“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.”
<
br /> “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.
“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.”
“A summer wedding would be nice.” Honey watched the smile that spread across Jenny’s face. “No! Not for me but for someone. A lovely summer wedding at The Cosy Cottage Café.”
“Shall we do your nails to match your hair?” Jenny gestured at the nail bar on the other side of the salon.
“Yes please! I haven’t had a manicure in ages.”
“Come on then. I have some beautiful new shades I’ve been itching to try out and they’ll go perfectly with your mermaid look.”
Honey sat in the chair then let Jenny guide her through the lovely array of colours. She had to agree with Jenny that a summer wedding would be nice but she knew it wouldn’t be hers. However, even though she wasn’t up for the idea of getting married, it didn’t mean that she wouldn’t consider the prospect of falling hopelessly and irrevocably in love.
17
“Well don’t you look gorgeous!” Allie said that evening as Honey entered The Cosy Cottage Café.
“Do you like it?” Honey patted her hair.
“Like it? I love it! You must have had lots cut off though.”
Allie came around the counter and gently touched Honey’s hair.
“I did have a good cut. It felt like the right time to do it.”
“And the colour’s so lovely; it seems like it’s shimmering.”
“Jenny put in some silver and purple streaks and freshened up the pink and blue. I’m really pleased with it.”
“It frames your pretty face. Jenny’s so talented.”
“Plus my nails match!”
“So they do.” Allie smiled. “And I love your dress.”
“I don’t wear dresses very often, as you know, but this one’s been sitting in the wardrobe since I bought it and I thought, why not wear it tonight?”
Honey had fallen for the black silk tunic dress, with lavender embroidered along the knee-length hem, the moment she’d seen it in an online boutique. And with the fifty percent discount too, she knew she had to have it. Worn with black tights and knee-high suede boots, she was comfortable but smart.
“Great news about Dane, anyway, and thanks for inviting us this evening.”
“I thought it would be nice to have everyone there to help him celebrate… make him feel like a proper part of the community.”
“Good plan. Chris said he’d meet us the
re, as he’s finishing his copyedits on the latest book and he doesn’t want to stop until they’re done.”
“Another bestseller?”
Allie crossed her fingers. “I hope so. He’s very successful but always tells me that an author is only as successful as their last book, so he keeps the pressure on himself to write well and to please his readers.”
“Admirable.” Honey nodded, wondering how Chris could concentrate for such long periods of time on his writing. She admired his talent but didn’t think she’d ever be able to write a book.
“I know. I love reading but I don’t think I could ever write a novel.”
“Me either. But you could write a cook book.”
“Perhaps. In fact, I quite like that idea. Okay, everything’s off, so I just need to get my bag and we can go.”
Allie locked up the café then they walked arm-in-arm to The Red Fox. Camilla and Tom were meeting them there, as was Dane.
“Have you heard from Mandy today?”
Allie nodded. “A brief text this morning to say she was fine but I don’t believe her. What can I do though, Honey? She’s a grown woman so I can hardly go to London and force her to come back to Heatherlea can I? She’s so independent anyway that she’d be furious with me if I even tried.” Allie laughed. “I love being a mum but it comes with a lot of worries and overwhelming guilt. I wonder all the time if I’ve done a good enough job, if I’m doing the right thing for them and if I could be better.”
“You’re a wonderful mum to Jordan and Mandy. They’re very lucky.”
“Thanks, sweetie, I hope so. Chris tells me not to worry but I’m afraid it’s part of motherhood.”
Honey winced.
“Oh Honey, I’m so sorry. That was insensitive of me.”
“Not at all. Don’t worry about it.” Honey squeezed Allie’s arm.
When they reached the pub, Allie went in first and Honey followed her, scanning the bar for their friends. She spotted them at a table near the fireplace, so she waved.
“Shall we get some drinks in?” Allie asked.
“I asked Derek to put two bottles of champagne behind the bar, so we can take those over.”
A Year at The Cosy Cottage Café_A heart-warming feel-good read about life, love, loss, friendship and second chances Page 41