Spring at The Cosy Cottage Cafe: A heart-warming story of friendship and new beginnings

by Rachel Griffiths

  “My fun? Honey, I thought about you every day and wondered how you were coping. I wished you would go to university yourself and do something with your talent.”

  “I have done things.” She lifted her chin.

  “I hope so.”

  “I paint and I have a kiln in my workshop at the bottom of the garden. I sell some of my work on.” She didn’t elaborate, not wanting to seem as if she had something to prove to him.

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  “What about you?”

  “I design T-shirts for a few different firms.”

  “Like that one?” She gestured at what he was wearing.

  “Yeah and some with slogans or sketches. Quite dystopian stuff some of it.”

  “But that was your style, wasn’t it?”

  “I also do some prints. I have a website.”

  “I’ll have to check it out.”

  “I’d like that.”

  They drank their coffee and Honey ran her fingers over the side of her olive-green mug. It was one she’d made when she’d first come to Heatherlea; simple yet solid and that was what she’d craved from life at that time. Wasn’t it what she still craved?

  Elliott drained his mug then put it down on a coaster.

  “I’ve been seeing someone for a while. She’s not an artist. In fact, she works at the local chip shop.”

  “The one down the street from your mum’s house?”

  “That’s right.”

  Honey’s mother had sold their house years ago and as she’d travelled around with her yoga – to retreats and clients – Honey had travelled with her, essentially running away from her pain. She’d finally settled in a rented flat in Reading when she turned twenty-one. She’d got a job in a supermarket and drifted through her days, occasionally visiting her mother, and her aunt in Heatherlea, but never really feeling connected to anyone. Then her aunt had died and left her everything and life had changed. She’d finally had something solid; a home, friends and a sense of purpose.

  “Anyone I know?”

  He shook his head. “She’s lovely. Her name is Yvette and she’s been good for me.”

  “I’m happy for you.”

  “The thing is… we’re getting married in the summer. After the baby comes.”

  Honey’s mouth went dry. Elliott was going to be a husband and a father. She’d known it would probably happen one day but hadn’t expected to know about it.

  “That’s wonderful. Congratulations.”

  “Thank you.”

  “But why did you need to see me?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know exactly how to explain it, but after everything we went through and because we were so close, I wanted you to hear it from me and not from anyone else.”

  She nodded.

  “Do you still think about…” He tilted his head.

  “Sometimes. It’s not as raw as it was but I do think about what we lost.”

  “We might still be together if it hadn’t happened.”

  “Perhaps.”

  He smiled but his eyes were sad. “It would have all been very different.”

  “Very different indeed.”

  “It wasn’t your fault you know.”

  “I can’t help thinking that if I hadn’t been so negative about things at the start then maybe…” She folded her arms over her chest.

  He shook his head. “It wouldn’t have changed anything.”

  “I was eighteen, young and healthy. If I’d just…”

  Even as she spoke the words, Honey knew that sometimes, there was no explanation for what had happened.

  “Honey, you can’t keep blaming yourself. Yes, it wasn’t planned, and yes, it was a dreadful loss, especially after we’d decided we would make a go of things, but it’s so common and so many couples go through it.”

  “It doesn’t make it any less painful.”

  “No it doesn’t.”

  “I’m sorry, Elliott. I wish things had been different.”

  He reached over the table and took her hand. “Me too.”

  A tear trickled down Honey’s cheek and she wiped it away.

  “I also need to apologise for how I behaved afterwards. You were grieving too and I pushed you away.”

  “But I never blamed you, Honey. I did want to hold you and for us to comfort each other, but your grief was unfathomable and when you broke away from me, I knew you needed some space.”

  “I should have been there for you instead of shutting down then running away.”

  He sighed. “We all react differently in different circumstances. Grief is unpredictable.”

  “I was so full of self blame that I didn’t have time for anyone else.”

  “We were young and neither of us knew how to deal with what happened.”

  “Does anyone know how to deal with that?”

  He shook his head. “How’s your mother?”

  Honey shrugged. “Fine, I guess. Off teaching yoga to some celebrity somewhere hot. She texts now and then and emails, but she’s busy and we’ve never really been close.”

  Elliott nodded. “I know and it’s a shame. I had hoped that you’d become closer when you went travelling with her.”

  “That didn’t happen. She threw herself into the life and I spent a lot of time in hotel rooms and walking on beaches alone.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. It certainly wasn’t your fault. Besides, I’ve made some really close friends here and things are much better now.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. Are we… are we good then?”

  “Of course, and I appreciate you coming here to tell me your news. You’ll be a wonderful father.”

  “I’ll try. Are you… seeing someone?”

  “Kind of, but it’s complicated.”

  “Like in a Facebook way?”

  “Ha! Yes, I suppose so.”

  “Do you think you’ll ever want to try again?” He held up his hands. “That’s none of my business. Forget I asked.”

  “I have no idea. Right now, the thought terrifies me and I know it could go wrong again… if it ever happens. Afterwards, with the infection… they said there was a chance of scarring.”

  “You’re still young.”

  “And I’m not ready for all that right now, but I also have to accept that it might not happen.”

  “I’m so sorry, Honey.”

  She squeezed his hand.

  “What will be, will be.”

  “Always so philosophical.”

  “Not always and deep down I’m a terrible worrier but keep that between you and me.”

  “I’ll take it to my grave.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  “I could eat.”

  “Still got hollow legs then?”

  Elliott laughed. “I do have a big appetite, yes, and seem to be able to get away with eating a lot.”

  “Then let’s have some brunch, shall we? That’s the thing with hangovers, they make me hungry.”

  Honey went to the fridge and got out some peppers and mushrooms then broke some eggs into a bowl. She made them a hearty vegetable omelette and more coffee. Speaking to Elliott had made her feel better, although it had left her drained and she hoped she’d have a chance to take a nap that afternoon.

  Clearing the air could be therapeutic; Allie and Camilla were right about that. She couldn’t change the past, no one could, but she could learn from it and try to embrace the present and look towards the future.

  And as for that future, who knew? For now, she would have brunch with Elliott then consider how to explain everything to Dane. She owed him that much and hoped that he would understand.

  13

  “Thanks for coming, Elliott.”

  “I’m glad I did. I feel… better for clearing the air.”

  “Me too. I’d been thinking about it for a while, only I didn’t realise quite how much it was getting to me.”

  They smiled at each other then Elliott opened his arm
s and Honey hugged him. They stood there for a few minutes, and the remaining tension seeped out of Honey as she let go of the past. There was definitely an air of sadness about the situation but it was also a good thing, because now she could move on. Hopefully, she could really be herself with Dane.

  “Goodbye then.”

  Elliott kissed her cheek.

  “Goodbye and good luck! I hope it all goes well for you. Text me and let me know…”

  Elliott nodded but Honey suspected that he’d be far too busy to think about her once his baby arrived; his heart and mind would be full of his wife and child, and that was exactly how it should be.

  As she waved Elliott off, her thoughts returned to Dane. He’d seen Elliott entering her cottage and hadn’t looked happy about it. She’d shower and dress – because she didn’t want to head over there dressed as a unicorn – then go to see him this afternoon.

  Honey padded up the stairs with a smile on her face, feeling better than she had done in a while, because now she felt able to fully commit to her future.

  Honey knocked on Dane’s door then turned to look at the pretty front garden. In the borders, tulips and daffodils created a sea of colour, and on the neighbouring roof, a blackbird sang, creating the perfect springtime scene.

  Footsteps inside alerted her to Dane’s presence and when the door swung open, she smiled, anticipating seeing Dane’s handsome face.

  But the frown that sat heavy on his brow made her stomach lurch.

  “Oh,” he said. “It’s you.”

  “Hi.” She licked her lips nervously. “Uh… I wanted to speak to you.”

  “What about?”

  “I saw you earlier and I wanted to explain.”

  He stared at her, a tiny muscle in his jaw twitching, then he sighed.

  “Come in.”

  He led her through to the lounge.

  “Take a seat. Can I get you anything?”

  She thought about asking for a coffee, as her hangover still lingered uncomfortably, but she couldn’t bear to wait any longer to speak to him.

  “No, I’m fine, thanks.”

  Dane sat on a chair, not next to her on the sofa, and her heart plummeted. She allowed her eyes to roam over him, taking in his freshly washed hair, the grey T-shirt that clung to his muscular arms and chest and his loose jogging bottoms. He’d clearly showered recently and slung on his comfy clothes.

  “Dane… that was my ex that you saw me with earlier. I haven’t seen him in ages and that’s why I was hugging him.”

  Dane shrugged. “You don’t need to explain anything to me.”

  “Well I do… because if I saw you hugging a woman, I’d want to know why. It wasn’t how it might have looked.”

  “Okay. Thanks for telling me.”

  “We had a good talk… me and Elliott, and I feel able to… I’d really like—”

  Dane shook his head.

  “Honey, I’m sorry. I appreciate you coming here but I’ve got a lot to do.”

  “But I’d like to tell you about what happened to me before. About why I’ve been scared.”

  He nodded.

  “I have things I’d like to tell you too. Like… this week I have a job interview.”

  “You do? I’m so sorry, I meant to ask but got side-tracked…”

  “It’s okay. Anyway, I was shortlisted.”

  “Well that’s great!”

  “It is and it isn’t.”

  “It’s in the bag, surely?”

  “I can’t be certain of that.” He dropped his gaze to the wooden floor and she noticed that he couldn’t keep his hands still. “It’s a big deal for me as I love the school and I’d love to settle in Heatherlea.”

  “Of course it is and I really hope you get it, Dane.”

  “Thank you.” He smiled and the coldness in the room thawed slightly. “I’ve got a lot of work to do today though. I have to prepare a lesson, prepare for the interview, then if I’m shortlisted again on Wednesday, I’ll have to go through another day of it on Thursday.”

  “Two days?” Honey gasped.

  “Well they had a lot of interest, even at such short notice, but I guess there are lots of teachers looking for a great position in a beautiful village school. There are some strong candidates in the running, apparently. The head teacher’s PA told me… unofficially, of course. The selection process is going to be tough.”

  Honey’s stomach clenched at the thought of Dane having to go through so much.

  “Are any of the candidates newly qualified teachers?” She asked the question, as she knew that new teachers sometimes had the edge over more experienced colleagues because they were cheaper to pay.

  Dane shook his head. “I wouldn’t have thought so because the school is also offering a teaching and learning responsibility with the job… for coordinating science. That’s why there were so many applicants, as well as the fact that it’s a fabulous school to work at in a great location.”

  “Wow! You’d be great at that.”

  Dane gave a small laugh. “I’d give it my best shot. I’m enthusiastic about delivering science to the pupils because we’re creating our next generation of scientists, doctors, nurses and more. But there could be a candidate with better experience or someone who interviews better than I do. I hate to admit it, Honey, but I’m really nervous and when I’m anxious I don’t always come across very well.”

  His cheeks flushed and Honey saw how difficult this was for him. He really wanted this job, and to stay in Heatherlea, and she knew that she didn’t want to complicate this week any further for him.

  “You’ll be amazing, Dane. Look… we can talk another time.”

  “No.” He shook his head. “You had something you needed to tell me.”

  “I do, but it can wait. You have enough on your mind right now. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “Not unless you have the interview questions and fancy teaching the lesson for me?” He rubbed his hands over his face then pushed them back through his hair.

  “I would if I could.”

  Honey stood up.

  “I’m going to go now and let you get on with your planning. If you need anything at all, just give me a shout. I’m not going far today.”

  Dane walked her to the door.

  “Thanks, Honey.”

  She smiled then gently pecked him on the lips and walked out into the bright afternoon. When she turned to wave, Dane was standing in the doorway, the blue of his eyes darker than she’d seen it before and his shoulders slightly slumped, as if he was weighed down by the thought of the week ahead.

  Honey wanted to run back to him and hold him tight, to make all of his nerves subside and to help him prepare for the interview, but she knew that she’d probably be more hindrance than help. So she made her way home, her heart heavy and her mind racing. Her feelings for Dane ran deeper than she’d realised; her urge to see him succeed in his chosen career and to see him happy, really mattered to her.

  He really mattered to her.

  14

  Wednesday morning dawned and Honey was a bag of nerves. She’d barely slept, watching the numbers on the digital clock on her bedside table change, taunting her as she tossed and turned.

  Finally, at just gone five, she’d got up and pulled on her yoga pants and vest top and run through her routine, enjoying how the familiar stretches and controlled breathing helped her to zone out, if just for a short while.

  After seeing to the chickens, she’d picked at a piece of toast and drunk two mugs of green tea before deciding that a day at home would not be good for her at all. She needed to get out and to keep her mind busy, so she’d go to the café to see Allie. She had heard from Dane, via text message, several time since Sunday, and it sounded as though he’d been working every spare minute he had. Honey could only hope – for his sake – that if he secured the job, then he’d be able to relax a bit and enjoy some time out. Working so hard all the time would not be good for him long term; it was a sure fire way
to burn out.

  Once she’d showered and dressed, she made her way to the café, arriving at the same time as Allie.

  “Good morning.”

  “Hi, Honey.” Allie frowned. “Am I late opening or are you just up and about very early?”

  “It’s still early. I couldn’t sleep.”

  “You okay?” Allie asked.

  “Yes, just a bit anxious about today.”

  Allie let them into the café then took her bag and the keys and tucked them behind the counter.

  “What’s today?”

  “Dane’s interview.”

  “Oh, yes!” Allie tucked her blonde hair behind her ears then pulled a red apron over her head. “When we don’t have our Tuesday meet ups, I forget what day it is.”

  Honey nodded. They hadn’t got together at the café last night, as they usually did on a Tuesday, because Dawn wouldn’t have been able to make it. Camilla had wanted to go to see her sister and the baby, so Allie had suggested to Honey that they leave it until next week.

  “Do you want to come through to the kitchen while I get ready for the day?” Allie asked.

  “Yes, of course.”

  While Allie chopped and stirred, Honey got stuck in peeling potatoes and vegetables, and soon an hour had passed with them chatting about Dawn and the new baby, as well as about the egg hunt that Allie and Chris were planning for Easter Sunday.

  “Time for a coffee, I think.” Allie washed her hands then they went through to the café.

  “Make mine a strong one, please.”

  “You need the caffeine?”

  “I was worrying about Dane so much last night that I couldn’t rest.”

  “That’s understandable. Interviews can be so gruelling.”

  “He’s not supposed to know but the head teacher’s PA told him there are some strong candidates.”

  “But Dane’s so good at what he does, isn’t he? I remember Dawn telling us that local parents approved of him.”

  “Yes and he’s dedicated and energetic and he really wants this.”

  “Here you go… one latte with a double shot of espresso.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  “Let’s have a sit down, shall we? I have ten minutes before I officially open.”