Coffee, Tea, The Gypsy & Me...

by Caroline James

  Two hours later Jo emerged onto the mews. Her hair was lustrous and shone in the sunshine. With her face made up and nails polished, Jo felt very indulgent but slightly guilty as she hurried back to her car. Paulie had booked a table for dinner tonight and Jo made a mental note to herself to write it in the diary.

  There was a long queue by Dougie Cannon’s fish counter and he waved as he served his customers.

  “Remember me to Annie.” Jo called and reminded herself to ask Hattie if he’d paid his dinner bill.

  * * *

  Jo sat at the desk in reception and scanned the message pad. There was a note from Judy to say that Jinny Atkinson wanted Jo to call her as soon as possible - to discuss her Luncheon Club.

  Jo dialled the number. Mouth-watering smells wafted in from the kitchen and reminded Jo that she was hungry.

  “Hello?” Jinny answered.

  “Good Afternoon Mrs Atkinson, Jo Edmonds here. I understand you rang about your Luncheon Club?”

  “Let me just pull over so I can hear you.”

  Jinny made it clear to Jo that she was using a car-phone. Ground-breaking technology! Jo thought sarcastically and yawned.

  “Yes, we meet on the last Friday of the month.” Jinny said. “We’ll be with you in two weeks, at twelve thirty for one o’clock lunch. You can send menus to my home for approval and our club secretary will confirm numbers two days before.” Jinny barked her orders.

  “Thank you for the booking.” Jo replied but Jinny had hung up. Jo pulled a face and replaced the receiver. She wrote it in the diary.

  “Christ these are good.” Hattie appeared from the kitchen.

  “You’ve got chocolate all round your mouth.”

  “Better than sex these truffles.” Hattie licked her lips. “Not that sex is on the menu here of course.” She raised her eyebrows. “Your hair looks nice. In fact I would say you’re glowing.”

  “Bugger off Hattie.” Jo felt herself blush. It was absolutely typical that Hattie had sussed her out but Jo was damned if she was going to admit to anything.

  “Nice flowers.” Hattie nodded towards the huge arrangement on the side of the desk.

  Jo was silent. Hattie sensed Jo’s unwillingness to confide details of her exploit and headed off to prepare the bar and rally the staff for the evening ahead.

  Jo could only think of one person who could’ve sent the flowers. John had been out early, pounding the village roads. She felt a glow of pleasure and leaned over to smell the lilies. He hadn’t turned up for breakfast but Judy had reported that she’d served John afternoon tea in the Green Room. She told Jo that he’d had a meeting with a man who’d arrived in an amazing top of the range Mercedes and they’d been deep in conversation. Jo checked the diary to see if he’d booked dinner. There was nothing there. He’d probably stroll in when he felt like it.

  She put her pen down and went through to the bar. Her stomach growled and she realised that she should eat something. Jo caught her reflection in the mirror over the fireplace. She tweaked the collar of her halter top and decided to apply a fresh coat of lipstick. As she reached into her pocket, she realised that Hattie and Judy were gossiping in the panel room, unaware that Jo could hear them.

  “No, it was Pete Vardy from Leeds” Hattie said.

  “Doesn’t he have car dealerships all over the country?” Judy asked.

  “He’s got more money than you and I can imagine. It seems our Mr Doherty does business with him.” Hattie rattled the cutlery drawer.

  “He’s driving a Roller this time.”

  “Aye, there’ll be some bent deal and I’ve got me doubts about him. He might look the part but you can tell a gypo a mile away.” Hattie banged cutlery onto the tables.

  Jo sighed as she applied the lipstick. Hattie was convinced that John was up to no good. She stepped into the panel room.

  “Don’t gossip about the guests.”

  Judy scurried away.

  “I wasn’t.” Hattie said. Judy wanted to know about Pete Vardy.” She finished laying the tables and they went though to the bar.

  “Who is he?” Jo was intrigued.

  “I recognised his car plate, ‘V 1’ - I used to live in Leeds remember?” Hattie lifted the hatch and went behind the bar. “Everyone knew about Pete Vardy.” She poured Jo a drink. “He owns most of Woodhaven - a rich residential area and all the posh new apartments they’ve put up. Judy says he was talking to John about a property deal.”

  At the mention of John’s name, Jo felt her stomach tense nervously, all thoughts of hunger forgotten. She reached for her drink as the front door buzzer sounded.

  “I’ve heard he’s into all sorts of dodgy dealings.” Hattie said then hurried to greet the arrivals.

  Jo drank the Cointreau and shuddered. She loved the surge it gave as it dulled her anxiety.

  “Where’s our Heavenly Hostess?” A voice squealed from the hallway. Jo put the empty glass on the bar and went to greet Paulie.

  “Darling! You look divine!” Paulie admired Jo’s halter neck cat-suit with its tuxedo style top. “Better than the rags you wore to the salon today.” He air-kissed her cheeks and introduced his partner.

  “Robbie say hello to the most glamorous hotelier in the county.”

  A good looking man in an expensive but conservative suit bowed slightly and took Jo’s hand.

  “I’m very pleased to meet you.” Jo said.

  “The pleasure’s all mine.” Robbie smiled.

  “Well it’s usually mine actually…” Paulie spun round. “Love the threads Darling!” He tweaked Jo’s collar.

  “That’s a great suit.” Jo traced the bold yellow check on Paulie’s worsted jacket.

  “Robbie says I look like a circus act, but I say if you’ve got it flaunt it and I can see you agree.” He took her hand and twirled her round.

  “Come and have a seat.” Jo led them into the Red Room and Paulie fell onto the large Chesterfield. Jo jack-knifed away as she thought of her nocturnal exploits. Steven appeared with chilled champagne.

  “To your success.” They raised their glasses.

  “Oh my God, I never tire of champagne.” Paulie smiled. “It tastes of everything wicked.” He eyed Jo up and down and smirked. Simon appeared with canapés and handed out napkins. Paulie reached blindly towards the tray, his eyes glued to Simon.

  “God Almighty Jo, where did you find those two!” He whispered and strained forward to watch Steven and Simon leave the room.

  “Twins - my ultimate fantasy!” He sighed, fanned himself dramatically with a serviette and leaned back.

  “The staff are definitely off the menu.” Jo smiled. “With a partner as gorgeous as this why would you want to look elsewhere?”

  “Don’t worry Jo, he’s all talk.” Robbie nibbled a canapé. Paulie was a talented stylist but Robbie was the brains and finance behind the business.

  Hattie appeared with menus and described each course. She recommended the pork tenderloin which was stuffed with fresh herbs from the garden.

  In the bar Harry, Elvis and the girls enjoyed pre-dinner drinks, joined by Ken and Bertie. They cheered as Jo entered and Elvis wolf whistled.

  “Have you all had a good day?” Jo fussed around removing empty glasses and handing out menus.

  “Blindin’ Darlin’” Harry said. “Ken lost his shirt on an ‘orse and the racing don’t start till Monday.”

  Jo began to explain the menu.

  “The pork tenderloin is delicious with herb stuffing and if you want a real treat we’ve hot buttered lobster with lemon hollandaise. Then there’s Sandra’s delicious roast duck with kumquat liqueur that melts in the mouth.”

  The men looked anxious.

  “Of course we have chef’s special, which isn’t on the menu, Mr Pigmy’s finest twenty four ounce T-bone steak, with a sauce of your choice - peppered, chasseur or rich brown gravy.”

  The men thrust their menus down.

  “Peppered and rare for me.” Ken said.

  “B
rown gravy and medium.” Harry and Elvis agreed.

  “Well-done and chasseur.” Bertie added.

  “Lobster and chips.” The girls slugged back their gin and tonics and called Simon over. “Still as ‘ansome as ever.” They teased as he fled to replenish their drinks.

  Jo took the order to the kitchen. She watched Sandra slap t-bones onto the stainless steel table.

  “I can guess.” Sandra said. “So much for the pork.”

  “It’ll fly out as soon as the orders start. Don’t worry.” Jo assured her.

  Gerald polished glasses in the still room.

  “Evening Gerald, how’s your Dad?”

  “All right thanks.” Gerald glanced through the window where Arthur sat in his car, discreetly parked beside the coach house. He read a newspaper and Jo knew he’d be stepping in to help Gerald as things got busy.

  “Are you happy in your work Gerald?”

  “Aye, I am.” Gerald looked at Jo. “I love it Mrs E.”

  Simon thrust through the swing doors and slapped a tray of dirty glasses down. He tutted when he saw Gerald. Jo restrained herself from kicking Simon in the shin.

  “You’re doing a great job Gerald.” She spoke loudly. “You’re an important part of my team and I’m very pleased that you’re working here.”

  Gerald looked up, his eyes wide.

  “You’ll cope without your Dad soon.” She whispered. “Don’t worry if he helps you till then.” Gerald beamed.

  “Is this all you got?” Gerald took Simon’s tray. “Some of us likes being busy you know.”

  He flung open the dishwasher and began to load it. Jo glanced heavenward and mouthed a thank you as she left the stillroom.

  At last - Gerald was finding his confidence!

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Hattie steered her Opel Kadett onto the garage forecourt and waited patiently for the queue of charabancs and four wheel drives to fill up. Sunday morning was normally quiet, but not today. Pete Parks must be raking it in Hattie thought as she watched the colourful characters re-fuel their vehicles and head off to the Fair at Butterly.

  She pulled up alongside the pumps.

  “You busy Michael?” Hattie watched Pete’s nephew undo the fuel cap.

  “Aye, Pete’s got me on the pumps. Too many of these gypo’s fill up and drive off or cause confusion so they can rob the shop.” He returned the nozzle and took the money from Hattie.

  “Hang on Harriet!” Pete ran towards her. “Got your fancy clothes on, not working today eh?”

  “Just having a couple of hours on Fair Hill with the Boss, I’m working later.”

  “Well don’t believe anything those Gypsy Rose Lees’ tell you.” Pete sneered. He was no fan of the Fair. His eyes darted to the stream of vehicles.

  Hattie started the ignition and began to pull away but Pete leaned in through the window. He didn’t want Michael to hear.

  “Did she get the flowers?” Pete asked.

  Hattie stopped dead. She glared at him.

  “Did you send them?”

  “Aye, I’m quite romantic when I want to be.” Pete winked.

  “You’re also bloody married Pete Parks!” Hattie was furious. “She’ll set her sights higher than a frolic and a fumble with you, just because you’re bored at home!” Hattie revved the engine and pumped the clutch then sped away leaving Pete in a cloud of blue smoke.

  “Bloody men!” Hattie cursed. John Doherty should have sent the flowers and Pete Parks had no right to! She’d have to be diplomatic but Jo had to know. Right now she was in sodding La La Land thinking that lout from Leeds was Mr Perfect.

  Hattie accelerated and overtook two caravans. She almost ran them off the road and an oncoming vehicle hooted and flashed its headlights at her reckless driving. Hattie responded with a two finger gesture and put her foot down.

  * * *

  “I’m off now Judy, won’t be long.” Jo put her head round the kitchen door. “Make sure you keep the doors locked.”

  Jo wasn’t taking any chances with casual visitors over the next day or two. She’d had a terrible experience last night. She was resolute - the guests would have to ring the bell during the Fair before being allowed in. Jo hurried through to her house to change. Hattie would be here shortly. They were going to Fair Hill to have their fortune told, maybe wander down to Butterly too and watch the gypsies prepare their horses for the trotting races. As she dressed, she thought about her harrowing experience the night before.

  The restaurant had been packed by eight o’clock with extra tables laid up in the conservatory. Everyone seemed to be in a holiday mood and the drinks flowed. The menu was a success, with Sandra’s new pork dish being the most popular.

  Mrs Brough and her husband Ivan dined in the Rose Room. She was in a very light-hearted mood and giggled throughout her dessert and coffee, Ivan looked bewildered.

  “Never seen her so happy, by heck she enjoyed that pork.” He told Jo. “My steak was excellent, but I wonder if I should’ve had the pork.”

  Peter and Isabel Gavmin had also chosen pork, followed by two portions of chocolate parfait. As Jo served coffee, they both lunged forward and munched their way through the dish of chocolate tiffin until the plate was empty. They seemed to think this hysterical and Isabel asked for more. What was the matter with everyone? Jo wondered.

  Paulie and Robbie sat in the Rose Room and as Jo poured their wine she saw Paulie nod at Mrs Brough.

  “Blimey. She’s cheerful - I’ll have whatever she’s having.” Paulie gave her a little wave and Mrs Brough shrieked with laughter as she waved back excitedly.

  “That would be the pork medallions with a lovely sage and apple stuffing, served on a bed of creamy fennel potatoes.”

  Jo watched Ivan. His jaw dropped as he observed the exchange between his wife and the flamboyant hairdresser. A Cut Above had competition…

  “Perfect.” Paulie raised his glass and saluted the room. Robbie ordered lobster.

  In the panel room, the Hunt party noisily told stories and cracked jokes. Ken collected the t-bones and insisted that Steven put them on one side, for Pippa to enjoy later.

  The evening flew by.

  With the last order safely in the kitchen, Jo headed for reception and careered headlong into John.

  “Table for one?” He asked. “Nice outfit.”

  Flummoxed, Jo waved him to a seat in the bar and thrust a menu on the table. She ran into reception.

  “Hattie please will you take that order.” Jo pleaded.

  “Something wrong with your pen?” Hattie teased. She slowly moved bills to one side, stood up and taking her time, smoothed her skirt over her hips.

  “You know exactly what’s wrong.” Jo whispered frantically. “I can’t bloody face him, please go and see to him.”

  “I think he’s already had a good seeing to…” Hattie picked up her order pad and disappeared.

  “He’s having the lobster.” Hattie returned. “No doubt he’ll be getting something special for dessert?” She raised her eyebrows.

  “No he jolly well won’t.”

  “Well it’s not for me to judge, but you want to be careful. He’s dodgy if you ask me.”

  A commotion in the bar summoned them and they hurried to see what had happened. Bertie was shouting.

  “Be Jeysus, will you look who it is!” He grabbed John’s hand and pulled him into a bear hug. “How the devil are you? Feck, but it’s many a year since I last saw you!” Bertie was delighted to see John. “You’re doing well for yourself?”

  “Can’t grumble Bertie,” John beamed at his old friend and reached for his drink. “Will you join me?”

  “I will, I will… but why don’t you join us?” Bertie looked at Hattie.

  “No trouble Bertie. I’ll make a place for Mr Doherty right away.”

  For the rest of the evening Jo tried to avoid the Panel Room but Paulie wanted dessert wine and summoned Jo. He too seemed to have caught the infectious giggling bug and like the Gavm
ins, Mrs Brough and several residents could barely control himself as Jo approached.

  “Sweetie Pie! Something sweet for my sweet!” He chortled.

  Robbie sat back and shook his head. “The lobster was delicious.” He told Jo.

  They both watched Paulie who shrieked at a joke being exchanged with the next table.

  “He’ll enjoy the Pineau des Charentes.”

  Jo gave the wine order to Steven and hurried away but Harry had seen her and yelled across the Panel Room.

  “Come and join us Darlin! Here have a glass of John’s Chablis and get the weight off your feet… Don’t she look gorgeous in them trousers?”

  Jo wanted the ground to open up and swallow her. John sipped his wine; his blue eyes sparkled in the candlelight as he watched her.

  “Perhaps later Harry.” Jo fled from the room.

  Christ she needed to pull herself together! She may as well have ‘shagged’ imprinted on her forehead! She left Hattie to oversee the guests that had taken root and busied herself making conversation with visitors. She wished them goodnight as they departed for home or retired to their bedrooms.

  She was tidying the Red and Green rooms when the front door opened. Realising that she’d forgotten to lock it after she’d bundled the giggling Gavmins into a taxi, Jo went into the hall.

  Two men stood by the door.

  “Can I help you gentlemen?”

  The scruffy individuals swayed slightly. Both stank of sweat, stale beer and cigarettes.

  “You certainly can Mrs.” The older man lunged forward and Jo jumped back in panic. Everyone was busy in the restaurant and had no idea of her situation! She eyed the heavy brass bell on the table and wondered if she could reach it but the man had seen her look and grabbed her arm. He shoved her into the Green Room and slammed the door behind them.

  “Get off me!” Jo tried to free herself.

  “We heard you ran this on your own.” He said. “Now be a good gal and go and get us summat to see us on our way.” He tightened the grip on her arm. “A couple of hundred will do it.”