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

by Annette Hannah

  ‘Thanks Ron, I appreciate that.’ Her cheeks burned.

  ‘I’ll see you tomorrow then.’

  ‘Yes, see you tomorrow.’ She replied.

  When she mentioned Ron’s suggestion to Lucy she insisted on giving her a lift and so the next day they arrived at the dealership. Ron’s face lit up on seeing them approach and positively glowed when Camilla handed over a box of cupcakes.

  ‘How lovely to see you ladies. Now before we demolish these delicious cakes let’s have a look around and see which carriage milady would like. Maybe it’s not a car but a cupcake-mobile you need.’ He laughed. ‘You know like the Batmobile.’

  Camilla chuckled. ‘That would be perfect, Ron. I can just see myself getting changed in a phone box before I save the world with my cupcakes.’

  ‘Technically that’s Superman, but I get your drift,’ Ron answered. He led them around the forecourt, showing them around an array of second-hand cars of differing values, insisting that Camilla try various ones out for size.

  ‘Here’s an Audi TT. Could you see yourself driving round in this?’ He opened the door for her, and she climbed inside.

  ‘There’s not much room in this, Ron. It’s a gorgeous little number for a single girl about town though. Unfortunately, it’s far too trendy for me.’

  ‘How about this?’ called Lucy from behind the wheel of a Land Rover.

  ‘It suits you,’ said Camilla.

  ‘Bit too big for me,’ replied Lucy. ‘Dom is always trying to get me to upgrade my car, but I just love my little old Mini. She feels like home.’ She got out and slammed the door shut.

  Ron showed them a few other vehicles, which they admired, but Camilla thought looked far too posh and in too good a condition for her to drive.

  ‘Oh, I’ve just remembered one I got from the auction, which came in the other day. Follow me round the back past the car cemetery.’

  ‘Car cemetery?’ Camilla repeated as she and Lucy locked eyes.

  ‘Don’t look so worried; it’s just where the oldies go and get stripped for parts,’ said Ron.

  ‘Oh, I see,’ said Camilla.

  ‘Ah here it is, a little Fiesta. That will be just the ticket for you. Only one little old lady owner and only five hundred miles on the clock. That would be perfect don’t you think?’

  ‘It is lovely, Ron, but I really don’t— Wait, hold on, what’s that?’ She pointed over to a covered area housing a mishmash of car parts, most of them rusty, one of which was much taller than the others and half covered in tarpaulin.

  ‘Oh, what, the old ice cream van? It’s been here years. It was great when I had apprentice mechanics as they used to practise on it, but I’ve got no need for it now. Can’t bear to scrap it though.’

  Camilla headed over to it. She felt drawn to it somehow, like a magnetic pull. ‘Can I see it?’

  ‘Yes of course you can.’ Ron pulled the tarp away and Camilla gasped as the van was revealed to her.

  ‘It’s so quaint,’ she exclaimed, running her hand over the smooth paint parts and managing to avoid the crusty orange bits.

  ‘It’s so rusty,’ said Lucy, her mouth agape.

  ‘I’d say more vintage,’ added Camilla as she pulled a tissue from her bag and began to scrub at the window so she could peer inside.

  ‘It’s got an amazing engine if I remember rightly. The apprentices pretty much souped the inside up,’ Added Ron. ‘Here look, the hatch still opens and the ice cream nozzles are still in there.’

  ‘Let’s have a look,’ said Camilla as Ron opened the door. She stepped inside it, being careful to avoid the cobwebs. Ideas spun round her head as fast as her heart was thumping. After a little effort she slid open the hatch. Her face glowed as she smiled at the others. ‘I think this is it,’ she announced, her hands outstretched to either side of the hatch.

  ‘The way your face has lit up you’d think this was a prize on that programme Bullseye not a little old rust bucket.’ Lucy laughed, completely bemused.

  ‘No, it’s not a rust bucket – well it is a bit but I’m sure that can be fixed.’ She looked at Ron, desperate for him to agree.

  He nodded. ‘I’ve seen vehicles much worse than this being renovated into something much better if that’s what you have in mind.’

  ‘Yes, that’s exactly it. Renovated. I’ve been trying to think of something unique to get my business back on track, something that other cake makers don’t have. When I was on holiday in Canada with my ex many years ago, I remember seeing a little cupcake van and I fell in love with it. That’s what this reminded me of. This could be the project I need to get stuck into, to stop me thinking of all the bad stuff around me. I remember showing my mum photos of the other one and she thought it was a brilliant idea. I really wanted one but it was something I never got round to doing and I’d forgotten about it until now. I think she has led me here.’ She was breathless as the words poured out of her at once. A warmth emanated from her heart as the memories came back. She was secure then, in a loving relationship with her soulmate and she still had her mum. Now she was on her own and she had to grow up and fend for herself.

  ‘How much is this, Ron? I could pay you monthly for it.’

  ‘I haven’t seen you this energised in ages, Camilla. Not since before…you know. But I can tell you’re really serious about this aren’t you?’ said Lucy.

  ‘I really am. I think this could be a game changer for me.’ She kicked aside some rubbish from the floor in the van and began investigating the little cupboards and drawers on board.

  Ron had been scratching his chin as he watched the two women communicate. He sucked air through his teeth before he spoke. ‘I’m sorry, Camilla, this one really isn’t for sale.’

  Camilla’s shoulders slumped along with her hopes and dreams. ‘Oh no that’s such a shame. My overactive imagination was running riot then.’

  Ron cleared his throat and continued, ‘Actually the reason it’s not for sale is because I wouldn’t ask you for a penny for it. You can have it.’ He laughed. ‘It’s been taking up loads of space here, but I could never bear to part with it. I can see you’ve got a real soft spot in your heart for it so it’s yours.’

  ‘Are you serious?’ Camilla’s spirits lifted and soared as she reached through the hatch and gave Ron a huge hug. ‘You must let me give you something for it.’

  ‘No way,’ he replied sternly. ‘You helped me out when I really needed it and I never forget people like that. You’re a good ’un. Having said that it feels like you’re doing me the favour by taking it off my hands.’ He laughed. ‘I can get some of my lads to help out by getting rid of that rust for you and it could do with a lick of paint to spruce it up. It will be as good as new in no time.’

  ‘Ah that would be amazing, thank you – as long as I can be hands-on too.’

  ‘Count me in too,’ said Lucy. ‘I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty.’

  ‘Oh, thank you, Lucy. I know how involved you were in the Signal Box Café renovations and that looks amazing.’ Camilla sat in the driver’s seat, her hands on the wheel, pretending to drive.

  ‘I loved every minute of it too.’ Lucy smiled.

  ‘Let’s see if the old thing still goes then,’ said Ron as he threw the keys to Camilla through the hatch. She caught them, put them in the ignition and turned. After a few raspy coughs and splutters the engine fired into life and she reversed it out of the shelter to the sound of applause from Ron and Lucy.

  She fiddled with all the knobs, trying to work out which was the one to turn the chimes on and off. She flicked a switch and the tune of ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ blared out, at which they all laughed. Ron took them to his office where they drank tea, ate cupcakes and discussed the next steps.

  ‘So that’s all sorted then,’ said Ron between mouthfuls of cake. ‘You can keep it here as long as you need to and you’re welcome to come at any time to do bits and pieces. Me and my boys will be on hand if there’s anything you need.’

  Ca
milla hugged him. ‘This is amazing. Thank you so much, Ron, I really appreciate it.’

  ‘You’re very welcome and just to let you know, when you eventually drive off in it, I’m giving you six months’ tax and insurance – no arguments,’ he said as she was about to protest.

  ‘How can I ever repay you?’ she said, with a tear in her eye.

  ‘I don’t think you quite realise how much it meant to me when you bailed me out,’ he said softly. ‘I’m repaying you.’

  Chapter 9

  Camilla walked into Bramblewood Theatre and Arts Centre and after a quick scan of the room saw Jackson jumping up and waving to her from one of the middle rows. She waved back and made her way through the crowd to join him. He patted the faded red velvet chair next to him, which she sat in. She smiled over his head at Lucy. She had been thrilled when he rang her to tell her he’d been shortlisted in the role model project initiative and invited her along for the county finals. The theatre was buzzing with atmosphere as other excited children and parents called and waved to their relatives and friends.

  Lucy’s husband Dom stood up and asked Camilla if she wanted a drink. ‘Just a water please,’ she replied.

  ‘Coke for me please,’ shouted Jackson.

  ‘Just this once as it’s a special occasion,’ replied Dom with a smile.

  A few minutes later he was back with Jackson’s great-grandparents. ‘Look who I bumped into in the lobby.’ He smiled as he dished the drinks out. Camilla waved to the older couple and Jackson jumped up to cuddle them hello. ‘Good luck, son,’ said his grandad and ruffled his hair. Jackson bounced back in his chair as the lights started to dim and a deep voice boomed out.

  ‘Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats as the awards will begin in five minutes.’

  ‘That’s Dad’s friend, Gabe,’ Jackson whispered loudly to Camilla. ‘He’s an actor. I’ve seen him in lots of shows here.’

  ‘Oh yes I remember him from your mum and dad’s wedding. He was lots of fun. It’s all very exciting,’ she replied. His enthusiasm was infectious. ‘Anyway, good luck, Jackson. I hope you win but I’ll be ridiculously proud of you whatever happens.’ She crossed her fingers and held them up to him and he did the same.

  The heavy red curtains opened and Camilla began to wonder what she had let herself in for as she saw the large screen behind it spring to life with music and a little bit about the company who had organised the awards. The compere arrived on stage and introduced the judges who sat at either side of the screen and thanked ‘Happy Holidays’ – the sponsors of the event. The audience clapped as he read out the names of the fifteen short listees and then came her worst fear: they began to play the videos one after the other. She really hadn’t bargained on this and found herself sinking lower and lower into the seat.

  ‘Look it’s us!’ Jackson exclaimed, nudging her arm so it fell off their shared armrest. Camilla cringed at the sound of her voice and watched with one eye closed. The audience were obviously enjoying it, judging by the laughter. She had expected it to be filmed from a distance but found her face filling the screen in a slow motion close-up after Jackson had clapped the icing sugar in their faces. He’d also somehow incorporated comical sound effects with words like ‘Pow’ and ‘Bam’ appearing in stars, and at one point they were wearing superhero capes and masks and it looked like they were flying.

  She eventually felt her body relax and soon joined in with the hilarity of the film, as the audience members were in hysterics. She found herself joining in with the raucous applause, clapping at Jackson’s editing skills more than anything.

  ‘Jackson, that was amazing. How on earth did you do all that?’

  ‘It was easy,’ he whispered as the next film was about to start. ‘I just downloaded a couple of apps and added filters.’

  After all fifteen films were shown, the judging panel stood up and handed three envelopes to the compere.

  Third and second places went to a girl whose uncle was a farmer and a boy with a mum who was a dog trainer. They’d even brought the little cocker spaniel in with them and he delighted the audience with his tricks.

  ‘And the winner is… Jackson Cavendish and his role model Camilla Cupcake Lockley.’ The audience erupted and music blasted from the speakers. A still from Jackson’s film appeared on the screen with the two of them laughing and covered in icing sugar. Jackson stood and took her hand, leading her to the stage after being kissed by his family members on the way. Camilla had a flash to the future of Jackson collecting an Oscar one day. He was so confident and such a clever little kid. They were each presented with a trophy and a Happy Holiday voucher for £1000. Jackson’s eyes shone as he thanked Camilla for her support. She exchanged proud glances with Lucy and could see her expression reflecting her own; as in, when did he grow up?

  The excitement spilled over into the bar area and Camilla and Jackson were approached by two young women wearing lanyards.

  ‘Hi, Jackson, I’m Eleanor Spencer.’ She proffered her hand to him and he shook it. ‘I’m a reporter from the Bramblewood Echo and this is our photographer Erin. We just wondered if we could interview you and maybe take a few photographs?’

  ‘Oh cool. Does this mean we’re going to be in the newspaper?’

  ‘Yes, it does, Jackson. This is a really huge achievement. We’d also like to have permission to share your video on our online edition on the website if that’s okay.’

  ‘Yes.’ He fist-pumped. ‘That’s awesome.’

  ‘Are you happy with that, Camilla, as you’re in it too?’

  She blushed. She hadn’t quite bargained for so much publicity but what could she do? The look on Jackson’s face as he beamed with pride strummed on her heartstrings. ‘Yes of course,’ she answered.

  After they’d posed for photographs Eleanor took them to sit in a quiet corner to ask questions. Erin brought over a tray of drinks and said goodbye as she was needed on another job. The interview took ten minutes by which time the rest of Jackson’s family had turned up. ‘And just one more thing, Camilla: can you tell me your website address, please? We’ll share that at the end of the article.’

  ‘Oh, I haven’t actually got one. I did have a Facebook page once but that’s been abandoned too.’

  ‘My advice to you would be to set one up and fast because I have a feeling that you’ll be pretty busy when this goes out.’ She scribbled some notes on a piece of paper, tore it out of her notebook and handed it to Camilla. ‘Here’s some instructions on setting a website up. Also, you should vlog. You came across so well on Jackson’s film. A cake-making and decorating vlog would be fabulous.’ She clicked her pen off and clipped it to her notebook before putting both into her voluminous bag. ‘Goodbye and well done again, Jackson.’

  Jackson waved goodbye and said thank you before returning to the centre of his family who were currently admiring his trophy. Camilla looked thoughtfully at the piece of paper and shoved it in her bag. She must remember to google what a vlog was when she got home. She noticed Lucy calling her over so joined the celebrations with the family who had welcomed her as one of their own.

  Chapter 10

  Ever since Camilla sent Gracie the picture of the van, she had been eager to help her friend. At the weekend she turned up with disposable boiler suits and safety goggles for all three of them. Camilla and Lucy were using sandpaper to scrape off some of the smaller patches of rust.

  ‘Thanks, Gracie.’ She dangled the safety goggles from her finger. ‘What are these for?’

  Gracie opened the boot of her car and pulled out a chunky piece of machinery.

  ‘They’re for this baby,’ she replied. ‘It’s a sander from the boatyard. Finn said we can borrow it. It’ll do the job in no time. I can show you how to use it because he showed me when we repainted our boat.’

  Camilla’s eyes opened wide. ‘That’s so nice of him. Thank you. Now before we start, does anyone object to me filming this? I was thinking of doing a time lapse of the renovation so I can share
it on my new vlog, which the lovely Jackson has set up for me.’

  ‘No that sounds like fun,’ said Gracie.

  ‘Fine by me too,’ added Lucy. Camilla set the camera to record and listened carefully as Gracie explained how to use the machine.

  ‘Wow, I feel like one of those flame-thrower women you see in clubs on holiday with this in my hands,’ she said as Gracie passed it to her. She switched it on and began tackling the more severe patches of rust. ‘Ooh we should have got some headphones. It’s a bit noisy,’ she shouted over the din.

  After a couple of hours Ron came to join them with mismatched mugs of tea on a tray and a packet of biscuits. ‘You ladies have done a damn good job of this. Well done.’ He looked over their handiwork. ‘I think I’ve got some primer somewhere that you can put over where the rust was.’

  ‘Oh, that would be wonderful,’ said Camilla as she climbed down from the ladder after working on the top of the van. She put the sander down and stretched out her fingers, which had become stiff. The muscles in her arms were weary but she felt revitalised through achieving something positive. I’ve been searching the internet for some suitable paint; it has to be a special type, so it doesn’t rust but it’s all so expensive and as you know my budget is zilch.’ She dunked a biscuit in her tea and ate it quickly before it dissolved into a soggy mess. Lucy and Gracie downed tools too. They sat on piles of tyres that Ron’s workers used for seats during their lunchbreak.

  ‘Would it be the same paint you would use on boats? As I’m sure we have some left from Precious Moments. Oh but then it’s black burgundy and cream. What colour were you thinking of painting it?’ She reached over to take a biscuit from the packet on the tray.

  Camilla tilted her head as she thought. ‘The cupcake van I saw in Canada was pink so I suppose that would be perfect, or any pastel colour would be good.’

  ‘It’s going to be adorable, Camilla; I can’t wait to see the finished product whatever colour it is. Anyway, I’m going to have to go as I have to show a couple around the Signal Box.’ She gave the goggles back to Gracie and hugged them both.