The Little Shop in Cornwall: A heartwarming and feel good beach read

by Helen Pollard

  Jason smiled. ‘It’s friendly and unpretentious. I love it.’

  ‘Happy to please. I’m Evelyn, by the way.’ She jerked her thumb at the short-haired woman heading their way. ‘This is Sarah.’

  ‘Jason Craig.’ They shook hands. ‘How long have you been here?’

  ‘Thirty years, as a bookshop,’ Sarah said, with a look of surprise that time had passed so quickly. ‘We added the café five years ago.’

  Jason noted her hint of American accent combined with something local.

  ‘Is your daughter not joining you?’ Evelyn indicated the empty seat beside him.

  Jason mentally rolled his eyes. Of course they would know he had a daughter. No doubt Claudia had told them all about her. ‘She’s next door.’

  He did his best to hide his distaste, but Sarah gave him a look that told him he was hiding nothing.

  ‘I can’t tell you how grateful we were when Claudia moved in next door,’ she said with apparent nonchalance. ‘That place was a mess. It had been empty for a year, and the previous owner had let it go to wrack and ruin long before that. It was bringing our own business down.’

  ‘Let’s face it, we’d’ve been grateful if anyone had moved in,’ Evelyn pointed out. ‘But Claudia was a happy bonus. We couldn’t ask for a better neighbour.’

  Jason managed a tight smile. ‘She was kind enough to bring a housewarming gift round.’ Perhaps that would get back to their perfect next-door neighbour, thereby mitigating his rudeness the other night. ‘Well, I’ll get back to the books. Good to meet you both.’

  ‘Are these tarot cards?’ Millie asked.

  Claudia came over to her. ‘No, they’re oracle cards. Tarot cards are a traditional deck, very specific in structure, but I don’t stock them.’

  ‘Why not?’

  Claudia thought how best to explain. ‘Tarot cards aren’t something I’ve studied properly. I don’t stock anything I don’t understand or have personal experience of. I prefer to leave that to the experts.’

  ‘But you stock oracle cards?’

  ‘Yes. I use them myself. They’re more accessible, I think. Some are spiritual, some based on nature, some just have positive messages.’

  Millie turned the pack over in her hands. ‘What are they for, exactly?’

  Claudia thought about how to word her explanation. She didn’t want to influence a vulnerable teen. ‘You can use them for something simple – to inspire you at the start of your day, for example. Or you can use them for guidance – ask them a question, perhaps about a problem, and they give you an answer.’

  Millie looked incredulous. ‘Like magic?’

  Claudia smiled. ‘It depends on your own beliefs. Those who believe in angels might believe they’re channelling the angels’ wisdom through an angel-themed deck. In my case, I think it’s more about how you interpret the answer. Often, the cards flag up what you already know in your subconscious but haven’t acknowledged yet.’

  ‘How do you make them do that?’

  ‘Let me show you.’ Claudia took the pack from Millie, unwrapped the cellophane and shuffled the cards. ‘The guide explains all the different layouts you can do, but I’ll use just one card for now.’ Claudia held the cards to her chest and closed her eyes. ‘Concentrate on your problem or question. I like to spread the cards.’ She fanned them across the counter, her hands hovering above them. ‘Look for the card that’s speaking to you. That one, see?’ She picked one that had fallen free of the semi-circle. ‘Take in the image and words, then look up possible meanings in the book.’ She leafed to the correct page and showed it to Millie.

  Millie gave her a curious look. ‘Did it answer your question?’

  Claudia smiled. Millie hadn’t asked her what her question was, which was grown-up of her, she thought. ‘No, but it posed another question, which is interesting. I’ll mull it over. There are other layouts you can try – three cards to represent your problem, its solution and the way forward. Or the past, present and future.’ She reined in her enthusiasm. ‘They’re not a magic wand, but they can be a useful tool.’

  Millie leafed through the pack. ‘I love the artwork.’

  ‘Beautiful, aren’t they? I have that deck at home. I like the nature-based packs best.’

  ‘You have more than one pack?’

  Claudia shrugged. ‘Can’t help myself. And I like to have a selection at hand.’

  ‘I’ll take these,’ Millie said. ‘I really like them.’

  ‘If they spoke to you, then they’re a good choice.’ Claudia put them back in their box. ‘Don’t forget to cleanse them before you use them.’

  Millie looked at her, askance. ‘Do what?’

  Claudia laughed at her expression. ‘You should clear the cards of negative energy from the manufacturing process and other people handling them – and that includes me. Make the pack yours.’

  ‘How?’

  Claudia reached for a small, rough-edged pink crystal. ‘You could store them with a rose quartz crystal. Here. On the house.’

  ‘Thanks!’ Millie paid for the cards and took the package with obvious pleasure.

  ‘Let me know how you get on.’

  ‘I will.’

  Claudia always looked forward to the Tuesday meditation sessions she ran. Pudding was less keen, since he wasn’t allowed to accompany her – a cat jumping onto someone’s lap when they were in a relaxed state tended to have rather a startling effect.

  Letting herself into the space above the bookshop, she set out a range of floor cushions and placed chairs for those who preferred them, making a guess at numbers.

  The equivalent of her own flat next door, Sarah and Evelyn had never lived here, since they had the cottage that Evelyn’s great-aunt had left her. At first, they’d used it for storage, but when they started up their monthly book club, they’d converted it into a meeting room. When Claudia had arrived, she’d been offered the use of it for anything she wanted to run.

  Her weekly meditation group had slowly grown, and now she had a good base of locals keen for their weekly dose of Zen, followed by a cuppa.

  ‘Hi, Alice. How are you this week?’ she asked the first arrival.

  ‘Oh. You know. Fine. Thanks.’ Alice managed a small smile, and not for the first time Claudia wondered if she had ever seen this frumpy, middle-aged woman manage a heartfelt one. A regular customer at Healing Waves – sometimes for the company, Claudia suspected, more than to buy anything – Alice wore a permanent look of worry and caution, only mildly alleviated by her hour’s meditation each week.

  Alice fidgeted in her chair as Sarah and Evelyn arrived, followed by the other regulars. Libby cut it fine, arriving just before eight.

  Five minutes of stretches, five minutes of breathing exercises, then Claudia would play a guided meditation from the internet – whatever she had come across that she thought might suit everyone. When she’d first begun holding these sessions, she’d thought about writing and delivering her own, but she simply didn’t have the time to do that every week. Besides, she enjoyed relaxing along with the others. At the end, she would play ten minutes of calming music or nature sounds, and then Claudia would gently bring everyone back to themselves. Afterwards, there was the opportunity for a quick cuppa and a chat for those who wanted to stay a little longer.

  This evening, the new shop was the prime topic over decaff tea.

  ‘They’re keeping it all very close to their chest,’ Evelyn grumbled.

  ‘That’s the way publicity goes nowadays,’ Claudia said. ‘Build up a frenzy of speculation, then “Ta-dah!”’

  ‘Well, I for one could do without the suspense,’ Jenny, Porthsteren’s only hairdresser, declared. ‘It’s right opposite me. I keep peering through my window when they’re carrying stuff in from the vans. Nearly took a customer’s eye out with my scissors!’ She sighed. ‘I hope it won’t be another salon.’

  Claudia felt for her. Another hairdresser so nearby could easily tread on Jenny’s toes, especially since
Jenny’s salon wasn’t as up-to-date as it could be.

  ‘It might be something that would complement your salon,’ she suggested in an attempt to reassure. ‘A nail bar, maybe?’

  At that, Jenny looked crestfallen. ‘Hope not. I was thinking about adding nails to boost business. I’ve just been on a course.’

  ‘Ah.’ So much for trying to cheer her up. ‘Well, I guess we’ll all just have to wait and see.’

  Claudia hoped that would put an end to the discussion. Much as she felt for those who were worried, obsessive speculation was pointless, as far as she could see. But Evelyn and Jenny were in full flow, so she drifted off to refill her tea.

  Libby collared her at the kettle. ‘Did you find the house?’ When Claudia gave her a blank look, Libby said impatiently, ‘Your gift for the widower. The address was right, wasn’t it?’

  ‘Yes, thanks.’ Claudia couldn’t help but smile. Libby would hate to give out incorrect information… although she wasn’t above embellishing it on occasion. And Claudia wasn’t sure that Jason would appreciate being labelled ‘the widower’.

  ‘Did they love it?’ Libby pressed.

  Claudia wasn’t sure how to answer, but Libby went on before she had a chance to.

  ‘What’s the daughter like? She looked a little odd to me.’

  ‘She’s nice. Quiet. I hope she’ll settle in okay.’

  Libby took no heed of Claudia’s loaded tone, instead giving her a speculative look. ‘The father’s quite handsome, don’t you think?’

  ‘Well, I…’

  ‘Claudia, any chance of a quick word?’ Sarah appeared at Claudia’s side.

  ‘Of course. Excuse me, Libby.’ She allowed Sarah to lead her away. ‘What’s up?’

  ‘Nothing whatsoever. I just thought you needed rescuing.’

  Claudia kissed Sarah’s cheek. ‘I did. Thank you.’

  Sarah looked over at Alice. ‘Do you think Alice is okay? She looks a little down.’

  ‘She always looks a little down, Sarah.’

  ‘I know, but she was in the Page Turner yesterday, and she spent an awful long time at the self-help section. Got me kinda worried.’

  Claudia smiled. ‘On that basis, you’d’ve worried yourself sick over me three years ago!’

  ‘Did they help you? Books like that?’ Sarah asked her curiously.

  ‘Some, yes. Some, no. Depends on what you need at the time, and if the book answers your call, I suppose.’ Claudia yawned. ‘Right now, my bed is calling me. Let’s wrap this up, shall we?’

  As she and Sarah tidied away and waved everyone off, Claudia was acutely aware that it wasn’t only Alice who looked down. People like Jenny – generally chirpy – looked down, too. It was all that new shop’s fault for winding everyone into a frenzy of speculation and worry, she thought as she headed for her own flat. Claudia didn’t like to see her friends get worked up like that.

  By Wednesday afternoon, Jason and Millie had ticked off most of Millie’s school requirements, which had only put her in a worse mood – the new items festooning the lounge were a reminder that she had a new school to start next week, and her anxiety was palpable.

  Jason felt much the same about his own impending Monday.

  ‘Fancy a walk?’ he asked.

  Millie shook her head. ‘Nah. I’ll stay here. You go.’

  Whether she didn’t want a walk or whether she just preferred him elsewhere, he wasn’t sure.

  ‘Okay. I won’t be long.’

  ‘No rush. Take your time.’

  The latter, then. ‘Get name labels in some of those things while I’m out, will you?’

  A grunt in reply.

  Ten minutes after leaving the house, Jason was out on the coastal path – the advantage of living at the top of the hill. He breathed in fresh air, felt the spring breeze in his hair; admired the sea on his left, rocks jutting out from inaccessible coves, a boat on the horizon, white clouds in the sky. To his right, tall grasses waved in the breeze, backed by thorny shrubs. Beyond lay fields for crops – he had no idea what yet. Wheat? Barley? Oats? He was no expert. Wildflowers nodded among the green, but Jason guessed it wasn’t time for the full display yet.

  This was a long way from the city, he thought as his long stride ate up the path. He’d loved Edinburgh, but he’d done his stint there. It was time for somewhere new.

  After twenty minutes, he felt better. After forty minutes, he felt great. Choosing a flat spot, he moved away from the path – but not too close to the edge – and sat, his arms around his knees, to look out over a tiny cove below.

  ‘Hi.’

  Jason jumped and turned his head.

  ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. But I thought it would be rude just to pass by.’

  The woman from Healing Waves. Claudia. Her hair was tied back, although the breeze was doing its best to play havoc with it, and she was dressed in jeans and a multicoloured sweater with an interesting design, probably from her own shop.

  Remembering his rudeness the other night, he forced himself to smile. ‘Hi. Not at the shop today?’

  ‘Day off. Mind if I take a pew?’

  ‘Help yourself.’ Jason indicated the patch of grass beside him. He could hardly say ‘No, bugger off’, could he?

  As though she could read his mind, she said, ‘I won’t intrude for long. It’s just that these boots are rubbing.’ She winced. ‘New. Wearing them in.’ She tugged them off, her socks too, wiggled her toes, then inspected a sore patch on her heel. Delving into her backpack, she brought out a strip of plasters. ‘Out for a breather? Millie didn’t want to come?’

  He shook his head. ‘We’re out of sorts, kicking our heels, waiting for Monday – her new school, my new job.’ He didn’t want to share more than that, but sitting in awkward silence didn’t seem a much better prospect. ‘I think I made a mistake, giving us a week to settle in.’

  ‘That doesn’t sound unreasonable to me.’ She smiled, her golden eyes warm. ‘You must have had loads to do.’ Her plasters applied, she curled her toes into the long, rough grass. ‘It’s the waiting, though, isn’t it?’

  ‘Yes.’ Come on, Jason, get it over with. ‘Listen, Claudia, I want to thank you for your gift. I wasn’t very welcoming, and I apologise. You… the gift… It was unexpected. Millie didn’t tell me she’d already spoken to you on the beach until after you came by.’

  ‘Don’t worry. You’re welcome.’ She hesitated. ‘Millie told me about her mother. I’m sorry for your loss.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Jason’s mind raced. What else did Millie tell her?

  Claudia was looking straight at him. Straight through him, maybe. ‘She also mentioned that you’d been planning to divorce.’

  Jason couldn’t hide his dismay. ‘I wish she hadn’t.’

  ‘Please don’t be mad at her. She realised she shouldn’t have – that you’re worried about gossip.’ She smiled. ‘I won’t say anything to anyone. I only wanted you to know that I know, in case Millie mentions it to you. And I’m sorry. That must have been a difficult situation for you all.’

  ‘Yes.’ Silence fell between them as Jason tried not to be angry at his daughter for divulging such information to a stranger.

  Claudia pulled a flask from her bag. ‘Coffee? I have a spare cup with me. Although it is decaff.’

  ‘Thanks.’ Why would she carry a spare cup?

  ‘You never know who you’ll bump into along here,’ she explained – which was weird, since he was sure he hadn’t voiced the question. ‘Oh, and it’s goats’ milk, so double sorry.’

  Dubious, he took the cup and sipped. ‘It’s not too bad.’

  Hiding a smile, she said, ‘I gather you were in the Page Turner yesterday.’

  Jason made a face. ‘I need to get used to this continuous monitoring of my every move, don’t I?’

  Her lips twitched. ‘You knew that when you moved here, surely?’

  ‘I did.’ He sighed. ‘But it’ll be good for Millie, being in a smaller community. G
ive her a sense of belonging. A change from the city.’

  Claudia smiled encouragement. ‘I’m sure it will. That’s what I did – made the switch from London to here. I haven’t regretted it for a minute.’

  Jason was surprised at that. He wouldn’t have had her down as a city girl. ‘Did you have a shop like Healing Waves there?’

  ‘No. I…’ Claudia hesitated. ‘I worked for a business development consultancy.’

  Jason’s jaw would have hit the floor if he’d let it. ‘That’s quite a change!’

  ‘Yes. But, as I say, no regrets. Porthsteren’s a good place for you and Millie to make new memories together.’

  Jason wasn’t sure how to respond. Swapping a city career to sell crystals in a coastal village wasn’t within his realm of understanding, but she didn’t elaborate.

  Deftly changing the subject, she pointed to the cove below. ‘You know what amazes me? The colours. The water’s so clear, you can see the sand beneath it; the individual pebbles and shells if you get closer. But the blue of the sea and the sky change all the time, with the weather and the seasons. I never get bored with it.’

  ‘How long have you been in Porthsteren?’ Might as well be polite, since she showed no sign of moving on.

  ‘Two years.’

  Jason would have asked more, out of courtesy, but he suddenly wondered how long he’d been sitting here.

  ‘I have to get back – I don’t want to leave Millie on her own for too long. Thanks for the coffee. I hope your feet survive the walk.’

  She shrugged. ‘Sometimes you just have to go through the pain till you come out the other side, don’t you?’