‘“Well, thank you, Antonio,” she said.
‘The week after that he always said was the longest of his life, until the day a phone call came, his mother shouting across the restaurant floor: “Antonio, someone is asking for you …” And well, the rest is history.’
‘That’s a nice story.’
‘It is, isn’t it. I never got tired of Papa telling it.’
Lucy climbed out of the horsebox and took a seat next to Jack; her feet were killing her, it was a relief to take the weight off them and just relax for a moment.
‘And what about the pizzas? The link with your business?’ Jack asked, not quite wanting the story to end.
‘Oh yes, they were the best pizzas in town at the time. Everyone said so. A recipe handed down from his family in Sorrento. But when the recession hit in the 80s, it got harder to make ends meet. Papa’s father had some problems with loans, and sadly the restaurant had to close. When Papa was in his late thirties, he got a job as a bus driver. He was still doing that in his fifties, when I came along, his first grandchild, but he was always nostalgic about those days in the restaurant. He wanted to recreate that for us when we were young. Hah, I was the only kid at school whose grandparents had a wood-fired pizza oven in their back garden. We used to love it, me and my brother. Loading up our own pizzas, with homemade tomato sauce, on the thinnest, most delicious bases you can imagine …’
‘That must have been cool. He sounds a real character.’
‘Yeah, he was,’ Lucy’s tone softened, surprised to find herself opening up so much to this guy.
Jack was smiling softly too, happy just to listen and sensing there was more to this story.
Lucy took a slow breath. ‘He died several years ago … he was in his late sixties. It was so sudden, an aneurysm. We never got the chance to say goodbye.’ Her eyes had misted. She missed him so much.
‘Oh, I’m sorry, Lucy …’ Jack’s own past came hurtling in. He knew that feeling too well. Never saying goodbye. Not knowing that the last time was the last time you’d ever see that person.
Lucy looked up, seeing a shadow cross his face. Suddenly recognising that they might share that same deep shard of grief, but not daring to ask.
Jack was suddenly very quiet.
‘You okay, Jack?’
‘Yeah, yeah, fine. Good pizza.’ He switched tack, keen to cut that conversation short. Today wasn’t the day to go there. He didn’t want to pick at that particular scab right now, just wanted to enjoy the last of the evening. And perhaps, make the most of getting to know this intriguing Pizza Girl, who’d finally opened up a bit.
‘Come on,’ Jack found himself grasping her hand, which was warm, reassuring. He remembered Frank’s words from earlier about living life to the full: ‘I don’t think the Merry-Go-Round’s packed up quite yet. Do you think he might let us have a go for a couple of bottles of beer and that last pizza you’ve got?’
‘Worth a try,’ Lucy said with a shy grin. She couldn’t help but get caught up with Jack’s enthusiasm, his energy. ‘Tamsin, would you mind just keeping an eye on everything here … just for five minutes?’
The girl gave a bit of a huff, followed by a ‘S’pose so.’
‘I used to love the Merry-Go-Round as a kid,’ Lucy admitted. ‘It was my absolute favourite when the fair came to town. My friends all liked the fast rides, the ones that whizzed you round making you feel sick, like the Waltzers and Twister, but this …’ The Merry-Go-Round came into view as they dashed across the yard. ‘This just used to make me smile.’
Jack wasn’t sure why, but he suddenly wanted to be able to make Lucy smile. ‘Wait a sec, and I’ll see if they’ll let us on.’ The chap in charge was already taking down some of the lights, and like all those who’d worked hard all night, was evidently ready to pack up and get away home. Jack darted over. A short conversation ensued, with a shrug from the fellow, then some nodding and a thumbs up.
‘We’re on! Choose your horse,’ Jack called out with a grin.
Lucy glanced around her, then headed for a dark-grey horse with a carved flowing white mane, and a red-painted saddle. She climbed on with a giggle, taking hold of the gold-sprayed handlebars by the horse’s wooden cheeks. Jack took up the horse just inside of hers.
The chap walked to the centre of the ride, and pressed a button. Old-fashioned music started up and that long-missed slow swirl began. White lights glowed above them, and the elegant wooden horses began to rise and fall on their gold-twisted stems.
Jack watched as Lucy’s smile broadened, until it lit up her whole face. She looked so much prettier when she smiled. In fact, tonight she seemed very different from the stressed-out girl he’d met just a few weeks ago.
Lucy looked across at him. ‘Thank you,’ she mouthed. Then she closed her eyes, enjoying the rhythm of the fairground ride, the music, the steady swirl.
Jack in turn, found himself enjoying watching her. It was like seeing a glimpse of the young girl she must have once been. A happier, carefree, less troubled Lucy, than he’d witnessed so far. Then, he looked beyond her, catching sight of the night sky; clear and crisp, the stars out in force. And for a second or two, Jack too was transported to a happier place and time. As the ride revolved, for a few precious moments, the worries of the world seemed to fade away for them both.
But as all special moments do, it had to end. The horses slowed and the ride came to a soothing halt.
‘That was lovely, thank you,’ Lucy said to Jack.
‘Well, we need to go and get our payment sorted. I’ve bartered two beers and your last pizza for that.’
‘Hah, no worries. I’ll go fetch the pizza. It was well worth it.’ It had been so nice just to chill out and do something fun, however brief.
‘Absolutely.’
It was worth it just to see that smile too, thought Jack. And, as they headed off the ride, taking the three steps back down to where their feet met the ground, he instinctively placed his palm on the small of her back to help guide her.
Something had shifted between them. The Ice Queen had melted a little.
Chapter 14
The following evening, Lucy had arranged to meet friends, Becky and Katie, in the village pub. A girlie night was very much in order – what with setting up the new business, she hadn’t had much time, or money, lately to get out and about much socially.
Saturday night, 8 p.m., and The Oyster Catcher was buzzing. There was going to be a live band on later and locals and tourists alike were jostling for seats. As a couple got up from a corner keg table, Becky seized her chance and moved in speedily to bag the three stools there, just as Lucy came back from the bar balancing two G&Ts and her large glass of rosé.
‘There you go, girls. Great manoeuvre there, Becks.’ Lucy placed the glasses down on the circular wooden table top.
‘Perfect. Cheers!’ Katie grinned, her wavy blonde hair bouncing around her shoulders.
‘Yes, cheers. Well, this is nice. I must say it’s good to be on the other side of the serving counter for a change.’
‘Oh yes, how’s it all going?’ Katie asked, keen to catch up on all the goss.
‘Yeah, pretty good, I’m getting there. I’ve taken a few more event bookings, and the Alnwick market was a good day last week and I now have a regular slot, so it’s all building, slowly but surely.’
‘Well, I think it’s bloody brilliant. You taking the plunge, creating your own business,’ said Katie, who spent three days a week working at a children’s nursery, as well as looking after her own little girl the rest of the time.
‘Thanks. It’s still a bit scary. The money side is a bit hit-and-miss just now. I really can’t afford to fail.’
‘You won’t, hun. I’ve seen your grit and determination in action. You’ll make it work,’ Becky was onside, as always. ‘Anyway, tell me more about this mystery cocktail-bar guy?’
‘Oh, what’s this, Luce?’ Katie’s eyes lit up.
Blimey, Becky was on it like a car bo
nnet. They had chatted on the phone this morning, when the Merry-Go-Round ride was still fresh in Lucy’s mind; but she’d only mentioned Jack briefly.
‘Oh … don’t get excited, you lot. It’s just someone I’ve bumped into a couple of times at these events. He’s often booked in at the same things. He’s a bit cocky, actually.’ She tried to act casual, but remembered chatting about Papa at the end of the evening … the showy barman persona had mysteriously disappeared at that point. The Merry-Go-Round … and the warmth of his hand resting gently on the small of her back … Hmm, why on earth was she remembering that right now?
‘And?’ Katie probed, barely containing her grin.
Lucy had to smile too, raising her dark eyebrows, ‘What do you mean, “and” …?’
‘Lucy Brown, I’ve been your friend for over fifteen years,’ Becky declared. They’d met at high school when Becky’s family had moved into her childhood home town of Rothbury, bonding over a love of chocolate brownies and Justin Timberlake. ‘Your voice changes when you mention him.’
‘Don’t be so daft.’
‘It does, I’m telling you.’
‘So?’ Lucy said, exasperatedly.
‘Ooh, this sounds intriguing,’ Katie joined in. ‘So, what’s he like then, this cocktail guy? Looks, personality?’
‘Oh, for goodness’ sake! Is this an official interview?’
‘Yep, and we need answers,’ Becky pushed on.
‘Ah, okay, dark-blond hair, blue-grey eyes. Medium height.’
‘So, good-looking then?’ Katie was fishing.
Yes, he was, Lucy supposed. But she knew better than to admit to that. ‘Look, he’s just helped with a bit of advice on the catering scene. We hardly know each other really. And like I say, he can be a bit cocky.’ Lucy tried to keep it matter-of-fact.
‘Oh, but you’ve forgot to mention to Katie that he stepped in and took a punch for you …’ Becky said with a laugh, clearly revelling in dangling that juicy fact.
‘What? How have I missed all this goss?’
Lucy rolled her eyes, ‘It was nothing … just some drunken lad mouthing off at a party, who happened to be at my pizza stand at the time.’
‘And then Campervan Guy charged in to the rescue,’ Becky added with a cheeky grin.
‘“Just friends” then, is it, Luce? Are you sure?’ Katie was smiling.
‘Absolutely. Look you two, I’m allowed to talk to a guy without it meaning I’m thinking about a bloody relationship. I had enough of all that shite with Liam, remember.’
‘So, are you swearing off men for life?’ Becky said, tongue-in-cheek.
‘Oh Luce, you’ll be turning into a shrivelled-up prune, and end up keeping a load of cats …’ Katie chipped in.
‘Or an army of sausage dogs,’ Becky took up, with a daft grin on her face.
‘Arrgh, enough, you two! I’m just not looking for a relationship right now, that’s all.’
‘Yeah, but a fling might work. Get back in the saddle and have some fun, girl!’ Becky added. It was all good-humoured banter.
‘Stop!’ Lucy raised a hand dramatically, and then took a large sip of wine. ‘I’m out to enjoy myself tonight, not to face the Spanish Inquisition. So, get off my case, you two.’
‘Okay, soz, Luce.’
‘Fair enough, hun. We only want you to be happy.’ Becky rested a caring hand on her friend’s shoulder.
Both Becky and Katie were now in settled relationships. Becky was now all cosied up with Darren, and living together in Alnwick, after several ups and downs in her earlier frazzled love-life, and Katie had got married to Lee three years ago and now had a gorgeous, on-the-go toddler back at home. She too was more than ready for a chill-out tonight. ‘Well then, here’s to letting our hair down and dancing on the tables.’ Katie raised her glass.
‘Cheers to that!’ Lucy smiled.
The girls chatted away, and were soon getting another round of drinks in. The band came on and were great, with a fabulous female lead doing some covers of Pink, Lady Gaga, plus some original stuff too. The girls clapped and cheered. They didn’t quite get to dancing on the tables, but they talked with some local lads, and boogied in their corner of the bar next to where the band were playing. They felt happily merry on gin and wine, and they all trundled back to Lucy’s cottage after closing time, still singing along to ‘So What’ by Pink as they linked arms.
Becky had arranged to sleep over on Lucy’s sofa. The tiny cottage didn’t have a spare room. Mind you, when they rolled back in, Daisy was looking very cosy on that sofa already, having been settled there for the evening. The little dog was not being moved easily, giving in only for a brief and begrudging toilet stop in the yard.
It was already past eleven and Katie had a taxi ordered for eleven thirty. With her partner, being a delivery driver, having to work early the next day, she’d be on toddler wake-up duty for her little girl, Ella – probably with a slight hangover, by the whizzy feel of her head right now. But that was tomorrow. The girls had had a thoroughly good night and were now enjoying a fabulous finale in the form of a Baileys nightcap while huddled cosily in the cottage’s front room. All too soon, Katie had to leave, whisked away in one of Ron’s Taxis, after kisses, hugs and a promise that they must do this more often. Life had a way of rolling on, and before they knew it, weeks could pass before they next saw each other.
It was now just the two girls left, and it wasn’t long before Becky launched into one of those tipsy truthful chats.
‘You really okay, hun?’ Sat side by side on the sofa, she took Lucy’s hand in her own. ‘You just sounded, well, a bit tense in the pub … on the relationship stuff. We were only teasing, you know.’
There was a second’s pause before Lucy answered. ‘Yeah, I know that. It’s okay.’
Daisy was back in situ, wedged between the pair of them. A sausage-dog sandwich.
‘And you don’t mind it here … on your own? After selling the house of your dreams and all that?’
‘Hah, those bloody dreams were well and truly shattered when the bombshell hit about Liam. But you know what, I really do like it here. It might be small but it’s my space. And I love being near the sea. Being able to go for a walk any time I like with Daisy down to the beach. And the people here in the village, well … they’ve made me feel welcome already. Like at the Book Club. And … I have cake and coffee just down the road.’
‘Yeah, of course. I’m glad you’re starting to make some friends here, that’s good.’
Lucy paused. Though she was finding her feet in the village, there were things that were bothering her still. ‘Oh Becks, I just hope to goodness this pizza venture works out … only time will tell with that. And the new girl, Tamsin, is a bit of a nightmare. Truth be told, I’m not sure if she’ll stick it out. She came across well at the interview, but she seems more interested in keeping up with her mates on her mobile phone than making pizzas.’
‘Ah, I suppose you’ll just have to see how things go. But you don’t have to keep her on, not if she’s no good.’
‘No, I suppose not. But then what’ll I do? I’d need someone else and quick.’ Running the pizza van solo was nigh on impossible.
‘You’ll work it out, hun. Or I can help … for a shift or two, if you need. Until you get someone new in …’
‘You’d do that?’
‘’Course I would.’
‘Aw, thanks, that’s good to know.’ Lucy felt a little easier. ‘And well, here in the cottage, I’ve learnt that maybe being on your own isn’t so bad. It’s better than being in a toxic relationship. Better than being fooled and strung along by a lying bastard.’
‘True, Luce. And I’m always here, or near, at least. You know that.’
‘Yeah, ’course I do.’ Lucy let out a soft sigh. All that recent heartbreak and hurt was beginning to pass, but occasionally it could still feel raw. She stroked the silky black fur of Daisy’s back. ‘Thank you, Becks.’
Friends propped you up through a
ll the shit. They were there to dance and talk and hold your hand, sticking with you through the best times and the worst times. Over the top of a very cosy dachshund, she gave her best friend a hug.
Yes, there were issues with the new business, but she was sensible enough to realise it was never going to be all plain sailing to start with, and relationships … well, best to stick with her friends and family. But Lucy did feel that better times were rolling in, like the waves rolling to shore, washing away the hurts of the past. Finally …
Chapter 15
‘Right, Daisy, what’s on for us then? A walk on the beach maybe?’
Daisy was curled up in her cosy dog bed in the kitchen, and didn’t seem that excited about a walk just yet. With a hangover headache lurking over her right brow, Lucy could identify with that feeling. Becky had just left after nursing several strong coffees, and the day stretched out ahead of them. A blast of fresh air and a stretch of their legs would do them both good.
‘Come on. You know it makes sense.’ She was persuading herself as much as Daisy, so she reached for Daisy’s lead from the hook on the back of the kitchen door, and gave it a tinkle above the dog’s dark, smooth head. Daisy’s head dipped lower, as if she might hide if she sank down further. Lucy had to laugh. ‘Right, I’m going,’ she coaxed, as she pulled on her trainers then stood up, setting off towards the door. Daisy begrudgingly moved, not wanting to be left on her own after all.
There was a fresh sea breeze, but it was a gorgeous morning in the village, with the row of stone cottages beside hers glowing golden in the sunlight. They headed for the lane that passed the golf course down to the sea. A ten-minute walk and they’d be on the sands, ready to stroll the bay. Vehicles used the grass verge to park here for the beach, and several cars were there already. Halfway down the narrow lane, she spotted a familiar-looking dark-red campervan. Oh … she felt a little lift of excitement. Could it be? The magic of the Merry-Go-Round from two nights before rose in her mind again.
The Seaside Cocktail Campervan Page 9