The Cosy Little Cupcake Van: A deliciously feel-good romance

by Annette Hannah

  Edie grabbed her hand and squeezed tightly. ‘One day at a time, my lovely,’ she said, then jumped. Her hand rushed to her chest as she heard a choo-chooing sound behind her. ‘What’s that?’ she asked, as a miniature electric train appeared at the tracks at the side of the table. The carriages of the train contained a portion of halloumi fries and a portion of thick-cut chips with a couple of dips. ‘Oh, how adorable, I wondered what those tracks were for, I thought they must have just been part of the decoration. I really must bring my bingo ladies here – it’s amazing.’ She laughed. ‘It frightened the bleeding life out of me at first, though.’

  Camilla helped her lift out the snacks and pressed the top of the train – the signal for it to go back to the kitchen. ‘I’ll never tire of this place,’ she said as she dipped a halloumi fry in the mango dip and took a bite of it.

  ‘That’s good because it’s all sorted.’ Lucy appeared with another tray and placed fresh hot drinks on the table. ‘Ah good, the snacks have arrived. Now come on, scooch over,’ she said to Camilla, ‘and I’ll explain everything.’

  Chapter 3

  ‘I’ll be forever in your debt,’ said Camilla to Lucy the next day when she picked her up from her flat in her clapped-out old red Mini. It took them two trips – the first to Auntie Edie’s to store a couple of boxes of belongings along with the others from her old bedroom and the second to the place she would be staying for as long as she needed. ‘Kitty’s Abode’, a cosy B&B in Market Square, slap bang in the middle of the bustling market town of Bramblewood and just around the corner from the Signal Box Café.

  ‘Nonsense, I only made a phone call and it was absolutely no trouble at all. Carrie was delighted to have you to stay in the B&B and she always needs help in the cattery, so it’s worked out perfectly.’

  ‘I really appreciate it; maybe I can help out in the B&B as well, as I hate the thought of taking charity.’

  ‘Don’t be daft. I’ve seen how hard they work in that cattery. You will definitely be earning your keep.’ Lucy parked the car round the back of the B&B. Carrie greeted them at the back door and helped them up to a room on the first floor. Her cats purred and didn’t take much notice of their new guest, having not long been fed.

  The room felt comforting and welcoming to Camilla but as much as she was grateful for the help, her body felt weary and she needed to be alone.

  ‘Are you sure you don’t want us to help you unpack?’ asked Lucy.

  ‘I’m positive but thank you both so much. You will never know how much this means to me.’ She hugged Lucy and assured her she was fine.

  ‘Okay, I’ll call you in a couple of days. Make the most of the rest because between working with me at the Signal Box and at the cattery, your feet won’t touch the ground.’

  Camilla smiled at the memory of the day before when Lucy had told her the plan. One of her staff was going on a sabbatical the following week and she offered the job to Camilla who despite her nervousness had jumped at the chance to help out. She appreciated it was a lifeline being thrown at her.

  As soon as they left, Camilla gave in to the flu-like muscle ache she was feeling, climbed into the inviting bed and didn’t wake up until the next morning.

  After a couple of days spent secluded in her room, Camilla had allowed Carrie, the landlady, to persuade her to sit under the old sycamore tree in the small garden at the back of the guest house. The late September air was crisp and fresh and she drew it into her lungs hungrily. The oxygen replenished her brain and she felt light-headed. Her eyes were closed, her face lifted towards the sun. Its warming glow felt comforting.

  ‘Just let me know if you need anything, love.’ Carrie placed a cellophane-wrapped package on the table next to her. ‘Here’s some of my home-made choc chunk shortbread. Do try and eat something as you need to build your strength up.’

  She flinched as something hit her hand. It was a sycamore leaf. She noticed others scattering around the garden amongst the leaves, which covered the grass with a crunchy carpet of amazing autumnal colours. She gazed at the tree in wonder at the myriad hues. Patches of leaves were still green, others saffron, some shades of burnt umber and all held a majestic beauty. The end of a chapter. Their purpose had been fulfilled and yet they would still provide fun for children kicking through the thick covering as they waited for winter to approach with its promise of sledges sliding down snowy hills.

  For the last few months she had been trying to come to terms with the loss of her mother, the untimely end of an important chapter in her life, and although she knew she would never ever get over her loss she would gradually need to learn to live with it.

  Her cake-making business had been going from strength to strength and she was quite well known in the area for her amazing masterpieces. But right now, she was crushed; she had lost faith in most things and her creative edge seemed to have abandoned her. The house that her mum had worked so hard to buy, the final link to the most important woman in her life, had been cruelly snatched from her. It felt like losing her all over again.

  She turned as she heard footsteps behind her.

  ‘Camilla. How are you? I tried to ring but got no answer.’

  Tears sprung to Camilla’s eyes as Lucy gathered her in her arms, her piercing blue eyes filled with concern and teardrops. She tried to speak but the words got stuck in her throat so she did the only thing she could do; she wept.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ said Lucy as she stroked her soft platinum hair and held her tightly whilst her body racked with sobs. ‘Just let it all out.’

  When the sobs had subsided Camilla squeezed Lucy’s hand to reassure her that she was okay and only then noticed that a tray had been put on the table with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Tiny pink and white marshmallows floated gaily on the top.

  ‘Sorry, I think with the house and the moving out everything just got too much for me. My body just seemed to shut down and I’ve done nothing but sleep since I got here.’

  ‘I’m not surprised. It’s been another huge shock to your system. I’m sure you’re both physically and emotionally exhausted after what you’ve been through. I imagine you’ve been running on pure adrenaline lately. Please don’t take this the wrong way but have you considered therapy?’

  ‘Yes, I started a couple of months ago. When my mum first…you know.’ Her eyes searched out Lucy’s imploringly so she wouldn’t have to say the awful word.

  Lucy nodded in acknowledgement and Camilla continued.

  ‘At first I felt as though the ground beneath me had disappeared. In my head I imagined myself teetering around the top of a massive volcano and I knew if I went down into the blackness, I would struggle to pull myself back out of it. I went to the doctor and he gave me details of a therapist who has been brilliant. Also, Auntie Edie never tires of talking about my mum with me and she’s a real tonic. She has so many amazing memories of her and helps me keep her alive in my mind. I also do meditation now, which really helps. I basically have to listen to my body and do what it needs. If it needs rest then I rest.’ She shifted in her seat to get more comfortable.

  ‘I feel happiest when the sun is on my face and I know it might sound crazy but most of the time I imagine that my mum is away on holiday. She always wanted to go to Hawaii, so I think of her with beautiful exotic flowers in her hair doing the hula and it makes me smile. Maybe one day I’ll get to go there. I hate the thought of parting with her ashes but that is the one place I would consider scattering them. Anyway…’ She patted Lucy’s hand. ‘I’m looking forward to working with you at the Signal Box and helping out at the cattery. Carrie’s cats have been such a pick-me-up. There’s always one that needs a cuddle and there’s a lot to be said for fur therapy.’

  ‘You’re stronger than you know, and you will get there,’ Lucy replied.

  A gust of wind swept through the trees, scattering more golden leaves around them. Camilla nodded to the tree.

  ‘There’s something quite magical about autumn isn’t there.
I remember making a wedding cake and they wanted an autumnal scene. I had such fun cutting out all of the different leaf shapes and in such amazing colours. I’ve always thought of it as a sad season because the leaves are dying and some of the trees will be bare but actually it’s a real season for change.’

  ‘And new beginnings,’ added Lucy. ‘I promise you will get through this and we’re all here for you, for whatever you need.’ She handed her the hot chocolate.

  Camilla blew her nose on another of an endless number of tissues she was getting through lately and gratefully accepted the drink. Lucy opened the pack of shortbread. ‘Come on, I’ll have one if you will.’ She winked. Camilla managed a weak smile and took one of the thick pieces from the proffered pack. Her stomach rumbled loudly in anticipation of having some food in there to soak up the delicious drink. Things did seem better when you had the support of a friend.

  Making the most of the last of the sun before it disappeared completely behind the building at the back of them, they sat in amicable silence whilst they demolished the delicious shortbread. A sycamore seed twirled past joyfully, catching their attention. Lucy picked it up and threw it again.

  ‘Jackson loves these. We call them helicopters.’

  Camilla smiled at the thought of Lucy’s son. She was hugely fond of him.

  ‘How is Jackson?’

  Lucy’s face broke into a huge grin as it did every time she thought of her boy. ‘He’s doing really well, thank you. He has lots of friends now and is the happiest I’ve ever seen him.’

  ‘I’m not surprised. He’s got fab parents in you and Dom.’ Camilla opened the other pack of shortbread that was on the tray. She suddenly felt starving.

  ‘I still get a little flutter every time I hear him call Dom Dad, because for nine years I’d never heard him call anyone that and now he’s got two dads he couldn’t be happier. I wish I’d let him see his biological dad earlier now, but never mind – what’s done is done.’

  ‘You should never have regrets in life especially for things you can’t change,’ Camilla added, quoting her mum and relieved at not having to focus on her own woes for a while. ‘How’s the Signal Box Café?’

  ‘It’s going from strength to strength. I really can’t believe how successful it’s been. Are you looking forward to starting next week? I can’t wait.’

  Camilla’s stomach lurched at the thought of it – facing people again. ‘I am but I still feel bad about letting you down on the wedding cakes.’

  ‘You really shouldn’t worry about it. You know how supportive our little wedding planning world is. Some of the other cake ladies picked up the orders you couldn’t manage without a problem.’

  ‘But I felt terrible leaving you in the lurch with no notice.’ Camilla could feel the familiar lump in her throat. ‘And as for bus-gate, that’s just finished me off.

  ‘Don’t be daft,’ Lucy replied. ‘We’ll have you back on the circuit before long. Everyone misses Camilla Cupcake; it simply hasn’t been the same without you around.’

  Camilla sniffed.

  ‘The thing is, Lucy, I’m not sure I can do it all again. I’ve lost absolutely everything and now thanks to the legal fees I’m completely broke.’ She tried not to fall apart again as Lucy hugged her and nodded her head towards the sycamore.

  ‘I’m sure that tree thinks it’s lost everything when winter comes along but by spring those branches will be laden once more. I promise you, my lovely friend, however bad you’re feeling right now, it will pass. So you keep searching for that blue sky of spring and never ever give up hope. You are stronger than you think.’

  The sun had left the sky with streaks of bluey grey, pinks and peach, taking with it the last of the warmth. The bitter chill pinched Camilla’s cheeks.

  ‘Come on,’ said Lucy gently as she gathered up the cups on the tray. ‘Let’s get into the warmth. Carrie has invited me to have dinner with you tonight.’

  ‘Oh no, I’m not really…’ Camilla protested. ‘I’ve just been eating in my room.’

  ‘You can’t live on cuppa soups for ever. Now I don’t know about you, but I can smell that carrot and coriander soup and I can’t resist it so I’m staying.’ Lucy gave her a reassuring squeeze.

  Chapter 4

  Rudely awoken by persistent hail tapping on the window, Camilla emerged from her duvet cocoon and rubbed her eyes. As with every morning she was dragged out of blissful dreams to the harsh reality that was her life at the moment. Something gnawed in the pit of her stomach, a constant reminder of how unjustly she’d been treated.

  Feelings of anger, hurt and quite frankly embarrassment at her own stupidity wrestled in her mind, each one thinking themselves the worthy winner, but each day a different one would emerge stronger. Today’s winner was anger but that was fruitless. Her anger had nowhere to go. The solicitor, although very sympathetic, had made that quite clear. She asked herself how she could have been so stupid as to believe Roger Twuncatt, when he said he would sort everything out. She knew the truth was that she had been so fragile at the time. The disbelief at her mum not being there anymore had overwhelmed her completely. She was torn between wanting to run away and not wanting to leave behind her memories and her special friends.

  After speaking with Lucy last night, she fully realised the value of friendship and when Carrie had joined them later on for a nightcap, she had been amazing too and offered for her to stay as long as she wanted.

  As she opened the curtains she was greeted by a grey and dull sky. This was a perfect pyjama and duvet day. She held her mug of coffee in her hands as she stood by the window, which overlooked market square, and watched people scurrying in and out of the quaint little shops. She smiled as a mum ran after her daughter’s battered pink umbrella. The little girl wore pink wellies and a matching raincoat. It reminded Camilla of a photo she had of herself wearing a little red shiny hat and coat when she was about three, standing next to her mum holding hands. Her mum had kept it in her purse for all those years. The memory twanged on her heartstrings; the pain still raw.

  No one was sitting around or admiring the fountain today, which stood in the centre of the square. The weather was far too horrid. She looked up to see a particularly dark cloud that came sweeping across the gloomy sky and noticed the silver lining curling its way around the edge of it. It wasn’t much and it was soon eclipsed by an even darker cloud but just that tiny chink of light had provided some hope and she knew she needed to cling on to that to get through this dark time.

  Lucy and Carrie had offered her a chink of light and she’d be a fool to turn them down, but she would repay them however she could one day. She drained the dregs of her cup, put the kettle on again and got showered and dressed. Today was the first day of the rest of her life and the day she began working at her favourite café.

  She stared at herself in the mirror. Her heart began to race; her anxiety levels were hitting the roof. She wasn’t sure whether she was ready. Her bravado was abandoning her. She’d considered asking Lucy for a couple more days to adjust to the idea of restarting her life. But then her mum’s voice echoed in her mind: ‘Don’t delay, do it today.’ It was advice she had heard so many times from her mum whenever she tried to put something off that she wasn’t looking forward to and she knew that now the time was right to begin her journey. She’d had enough pyjama and duvet days.

  The fear was overwhelming, but she knew if she didn’t do it now then she quite possibly never would. She felt something shift slightly inside her. It was only a small step, but she was beginning to take control again. She had a good few hours to get ready and her nose began to twitch as the tantalising wafts of sizzling bacon crept under her door. She had felt much too ill to even contemplate eating breakfast on previous mornings, but this morning she felt ravenous.

  She skipped down the stairs to the dining room where Carrie and two of her five cats greeted her warmly. The full breakfast chased away the light-headed feeling that came from being upright for a change and
not curled up in her bed. She helped Carrie with the dishes and to chop some vegetables for dinner later on. After a few hours helping out in Kitty’s Kattery, she came home, showered and changed, and then left for the short walk to her next job of the day.

  Pressing the button to the door of the Signal Box Café was a novelty that would never wear off as far as Camilla – and she guessed most of the other customers – were concerned.

  The worry she had felt at coming today dissipated as soon as she set foot in the familiar building. Lucy and her grandad had carefully designed and reconstructed the café to look exactly like the inside of a train carriage. The ambience was friendly and welcoming. She could hear snippets of conversations that were ongoing in each of the little booths. Lucy’s eyes met hers over the head of a customer she was serving. She smiled and rolled her eyes in a mock-exasperated look. She greeted her with a hug and a smile and led her into the kitchen.

  ‘I’m so pleased you’re here, as it’s gone crazy busy ever since the weather turned.’ She shouted the order to the chef and went to a large cupboard to find a new apron for Camilla.

  As she tied the strings around her waist Camilla felt a burst of warmth inside her. She smoothed down the granite-grey apron, her fingers stroking the silver embroidered logo at the top. A sense of belonging washed over her; she was part of a team here, not on her own. She had a feeling that she wasn’t going to get a minute to herself in this place and that’s exactly what she needed.

  Baking and cake decorating had been her life. But the trouble with that was all that folding and creaming and moulding exquisite shapes out of icing gave her far too much time to think and she was still feeling much too bitter to want to remain in her own head.

  She had also lost confidence in running her own business and the thought of someone relying on her for their wedding cake made her feel sick to her stomach. Especially after she had been trolled on her business social media pages. Pictures of the smashed cake after the unfortunate bus incident had appeared online and the mother of the bride had not forgiven her. Other nasty comments that simply weren’t true had followed. She hated the thought of letting anyone down but she had had to for her own sanity lately. This was better: hugely busy and ultimately not her responsibility. She could cope with that.