The Heart of Baker’s Bay

by Danielle Jacks

  I take too long to respond, and she presses the button to swap to a video call, which I accept immediately.

  “What are you doing in bed at this time?”

  “It’s my day off.”

  She knows me well enough to suspect something seems amiss when I’m still in bed at eleven a.m. Her eyes narrow suspiciously, like she can read my mind.

  “There’s something different about you.”

  I run my fingers through my hair, using the phone as a mirror. “I don’t have a hangover, which I guess is unusual for my day off.” I try to act casual, although I’m not an alcoholic, so my words don’t hold true. I still have last night’s make-up on, and my hair looks like I’ve been dragged through a bush.

  Her eyes go wide, like she thinks she’s figured me out. “Where’s Adam hiding? Adam!”

  I can’t keep secrets from Sarah. She can see straight through me. “He’s gone to work.”

  She lets out a little squeal. “Adam spent the night?”

  I nod, and she makes that awful noise again. “My ears are damaged from that dreadful sound.”

  She ignores me. “I’m so happy for you.”

  I try to hide my smile by covering my mouth. “It’s only early days.” I don’t want her to get too excited. We’ve only spent one night together, and we haven’t defined our relationship, or if we have one.

  “We need to convince him to move to Manchester,” she says excitedly.

  I cringe. “That’s not going to happen.”

  I sweep my hair out of my face. There’s more than one reason why her statement is so wrong. We’re not a couple and she doesn’t know about Adam’s past. I have no doubt that Clover Bay is his home. The only way our relationship will become more is if I move here permanently. I’d have to give up my old life, and even though it’s not much, it’s all I’ve ever known. I don’t want to share my mixed-up feelings about Clover Bay with Sarah yet though.

  We talk a little more about Sarah’s business, and how much we miss each other. When I hang up, I’m ready for a shower. After freshening up, I make my way into the kitchen. Two slices of toast later, and I’m itching to start baking. I find a new recipe and set to work. Adam isn’t the only one who has changed in recent weeks. I’m putting my responsibilities first and knuckling down to do the best job I can.

  Two hours later, I’m all baked out. I have enough treats to last me a few days. I try to picture my future back in Manchester with my friends and family, but I can’t imagine having a good job or my own flat. Here, I have Adam, Kayleigh, and the café. Clover Bay is making me want things I’ve never dreamed about having before. I may not have my own place, but I like my mum’s old room. I just wish I didn’t have to sacrifice one part of my life for another.

  I wash up the dirty mixing bowls and used cutlery while watching the clock. I can’t wait to reunite with Adam. I’ve had a few silly meme messages from him, but we haven’t spoken all day. There’s a knock at the cottage door, followed by Adam entering the kitchen.

  “You’re home early. I mean… I meant to say you’re finished early,” I say.

  “I couldn’t wait to see you,” he says, giving me a soft kiss on the lips and ignoring my slip of the tongue.

  I can’t hide the widespread smile that appears on my face. “Have you missed me already?”

  “I’ve been counting down the hours until I could see you again.” He leans in to kiss me again.

  “You’re a smooth talker, Adam Davis.”

  “I try when it comes to you.”

  I laugh. “That’s why we ended up sleeping together.”

  “No, that was all you.”

  “Well, it was a good idea on my part,” I say, biting my lip.

  “Someone should’ve warned me about you leading me astray.”

  “You couldn’t resist my charm, and it was nothing to do with leading you down a dark path. Admit it, you like my damsel in distress thing I’ve got going and couldn’t resist playing the hero.”

  He laughs. “Sure I do. Watching you trip down the cobbles that first day had me desperate to help you.”

  “See? I knew it.”

  He shakes his head. “I’d like to take you on a real date.”

  I’m excited already, and I don’t even know the details. “What do you have in mind?”

  “We could have a picnic on the beach or… we could go to a restaurant?”

  “How about a late-night supper by the sea tonight and a visit out of the village tomorrow night?” I hope I’m not pushing my luck by suggesting leaving Clover Bay.

  “I think I can handle that. Do you have a place in mind to eat, or should I choose?”

  “I’m shocked. You know something that doesn’t exist within the village parameters?”

  “You’re cheeky. You’d better run before I pin you down.”

  “I might like that.”

  “You won’t if it’s to tickle you.”

  We stare at each other for a few seconds until I realise he’s serious. I take off running upstairs, and Adam is right behind me.

  After showering and watching a movie, we pack a basket with cheese, crackers, and red wine. I find a tartan blanket in one of my gran’s bedroom cupboards and two plastic champagne glasses in the kitchen. Adam scoops up the handle of the basket on one arm, and I hang onto the other. We make our way to a quiet spot on the beach.

  “So, tell me, how does this compare to a date back in the city?” Adam asks, laying the blanket out.

  “Actually, this reminds me of a night in with my bestie. Just… more romantic.”

  “What do you mean? Do you meet for picnics in the street?”

  I laugh, sitting down to get comfortable. “No, but we love our cheese and wine nights. We usually watch some trashy romance movie, snug under a blanket on the sofa while we pig out.”

  Adam joins me. “Where would a guy take you normally?”

  “I haven’t been on that many dates, but it would normally be a posh nosh meal or a trip to a cinema.”

  “The meal tomorrow might not be what you’re used to.”

  “The company is the most important part.” We share a quick kiss.

  “Who’s the smooth talker now?”

  “The truth is, I don’t care about the nights out. I like the adventure and a fun social life, but I’m getting those things here. The everyday things might be a slower pace, but maybe that’s what I need. I’m learning new skills and I feel settled for the first time ever.”

  “I’m glad you like it here because I like having you here too.” He presses his lips to my cheek. He passes me a drink of wine, which I sip. The cheese and crackers go down easily, and we watch the sunset.

  “Tell me how your perfect date would go,” I say, snuggling into his side.

  “It’s been so long I’ve not really thought about it. I guess I’m all about pleasing my partner, so whatever they would like.”

  “Come on. That’s just a way to avoid the question. Is it because you have some dark book fantasies that involve re-enactment?”

  He smirks. “You’d look sexy as an elf. Jokes aside, my perfect date would be simple… just like this one.”

  “One day I’m going to rock your world.”

  “You already have.”

  “That’s sweet of you to say.” I mean it. I’d love to make Adam feel the way I feel about him. He’s been there when I needed him, and I’d like to do something special for him. The elf cosplay was a joke, but if I could work out how to wow him, I’d literally be up for doing anything.

  This is hands down one of the best date nights of my life. It’s relaxing, and we just enjoy each other’s company.

  Twenty-Four

  Jody

  Tuesday

  “Fill me in on everything,” Kayleigh says when the next customer leaves. We’re having an unusually busy Tuesday, and I’m desperate to talk to her about my new relationship.

  “I slept with Adam,” I say, letting the words rush out.

 
She claps her hands together like a giddy schoolgirl, which is probably the most joyful I’ve ever seen her. “I knew it. I told Pete there was a spark between you two.”

  “You’ve been talking about us?”

  “I tell him everything,” she says, like it’s no big deal.

  A young couple enters the café, and Kayleigh huffs with frustration. I want to talk to her too, but I quickly put my business head on and greet the new arrivals.

  “What can I get you?” I ask, smiling sweetly.

  “What’s good?” the guy asks.

  “Takeout coffee and shortbread to go,” Kayleigh says, while I try to stifle a laugh. She’s more interested in chatting than making money.

  “Okay. I trust your judgement. That’s what I’ll have.” He looks to his partner.

  She nods and says, “I’ll have the same.”

  He then tells me he wants to double his order, even though I can hear her as plain as day.

  Kayleigh is quick to make their order and practically shoos them out the door.

  “Was Adam any good in bed?”

  I blush. “I’m not telling you that. You can’t go around asking people things like that,” I say, trying to show my outrage.

  “Come on. I’d tell you anything you want to know. Pete does this thing where…” she trails off as I cover her mouth with my hand.

  “Please don’t. I want to be able to look him in the eye next time I see him.”

  “Adam must be rubbish if you don’t want to talk about it. I get it.”

  “He’s great, okay? Now stop pushing. I’m not sharing any other details with you.”

  She smirks and I roll my eyes. I played into her hands so easily.

  A group of guys in hiking gear enter the café. We quickly serve them takeaway drinks so they can leave. Kayleigh stands in front of the door. “Where are all these people coming from? I was hoping for a gossip session, tea, and some shortbread. Instead, I have mud to clear up from the floor and the urge to blurt out whatever comes to mind.”

  “Why? What gossip do you have?”

  She screws up her face. “Nothing yet, but I want to know all about how you and Adam ended up in bed.”

  “There’s nothing to tell. It felt right, so we did it.” Hooking up with someone back home probably means less than it does here, but I don’t want this to be a big deal. My future is unknown, which is okay, but it also means I don’t want to overanalyse anything either.

  “If Pete and I ever get it together, we’ll be able to double date.”

  “I’d like that. How are things going with him?”

  “I don’t know. Everything is so confusing.”

  “You like him though?”

  “I guess.” She nods. Her unspoken words are louder than the vague answer.

  I let out a cheer, and this time it’s Kayleigh’s turn to blush. “Wahoo, she at last admits it.” I’m beginning to realise Kayleigh isn’t good with sharing her feelings, so this is big for her.

  Someone knocks on the glass door. Kayleigh opens it, moving to the side. Adam enters, giving her a strange look. “What are you two ladies up to? You were blocking the entrance,” he says.

  “I’m trying to find out the gossip on the last twenty-four hours, but we keep getting interrupted,” Kayleigh says, like he’s inconveniencing her. I shake my head, wondering how much she’s going to tell him I’ve said.

  “I’m going to take Jody on a date. If that’s okay with you?” he adds, as if it’s an actual question.

  “The gossip around here just became juicy. I’m sick of listening to crazy Betty and her cronies talk about knitting patterns.”

  “She runs a book club, and they sew for special village events,” he corrects.

  “Whatever. Now you’re here, I’m going to slip out for a break. There’s a broom in the cupboard for the mud. Be good.” She throws down her apron and rushes out of the door.

  “Yes, boss,” Adam says, humouring her.

  He moves towards me and I pull him into an embrace once she’s gone. “Hey,” I say as my heart does a little flutter.

  “Hey yourself,” he replies before kissing me.

  “Have you dropped in for a coffee?”

  “I wouldn’t say no, but I came to see you.”

  “You’re sweet.” I kiss him again.

  “I was hoping you’d think I was manly, not sweet.”

  I laugh. “Can’t you be both?”

  He grabs me firmly around the waist, pulling me in for a heated kiss. “For you, I can be.”

  “I thought you’d be against kissing in the workplace as it might drive customers away.”

  “No way. Spreading love can only attract people to the café, as long as nobody catches us in too compromising a position.”

  “I thought you said anger was the key to good baking.”

  “Concentrating all your energy on the task is what gives you a great end product.”

  “Here I was thinking I needed to get rattled every night,” I joke.

  “We both know you’ve become good because you’ve been practicing.”

  “Maybe I need to kiss you a little more, so I get good at that too.”

  We kiss again. Everything feels so easy with Adam. By the time the next customer enters, we’ve removed the muddy footprints and we’re working together in harmony. I like spending my days with Kayleigh, but Adam and I work as one. We’re like the perfect team. After making him a coffee, he leaves to finish his round. I’m already excited for tonight. It doesn’t matter where we end up on our date, as long as I get to spend my time with him.

  Twenty-Five

  Adam

  Jody and I walk hand in hand through the busy streets of the neighbouring town of Heartsly. She looks stunning in her royal blue dress and white cotton jacket. She’s gone to a lot of effort to look nice for tonight while toning down the make-up. I feel bad for making her feel like she has to change for me, but also impressed she wanted to look nice for me. As we enter the upmarket establishment I booked for tonight, every guy turns to look at her. Usually, I’d be the guy in the corner rolling my eyes while trying to understand why a pretty girl who belongs to someone else would grab someone else’s attention. Tonight, I’m proud to have Jody on my arm and don’t care who’s looking because I know she’s mine. She’s a great catch, and I mean more than the way she looks. Every guy in this place should be envious I get to take her home. I’m a lucky guy.

  “Can I help you, sir?” the front of house man says. His over-the-top formality is already making me question my choice of venue. I’m glad I chose to wear a white shirt and smart trousers.

  “I’ve booked a table for two under the name Davis,” I say, trying not to fidget.

  He checks his booking sheet before holding his arm out to show the direction of our table. “Right this way. May I take your jacket, madam?” There’s a traditional coat stand lined with outdoor clothing in the entrance area.

  “No. I’ll put it on the back of my chair,” Jody says, making me smile. She doesn’t see the need to rise to the standards of the other customers and it puts me at ease.

  He pulls out Jody’s seat for her, and she sits down before I follow suit. “Tonight’s performance will be an abstract from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the specials board is on the wall. I recommended the crispy baked garlic mushrooms covered in breadcrumbs and the house red wine.”

  Jody pulls up the strap of her dress while looking around. She picks up the menu from the table.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask.

  “Nothing.” She shakes her head. I don’t believe her.

  “I know you, and I can tell there’s something on your mind.”

  “Not to sound ungrateful, but I’d have been happy with the fish and chip restaurant at the edge of Clover Bay.”

  “I thought you liked comedy nights.”

  “I do, only more of the comedian variety.”

  “We can leave if you’d like.” I knew this wasn’t going to be like
the dates she’s used to, but I’m not like the guys she’s dated either.

  She frowns. “No, it’s not that I don’t want to stay, it’s just… look at the price of those mushrooms.”

  “I want to treat you. It’s not like we come here every week, so why can’t I splash out a little? You need to stop worrying and enjoy it.” I want her to have a good time, but I don’t want her to compare every detail to being at home.

  “You’re right. It’s a nice place, and I’m sure the food will be worth it. Have you been here before?”

  I give her a strange look. “I’ve only just been freed from my village curse, so what do you think?” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.

  She smiles. “I’ll take that as a no. What made you choose this restaurant?”

  “I thought it would be fun.”

  “I hope you’re well versed in your Shakespeare as I won’t have a clue what they’re saying.”

  “Maybe that’s what I was aiming for so you’d have to snuggle up with me so I can whisper in your ear.”

  “I like that idea.” She runs her hand over my leg under the table as we stare sweetly at each other.

  The waiter lights our candles before readying his pen for our order.

  “I’m going to get the garlic mushrooms. What about you, dear?” I say, prompting Jody. She bites back a laugh and nods.

  “Yes. That would be great,” she says in her best posh accent.

  The waiter scribbles on his notepad. “And for your main meals?”

  “Please can I have the classic pasta carbonara,” Jody says.

  “I’ll have the same, and a bottle of the house red wine. Thank you.”

  The waiter adds the order to his notepad before he disappears in the direction of the kitchen. “Oh, God. We’re one of those annoying couples who spend ages deciding what to have then choose the exact same thing.”

  “There’s absolutely nothing wrong with liking the same thing as your partner.” I lean over and kiss her.

  “How many of Shakespeare’s stories have you read?”