The Heart of Baker’s Bay

by Danielle Jacks

  “Chocolate spread sandwiches aren’t really my thing.” He smirks, showing there are no hard feelings between us.

  I’m relived he made a joke and lightened the mood. “I usually fill my bread with cheese, but that’s not what I meant. For you, I could stretch to jacket potatoes with tuna and a side salad.”

  “If you’re going to go to so much effort, how can I say no?”

  I’m not the world’s best cook, but I don’t think he’s mocking me.

  “Be here by six tonight and I’ll have everything ready.”

  “Great. I’ll be here. Now, where shall I set-up the twenty-eight teacups for the Out and About group?” He signals to the window as the group of ladies patiently line-up.

  “You knew they were coming, didn’t you?”

  “Of course. I told them any visit to Clover Bay wouldn’t be complete without a taste of the best tearoom around.”

  Considering this is the only café in the village, I don’t have any competition for the number one spot. He begins to stack the cups on the counter.

  “Maybe I owe you more than dinner.”

  His eyes widen as my cheeks burn. Did I really just say that out loud? Instead of trying to rectify my insinuation, I quickly open the café for business. The ladies take up most of my tables, and Adam helps me serve them. His flapjack recipe proves popular, and I sneak a piece into my apron.

  Every so often, I catch Adam watching me. His beautiful blue eyes hold a genuine kindness, and I can’t shake the thought of wanting to kiss him. Adam is a good guy, and he’s reliable, unlike me. Someone like him should have someone who matches his good qualities. I don’t deserve his help when I can’t offer anything in return. If I can get him to like me, just maybe he’ll stick around long enough for me to show him I’m worth his time by being a good friend.

  Kayleigh shows up at ten-thirty, and the busy morning is a distant memory. The cutlery is clean, and the customers are long gone. Adam makes his excuses and leaves to finish his deliveries. Kayleigh sits with her head resting on one of the tables. I’m starting to perk up, whereas she looks like she should’ve stayed in bed. Sending her home isn’t an option. I’m going to need her for the lunchtime rush.

  “I see Adam’s forgiven you for daring to leave early yesterday.” Her words are mumbled against her arm.

  “So it seems. Although, I don’t see what difference it makes to him.”

  “Your gran was there for him after his mum died. That could’ve had something to do with it. Although, personally, I like to think it’s because he wants to sample your buns.”

  I laugh. “Nice to know being hungover doesn’t dampen your cheery sense of humour.”

  “You need me and my witty words. If I wasn’t here, you’d hate this place. You’d be like a good girl scout, trying to impress everyone. Instead, I’m keeping you sane and corrupting your mind.” She stretches out her arms like a cat to try to wake up.

  “You’re probably right. I do need you, and it’s refreshing you’re not so serious about life.”

  Clover Bay has something about it. I can be myself in the café, and I don’t feel like I’m failing at every step. I may not be perfect, but I want to try and make it work here, even if my stay is only temporary. Kayleigh doesn’t make me feel like I have to try so hard, and Adam makes me want to be a better person, that my failures feel more like learning curves than stupidity. Nobody is judging my every move like my sister does at home. If my mum hadn’t left the village, I wonder how my life would’ve turned out with me growing up here. Would I be in my element, or desperate to escape the small seaside lifestyle?

  “Are you coming out with us again tonight?”

  I shake my head, even though she’s not watching me. “Sorry, no can do.”

  Even if I didn’t have plans, I couldn’t keep up with Kayleigh. Letting my hair down for one night is completely different from going out every night. I need to do the right thing and stay focused on the café.

  “You’re going to leave me with boring Pete?”

  “We both know Peter is fun.”

  “Don’t let him hear you say that. He’ll never stop talking about it.”

  “You like him. I can tell.” Peter’s nice, even if he’s full of himself in a joking way.

  “He’s a good friend.”

  “I’m hoping to have a front-row seat to your village romance with the boy next door.”

  She lifts her head from the table to look at me. “He’s like my kid brother. Sorry to disappoint, but you’ll have to make your own swoon-worthy story.”

  I test the water, trying to get a reaction out of her. “With Peter?”

  Her lips twitch. “I know your game.”

  “I’m not sure what you mean.” I spin the lie easily while busying myself folding napkins, with the knowledge that she’s staring at me.

  “Okay, fine. We kissed again last night,” she admits.

  I let out an excited cheer. “Was it soft and sensual or hard and punishing?” My love for romance movies is making me a hopeless romantic. I’d love to see Kayleigh’s relationship unfold before my eyes.

  “Maybe I should be kissing you if that’s the type of lip locking you offer.”

  “Stop trying to change the subject.”

  “Fine. It was sweet.”

  “Maybe I should cancel my dinner plans tonight so I can help move things along with you two.”

  “Trust me, when we meet up, it’ll be like yesterday never happened. Wait, you have dinner plans? With whom?”

  “It’s a little thank you to Adam. Nothing special.”

  She bites her lip, trying to hide a grin. “I’ll bet.”

  All joking aside, nothing can happen with Adam. It would be a mistake. I’m only here for a short time, and he doesn’t seem like the type to have a casual fling.

  Sixteen

  Adam

  Leaning against the Clover Bay sign, I’m frustrated with myself. I want to go to the bookstore, but I’m standing at the edge of the village, unable to take the final steps. I’ve already proven I’m capable of leaving my comfort zone, so why can’t I go on my own? I let out a groan. Come on, Adam. Stop being a coward.

  I’ve finished the deliveries, and there are only twenty minutes until five. If I don’t leave now, it’ll be too late. I run my hands through my hair. Come on. Just step forward.

  “Adam, be a dear and help us to the coach. I’ve bought too many souvenirs,” a lady shouts from behind me. I turn to see the Out and About group approaching. Iris seems to be the most vocal when it comes to talking to me, and usually I’d give a minimal response to the tourists. I don’t know why I care, but I wanted to help Jody. Hence this group of visitors got more than I usually offer. The car park is only a few feet away. The ladies have already done the difficult bit. I could make an excuse about needing to get back to the village, but instead, I hold my hands out. It’s only a short distance, and it’s outside of the boundaries. The ladies overload me with shopping, and I follow them.

  The overwhelming panicked feeling in my chest doesn’t come as I move away from the sign. My breathing stays even, and my pulse is calm. By the time we reach the coach, I’m laughing along with these women.

  “Your girlfriend’s very pretty,” Iris says.

  With how much effort I put into getting them to the tearoom, it’s easy to understand why she thinks Jody is my girlfriend. It doesn’t feel right to correct her assumption as it would probably lead to further questions. Plus, I’ll probably never see these ladies again. Jody’s words and confused face flash through my mind. I couldn’t answer why I felt a strong urge to help her. I don’t want her to fail, but I also don’t want to analyse why I feel this way.

  “That she is,” I say, and I mean it. She’s a gorgeous girl. The way her face lights up with animation when she’s unsure of herself is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen. I could stare into her big doe eyes for days. I’m starting to feel things for her I wish I didn’t, and it’s confusing me. It�
�s easy to connect with her and get lost in the moment.

  “Where are you heading to?” Iris says, breaking me from my thoughts.

  “There’s a good second-hand bookstore just up the road.” I gesture towards the store, which is almost in sight, although I’m unsure if that’s really where I was going before Iris showed up.

  “Do we have time for one more stop before we leave, ladies?” Iris shouts.

  “Yes,” everyone says in unison, then they break out into conversations between themselves. The driver shoots me daggers, and I shrug an apology. The ladies unload their shopping into the storage compartment under the coach. The driver tries to argue with Iris, but she waves him off like his opinion doesn’t matter. We make it to the bookstore ten minutes before closing time. The ladies will never know the favour they’ve done for me. Although I didn’t manage the trip on my own, I’m feeling pretty good. With four books under my arm, I say goodbye to the tourists and make my way back into the village.

  This isn’t a date. I need to remember that, even though I’ve put more effort into my appearance than I usually do. Even my dad comments on my clothing, which I brush off with an evasive answer. My checked shirt and jeans aren’t new, although I probably haven’t worn them since last year’s light festival.

  I leave my dad eating homemade chicken broth. As I approach the café, a table for two is set up in the middle of the room and the remaining tables have been pushed to the side. My non-date is looking very much like a date now. I knock on the door, shaking off my thought as Jody comes into view. She’s showered too, and the heavy make-up is toned down. She’s wearing a simple t-shirt and black cotton trousers. She signals that the door is open, so I step inside. We meet in the middle of the room.

  “Hi,” she says softly.

  I stroke a strand of her hair between my fingers. “Hi. I like this look,” I say before stepping away. What is wrong with me? This isn’t a date; it’s two friends enjoying a nice meal.

  She touches her slightly damp hair. “I ran out of time. I look a mess.” She must’ve missed the part where I was admiring her.

  “No, you don’t. I like natural Jody.”

  She blushes. “You’re not like the boys back home.”

  “Is that a bad thing?”

  “No.” She smiles before turning and going into the kitchen. I study the table. The light blue cloth looks new. There are little white flowers in a jar, and a blue heart-shaped candle. Jody returns with two small plates.

  “As you know, I can’t cook, so I made garlic bread for the starters. What do you think of the table décor? I found a load of sample packs in the back of a cupboard. I’m guessing my gran never got around to choosing a new style for the café.”

  At least her words clear up my confusion. This definitely isn’t anything other than a platonic meeting between friends, so why do I feel disappointed? “It’s a girlie theme, but cute, I guess,” I awkwardly say, trying to shake the thoughts of this being a romantic evening.

  I almost want to laugh. She wants my advice on re-vamping the café. The effort she’s gone to with the table décor is impressive, but she did this to show me her ideas. A relationship can’t work between us and that’s not what this is about. The problem is, she’s already under my skin, and I can’t help wanting to get closer.

  “I’ve decided to give the café a makeover for when my gran returns. I was going to ask her, but now I’ve found the samples, I’m going to use her inspiration and do it as a surprise.”

  “So, this dinner is your way of roping me into helping you.” I bite into the garlic bread.

  “I invited you over as a thank you. You’ve done so much for me since I got here. The least I could do is make you a semi-edible meal.”

  “You’re doing well so far. This bread isn’t burnt.”

  She smiles. “Fingers crossed nothing is.”

  “I can help you decorate if you want me to.” I would’ve helped without the meal, but I like the way she’s trying to impress me.

  “I was hoping you’d say that. I didn’t invite you here to enlist your skills, but we both know I can’t do it without you.”

  “You don’t give yourself enough credit.”

  “By the time I return to the real world, hopefully I’ll be ready to be an adult.”

  And there it is. The bucket of cold water I need. Any romantic notions about us are crushed. Even though she’s trying to make a light-hearted joke, it’s the reminder I need to ensure I know what this is.

  Jody collects the plates and goes into the kitchen. Her jacket potatoes are cooked perfectly, and it’s not long until I find a strawberry tart in front of me. She nervously clutches her hands together, watching me intensely in anticipation for me to try it.

  “Is this your latest creation?”

  “Please let it taste as good as it looks,” she pleads.

  “You haven’t tried it?”

  “Yes, but at this point, I’ve no idea if my taste buds even know what tastes good.”

  My spoon glides through the base as I gather up a small piece. Her gaze lingers on my lips as I take my first bite. I nod, signalling it’s delicious, and she sighs with relief. She watches me take a few more mouthfuls before digging into her tart.

  “Nicely done. You won’t need me at all soon.”

  A look of disappointment crosses her face, but it’s gone quickly, and a proud smile replaces it. After the successful meal, we make our way into the kitchen to tidy up.

  “You don’t have to help, you know. This was my treat to you.”

  “It wouldn’t be gentlemanly to leave you doing the dishes.” I’m impressed with how much effort she’s put into this evening, and it wouldn’t feel right to leave her to wash up.

  She puts too much liquid into the hot water, making the bowl overflow with bubbles. I smile with amusement.

  “Oh, you think that’s funny?” She smiles mischievously before scooping up some bubbles and wiping them on my arm.

  I grab a handful of suds, aiming for her face, but she stops me with her arm. The bubbles drop down onto her hair, making us both laugh.

  She retaliates by wiping the soap from her hair and putting it onto mine. I leave it there, chuckling, and start to wash the dishes. She grabs the towel and dries the cutlery as I pass it over. We playfully nudge each other every so often, but neither of us speaks. The silence isn’t uncomfortable, and the task is over too quickly.

  I dry my hands. “I’d better go. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “Yes. Sounds great, and thank you again for your help.”

  “Anytime.”

  We say our goodbyes, and I leave. It’s been a nice evening, and I can’t complain about spending time with a beautiful girl, but it makes me crave something more. Something that’s real. Jody and I will never be more than a moment, and I want a long-standing commitment. That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the little things with her. All I have to do is remind myself our time together is going to be short-lived.

  Seventeen

  Jody

  Sunday

  The opening credits to Dirty Dancing begin to roll, and I’m already feeling giddy. My gran’s movie collection is pretty good. I have all the classics to keep me company, not to mention Adam.

  “You’re telling me nobody has ever educated you with this movie?” I say, grabbing a handful of popcorn.

  “Nope,” Adam says.

  He throws a piece of popcorn and catches it in his mouth. I roll my eyes; it’s such a guy thing to do. It’s a given that there is no way I could copy him; I’m not even going to try.

  “Dirty Dancing is a classic. It’s one of the top hundred movies to watch before you die.”

  “According to who?”

  “According to me. I’m a reliable source when it comes to good films,” I say with confidence.

  “We’ll see.”

  “You haven’t lived if you haven’t experienced the famous watermelon scene. Baby feels my pain when it comes to uncomfortable situ
ations.”

  “I prefer to have my adventures through books.”

  Our hands touch as we reach for the popcorn. Adam gestures for me to get my piece first, and I take a couple.

  “Who has time for books?” I tease.

  “Those of us that aren’t partying until sunrise.”

  We settle into a comfortable pattern when it comes to taking the popcorn from the bowl. “I’m not that bad. Kayleigh asked me to go out tonight, but I turned her down.”

  “You could’ve cancelled your plans with me if you wanted to go out.”

  “And miss the chance to show you some of the finest movies? No way.”

  “Life doesn’t get more exciting than this.”

  “Kayleigh would disagree. You may live in the same village, but you couldn’t be more different. She embraces the nightlife, whereas you probably don’t know the price of a pint.”

  I’m trying to provoke him into joining us, but he doesn’t seem like the kind of person to give in to pressure, although that doesn’t stop me trying. I want to see him in a social setting, where he can relax.

  “There’s more to life than getting drunk.”

  “You’ll have to show me your Clover Bay after dark.”

  He grabs some popcorn before getting to his feet. “Come on. I have an idea.”

  Leaving the movie playing, I follow him out of the back door and down towards the beach. He eats the popcorn, staying a few steps in front of me. He stops at the water’s edge, dusts off his hands, and tugs at his t-shirt. Neither of us had stopped to collect our shoes from the hallway.

  “What are you doing?”

  He removes his t-shirt, disregarding it on some nearby pebbles. His toned body has me temporarily distracted from his plan. I blink a few times as he watches me stare.

  “Are you joining me or admiring the view?” he says playfully.

  He gestures to the sea, which gives me enough time to recover from shamefully checking him out. I leave my over-sized t-shirt on but strip out of my leggings. Once he’s stripped to his boxers, he takes my hand. I let out a squeal as the first wave brushes over my foot.