by Parin, Sonia
“Don’t mind him,” Eddie said.
“Well, I’m sussing out the area. In fact, I’m looking for something to do.”
“Like a job?” Eddie asked.
She nodded.
“Can you cook? We’ll probably be headhunting for a new chef soon,” Mitch said. Wincing, he scooped up a forkful and stared at it. “She could at least put some food coloring in it.” He sunk his fork in and cut another piece off. “Hang on, I found something green. It’s starting to show promise.” He looked up and saw Elizabeth’s lips quirk up into a smile, her eyes brimming with laughter.
“Stop whinging, it can’t be that bad.” Eddie cupped her chin in her hand and turned her attention back to Elizabeth. “What sort of work do you want to do?”
“I’m still in the fanciful stage,” she shrugged.
“Fanciful as in pipe dream?”
“Not even that because I have no idea what I want to do let alone if I can do it.”
“Theo’s never owned a restaurant and yet he decided to set one up. These two here think it’s destined to crash and burn because it sounds too pretentious. Then again, The Gloriana thrives on serving slabs of meat. Locals might want a break from it. You know, have some place nice to take their date or wife—”
Matthew tossed a balled up piece of bread at Eddie. “Are you saying The Gloriana isn’t nice?”
“I’m saying Elizabeth can create her job. I’m saying there’s room for another... oh, I don’t know, another café.”
“I think that would probably require a big outlay,” Elizabeth reasoned.
“Okay, start with something small. Holly, one of the local girls, bakes pies for the bakery and Joyce’s café. She’s still studying but wants to earn some money to set up her own business. We have a weekly Farmers’ Market. It’s a good day out. Come along. There’s quite a cottage industry around. Check out the small businesses. Meet some more people.”
Markus approached with Elizabeth’s breakfast, a big smile on his face as he set her plate down.
Elizabeth pushed out a big breath. “Wow. I already feel full.”
“I’ll be happy to eat your leftovers,” Mitch offered. “Looks like our new chef needs to work on her portion control.”
Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. Before he could decide if he’d said something wrong, she broke off a piece of her bright yellow omelet, her cheeks flushing as she chewed.
“Tasty,” she eventually said, and proceeded to demolish the bacon, one tiny nibble at a time.
“I think she likes me,” Markus said settling down and tucking into his plate of sausages and sunny side up eggs as bright as a summer sun.
“Are you suggesting she doesn’t like me?” Mitch asked and stabbed his fork into his anaemic looking omelet.
“Maybe she’s immune to your charm,” Markus said around a mouthful of sausage.
“And maybe you put her up to it.”
“Ignore them,” Eddie said, “We should organize a brainstorming session. Figure out what you can do. Theo’s off on a trip, otherwise he’d come up with some ideas.”
“Can you sing?” Matthew asked, “We always have room for one more band or singer.”
“I can’t hold a tune or even hum to save my life.”
“How time sensitive is it?” Markus asked.
“I should probably find something by the end of the month.”
Markus shrugged. “Plenty of time. Something’s bound to come up.”
“What did you do before you came here?”
She gave Eddie a brisk smile. “I’ve done some office work. Mostly, I acquired art works. The place I worked at had a large corporate art collection.”
“You could open an art gallery,” Mitch suggested.
“That’s not a bad idea,” Eddie said, “A lot of towns have regional art galleries, but we don’t have one and they get funding. We should look into it.”
She was staying. At least for a month. What if she couldn’t come up with a business idea? Would she pack up and leave, and return to whatever life she’d left behind?
“Your chef has my stamp of approval. I wonder how she gets the bacon so crispy?”
Mitch leaned across the table. “I don’t hear a crunch. Maybe I should try some.”
She picked up a piece and bit the end. “Did you hear it this time?”
Mitch watched her demolish the rest of the crispy bacon. When she finished, she hummed and licked her fingers.
“I thought you said you couldn’t hum to save your life.”
“I guess I’ve discovered a latent talent. Maybe I could stand in a street corner, eat bacon, and hum for a living.”
Matthew laughed. “She has a sense of humor and an evil streak. You’ll do well in Eden.”
Chapter Four
It had been a couple of days since her breakfast at the pub and Elizabeth still wasn’t sure how it happened...
The conversation had been fast paced and at times chaotic. At one point, she’d agreed to spend the evening with Eddie, Joyce and some others because Eddie had insisted a lot of heads were better than one and someone was bound to come up with a bright idea for her to work on. That anyone should care so much was beyond anything she’d ever experienced. Now that she thought about it, tapping into other people’s perspectives could cut some corners. She only hoped she didn’t have to talk too much about herself. She wanted this to be a fresh start, unblemished by everything that had come before…
Back at Rosebud Cottage, she found the owner, Glenda Stephens in the kitchen rummaging through her cupboards.
Elizabeth set her shopping bags on the kitchen counter and began unpacking them. “You have some nice wineries in the area. I got both red and white wines.”
“This is a nice selection,” Glenda said as she inspected the wine and cheese.
“I went out on one of my drives this afternoon.” She’d visited two of the neighboring towns and had been afraid she wouldn’t get back to Eden in time to do the shopping for tonight, so she’d made her purchases along the way. “I also got some dips, crackers and bread. I hope it’s enough.”
Glenda nodded. “Eddie just called to confirm numbers. She convinced the Wright sisters to come, so there’ll be six, including you and me.”
A couple of days before, Elizabeth had asked if she could use the lounge for a get together. Concerned how it would affect the other guests, she’d been wary of even asking. However, Glenda had set her mind at ease saying it was something that happened regularly, the cottage being located in an ideal halfway location between the town and the surrounding properties, like a neutral zone. Besides, the guests were usually out and about, either having dinner at the pub or one of the restaurants nearby. And of course, Elizabeth had extended the invitation to Glenda who’d been more than welcoming with her home.
“That’s quite a collection of jams you have,” she remarked looking at the open cupboards.
“I’ve been stock taking today. I always run low on one or another and it catches me be surprise.”
Elizabeth picked up a jar and studied the label. “Rhubarb?”
“That’s one of the ones I’m running low on, but the woman who used to make it stopped growing rhubarb, so that means no more rhubarb jam. And I’m not really up to making it myself. It’s too much work, I’d rather be outside enjoying my garden.”
“Maybe I should make jam.” The idea sounded too impractical so Elizabeth laughed. She’d never been much of a cook and she didn’t have the time to learn. It would be easier to tap into her existing skills and work on expanding them.
“You could use the back shed,” Glenda suggested. “Years ago I set it up as my preserving space, but like I said, it’s too much work, not to mention time consuming when you have a business to run.”
“That’s generous, but I was only kidding,” she said as she laid out the cheese and dips she’d purchase on a large platter.
“Why? You don’t think you can do it? I have a drawer full of recipes you could u
se. There are a few trees out the back and I still have peaches and apricots. You could start with those. And…” she clicked her fingers, “There’s rhubarb growing in the property that backs onto this one. It’s all going to waste. No one uses it. Anyway, think about it.” She checked her watch. “It’s not too early to start setting up now. I was thinking it’s nice enough to have the get together on the veranda and if it cools down, we can move indoors.”
Elizabeth collected a couple of platters and followed Glenda out. The French doors were opened and she’d already set up comfortable chairs around a table. There were also a couple of wicker sofas and a swing chair at one end.
“The garden looks wonderful from here.”
“It’s hard work but I keep it in bloom all year round. It’s been my passion since I moved to Eden over thirty years ago. Recently widowed with two young boys in tow. The cottage was run down with an acre full of weeds. But I had my heart set on making a go of it, so I used part of my husband’s insurance money to renovate the house. Luckily, I found a local tradesman to do the work for me at a reasonable price. The garden is all my handy work and my pride and joy.”
More proof that it could be done. She could make a life for herself here. She’d been worrying over a few preconceived notions, thinking the change of pace wouldn’t suit her, that she’d find country living too isolating. However, after only a few days, she didn’t think it would be a problem.
She was still in tourist mode, venturing out to explore the area, but even if she settled into regular working hours, she’d still enjoy driving around the countryside. It would take years for the novelty of living in the country to wear off.
While living in the city held its appeal with easy access to stores and restaurants and entertainment, she’d always felt isolated from everyone. After only a few days of being in Eden, she knew she could drop by the café for a brief chat. Or the pub—
“When did you decide to turn the cottage into a bed and breakfast?” she asked.
“Right from the start. It was the only way I could think of to earn a living and look after my kids. Now they’re grown up with lives of their own. But I still have this.”
Before she could stop herself, she asked, “You never thought about remarrying?”
Glenda laughed. “I’m on the wrong side of fifty, but… one never knows.”
If she could achieve half of Glenda’s self-sufficiency, she’d be onto a winner. But first, she needed to find something she could do well enough to make it worth her while.
“Here come the girls.”
Excitement and anticipation buzzed through her. Her previous encounters with Eddie and Joyce had been coincidental, but tonight had been planned and she was meeting new people. A few deep breaths settled her rising apprehension. She didn’t need to impress anyone. She’d be fine.
“Are you right there?” Glenda asked.
“I’m giving myself a bit of a pep talk.”
“You’ll do fine.”
The car doors swung open and waves of laughter drifted across the garden. Eddie and Joyce strode up the path with two others following behind…
And Mitch.
“He’s not staying,” Eddie said even as Mitch made a beeline for the table and helped himself to some cheese and crackers.
“Don’t let them gang up on you and don’t believe anything they say about me.” He winked and gave her what she assumed was his trademark brilliant smile.
“You’re conceited enough to think we’d waste our time talking about you.” Eddie pushed him on his way.
“Enjoy yourselves, girls. Give me a call when you’re ready to go home.”
“He’s the designated driver,” Eddie explained. “None of us wanted to forego a glass of wine tonight.”
Elizabeth watched him leave. She had to force herself to stay put while a part of her wanted to run after him and invite him to stay. Even as he drove off, she couldn’t help looking over her shoulder, her fingers curled around the armrest.
Reason told her to keep stepping back and maintain a safe distance. Andrew had been gone on his business trip for a month now. She hadn’t taken any of his calls, not that there had been many. By the time he returned and read her letter, they would have been apart for a month and a half. But their separation had been in the making for a lot longer than that.
It had been months since he’d shown any interest in her... She knew Andrew wouldn’t come after her. His ego wouldn’t allow him.
She threw her gaze over her shoulder again.
She wasn’t looking for someone new. She had her priorities and, experience had taught enough for her to know she had to avoid anchoring herself to others. From here on end, she’d be standing on her own two feet, she thought and turned her attention to her guests.
“I’ve told Sophie and Helena Wright all about you.”
Elizabeth pressed her hands to her cheeks and gave a nervous laugh. “Everything?”
Sophie chuckled. “I’m coming into town first thing tomorrow to try a Puff Doughnut.”
“I can’t believe she told you.”
Joyce put her hand up. “Guilty.”
“It sounded hilarious. I wish it had been me. When people see me they think about me being left at the altar… or rather, being dumped by text message two weeks before my wedding.”
“He’ll get his just desserts,” Eddie said under her breath.
Joyce stood up. “I’d like to propose a toast. To an evening full of bright business ideas and a new friend. May your stay in Eden be long, prosperous and ridiculously happy.”
“Match maker,” Helena said and drained her glass. “I thought I’d get that in before I lose count of how many drinks I’ve had. It’s been a tough few months and we’re happy to let our hair down.”
“Match maker?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes, we need someone to screen prospective husbands. You know, put them through some sort of rubbish removal grinder.”
Joyce shook her head. “I’m blackballing it. What happens after we’re all married? She’ll be out of a job again.”
“We could do with another clothing store.” Sophie took a sip of her drink and shared a small smile with Eddie who gave her a nod of encouragement.
Elizabeth couldn’t begin to imagine how she’d feel being dumped by text. She had a thousand questions but knew better than to ask.
“If you set up a café it can’t be anything like mine, I’m just saying.” Joyce shrugged. “And you can’t dress like me either.”
“I doubt I’d be able to pull it off. Vintage retro is not exactly my look, but it’s great on you.”
“Does that mean you’d consider opening a café?” Joyce asked.
She made a point of pretending to think about it. Then she smiled. “No, I can’t see myself doing it.”
“Make a YouTube video.” Helena smiled. “You never know, it might go viral.”
“Film myself? Doing what?”
“Anything.”
“I’m pushing her into trying her hand at jam making,” Glenda offered. “We’ve got a Twilight Market on next week.”
“Eddie already mentioned the market. I’m looking forward to it.”
“You could have a decent batch made by then,” Glenda added. “Start with rhubarb.”
Eddie smacked her hand over her mouth. Then they all started talking at once.
“Perfect.”
“I have a plan.”
“He’ll never know.”
“Can someone catch me up, please?” Elizabeth asked.
They all fell silent and looked at her.
“Now you’re making me nervous.”
Eddie smiled. “The property that backs onto this one is overgrown with rhubarb.”
“Y-yes, Glenda mentioned it.”
“We know who the owner is but he’s trying to keep the fact he owns the place a secret. Anyway, there’s no reason why you can’t help yourself to his crop…”
“I suppose I could try it. How do
I get in touch with the owner?” Elizabeth thought it sounded harmless enough, but in the last few days she’d come to realize she was probably too naïve for these bunch.
“No need. He really won’t mind.”
“I don’t know. It sounds illegal. What if he calls the police? He might want the rhubarb for himself.”
“He won’t and he doesn’t want the stuff. In fact, he’d be grateful if someone came along and helped themselves to it. It’s growing wild.”
“He would be grateful or he will be?”
“Yes to both. He won’t know who’s taking his rhubarb, so he won’t know who to thank.” Eddie shrugged. “Don’t worry about it.”
“You wouldn’t encourage me to do something that’ll land me in trouble, would you?”
“Us? Never.” They all nodded in agreement.
Glenda explained how easy it would be to make jam. She had approval for food preparation on her premises, which included the shed, so that was another plus. Elizabeth only needed to garner some enthusiasm and a willingness to try it. The outlay would be minimal and if she didn’t like it, she could cross the idea off her list and move onto something else.
“So what did you do before you came here?” Sophie asked.
“Elizabeth was in charge of a corporate art collection,” Eddie offered.
“You make it sound so grand,” Elizabeth laughed. She took a sip of her wine and sighed. “I was other things besides that.”
Sophie’s eyebrow quirked up. “Sounds intriguing.”
She gave a small nod. “I was in charge of acquisitions.”
“Like corporate buyouts?”
Elizabeth chuckled under her breath. “Once a month, I acquired new underwear and ties and general odds and ends for… my boss.” She drained her glass and poured herself more wine. “I also did corporate gifting. That was actually a big part of my job. Once or twice a week, I’d get contact details for new clients and it was my job to send them flowers and gift baskets and… tickets to shows… lingerie… perfume.” She shrugged. “I think the wine should shut up now.”
“Wait, I have a question for the wine,” Joyce said.
Elizabeth gave her a lopsided smile. “Go for it.”