‘Managed to bag some ice from the village pub!’ he explained, ‘Brilliant!’
‘Ooh, what is it?’
‘Try it first – tell me what you taste.’
‘O-kay.’ She sniffed, it was fresh and fragrant. She took a slow and delicious sip. There was ginger and mint and a light fizz, lime. ‘Wow, it’s zingy and it’s good. Getting ginger, lime, minty flavours.’
‘Yep, you’ve got it. A Morpeth Mule … my take on a Moscow Mule, with mint from my mum and dad’s garden, and local Fentiman’s ginger beer. Didn’t make it too strong.’
It tasted strong enough to her! ‘Well, it certainly has a kick as it is. That is nice.’ She took another long sip. ‘Love it. Never tried anything like that before.’
‘Thought you might like it.’ He looked pleased with himself.
He also had another bottle of beer for himself, and raised it up in Lucy’s direction. ‘Cheers! Don’t worry, this one’s non-alcohol. I don’t drink and drive with Ruby.’
So, he wasn’t totally gung-ho then. She was glad to hear he had a cautious side.
They settled down into their sea-view seats, drinks to hand.
‘So, the other evening, you mentioned your Italian grandad … do you have some exotic Italian surname then?’
‘Papa, yes.’ She couldn’t help but smile, just saying his name. ‘And no, sorry to disappoint you, it’s a straightforward Brown. Lucy Brown. Papa was my mother’s father, – he was a Romano. Now that does sound very glamorous, doesn’t it.’
‘Lucy Romano … you could adopt it for your pizza venture. Gourmet Pizza by Lucy Romano!’ He put on a daft Italian accent, rolling the words over his tongue.
‘Hah, no, I think having Papa’s name there is enough. Anyway, what about you?’
He quirked an eyebrow.
‘Your surname?’
‘Ah … Anderson, Jack Anderson. Just kind of normal too.’
‘It has a ring to it. And “Jack’s Cocktail Campervan” – now, that really does have a ring to it. Good name. So, when did it all start … and how?’
Jack paused, a distant look crossing his face as he seemed to be thinking back. ‘Oh blimey, it was about four years ago now … Needed to break out and do something different. I’d been travelling a bit, after giving up on uni, working a few bars as I went. There was this great cocktail bar on the beach in Vietnam, that kind of stuck in my mind. The bartender, Sammy, was such a cool guy. I got some great tips and experience just from watching him.’ He smiled as he remembered. ‘Then I came back to the UK, picked up a few casual jobs – restaurants, bars and the like – put in all sorts of hours. I suppose I was learning the ropes. I even did a mixology course; that was great fun. Ended up as manager in the Gatehouse Bistro, in Alnwick. And over time, I came to realise that I wanted to do something for me. My own business. I went down to a festival in Leeds around that same time, and there were all sorts of these mobile food and drink businesses, but back then there was nothing much like it around here. I saw the potential.’ He took a sip of lager. ‘Then, I saw Ruby advertised on Sales and Wants – she was a bit of a wreck when I went to look at her, mind you. But that was it … the two things sparked off in my mind, and I knew I just had to buy her and give it a try. The rest, as they say, is history.’
‘Wow, and it’s worked out for you?’
‘Yeah, I’m doing well financially, and more than that, I love the way of life, the freedom it gives me. I never feel tied down.’
Lucy nodded. It was a different way of working, of living, she was learning that fast. The uncertainties were always there, but it had its plus sides. Not being tied to a desk or an office or a grumpy boss was a big part of that.
The next hour rolled lazily by, as they found themselves chatting easily about all sorts. The Morpeth Mule was long gone, but the taste still lingered. Lucy glanced at her watch. Crikey, it was nearly 4 p.m.! Where had the day gone?
‘Well, this has been great. Thank you, Jack. I’m so glad we bumped into each other.’
‘Yeah, me too.’ He gave her a broad smile.
She could see a smattering of freckles coming out across the bridge of his nose. His skin already a golden tan. His hair looked blonder than she remembered; maybe it was the summer sun streaking it. He looked a typical surfer dude, an outdoorsy kind of guy.
She realised she’d been staring. He was gazing right back at her.
‘Right then,’ she announced, getting up quickly and feeling the alcohol whizz a little through her veins, making her slightly heady. Lucy gave Daisy a gentle prod, stirring her from her Sunday afternoon slumber.
‘Yeah, suppose I’d better get on and back up the road too.’ Jack stood up, collecting up his bottle. ‘Only leave footprints,’ he said.
‘Oh, yes, absolutely.’
They reached the campervan and Jack loaded the chairs inside, then reached to take Lucy’s empty tin mug which she’d carried back up with her. Their fingertips brushed as he did so, zipping a surprise jolt of electricity through her.
‘She’s a real beauty,’ Lucy said, quickly switching focus, to admire the gleaming exterior of the vintage campervan.
‘She is indeed,’ Jack beamed proudly. ‘Hey, do you want to hitch a ride? Take a quick cruise along the coast?’
‘Umm …’
Lucy had to admit she was curious. Ruby, the campervan, always looked so wonderful. She’d love to try her out.
‘Okay then – yeah, why not? Just a quick spin. I’ve probably taken up far too much of your time already.’
‘Ah, it’s no problem. I love showing off my best girl.’ With that, he swung open the passenger door for Lucy.
She clocked that, unusually, it seemed to be on the wrong side.
‘She’s a left-hand drive classic. Ruby has German heritage, you know. You’re not the only one with exotic roots.’ He grinned, ‘Jump on board!’
Ruby started up with a chug then a whirr, and they set off on the coast road, diverting inland for a countryside spin, then taking the route seawards again. Winding through the lanes, past fields of crops now tinged with gold and swaying in the light breeze, the blue of the sea glimpsed through a gap in the hedgerow every now and then.
‘It’s the original dashboard and everything,’ Jack was proud to share his pride and joy, as Lucy took in the three circular dials in front of them. ‘Mind you, that does mean there’re no mod-cons … like air conditioning,’ he explained.
‘Hey, no worries.’
It was getting a little warm in there.
‘So, it’s the good old-fashioned method,’ he announced. ‘Wind the windows down!’
Lucy giggled as she wound the traditional plastic handle. A woosh of air blasted the cab, blowing her hair wildly. Even Daisy’s ears began to flap, bless her, as she sat there on Lucy’s lap.
‘So, let the good times roll,’ Jack shouted over the rumble of wind and the chug of the engine.
And it felt like summer … and seaside … and fun. All the worries of the world fading away. The here and now was all that mattered.
It wasn’t long before they took the turn towards the little coastal village of Newton-by-the-Sea, slowing as they reached the brow of the hill, where the view of the bay across to the ragged ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle was stunning.
‘Wow, it looks amazing today,’ was all Lucy could muster.
‘Beautiful, isn’t it.’
They both took in the view as Jack slowed, making the drive downhill at a leisurely crawl. The road ended here at a cluster of white-washed fishermen’s cottages, now converted into holiday lets and cosy homes. The Ship Inn, all old stone and the heart of many a mariner’s tales, nestled in one corner.
‘Thanks … for showing me Ruby … for bringing me here,’ Lucy whispered, barely able to tear her eyes away from the breath-taking scene. It was just a small trip out, not far from her cottage even, and yet it was so special. Lucy felt like she’d been set free.
‘You’re most welcome,’ Jack grin
ned.
‘Suppose we’ll have to head back …’
‘Yep, I’ll be blocking the entrance to the cottages.’
They somehow ended up singing on the way back. Jack, apologising for the lack of a radio, started by blasting out Bryan Adams’ ‘Summer of ’69’, along with the guitar noises and all. Lucy was stirred to join in halfway through; a shared love of soft rock was apparent, as they both knew the words. Hedgerows whizzed past, the wind in their hair, sun streaming through the windscreen. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so alive.
Back at her village ten minutes later, Jack parked up at the exact spot he’d left.
‘Ah … well, thanks for that drive, that was brilliant, and for the drinks earlier. I’ll definitely be having another of those Morpeth Mules sometime.’
‘Hah, my pleasure, and at our next event, don’t forget to tell the guests how good those cocktails are. And … I’ll be sure to let everybody know about your amazing pizzas too. What do you call the business again, Fired Up?’
‘Yep, All Fired Up.’
‘Okay, well I’ll drum up some extra business for you, for sure. When I get enquiries, I’ll check if anyone’s looking for food outlets as well as the cocktail bar.’
It felt so good to have his support. ‘Thanks, Jack. I appreciate that.’
There was a moment of silence as though strangely, neither felt quite ready to go. Maybe it was because it had been such a nice afternoon, with the drive and everything … a bit of much-needed time out. Or maybe, the Morpeth Mule had been stronger than she’d realised. Hmm, the fact she hadn’t eaten since her bacon sandwich at 10 a.m. might well be a factor too.
‘Right … well, I’ll just walk up the lane. There’re a few chores I need to get on with back home. It’s only five minutes to the cottage from here. Come on then, Daisy.’ Lucy turned to go.
‘Ah … well, let me walk you back.’ Jack, too, seemed reluctant to leave.
Well, Lucy could hardly say no, could she? But, despite the effects of an afternoon cocktail on a near-empty stomach and having had a lot of fun, she knew better than to do anything like ask him in. Her earlier fluttery tummy at seeing him, all male and muscular, coming out of the sea, was unwisely coming back in to play. Crikey, where were her thoughts taking her today? They hardly knew each other. It was all Becky’s fault last night, telling her to get back in the saddle. It was putting extremely dangerous images into her mind.
Jack wasn’t sure why he’d said that, about walking her back. He supposed he’d just enjoyed the afternoon, enjoyed her company. And he didn’t fancy turning up at his lodgings too soon. Sundays were often Matt and Jess’s together-days; he didn’t particularly want to be stuck in the house with them being all lovey-dovey. Okay, so it was Matt’s house, he appreciated that. They could do what they liked, but he didn’t have to be a witness to it all.
Maybe he’d squeeze in a quick visit to his parents’; they’d like that. There’d always be the chance of some supper there too. His mum was a good home cook and he knew that he was always welcome. He was sure she still made meals for three, or four, just in case …
But for now, he was going to make the most of strolling along on a sunny day with this attractive and interesting girl. She wasn’t half as cold and haughty as she liked to make out.
Daisy was trotting along between the two of them as they wandered back up the narrow road.
‘Been a lovely day. Great weather,’ Lucy said, a touch nervously, as they strolled, resorting to the safety of chit-chat.
‘Yeah, gotta make the most of days like these. One day sun, the next rain. Good old English weather.’
‘You’re right about that. And in Northumberland you can get all four seasons in one day.’
‘Hah, yes.’
‘So, have you got any bookings coming up?’ Lucy asked.
‘Wednesday evening’s the next, and then Friday, a birthday bash. Oh, and Saturday, there’s a wedding do over Rothbury way. You?’
‘Just the Thursday market in Alnwick again, then nothing else at all until a week Saturday.’ Lucy felt a small punch of disappointment. ‘Think I’ll be living on beans on toast if this carries on too long,’ she smiled as she jested, but Jack understood there was an element of fear and truth in her words too. Lucy exhaled with a small anxious sigh.
Jack reached for her hand, giving it a supportive squeeze.
Lucy slid him a sideways glance. Their hands parted swiftly again, and they were soon at the top of the little hill where the village began with the first row of cottages and The Oyster Catcher pub on the corner.
They turned along a further street, and Lucy stopped near its end. ‘Right, well this is me.’
Jack found himself standing outside a pale-grey painted door set in a honey-coloured stone-built cottage, nestled end-of-row. It was small, yet quaint. It suited her.
‘Right …’ he echoed, suddenly feeling a little awkward. He hadn’t had any ulterior motive in walking her home, wasn’t sure why the words had come out of his mouth. It wasn’t like it was late at night or anything either, when she might have needed a chaperone back. ‘Well, it’s been a great afternoon,’ he added.
‘It has. Thanks again.’ A sunny smile lit up her face.
So, this is it. Time to go.
‘See you around then,’ her tone was casual, yet she was still looking at him with those dark-brown, thoughtful eyes.
Oh, sod it! The urge to kiss her suddenly overwhelmed him.
Before he had a chance to think straight – Might not be a good idea. Just friends. Have to work together etc. etc. – Jack leaned across and went to place a kiss on her rather luscious lips.
It was then Daisy tugged on her lead, impatient to go on in. Pulling them apart, with a jolt.
‘Oh …’ was all Lucy could say as she stepped back, a bit baffled about what had just unfolded. ‘Okay, Daisy, home time it is.’ Fumbling for her key in her jeans pocket, she could hardly look at him. ‘Uh … ’bye then, Jack.’
‘Bye.’ He watched her duck away inside. It looked like Lucy couldn’t disappear quickly enough.
Hah, bloody dog! Or maybe, just maybe … it was a timely escape for him too.
He gave a final glance at the cottage and then started to head back to Ruby. What a glorious, surprising, confusing day it had been … And he couldn’t help but hope he’d experience it all again – every emotion – soon.
Chapter 16
Well, what was that all about? Had Jack Anderson really been about to kiss her? Wow, it was the first time anybody had been anywhere near her lips in almost two years. Had she wanted him to, or would she have stepped back anyhow, despite Daisy’s timely intervention?
Two hours later, and Lucy was still thinking about that promise of a kiss. Jack’s kiss. What would it have felt like? His golden-tanned smiling face filled her mind again. The straw-coloured hair, the fringe a little too long; he was undeniably handsome. Looking back at her with those intense blue-grey eyes, with their colours of slate and sky.
It had just been such a gorgeously carefree and unexpected afternoon. One of those times she knew she’d remember for a long while to come. She could feel the skin on her cheeks tight from the summer sun, no doubt slightly pink with a flurry of fresh freckles across the bridge of her nose. The taste of vodka and ginger, and salty sea air.
What if Daisy hadn’t pulled them apart? Would it have been a tender brush on the lips … or a full-blown snog of a kiss?
The ringtone on her mobile took her out of her reverie. She glanced at the caller ID: Becky. Ah, well, that brought her back down to earth.
She answered, ‘Hi, Becks.’
‘Hey, lovely. Fun night last night, wasn’t it. How are you feeling now? I’ve felt rough as anything all day!’
‘Hah, yeah, I’m fine. Been out and got some fresh air on the beach. Done me the world of good.’ Thoughts came flooding in of Jack, making the corner of her mouth lift into a smile as she spoke. ‘Actually …’ Lucy p
aused, unsure, ‘I saw that cocktail-bar guy, there on the beach. Just by chance,’ she clarified.
‘Ooh, now this sounds interesting. You mean the one you don’t fancy at all, but you keep on telling me about?’
‘I suppose that’s the one, yeah.’ She was grinning as she spoke.
‘And?’
There was another pause, while Lucy figured how to mention the near-kiss.
‘Go on, tell me you’ve had wild sex in the sand dunes or something.’
A near-kiss at her doorstep sounded rather tame compared to that. ‘No, not quite. Just, well … we had a chat for a while, sat in the dunes … then he walked me back, and … I think he was about to kiss me …’
‘What do you mean, about to? He either did or he didn’t!’
‘Didn’t,’ Lucy confessed. ‘Daisy yanked us apart at the crucial moment. So, I’ll never find out now, will I?’ She gave a mock groan.
‘Hah, well that’s just typical of you, Luce. And Daisy, what a naughty girl, spoiling your fun like that. Well, what are you going to do about it then?’
‘What do you mean? Nothing much I can do, I suppose.’
‘Of course there is. Organise another meet-up, get yourselves on a date. I can tell you like him. There’s a spark there, for sure.’
‘Oh, I’m not sure about that. A spur-of-the-moment kiss is one thing, but organising a date, that’ll give him all the wrong signals. Nah, I’m not going down that route.’ She thought of all his flirting and flattery with a host of women from behind his bar. He probably wasn’t even the dating sort. She might have got it all wrong about this kiss anyhow, misread the signals. How downright embarrassing would that be?
Becky, despite her excitement, had helped her get it all back in perspective. No way was Lucy going to take it any further. It had just been a very special afternoon, nothing more, nothing less. A few stolen hours to think about, and perhaps savour on her own for now.
‘Anyway, how’s your head?’ Lucy deflected, neatly.
‘Ah, not bad. Nothing a couple of paracetamols couldn’t fix. Mind you, Darren had me dragging around Homebase this afternoon, looking for paint and new shelving for the second bedroom. Normally, I’d be right up for that. That he’s at last come round to the idea of decorating that room, but today of all days …’
The Seaside Cocktail Campervan Page 11