It was a beautiful day to be outside, with the spring sun warming their backs as they pedalled along the canal towards the park. Lots of others had had the same idea, but the crowds didn’t matter.
As they made their way along at a snail’s pace, Catherine’s smile grew. She’d forgotten how much she loved to cycle. She used to go everywhere on her bike at uni. They all did – big noisy groups of students on two wheels. She’d fallen out of the habit when she moved to Washington. It had started to seem frivolous and studenty and between the wedding and making a home for her and Richard, she had too many grown-up things to worry about.
But she’d quite liked that girl on the bike. As she pedalled along she realised she’d packed away a lot more than her bicycle in the name of adulthood. Now that seemed like a mistake and it was nice to know that the old Catherine was still inside. It felt like it might be time to let her out.
At a busy pinch point on the path they stopped to let a harried young woman pass them. She was trying to keep her three jolly dogs from diving after the ducks into the canal. As Catherine laughed watching them, she could imagine herself coming here again. Lately there’d been a lot of things she could imagine herself doing.
Inside the park, as they made their way toward an empty spot on the crowded grass, Catherine wondered aloud if he did this sort of thing often.
‘No, I’ve never been on that stretch of the canal but I’ve been curious about the city bikes. They seem like a good idea for people without their own bikes, as long as you don’t have to dodge the buses and taxis. They weigh about a thousand pounds though.’
‘My housemate Sarah rides her bike everywhere. You too, I guess.’
He nodded. ‘You don’t though.’ It was a statement, not a question.
‘No … you and I aren’t very compatible that way.’ Hopefully that wouldn’t be a problem. She wasn’t about to turn up for dates with her trouser leg tucked into her sock.
He shrugged. ‘It’s just how I get around. It’s not a way of life.’
‘Unlike vegetarianism or astrology or feng shui.’
There were a lot of differences.
He pulled a bottle of white wine, two plastic glasses and a block of cheese from his bag.
‘That’s better than a magician’s hat,’ she said. ‘What else have you got in there?’
‘No rabbits, sorry, only these.’ He unpacked some biscuits. ‘I haven’t got a rug to sit on though.’
‘That’s where the rabbits would come in handy.’ She winced when she said it, remembering his veggie roots. ‘Sorry, I don’t mean to offend you.’
‘Why would that offend me?’
‘Well, animal rights and all, but it was just a joke. I promise I’d never use a live animal for a cushion.’
As he cut her a piece of cheddar with his penknife, the muscle in his forearm flexed beneath the tattoos.
‘So, our first date,’ he said. ‘I think it’s going well so far, don’t you?’ He popped another piece of cheese into his mouth. ‘Don’t be shy about digging in because I will eat the whole block. I have a weak spot for cheddar.’
Catherine smiled. ‘I could live on cheese.’
‘Maybe we’ll do a cheese tasting on our next date. Assuming this one goes well.’
She had to admit it was going well, but … ‘I feel like I should say something.’
‘It might be a boring date otherwise.’
‘I mean about us. We are very different. Does that bother you?’
‘Just because we’ve got different interests doesn’t mean we’re different deep down,’ he said. ‘That’s where the important stuff is. Not in how someone looks or what they eat for dinner.’
‘I’m not talking about looks. But what if we have fundamentally different views on the world? You see lamb and think of one of God’s creatures. I see it and think of mint sauce.’
‘Must I eat a burger to prove my love?’
‘You’d do that for me?’
‘With bacon and cheese. So can you look past my compassion for sentient beings if I can forgive your murderous rampages on a plate?’
Why did she get the feeling that it was going to be very hard to argue with a man like Alis? She nodded, digging into the cheese.
He scooted across the grass until they were inches from each other. ‘Then this seems like about the right time to kiss you. Any objections?’
‘My mouth is full.’
‘Is that an objection?’
She shook her head. ‘It’s a fact … okay, I’ve finished.’
When his lips met hers she was surprised at how soft his beard felt. It was nothing like kissing a groundhog.
As they snogged in the sunshine she knew she was nuts about that veggie-hugging, astrology-following, hairy, tattooed, kind, gentle, funny, smart, sexy, positive, engaging man. Finally, after sorting out everyone else’s love life, it got to be her turn.
What was that expression? It’s when you’re not looking for something that you find it. Well, she wasn’t about to put that on the Love Match letterhead, even if it was true. She had a business to run after all.
Later as they watched the sun setting over the trees, the wine long gone, she started to chuckle.
‘What’s funny?’
‘I should probably make up something interesting and mysterious,’ she said. ‘But I’m thinking about house renovations.’
‘That’s very romantic.’
‘It is, actually,’ she said, thinking that they might need to ask Nate and the team back sooner rather than later to start on phase two of Rachel’s plans. ‘Or it could be. One day. When the time comes.’
Epilogue
The next year …
‘Sarah Lee, it’s starting soon!’ Catherine shouted. ‘Alis, is it recording?’
‘It’s recording. You realise you’re conforming to stereotype, don’t you? I know for a fact that you know how to record your own programmes.’
Catherine smiled. ‘I just like to make you feel useful. Everybody comfy? Want the blanket?’ It might be August but the house was chilly as usual.
Rachel and James sat to Catherine’s right on the long sofa while Alis cuddled up on her left. ‘Sarah!’ she shouted again. ‘It’s like she doesn’t even care.’
‘Well, she was there after all,’ said Rachel. ‘She knows what happens. We’re the ones in the dark about the details.’
They heard feet pounding down the stairs. ‘I’m here, I’m here!’
Sarah threw herself over the back of the sofa, landing half in Catherine’s lap and half in Rachel’s.
‘Too right,’ said Rachel. ‘James, Alis, move it. Drag those chairs around.’
Alis shrugged as he gave up his spot. ‘It is their house.’ He pulled two of the reading chairs within range of the telly.
‘Where’s Sissy? Sissy!’
There was more pounding, this time coming up the kitchen stairs. ‘We’re here,’ she said. ‘Ready? Close your eyes.’
Sarah grinned, screwing her eyes shut. She could hear rustling and Sissy saying, ‘Higher. Higher. Higher. No, lower. Lower. Higher.’ And then giggles.
‘Okay, you can open your eyes.’
Sarah took in the large banner hanging between the windows. It was covered with improbably coloured cakes and the words ‘Congrats Champ’ mosaicked along its length.
‘That’s gorgeous, Sissy, really good. But you don’t know whether I’m the champion or not.’
‘You are,’ she said.
‘How do you know?’
‘Because you’re my sister.’
‘Here, Sissy,’ Catherine said, shuffling over. ‘Sit next to Sarah.’
She launched herself at the cushions with the same gusto that Sarah had. It ran in the family. ‘Where’s Seamus sitting?’ she asked.
Seamus stood a little awkwardly near the banner that he’d hung. ‘I can sit on the floor in front of Sarah.’ He plonked himself down, leaning against her legs.
‘Young love,’ said Jame
s. ‘He’ll be sitting in a chair like the rest of us this time next year. Your arse is going to fall asleep.’
‘I’ll risk the soggy bottom,’ he said as Sarah chuckled. She reached over his shoulder so he could take her hand. ‘I didn’t think I’d be this nervous,’ she said.
‘It’s not every day you see yourself on telly,’ said Alis.
‘It’s starting!’
Mel and Sue addressed the camera, introducing this year’s Great British Bake Off as the twelve aproned contestants stood behind them.
‘There you are!’ screamed Rachel. ‘This is so exciting! And there’s Seamus on the end!’
Sarah watched the first part of the programme from behind her fingers, wincing every time the camera closed in on her. ‘It’s awful seeing yourself,’ she murmured.
‘They say the camera adds a stone,’ James said helpfully.
Rachel punched him in the arm.
Sarah shook her head. ‘Baking non-stop for three months did that.’
‘I love your cake handles,’ said Seamus.
‘Oh you big charmer,’ Rachel teased. ‘Hey, I just thought of something. Maybe we’ll see the first Great British Bake Off wedding next year … What, too soon?’
Seamus smiled. ‘Not too soon for me.’
‘Me either.’ Sarah could hardly believe it. She wouldn’t have guessed in a million years that she’d meet someone like Seamus at the Bake Off. It had been enough of a long shot that she’d been chosen for the show in the first place. But to find someone so perfectly matched to her, who put crumpets before clubbing, and loved her as much as she did him?
She let herself imagine that she hadn’t been selected. Then she’d be watching Seamus on telly for the first time this very minute. What would she think of him? Would his sandy blond hair and open smiling face still make her heart quicken with excitement? Would she hear his deep voice and Dublin lilt and know she could listen to him forever? Would his kindness and enthusiasm come across on camera? Or would she see him as Catherine and Rachel probably did – a cute guy with a deep love of cake?
Luckily she didn’t have to guess at the answers because she did meet him, and they clicked from the first weekend of filming. It was intense, long and tiring, but they all went out for dinner after each day on set, and that’s when they really got to know each other. Sarah managed to hold out until the third weekend, and then she kissed him.
She was under penalty of death (or at least in breach of an official confidentiality agreement) not to give away any details about the show, even to her best friends. But at least she hadn’t had to keep Seamus a secret.
On the telly, Mary Berry judged Sarah’s signature bake delicious and everyone in the sitting room erupted in cheers. Sissy threw her arms around her sister and they were soon whooping for Seamus too when Paul said his passion-fruit sponge packed a punch.
At the end, both Sarah and Seamus were still in the Bake Off tent.
But of course Catherine and Rachel already knew that, because the crew had come to the house to film the ‘at home’ segments for the final three contestants. They just didn’t know if she’d won. That was a secret she’d promised to keep.
‘Same time next week?’ Alis asked as the programme ended. ‘I’m inspired to bake now.’
‘You just get better and better.’ Catherine kissed him. ‘Same time next week.’
‘I’ll bring wine next time,’ James said. ‘Or champagne. The bakers deserve champagne.’
‘Sissy, should we keep the banner up till the end of the series?’ Rachel asked.
Sissy nodded solemnly. ‘Yes, because it’s going to come true. Sorry Seamus.’
‘That’s okay, Sissy. I think she’s a champion too.’
‘Will you stay?’ Sarah asked him. ‘Or drive back to Cambridge?’
‘I’d like to stay if that’s okay. We can take Sissy back together in the morning. I don’t have to be in work till ten.’
‘I want to stay the night,’ said Sissy.
‘And I want you to stay,’ Sarah replied. ‘I want everyone to stay.’
‘That’s settled, then,’ said Alis to Catherine. ‘If Sissy says so then it’s a sleepover night.’
‘I wouldn’t cross Sissy,’ James said.
‘You’d better not,’ Sissy said, poking her finger into his chest. ‘That’s that then. We’re all staying with Sarah tonight.’
Sarah beamed. It was the icing on her show-stopper cake.
THE END
Acknowledgements
This book probably wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Carolyn, Karl and their little daughter, Robin. Carolyn and my husband are great friends and, once upon a time, they went out together. But it didn’t work out and eventually my husband met me and Carolyn met Karl, and on the 8th of April 2014, their daughter, Robin, came into the world.
There I was one afternoon, wandering down my road, mulling over the wonderful phone conversation my husband and I’d just had with Carolyn and Karl after Robin’s birth. ‘Isn’t it funny,’ I thought, ‘That two people as fantastic as Carolyn and my husband wouldn’t be right for each other, yet they’re perfect for Karl and me.’ Just as I thought that, my gaze fell upon a bank of recycling bins, and Match Me If You Can, about upcycling exes, was born.
So thank you, Carolyn, Karl and Robin, for being such lovely friends and the inspiration for this book.
Thanks too to my always amazing agent Caroline Hardman, who was enthusiastic about Match Me If You Can from the beginning, and to my editor, Caroline Kirkpatrick, who’s been so supportive and willing to deal with me even when I’m being a pain in the arse. Thanks too to my eagle-eyed copy editor, Rhian McKay, whose edits made me laugh rather than cry (the best thing an author can hope for).
And finally, huge kisses to everyone who reads and reviews my books. Without you I’d have to get a real day job, and I’ve been fired from more of those than I care to remember. So thank you from the bottom of my sofa cushions.
Ready to do a little baking of your own?
Sissy’s favourite chocolate chip cookies
Makes around 4 dozen cookies. Preheat oven to 180˚C/350˚F.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (in baking section of supermarkets)*
1 cup chopped nuts (Sissy likes walnuts best)
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl, whip the butter with an electric mixer (electric whisk), then add the granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Add the eggs and mix well. With a spoon (not the electric whisk), stir in the chocolate pieces and nuts. Then gradually stir in flour mixture with a spoon.
Line baking sheets with greaseproof paper or foil. Use a teaspoon to make balls of dough and space evenly on the baking sheet so that 12 balls fit. They will spread into around 2-inch cookies while they bake.
Bake for around 10-12 minutes or until they are golden (time will vary depending on your oven). Take the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies rest for a few minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.
Don’t wait till they are completely cool to start eating them! One of life’s joys is eating warm chocolate chip cookies.
* You can also chop up chocolate bars but be sure they are dark – they should have at least 50% cocoa or the cookies will be too sweet.
Sarah and Sissy’s Marbled Pound Cake
Preheat oven to 170˚C/325˚F. The recipe makes one 9-inch loaf. Be sure that the eggs are room temperature before you start, not cold from the fridge.
Ingredients
2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2lb unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ex
tract
1 1/2 cups sugar
5 large eggs (room temperature, not cold)
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
9-inch loaf pan
If you want the cake to come out of the pan, then grease the bottom and sides and line bottom and long sides with baking paper, leaving about an inch of overhang on both sides. Then grease and flour the paper and pan, tapping out any excess.
Sift flour and salt together into a small bowl. Set aside. Put butter, vanilla and sugar in a large bowl and whisk with electric whisk on medium speed until light and pale. This could take several minutes. There’s no raising agent in the recipe so getting air into the butter mix is what makes it rise. Then add eggs one at a time, beating well and scraping bowl between each. The air in the eggs also helps raise the cake.
Mix in flour gradually until it is fully incorporated; do not overmix or you’ll beat all the air out of the cake. Divide the mixture into two bowls. Stir the cocoa powder into one of the bowls.
Using a spoon, add the vanilla and chocolate mixture to the pan in layers. Smooth top with a spatula (it will be thick), then drag a knife back and forth through the mix to make the marbled effect. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Cool cake on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Run a knife along unlined sides of pan and use baking paper to carefully lift cake onto wire rack to cool completely.
Sarah’s Wedding Cupcakes
These cakes use oil instead of butter, which means they don’t go stale after a couple of days. So they’re perfect for baking ahead. This recipe makes about a dozen cakes.
Preheat oven to 180˚C/350˚F.
Ingredients for the cakes
1 1/4 cup flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Match Me If You Can Page 34