The Seafront Tea Rooms Read online

  ‘I do this with friends back home,’ Séraphine said. ‘I love finding out what people’s special dishes are.’

  Kat turned a page in her spiral-bound notebook as they ate. She tried to focus on the list she’d made for the party at the Seafront, even though thoughts of her conversation with Jake were still nagging at her.

  ‘So, the centenary party. Now, as you know, it’s all a secret from Letty. I’ve spoken to a few people and got them on board. Euan has volunteered to sort the music and booze.’

  ‘I’ll do the invites,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘Great – I’ll give you the names and addresses,’ Kat said, writing a reminder. The steady process of listing and ticking was helping to restore a sense of order where just a couple of hours ago it had felt as if there was none. ‘Some of Letty’s friends have already volunteered to bring cakes and savouries.’

  ‘More cake and muffins over here,’ Charlie said, putting her hand up. ‘Plus anything that needs arranging on the night.’

  ‘So… what else?’ Kat looked down the list. ‘Decorations – I’ll do that.’ She made a note.

  ‘That leaves Project Get Letty Out,’ Charlie said.

  ‘What’s that?’ Séraphine said.

  ‘We need to be able to set up without her realising what’s going on,’ Charlie explained, ‘which means someone needs to whisk her away.’

  ‘I’ll speak to her friend Sue,’ Kat said. ‘She’s excited about the party, and I think she’d be more than willing to lie if it was for a good cause.’

  ‘We’re getting there, aren’t we?’ Charlie said.

  ‘She’s going to love it,’ Séraphine said.

  At midnight, the three women moved into the living room, Charlie carrying their second bottle of wine, now half-empty.

  ‘Are you OK, Kat?’ Séraphine asked, as they sat down. ‘You seem a little distracted.’

  ‘I’m fine,’ she said. ‘I just had a weird phone call before you arrived.’

  ‘Jake?’ Charlie guessed.

  ‘It’s always Jake. Even now, when we’re supposed to be living separate lives. Out of the blue, he asked me if I wanted to get back together.’

  ‘And do you?’ Séraphine asked.

  ‘No. Not at all. I’ve gone through it all in my head, more than once. There are no more what-ifs. I told him it wasn’t going to happen.’

  ‘How did he take it?’ Charlie asked.

  ‘OK. It’s hard to tell on the phone. I suppose with Leo up there he’s been doing a lot of thinking. I always got the impression when we broke up that he wasn’t fully taking everything in – maybe he’s having a delayed reaction.’

  ‘They never know what they’ve got till it’s gone,’ Charlie said.

  ‘Exactly,’ Kat said. ‘I guess it’s a necessary stage you have to go through, he’s just taken longer to get there than I did.’

  ‘But it can’t be easy having all that stirred up again,’ Charlie said.

  ‘That’s it.’ Kat took a sip of wine. ‘I feel that Leo and I are the team now, and I want to concentrate on getting on with that. Life with Jake was always so complicated.’

  ‘It’s good that you know what you want,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘That certainly helps,’ Kat said.

  ‘What about you, Séraphine?’ Charlie said gently. ‘I don’t think we’ve asked – are you seeing anyone?’

  Séraphine’s cheeks flushed instantly.

  ‘Ha!’ Charlie said, smiling. ‘You’re a dark horse. Tell us everything.’

  Séraphine shifted in her seat uncomfortably.

  ‘You don’t have to,’ Kat said. ‘Just because Charlie’s being nosy.’ She threw a playful look in Charlie’s direction.

  ‘I prefer to call it curious, not nosy,’ Charlie said huffily. ‘And I’ll have you know it’s a professional requirement. So I’m guessing from your reaction that there is someone?’

  ‘Kind of,’ Séraphine said.

  ‘Ah, it’s complicated,’ said Kat.

  ‘Very complicated.’

  ‘We’ve all been there,’ Charlie said.

  ‘Not here, you haven’t,’ Séraphine told her. ‘Or I very much doubt it anyway.’

  ‘Try us,’ Charlie said.

  ‘No.’ Séraphine shook her head.

  ‘We won’t bite,’ Kat chimed in.

  Séraphine looked at them for a moment, as if she was trying to work out if she could trust them. She breathed out, seeming to relax, and spoke again.

  ‘You have to promise not to judge me.’

  ‘Of course we won’t,’ Charlie said. ‘Go on, then. You’ve got us on the edge of our seats.’

  ‘Right…’ Séraphine bit her lip. ‘Oh God, I can’t. It’s… I don’t know. I hardly know you two. I probably shouldn’t say. I don’t want you to think differently of me.’

  ‘Would it help if we confessed something to you first?’ Charlie offered.

  ‘Maybe,’ Séraphine said, her embarrassment coming out in a laugh.

  ‘OK, go on then…’ Charlie said, nudging Kat. ‘You first, Kat.’

  ‘Me first? How’s that?’ She mock-glared at Charlie. ‘Oh fine, right… So, is your confession worse than spending a night in jail?’

  ‘You didn’t,’ Séraphine said, her jaw dropping.

  ‘I did so.’

  ‘What for?’ Charlie asked.

  ‘Drunk and disorderly. It was fresher’s week and I was a Jägerbomb casualty. They had an ice fountain at the fresher’s ball and someone persuaded me to open my mouth at the bottom of it. Seemed a good idea at the time.’

  ‘Oh God,’ Charlie said.

  ‘Apparently I was singing the theme tune from The Bill all the way to the station in the back of the police car,’ Kat said, laughing. ‘I covered myself in glory that night.’

  ‘And you look as if butter wouldn’t melt.’ Charlie laughed.

  ‘So, what about you?’ Kat dared her. ‘I bet you can do better.’

  Charlie looked up, searching the recesses of her mind, weighing one story against another.

  ‘I snogged a teacher once.’

  ‘No,’ Séraphine said, her jaw dropping. ‘How old were you?’

  ‘I was a sixth former.’ A cheeky smile crept on to Charlie’s face. ‘Mr Harrison. He was only in his mid-twenties. Not one of those ancient teachers. Not that it makes it that much better, in retrospect. But he was cute. Poor guy, he was terrified.’

  ‘Of being found out?’

  ‘No, of me in general, I think. I sort of pounced on him.’

  Séraphine laughed. ‘I can picture it.’

  ‘I was quite fearless about relationships in those days. Don’t know what happened. Well, I do. Ben, my ex, happened. I used to be more carefree, trusting. I can’t imagine being that way again.’

  ‘I bet that side of you is still there, just under the surface,’ Kat said. ‘The right person will bring it out again.’

  ‘I don’t know,’ Charlie said. ‘I’ve built some pretty hefty barriers. I find it quite hard to let them down these days.’

  She paused, her gaze turning to Séraphine. ‘But I’m distracting attention from the matter at hand. Last call. Who else for the confession box?’

  ‘All right,’ Séraphine said, raising her hand. ‘Seeing as you two have shown willing. But you can’t tell anyone. Seriously.’

  ‘Scout’s honour,’ Charlie said, putting her hand on her chest. ‘I mean, Brownie’s honour.’

  Séraphine raised an eyebrow, confused.

  ‘She means we promise,’ Kat chipped in.

  ‘I am seeing someone. More than that, I think I’m in love. But no one back home knows anything about it.’

  ‘You haven’t told anyone?’ Charlie said.

  Séraphine shook her head.

  ‘Why not?’ Kat asked.

  ‘It’s a… she’s a woman,’ Séraphine said, the words rushing out.

  ‘A woman?’ Kat said.

  ‘I knew I shouldn’t have said anyth
ing,’ Séraphine said, her cheeks flushing anew. She looked down at the floor. ‘It was stupid.’

  ‘No,’ Kat said kindly, touching Séraphine’s arm. ‘So that’s it? That’s your confession?’

  ‘Yes,’ Séraphine said, looking back at them again. ‘I’m in love with a woman.’

  ‘What’s her name?’ Kat asked, softly.

  ‘Carla.’

  ‘And what’s she like?’ Charlie asked.

  Séraphine hesitated, gauging their reactions before continuing.

  ‘Beautiful. Inside and out. Funny, too. When she walks into the room it’s as if the party’s started.’

  ‘She sounds lovely,’ Charlie said. ‘Lucky you.’

  ‘Yes,’ Kat added, giving Séraphine a nudge. ‘Now get on with being happy, for goodness’ sake. Don’t waste any more time feeling bad about it.’

  ‘You don’t think differently of me, now that you know?’ Séraphine asked.

  Charlie and Kat shook their heads. ‘Of course not,’ Kat said.

  Slowly, Séraphine started to smile.

  26

  Wednesday 24 September

  Charlie heard the knock at the door and dashed to answer it before Pippa could get there. As far as her sister knew, she was going out to see Kat – she couldn’t deal with any questions. It was challenging enough shutting off the voices in her own head. As she’d got ready that evening, putting on a red top with black skinny jeans, she’d felt a buzz of excitement about seeing Euan again. Her mind ran with possibilities.

  And then the doubts would come – she hadn’t dated anyone since Ben. Was she even ready?

  ‘Hello,’ Euan said. He was standing on the doorstep in a shirt and a leather jacket, a smile on his face. ‘That was quick.’

  ‘I don’t mess about,’ she said, her pulse quickening at the sight of him. He looked even more gorgeous than she’d remembered. ‘Shall we head out?’

  ‘Sure. I’m just over the road. Although I’m wondering now how I can compete with that. Is that your sister’s car?’ He pointed at her MG.

  ‘Nope, it’s mine,’ she said.

  ‘Nice,’ he said, nodding. ‘I’m a little embarrassed about introducing you to my ancient Fiat right now.’

  ‘Not that I care about riding in a Fiat, but do you fancy driving mine?’

  ‘Are you serious?’ His eyes lit up.

  ‘Sure, why not?

  ‘That would be amazing.’

  ‘Here you go,’ Charlie said, passing him the keys. ‘She could do with a run around.’

  Euan got in and turned the key in the ignition. ‘I could ruin our date right now, couldn’t I?’

  ‘You won’t. I trust you,’ Charlie said.

  He drove them through South Cliff and down to the seafront, deftly steering around the curves. Charlie put some music on.

  ‘It’s nice to be able to get up some speed,’ Charlie said. ‘In London I’m usually creeping between red lights. I still love driving around though. It’s such an escape.’

  ‘I feel the same way about getting out on the water. Not that I’ve got my own boat – that’d be the day – but I love to go surfing, windsurfing, sailing with friends. I’ve never felt the same thrill about driving, but perhaps I could get used to it.’

  ‘Don’t go getting too attached,’ Charlie said cheekily. ‘So where are you taking us tonight?’

  ‘It’s a seafood restaurant, pan-Asian. Nice conservatory with sea views. Sound OK?’

  ‘Sure. Sounds perfect.’

  Charlie and Euan were sitting in a quiet corner of the restaurant, and had ordered their starters. With low lighting and a laidback atmosphere, friendly staff and an original menu, Charlie noted that it was exactly the kind of restaurant she would have chosen.

  ‘How are things going at your sister’s?’ Euan asked.

  ‘Magic at times, with the kids, but far more tiring than my normal job.’

  Charlie thought of how she’d now be at Pippa’s longer than she’d planned. Her talk today with Jess hadn’t been the easiest, but she’d finally managed to negotiate a few extra days away, given that she’d already submitted some of the content. She was happy she’d now be able to make the centenary party.

  Euan smiled. ‘I’ve always fancied being an uncle – you get all of the good bits then, don’t you?’

  ‘You get a lot of cuddles,’ Charlie said, ‘but also glitter on your face, and plastic spiders in your bedsheets.’

  ‘I have to confess when we first met, and you were with Jacob and Flo, I thought – damn, she’s already taken.’

  Charlie smiled.

  ‘I’m probably saying too much,’ Euan said. ‘I don’t know why I find it so easy to do that with you.’

  ‘Ha. That’s the journalist in me. I don’t have to say a word and people think I can tell what they’re thinking. I’ll tell you a secret…’ She put her hand to her mouth and whispered: ‘I can’t.’

  ‘I’ll play my cards closer to my chest from now on, then. So what do you fancy eating?’

  ‘Anything – I’m starving.’ She looked down the menu. ‘So long as it’s not potato waffles or fish fingers. I’ve been eating far too much of Flo and Jacob’s leftovers lately.’

  ‘Can’t have those standards dropping.’

  ‘I know, can you imagine?’ She put on her poshest voice. ‘“Yes, this chic eaterie in Broadway Market has steak freshly imported from Argentina, but there was NO alphabetti spaghetti on the menu.”’

  Euan laughed. ‘Do you cook a lot at home?’

  ‘No. Ironic, isn’t it? I’ve always enjoyed cooking – don’t get me wrong – but with the hours I do I’m usually too tired when I get home. I love cooking for friends when I do have the chance though. What about you?’

  ‘The same. I like to make simple dishes, fresh ingredients, nothing fancy, but food that’s good for the soul, I suppose. And of course I enjoy eating out. Have you ever thought about going in the other direction – running a restaurant rather than reviewing them?’

  She paused before answering. The truth was it had been on her mind for the last year or so. When she visited restaurants she often had ideas ticking away in her head – what she would do if she had a place of her own, how a menu she put together might look. But she’d never said it out loud before.

  ‘Yes. I’ve thought about it a lot.’

  ‘What’s stopping you?’

  ‘Oh, it’s not that easy.’ She shook her head and smiled. ‘I couldn’t do it. It’s a pipe-dream.’

  There was the money she’d need to set the whole thing up, the dog-eat-dog world of urban restaurants – and then, of course, the fact that she had no experience whatsoever of running a business.

  ‘Where would we be without those?’ Euan said with a smile. ‘I didn’t take you for someone who’d be put off because something wasn’t easy.’

  ‘What do you mean by that?’ she said.

  ‘That you seem determined, ambitious – I admire that.’ He looked at her and held her gaze for a moment. A shiver of anticipation traced its way up her spine.

  ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘I think.’

  Shortly after ten, Charlie and Euan walked out of the restaurant into the cool autumn night. She felt pleasantly full from the meal, and content. Considering this was the first date she’d had since breaking up with Ben, it had all gone surprisingly smoothly.

  ‘I guess we’ll be getting taxis home, then,’ Charlie said. ‘That wine was far too nice.’

  ‘It goes down pretty well, doesn’t it?’ He smiled mischievously.

  ‘You’re a bad influence.’ She shook her head.

  ‘I don’t seem to remember you needing that much persuading.’ Euan laughed. ‘So, shall I call you a cab?’

  ‘There’s no hurry. Let’s go for a walk.’ The wine had left her feeling slightly fuzzy-headed, some fresh air would do her good. Plus she’d enjoyed talking to Euan. No reason to cut things short.

  ‘It’s pretty cold – are you sure you wouldn
’t rather go on somewhere, a bar or something?’

  Charlie looked up the bay and saw the old cinema on the corner. A smile crept on to her face. ‘You haven’t got the keys to that place, have you?’

  ‘Erm…’ he said, narrowing his eyes. ‘What exactly did you have in mind?’

  ‘Show me around?’ Charlie said playfully. ‘So I can see what it looks like inside?’

  ‘I can’t,’ Euan shook his head. ‘It’s a building site – I can’t take you in at this time of night.’

  ‘Oh, go on,’ she said, nudging him. ‘Please?’

  He seemed to be on the verge of refusing for a second time.

  ‘Pleeease?’ she said. Now that she’d got the idea in her head, she wasn’t about to let it go. She was in the mood for an adventure.

  ‘You get what you want a lot, don’t you?’

  She laughed. ‘At times.’

  ‘OK, OK,’ he conceded reluctantly.

  They walked the block together, and his hand found Charlie’s, naturally. There was a thrill at his touch, yet at the same time the warmth of his skin against hers relaxed her. It felt easy, being with him. They reached the building, and he turned to whisper an instruction to her.

  ‘Now follow me and be careful.’

  ‘All right, all right, Mr Health and Safety,’ she teased.

  He unlocked the building and let them both in. Inside, he put a yellow hard hat on her, and took one for herself.

  ‘I feel like Bob the Builder in this,’ she said, tapping the top of it.

  ‘No taking it off,’ he said sternly.

  ‘Yes, sir. So, what’s the plan, what are you going to do in here?’ She gazed at the interior of the building.

  ‘We’re going to knock this wall down, and we’re building a glass-roofed area over here.’

  ‘Cool.’ Charlie looked up. ‘Can we go upstairs?’

  Euan frowned. ‘We shouldn’t.’

  She raised an eyebrow.

  He sighed. ‘But then we shouldn’t be in here at all. Come on, then.’

  He led her up a staircase to a domed roof with tiny windows.

  ‘It’s beautiful up here,’ she said, looking out on the white lights of the town, and the bay beside it. From their vantage point, it looked as if the streets were lined with little dolls’ houses.