They settled onto the leather sofa.
“Try not to worry. I’m sure Dane has as good a chance of getting the job as any of the others. Besides, he’s been doing the job, so he probably has a better chance.”
“I hope so but nothing’s guaranteed.”
Allie cocked her head.
“What’s wrong?”
“I can hear my mobile ringing.” Allie patted her pockets through the apron then stood up and peered at the counter. “I’m not sure what I did with it.”
She hurried through to the kitchen and the ringing stopped.
Honey sipped her coffee and tried to relax. Usually, the lovely interior of the café with its shabby-chic furniture and groaning bookshelves, as well as the delicious aromas coming from the kitchen, made her feel better. It was a safe haven; a place where troubles could be put aside and she could find comfort in a warm drink, a good meal and the company of her best friends. But this morning, even the café’s ambience was failing to raise her spirits.
Allie appeared in the doorway, her face pale.
“What is it?” Honey put her mug on the coffee table in front of the sofa. “Has something happened?”
Allie slumped onto the sofa and turned her mobile over in her hands.
“It’s Mandy. I’m so worried about her.”
Allie’s daughter worked in London and rarely returned to Heatherlea. She’d been devastated by her father’s death over six years ago and had told her mother that there were too many painful memories in the village. Allie had admitted that she missed her daughter enormously, and she got up to London whenever she could, but it wasn’t as often as she’d have liked because she had the café to run.
“What did she say?”
“Oh…” Allie blinked hard then leant her head back on the sofa. “She was crying again. She doesn’t feel very well, which I suspect is due to stress, and she wants to come home. Actually wants to come home for a break… but she’s torn because of work and doesn’t want to miss any time.”
“Couldn’t she take some leave?”
“Maybe. But she’s not very good at listening to my suggestions. I said that she should come back and have a rest but she started spouting reasons why she couldn’t. I think she’s exhausted to be honest.”
“If she’s working as hard as you said she is, then I’d say definitely.”
“She loves her job so much but there have been… complications.”
“Oh.”
Allie sighed. “There’s a man and from what she’s said… or not said… I think she’s in love. Problem is that she doesn’t know how he feels and doesn’t want to push things.”
“That sounds familiar.”
Allie gave a wry laugh then squeezed Honey’s hand. “It’s not easy this life, is it?”
“Not at all. I’m sure Mandy will be fine though. She’s her mother’s daughter.”
“I think that’s why she’s finding this relationship so difficult. She’s having trouble letting go of her independence.”
“Do you think it will last?”
“I have no idea. As long as she’s okay though, that’s all that matters.”
“I’m sure she will be.”
“Do you know what I need?”
“What?”
“Cake.”
“At this time?”
“Breakfast muffins, Honey. As good an excuse to eat cake before nine as I can think of. Want one?”
“Go on then.”
Allie got two freshly baked blueberry muffins and handed one to Honey. It was light and sweet and the blueberries slightly tart as they popped in Honey’s mouth. It was the perfect combination and she savoured every mouthful.
“I needed that.” Honey wiped her fingers on a napkin. “Comfort food.”
“The best kind. Time for another coffee?”
“I have all the time in the world.”
“Wonderful.”
And as Allie made two coffees, Honey carried their plates out to the kitchen and put them in the dishwasher. Allie was right; life wasn’t easy, but good friends, cake and coffee helped, and Honey was lucky enough to be able to enjoy all three.
15
Stomach fluttering, Honey stood outside Dane’s front door and paused. Was she doing the right thing? She was desperate to know how his day had gone, to find out if the interview had been a success.
When he came to the door, he was wearing suit trousers and a white shirt that was open at the throat, revealing an enticing triangle of skin. She fought her desire to step forwards and press her mouth to that skin, to kiss him and wrap her arms around his waist. It was a hard fight.
“Honey.” He smiled, his eyes appraising her, and she was glad she’d made the effort to wear one of her pretty dresses. She’d also pinned her hair up the way he liked, in a loose bun high on her head with some tendrils hanging down either side of her face. She liked the way it showed off the contrast of the blue and pink in her hair and how her neck felt cool and free.
“I brought you a treat!” She held out the purple cake box from the café.
“Thank you. That’s really kind. Come in.”
She followed him through to the kitchen where he placed the box on the worktop and switched the kettle on.
“Tea?”
“Yes please.”
He took two mugs from the cupboard then dropped tea bags into them. Honey had to bite her lip to prevent herself asking how his day had been; she was sure he’d tell her when he was ready.
When the tea was made, they took their mugs to the table and sat opposite each other.
“How’s your day been?” Dane asked.
“Fine. Stressful. Oh, Dane, I’ve been worried about you. How did you get on? I have to ask.”
He nodded.
“It went well. At least I think it did. My lesson was successful, in terms of how well the children behaved and how they clearly made progress, and I think I gave good answers to the questions in the preliminary interview. There were five candidates in total, as two dropped out this morning, and at the end of the day, two were thanked for their time and the three of us remaining were asked to return tomorrow.
“That’s brilliant news!”
He sighed and rubbed his eyes. “Yes it is, but the other two candidates are very strong. I had a chance to talk to them both and they have plenty of experience and can spout all the current educational jargon. I’m just afraid that they’re better than me.”
“I’m sure they’re not.” She reached over the table and took his hand. “You’re amazing, Dane, and you can do this.”
“I’m really tired though. Today was draining and I have to go through another round tomorrow. We have to do something they call the goldfish bowl, where they’ll give us some teaching and learning scenarios and we have to discuss them while the interview panel observe us.”
“The three of you will have to talk while people watch?” Honey shuddered, horrified at the thought of having to hold a formal discussion while being observed.
Dane nodded. “The head teacher, deputy head and three of the governors. And that’s not me, Honey. I’m not good in that type of situation. Put me in front of the pupils or other staff when there’s a purpose and I’m fine, but this seems so unnatural. What if I clam up completely?”
Honey gazed at his handsome face and his bright blue eyes, so earnest and clear, and her heart went out to him.
“Dane… you are an intelligent and capable man and I am convinced that you will be absolutely fine. You can do this.”
He squeezed her hand. “And you’re a lovely person, Honey. Sorry if I seem a bit… weak—”
“You’re not being weak! You care about this job and the village and the school and the pupils. You’re only tense because you care and this is a challenging situation to be in but you will get through it.”
He raised her hand and pressed it to his lips. His breath tickled her fingertips and the hairs on her nape rose.
“Thank you, Honey. I
appreciate you coming here, and the cakes and the pep talk.”
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
He held her gaze and she drank him in, wishing she could hold him and soothe away his concerns, but she knew he’d need to prepare for the next day.
She drained her tea then stood up. “I’m going now because I know you have things to do but please let me know how you get on tomorrow… as soon as you can.”
Back in the hallway as she opened the front door, he stroked the side of her neck, so she turned to him.
“I’ll ring you tomorrow afternoon.”
“Please do.”
When he reached out and cupped her cheek then leant forwards and kissed her gently, a soft moan escaped from deep inside her, and before she could think, she slid her arms around his waist and held him tight. They stood that way for a while, taking strength from each other, and when they finally broke apart, he kissed her once more.
“Good luck, Dane. You show them what a catch you are.”
He laughed. “I’ll try. Speak tomorrow.”
Honey walked down the path with a spring in her step, because she knew Dane would be all right. He was clever, talented and dedicated and she was sure that the head teacher and the governors would see that and make sure they kept him on at the school. And she’d meant what she said about him being a catch, in more ways than one.
16
The next day, Honey went through all of her usual routines, but not even yoga could soothe her nerves. This would be such a big day for Dane, a make or break day, and she hoped he wasn’t feeling as nervous as she was.
Four o’clock came and went and she still hadn’t heard anything. Surely, it would be over by now? She checked her mobile every five minutes just in case she’d missed his call, even taking it into the downstairs toilet with her in case he rang then.
At four thirty-five, her mobile buzzed. Honey took a deep breath then swiped the screen.
“Hello?”
“Honey?”
“Yes?”
“Great news!”
She punched the air with her free hand.
“You got the job.”
“I did! I can’t believe it, I really can’t. One of the candidates dropped out this morning. In fact, he didn’t even bother to turn up, so that left two of us – me and the woman who’s been teaching for two years longer than I have. I thought she was onto a winner, to be honest, because she was so articulate and confident and the goldfish bowl thing was hellish. However, I don’t know how, but something inside me clicked and I thought, right I’m going to give it all I’ve got. It was a bit awkward at first but I soon got into the swing of it. I pretended that we weren’t being observed and focused on the points I wanted to make and it worked.” He laughed.
“Dane, I am delighted for you! Come over and we can celebrate.”
“Hold on. I’m just outside the school and the head is waving at me from the window. They want me back inside.”
“Okay, well you’d better get back in there.”
“Stay on the line and I’ll check what she wants.”
Honey heard his footsteps as he walked back into the school’s reception then he must have covered the mouthpiece as his voice became muffled. She gazed out of the window at her back garden where the chickens were bobbing around in their enclosure and where the leaves on the trees swayed in the afternoon breeze.
“Honey?”
“Yes.”
“Look, uh… I would’ve loved to come over but the head has just asked me to stay and meet the full governing body. She said that the governors who interviewed me were very impressed. They’re putting on a buffet and some of the PTA are coming too. I didn’t know they’d do this and I was so focused on the interviews, that what happened if I got the job just didn’t cross my mind. Sorry about this. I would say I’d come round later but who knows how long this is going to take?”
“Don’t be sorry, Dane. This is wonderful and I’m delighted for you. Besides, I bet you’re shattered after all that. Look… you go and meet them all. Perhaps we could celebrate tomorrow?”
“I’m working in the day, as my supply contract runs until the end of this term, then my new contract begins after Easter. How about we meet up at the pub around seven tomorrow?”
“Wonderful. Shall I invite anyone else?”
“That’s up to you. Surprise me.” His voice was full of excitement and Honey wished she could see his face, because she felt certain his eyes would be sparkling.
“All right I will. Have a fabulous time and well done again.”
“Thank you. I’m still in shock.”
“Go enjoy!” Honey swallowed hard. Emotion was bubbling inside her and she didn’t want to start crying on the phone.
“See you tomorrow.”
He cut the call and Honey pictured him being led to a conference room where he’d be fussed over by the governing body and able to enjoy his success. She was so happy for him and happy for herself, because now Dane would be staying in the village and that was exactly what they’d both wanted.
She opened the contacts on her mobile and located Allie’s number in her favourites. It was time to plan a proper celebration for Dane, to show him exactly how happy she was that he’d secured his dream job.
And exactly how much he meant to her.
At Jenny Talbot’s small village salon the next morning, Honey tried to relax. She hadn’t had her hair cut in a while, although Jenny had done the colour for her a few times.
“How short are we going, Honey?” Jenny met her eyes in the mirror.
Honey paused, watching as Jenny’s hand moved up and down the length of her hair.
“Just a good trim I think.”
“Two inches? It’ll still be long.”
“You know what? I think I’ll have it shorter than that. It’s been years since I’ve had anything above my shoulders, so today I’m going to be brave.”
“Are you sure? Once I cut it, it’ll be too late to go back.”
“Just above my shoulders then. Go on… go for it.” Honey took a deep breath. Whether it was seeing Elliott and putting their past behind her or the fact that she felt ready to move forwards with Dane, she suddenly believed it was time for a change.
“The colour will still show but there’ll be less of the pink.”
“That’s fine. The ends need to go anyway.”
As Jenny parted Honey’s hair with clips then started to cut the back, Honey tried not to wince. It was hard making changes but sometimes it needed to be done. Soon, the chair she sat on was surrounded by colourful hair, and she was the proud owner of a much shorter hairstyle.
“How about if I touch up the colour and when we dry it, I put in some waves?”
“Go for it!” Honey waved a hand. “I trust you, Jenny.”
The hairdresser smiled at her in the mirror and Honey thought, as she always did, that Jenny was a beautiful woman. With her waist-length hair – that regularly changed colour and was currently bright red – her svelte figure and flawless makeup, she could have been a celebrity. But more important than her looks was her radiance; she was such a kind and friendly person and made everyone feel welcome at her salon. Back last summer, she’d given Allie a makeover and it had renewed the lovely café owner’s confidence. Honey knew that looks weren’t the be all and end all but feeling good about yourself could be tied in with your appearance. Jenny knew how to give people a boost by helping them make the most of themselves.
An hour and a half later, Honey nodded as Jenny showed her the back of her hair in a smaller mirror. The transformation was stunning. Jenny had given her hair a good cut, put in more colour, so that it was now a blend of purple, blue, pink and silver, and curled it with a heated wand.
“That wand really is magical.” Honey giggled as she patted her soft waves.
“Bit of spray now to hold it, then you’re good to go.”
Honey held her breath as Jenny sprayed around her head.
&n
bsp; “Perfect. It really suits you, Honey.”
“Thank you so much. Are you coming tonight?”
Honey had invited Jenny to The Red Fox that evening to help celebrate Dane’s news.
“I would love to, and might make it, but I’m waiting on a text message to find out if I have a date of the uniformed kind.” Jenny waggled her eyebrows.
“That’s a shame. It would’ve been lovely to see you there. Although, of course, if you have a hot date then that’s no bad thing.”
“Be a shame to miss having the opportunity to kiss Dane’s cheek when I congratulate him.” Jenny squeezed Honey’s shoulder but Honey’s heart had plummeted to the hair-covered floor. “Hey… I’m joking. I know he only has eyes for you and when he sees your new hairstyle, he’s definitely not going to look at anyone else.”
“I hope not. I’m… very fond of him.”
“Fond?” Jenny pursed her full lips. “I bet it’s a lot more than that. You know… when he was in here the other week having his hair cut, he was talking about you.”
“He was?”
Jenny nodded.
“What did he say?”
“It wasn’t so much what he said but how he said it that made me wonder.”
“Oh…” Honey wanted to ask for more details but didn’t want to seem desperate. She didn’t think Jenny would judge her but she would judge herself.
“I asked him if he was dating anyone… of course, I knew you’d been seeing him but I played a bit dim… and he named you. Said you were the sweetest person he’d ever met and that he hoped he’d be able to stay in Heatherlea.”
Honey nodded.
“Thing is… it was obvious that he wants to stay here because of you. He’s got it bad. When he said your name, his expression softened and… he blushed.”
“It did? He did?”
“He did indeed. So… now that he’s staying here… perhaps you two can get on with whatever it is that you’ve started. I do love a good wedding.”
“Wedding?” Honey gasped. “I think that’s a bit… premature.”
“We’ll see. I’ve got one of my feelings about this.” Jenny frowned. “At least… I’ve got a feeling that you two will end up together, and… that there will be a wedding in Heatherlea this summer. You mark my words.”
Spring at The Cosy Cottage Cafe: A heart-warming story of friendship and new beginnings Page 8