’s the truth.’

  Jack looks across at me and smiles, giving me a wink and I love that he still has that sparkle in his eye.

  ‘You worry too much, my dear. There are greater forces at work here. You can’t put an old head on young shoulders; but you also shouldn’t underestimate our boy. When the time is right he will be strong and he’ll fight for what he wants.’

  I study Jack’s face, which often seems so real I feel I could reach out and touch it. Then at other times it’s merely a shadow, as if his energy wanes.

  ‘Do you know the answer? Can you see the future?’

  He sighs and begins walking towards me, except when I glance down at his feet there’s nothing there.