The Seafront Tea Rooms

by Vanessa Greene

  ‘I’ve been talking with Carla,’ Séraphine said. ‘I miss her like crazy and can’t wait to see her, but I’m still no closer to knowing how to handle it all when I get back home.’

  ‘That’s something you’ll just have to deal with when you come to it.’ Charlie said.

  ‘That’s what I keep telling myself,’ Séraphine said. ‘Carla’s being incredibly patient about it, thankfully.’

  ‘It sounds as though you two have what it takes,’ Charlie said. ‘You’ll work it out.’

  ‘I hope so,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘I was so caught up with everything in Scotland, I never got to ask you how your date with Euan went last week,’ Kat said to Charlie. ‘It seems ages ago now.’

  Charlie smiled. ‘Actually it turned into more than one date.’

  ‘You’re kidding,’ Kat said, smiling. ‘This sounds interesting. So how’s it all going?’

  ‘The timing’s terrible,’ Charlie said.

  ‘You’re into him,’ Kat teased. She nudged Charlie. ‘I can tell.’

  ‘Maybe,’ Charlie reluctantly admitted. ‘I feel good around him. He makes me laugh, and we get each other. With him, I never have to pretend to be someone I’m not.’

  ‘That’s a good sign,’ Séraphine said. ‘And how are you finding it – trusting again?’

  ‘You know what I said about barriers? I wouldn’t say there’s been a miracle, but it does feel as though they’re starting to come down.’

  ‘That’s great,’ Kat said.

  ‘Don’t go buying a hat,’ Charlie said, laughing. ‘It’s only been a couple of weeks. I’m a relationship disaster area, and you said yourself that’s not his forte either.’

  ‘A perfect match, then,’ Séraphine said, smiling.

  ‘I have a good feeling about this,’ Kat said. ‘I can picture you two together.’

  ‘You know what, it is pretty exciting,’ Charlie said. ‘I haven’t let myself say that until now – but I enjoy spending time with him.’

  ‘Good,’ Kat said. ‘Relax and make the most of it.’

  As she said it, Kat thought about how easy it was to wish happiness for her friends, and yet how rarely she let herself live by the same advice. She’d allowed Jake’s temper to dominate her life for too long – living in the shadow of it, even now, had kept her from moving forward in her own life. She couldn’t change him, but she could do her best to break free of the control he still had over her.

  ‘Talking of relaxing, and enjoying,’ Charlie said. ‘It’s less than a week to the party. I know we’ve had other things to think about, but is everything set up?’

  ‘Yes,’ Séraphine said. ‘I went through the list we made at Kat’s and we’ve got most things lined up. You’re still OK to do the decorations, are you Kat? I can take that over from you if you’ve got too much on?’

  ‘I’m fine with that,’ Kat said. ‘I’ve started on them already, and I’m not going to let what happened with Jake stand in the way of a good time.’

  Kat looked at the others and smiled, staying focused. ‘This is about Letty, and the three of us are going to throw her a party she’ll never forget.’

  35

  Wednesday 1 October

  Kat was running Leo’s bath and he was playing with toys in the bathroom when her phone rang.

  ‘Stay here for a second, sweetheart,’ she said to him. ‘I’m just going to answer that.’

  She ran for her mobile and stood in the doorway where she could keep an eye on Leo.

  ‘Hello.’

  ‘Kat – it’s me.’

  ‘Dad!’ she said, lighting up at the sound of her father’s voice. Leo looked up and smiled.

  ‘Is that Grandpa?’ he asked, excitedly. She nodded.

  ‘How the heck are you? Where are you calling from?’

  ‘Guess,’ he said.

  The line was clearer than usual, but that seemed to vary regardless of how far away he was.

  ‘Where do you think Grandpa is?’ she asked Leo.

  ‘Zanzibar,’ he said. It was the country he’d last found on the map.

  ‘Leo says Zanzibar. I have no idea. We were plotting your route on a map, but we ran out of pins somewhere around the Russian border.’

  ‘Well, I’m closer than you might think.’

  ‘Really?’ Kat dared to hope. He wasn’t… was he?

  ‘I’m at the station. In Scarborough.’

  She bounced on the spot in excitement. ‘You’re back! Grandpa’s home, Leo!’

  Leo jumped up and encircled her legs.

  ‘How about one of your fine cups of tea for an old, well-travelled man?’

  ‘I’ll put the kettle on.’

  Kat hung up and hugged Leo in delight. ‘It’s Grandpa! Bathtime’s postponed.’

  An hour later, Kat’s father was sitting with her and Leo in their living room. They’d talked almost non-stop since he’d arrived, Leo asking questions and Kat’s dad telling them about his adventures.

  Now he sat calmly in her armchair, a canvas bag on his lap. Kat smiled at him, content to have him nearby once more. He’d always made her feel calm, as if everything was going to be fine – and now, after what had happened with Jake, it was exactly what she needed.

  ‘I’m so glad you’re home,’ she said quietly.

  ‘It’s good to be back. And I brought you a few little things,’ he said, passing Leo a package.

  Leo unwrapped a set of Russian dolls. He looked at the large one in puzzlement, until his grandfather showed him how to open it.

  ‘It’s got tons of babies inside,’ he exclaimed happily, taking out the smaller dolls and lining them up.

  ‘And, Kat, I got you this,’ he said, passing Kat a hand-embroidered tablecloth: yellows, reds and blues on white cotton.

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ she said, touching the stitching. ‘Really special. Thanks, Dad.’ She reached over to kiss him on the cheek.

  ‘It sounds as if you had a wonderful time,’ she said.

  ‘I did. It was everything I’d dreamed of and more. Friendly people, incredible sights – I’ve got so many photos to show you.’

  ‘Show me!’ Leo said.

  ‘Love, it’s already way past your bedtime, I’m afraid. Grandpa can show you tomorrow. Go and get your pyjamas on.’

  Reluctantly Leo toddled off to his room clutching his Russian doll.

  ‘So, what have I missed?’ her father said.

  ‘Leo’s grown a shoe size, and I have become a food critic.’

  ‘A what?’ he asked, curious.

  ‘I’ve been trying my hand at food and drink reviewing – visiting tea rooms with a journalist friend.’ It felt good to be able to tell her dad what she’d been doing, and how much she’d achieved by stepping out of her comfort zone. Thanks to Charlie and Séraphine, she had rediscovered the importance of pursuing her dreams instead of letting life pass her by.

  ‘That’s my girl!’ He beamed proudly. ‘This is wonderful. You’ve always enjoyed writing, haven’t you?’

  ‘I love it. It’s only a short-term thing, but it’s reminded me what I want to be doing.’

  ‘And you’re doing all right for money, are you?’

  ‘Yes,’ she lied. She couldn’t bring herself to tell him the truth – she’d never admitted to him that she was struggling, and she wasn’t about to start now. He’d worked hard all his life to provide for her, and he was entitled to enjoy the money he had left, and pursue his own dream of seeing the world. She didn’t want him feeling guilty about doing that.

  ‘Are you sure? You know I can help you, don’t you?’

  ‘I’ll be fine. I’m still looking for a job, but something’s bound to come along soon.’

  ‘I hope Jake’s been doing his bit?’

  ‘It’s complicated,’ Kat said. ‘I’m afraid that side of things hasn’t been good.’

  ‘What’s he done?’ Her father’s expression, normally soft and kind, hardened a little.

  ‘Jake announced he w
as going to push for custody of Leo.’ Her eyes welled up thinking of it – that awful time she’d spent, convinced that her future with her son was hanging in the balance. ‘It’s OK now, but to be honest it’s been a nightmare.’

  Her father furrowed his brow. ‘I wish you’d said something. I hate to think of you going through all that on your own.’

  ‘I didn’t want to ruin your time away. In any case, I wasn’t alone. Letty’s been supportive, as always, and I’ve had some good friends here with me.’

  ‘I’m pleased to hear it. But still, no one should treat you that way. I’ve half a mind to —’

  ‘Dad, let it go. It’s the way I’ve chosen to make peace with it. Jake’s said sorry, he knows he was in the wrong.’

  ‘You deserve better.’

  Hearing the words from her father – the same words Charlie and Séraphine had said to her – cemented the thought in her mind. It was true. She did deserve better. And that meant setting new boundaries for her relationship with Jake, rules that wouldn’t be broken.

  ‘I missed you, Dad,’ she said. ‘I might be a grown up, but I don’t always feel like one.’

  ‘Come here and have a hug,’ her dad said. She went over to where he was sitting and he took her into his arms, a warm comforting embrace. He kissed the top of her head. ‘I love you, Kat.’

  Leo came back into the room, toothbrush in hand. ‘I want to hug too,’ he said. They opened up their circle and brought him into it. Kat kissed his hair and they all held each other tightly. ‘And we love you,’ Kat said.

  36

  Friday 3 October

  Charlie took out the outfit that she was planning to wear to the centenary party: a black halter-neck dress, with bronze hoop earrings and brown suede boots. It was her tried-and-tested party outfit, and she was glad she’d brought it with her. This would be her last night with Euan, and she wanted to look and feel her best. Her excitement about seeing him again was tinged with the regret that the two of them couldn’t let things develop naturally, without the pressure of time, and work commitments. Once she left, that would be it. She’d have the memories, but that would be all.

  She put the dress and shoes to one side so that she wouldn’t accidently pack them into her suitcase, then she dialled Jess’s number.

  ‘Hi, Jess.’ She held the mobile between her ear and shoulder, folding the rest of her clothes up, ready for packing, at the same time. ‘Just to say I’ll be back in the office on Monday, as we agreed.’

  ‘Good. I have to say, I’m not sure how you’ve done it, but you seem to be on track for a strong issue of the magazine.’

  ‘Thank you,’ she said, feeling a wave of relief at her boss’s words. She thought of Kat and Séraphine, and smiled. ‘I had a good team.’

  ‘You must have done.’

  ‘Are the cover designs through yet?’

  ‘Yes, already on your desk for checking. In terms of the internal layout, there’s still some content missing.’

  ‘I thought I’d write a piece myself – a feature telling the history of a particular tea room, quite a special one. I think our readers will enjoy that context.’

  ‘Fine. Make sure it’s done by Tuesday. And, Charlie…’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘No dilly-dallying on the motorway, eh? We’ve waited long enough.’

  Charlie hung up and tossed her phone on the bed. Work aside, with Pippa and Luke building bridges, and Luke having agreed to come back to the house, it was the right time for her to go home – or so she kept telling herself.

  She got up and started to pack away a few things from her dressing table. She paused for a moment and looked at her reflection in the mirror. The creases in her forehead had smoothed out, and there was a glow in her cheeks. Perhaps there was something to be said for sea air, she thought.

  Pippa stuck her head around the door of the spare bedroom.

  ‘Packing up already?’ she asked.

  ‘Why, will you be sorry to see me go?’

  ‘I never thought I’d say this, but I will be sorry,’ Pippa said, slouching against the doorframe. ‘In all seriousness, you’re not such a bad sister.’

  Charlie turned, waiting for the sarcastic smile, the sneering follow-up comment. Neither came.

  ‘Really,’ Pippa said, calmly.

  Charlie looked at her sister and realised things had changed. There was a peace between them now; they were no longer competing.

  ‘I’ve enjoyed being here,’ Charlie said. ‘It’s been good to spend time with the kids. And with you. But it feels right to be leaving too, because I get the sense things are going to work out OK for you.’

  ‘You do?’ Pippa said. There was uncertainty in her eyes.

  ‘It’s over to you and Luke from here, isn’t it.’

  ‘I’m nervous,’ Pippa said, tilting her head. ‘Is that weird? Being nervous about the man I’m married to coming back to our house, back to our bedroom. Because we have to make it work this time, Charlie.’

  ‘You will.’ Charlie put down her washbag and walked the few steps towards her sister. She put out her arms and welcomed her into a hug.

  Pippa laid her head gently on Charlie’s shoulder, and stayed like that for a moment. Charlie stroked her soft hair. Pippa spoke softly: ‘God, I really hope so.’

  37

  Saturday 4 October

  On Saturday evening, the night of the party, Kat approached the Seafront with a sense of anticipation. Her dad was at home with Leo, and she’d taken the opportunity to go all out – taking time over her make-up and putting on the dress that Séraphine had given her. She thought of her last conversation with Adam, and of how he would be there. It felt like a lifetime ago – she’d been so caught up in worrying about Jake and Leo – but now she found herself wondering what it would be like to see him again.

  ‘Hello there!’ Séraphine called out. She was standing by the front door of the tea rooms, her blonde hair up in a ponytail.

  ‘Hi,’ Kat replied, waving back.

  ‘Wow, look at you!’ Séraphine said as they hugged hello.

  ‘Thanks,’ Kat said. ‘Thought it was the perfect opportunity to wear this,’ she said, pointing at the dress.

  ‘It looks fabulous,’ Séraphine said with a smile.

  ‘Is it all clear?’ Kat said, peeking over her friend’s shoulder and into the tea rooms.

  ‘Yes. Letty’s out with her friend Sue, and we’ve got the place to ourselves, ready for setting up.’

  ‘Excellent,’ Kat said.

  ‘Look,’ Séraphine said, excitedly lifting a large box out of her bag and giving Kat a peek inside. ‘I made a Victoria sponge. A proper English cake. And some drop scones and tea cakes to go with it. What do you think?’

  ‘Smells incredible. You’ve done us proud.’ Kat smiled. ‘I brought strawberry tarts, too.’

  The interior of the Seafront Tea Rooms twinkled with white fairy lights strung up from the rafters and along the counter.

  ‘Hi, you two,’ Euan said. He was tinkering with the stereo in the far corner of the room. ‘Just getting the music sorted. Charlie’s out the back putting some muffins in the oven. She’s gone into baking overdrive.’

  ‘That makes three of us,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘What have you got there, Kat?’ Euan was eyeing the large bag she was carrying.

  ‘Are you ready?’ Kat said. She took the banner out of the bag, and unfurled it, holding one end as Séraphine held the other.

  In quilted blue, silver and red letters were the words:

  100 Years of The Seafront!

  On one side was an appliqué teacup, complete with a flower pattern, and on the other a slice of cake.

  ‘You made that?’ Euan said. ‘That’s amazing.’

  ‘It’s beautiful,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘Charlie,’ Euan yelled. ‘Come and take a look at this!’

  Charlie popped her head out of the kitchen to see.

  ‘Wow!’ she said, brushing flour off her fo
rehead. ‘That’s stunning, Kat.’

  ‘I’m quite nerdy with quilting,’ Kat said, embarrassed. ‘Any excuse.’ She brought out the flowers and small vases that would go on the individual tables.

  At six o’clock, when the cake stands were filled, the plates piled high and all the decorations finished, Euan poured out Prosecco for Séraphine, Kat and Charlie.

  ‘Cheers,’ Séraphine said. ‘A moment of calm.’

  ‘Enjoy it,’ Charlie said. ‘It’s not going to last long.’

  ‘Finally!’ Euan called out, looking over at the door to the tea rooms. ‘I thought you’d never get here.’

  Kat turned to see Adam coming in, wearing a white shirt, with his car keys still in his hand. As their eyes met she felt a surge of adrenalin run through her.

  ‘There are two crates out the back that need shifting,’ Euan said to his friend. ‘Could you give me a hand?’

  ‘Sure, I’ll be with you in a minute,’ he replied, glancing at Kat.

  ‘Hi,’ Kat said. ‘Let me guess: Dad taxi?’

  ‘Right first time. Zoe’s got her first slumber party tonight.’

  ‘I remember that,’ Kat said to Adam. ‘It’s a rite of passage. Chatting till all hours, sneaking downstairs for midnight feasts. I bet she was excited.’

  ‘She was pretending not to be, but I could hear her on the phone in her room earlier, whooping and giggling.’ Adam smiled. He lit up when he was talking about his daughter, and Kat enjoyed seeing it. It was clear they were a real team – the way she hoped she and Leo would always be.

  ‘So you have the night off?’ she asked.

  ‘Yes, I do. You?’

  ‘Me too, yes. My dad’s with Leo.’

  ‘Shame your dad couldn’t come himself.’

  ‘It is. He loves a party. But what can I say… he’s a saint,’ Kat said.

  Euan walked over to where they were standing. ‘We haven’t got that long,’ he said. ‘Come on.’

  ‘Sure, sorry.’ Adam looked at Kat again. ‘Catch you later.’

  ‘See you then,’ Kat said.