The Seafront Tea Rooms Read online

  ‘No. He’s finishing something at work. He’ll be home late again.’

  ‘That’s a shame. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to catch up with him soon.’

  Pippa merely nodded in reply. Charlie noticed a distant look in her sister’s eye.

  They sat down at the kitchen table, and Pippa took a sip from her glass of water. ‘I spoke to Mum and Dad earlier.’

  ‘Oh? How are they?’

  ‘Mum’s had a hard time with her back, but it’s getting better.’

  Charlie tried to recall a mention of it.

  ‘She pulled a muscle gardening,’ Pippa continued. ‘But you knew about that, right?’

  ‘No, I don’t remember her saying anything. Is it bad?’

  ‘It’s causing her a fair bit of pain, yes.’

  ‘Poor Mum. I don’t expect Dad’s much help with that.’

  ‘You don’t speak to them very often, do you?’ Pippa said, curtly.

  ‘I’ll call. I didn’t realise…’

  Charlie felt a niggle of guilt. Ringing her parents had a tendency to slip down her to-do list, even though she thought of them quite often. She was sure it hadn’t been that long since she’d phoned them for a proper chat.

  ‘Look,’ Pippa continued, taking a deep breath, ‘I probably shouldn’t interfere. I told her I wouldn’t say anything.’ She bit her lip. ‘Mum got upset the other day, saying that you hardly ever ring any more.’

  The words stung. ‘OK,’ Charlie said. She sat back in her chair, her hand on the stem of her wine glass. ‘Well… Perhaps she’s right. Yes, I suppose I should call them more. From now on, I’ll make sure I do.’

  ‘I mean, I know it’s hard sometimes…’ Pippa smoothed back her pale blonde hair and glanced out of the French windows towards the garden. ‘And Mum and Dad understand that you’re busy, but the thing is, Charlie, even with three kids I still find time —’

  ‘Point made,’ Charlie interrupted her sister gently.

  ‘I was only saying.’ Pippa looked wounded.

  ‘I’ll make more of an effort. What else can I say?’

  ‘God, Charlie, you are so sensitive at the moment.’

  ‘Am I?’

  ‘Yes. You were snappy with me last night, too, remember?’

  ‘Oh, come on. You were implying that my attitude to work was affecting my personal life.’

  ‘Now you’re being silly. That’s not at all what I was saying,’ Pippa said, with a weary laugh. ‘I was merely making a general comment. How was I to know mentioning Ben was out of bounds?’

  ‘It’s not,’ Charlie said. ‘But I didn’t particularly like the direction the conversation was taking. Besides, there’s a time and a place, and that’s not in front of Flo. You know how she was looking forward to being a bridesmaid.’

  ‘She felt very let down when you called off the wedding, that’s true.’

  ‘Look, I realise this is hard for you to understand, Pip. But I’m actually happier now.’

  Pippa leaned back in her chair. ‘Now, maybe.’

  ‘Meaning?’ Charlie tried to suppress her growing irritation.

  ‘I’m only trying to protect you.’

  ‘Protect me from what?’

  ‘From disappointment,’ Pippa said softly and slowly. ‘I don’t want you to miss the boat, Charlie. Having children is such a wonderful thing – and you’re in your thirties already. I’m not the only one who’s concerned.’

  ‘So what, you and Mum have been discussing me behind my back?’ Charlie’s cheeks grew hot.

  ‘We’re worried about you, that’s all. Ben seemed nice enough, a few things aside. If it hadn’t been for you working all the time… Don’t you agree there’s a chance that might have pushed him away?’

  The last shred of calm inside Charlie disappeared. ‘Have you forgotten what happened?’

  ‘He backed off from the relationship, from the sounds of things.’

  ‘Backed off? Is that what you’d call it? I remember it slightly differently,’ Charlie said, struggling to keep her cool as she recalled the humiliation.

  ‘Classic cry-for-help behaviour,’ Pippa said quietly.

  Charlie shook her head. ‘You’re actually taking Ben’s side, aren’t you? Unbelievable. Even for you, Pippa.’

  ‘All I’m saying is, perhaps he sensed you weren’t entirely committed to a future with him. Everyone expresses need in different ways.’

  Charlie finished her glass of wine in silence. If she erupted now, Pippa would have won.

  The timer pinged.

  Pippa smiled. ‘That’s the oven heated up. I’ll pop our dinner in…’

  7

  Monday 8 September

  By Kat’s feet in the hallway was a suitcase packed with everything Leo would need for the next three weeks, carefully sorted, his clothes folded neatly. As today approached, her heart had grown heavy, knowing that Jake was coming to pick Leo up and it would be weeks before she saw him again.

  Leo, oblivious to her anxiety, watched the door, an eager expression on his face.

  ‘Are you sure I can’t take Stegosaurus?’ Leo said, turning back to her.

  ‘There’s not enough room,’ Kat said. ‘Your grandma and grandpa will have other toys for you to play with.’

  Leo sighed, and looked at the door again expectantly.

  As they waited, Kat sifted through the post on the mat: a note from the GP’s surgery, a takeaway menu and a postcard with a picture of a grand Russian palace on the front. She smiled, knowing who the postcard would be from, and flipped it over.

  She showed it to Leo. ‘Here – this one’s for you. Shall we read it together?’

  He nodded.

  Dear Leo,

  Here I am in St Petersburg in Russia – there’s a lot of snow and castles like in your storybooks. I have to rush now to get a train for the next part of my journey.

  Sending hugs. I miss you!

  Grandpa

  ‘I could use my sledge in Russia,’ Leo said, cheerfully.

  Kat smiled. ‘Yes, you definitely could.’

  ‘When is Grandpa coming back? I miss him.’

  ‘Before Christmas,’ Kat said, silently counting the days. She missed spending time with her dad, but at the same time was glad he had made the trip – it had always been a dream of his. In the weeks leading up to his departure, he had been full of energy and enthusiasm, as if he were a young man again.

  ‘And Grandpa won’t mind if I go and stay with my other granddad and grandma?’

  ‘Of course not,’ Kat said, laughing. ‘He knows he has to share.’ She ruffled Leo’s hair.

  Through the frosted glass, Kat saw a tall figure approach their front door.

  ‘Dad’s here,’ she said, letting Leo open the door. His face brightened instantly when he caught sight of his father.

  ‘Hello there,’ Jake said. He swept Leo up into his arms and raised him high above his head. Leo let out a loud, gurgling laugh and kicked his legs happily.

  Jake’s dark brown eyes met Kat’s as he lowered his son to the ground, and he smiled at her. For a moment, it was as if everything was the way it used to be. As if Jake was simply home from getting a pint of milk.

  ‘What time’s your train?’ Kat asked.

  ‘Eleven thirty.’

  She checked her phone. ‘You’d better be off then.’

  ‘We’re going on holiday,’ Leo said gleefully.

  ‘Yes, we are,’ Jake said. ‘I hope you’ve got a warm jumper with you. It’s cold in Scotland you know.’

  ‘I packed a few,’ Kat replied. She bent down to Leo’s level and gave him a hug and a kiss. ‘Be good for your dad on the train.’

  ‘I will be.’

  ‘I’ll call you as soon as we get back,’ Jake said.

  Kat wiped a tear away hurriedly, and when Leo looked up at her she put on a smile.

  ‘You OK?’ Jake mouthed to Kat, over Leo’s head.

  ‘Yes, of course I’m fine,’ she said. ‘Go on, or you’ll mis
s your train.’

  She watched as Leo and Jake walked away from her down the bay. Then, when they were finally out of sight, she closed the door.

  8

  Monday 8 September

  Charlie entered the South Cliff Hotel and made her way to the front desk. The grand white building up on the Esplanade had caught her eye as she strolled around town; she’d decided it must offer wonderful sea views if nothing else.

  A young, dark-haired receptionist greeted her with a smile.

  ‘Good afternoon, how can I help?’

  Charlie looked at the receptionist’s name tag: Cally.

  ‘Hi. Do you have any single rooms available?’

  The tension between Charlie and Pippa had worsened, and while she’d tried to be patient, she simply couldn’t face the thought of another night under her sister’s roof. On the other hand, she didn’t feel ready to go home yet – there were tea rooms here in the north that she wanted to see, and Scarborough was as good a place as any to use as a base.

  ‘Yes, we do,’ Cally said. ‘And as we’re out of season now, the rates are reasonable – here’s our price list.’

  ‘Looks fine. Can I book a single for tonight and tomorrow night, please?’

  ‘Of course.’ Cally took down her details.

  ‘I’ll bring my things along later.’

  ‘We look forward to seeing you then.’

  Charlie put her handbag on her shoulder was about to leave when, on a whim, she turned back.

  ‘It’s Cally, right? Could I ask you a question?’

  ‘Of course – fire away.’ Cally smiled warmly.

  ‘Do you know of any tea rooms in the area?’

  ‘Sure. We’ve got the Hanover round the corner, they do a nice cup of tea…’

  ‘Actually,’ Charlie said, wondering how to phrase her request, ‘I’m hoping to find somewhere special.’

  ‘Ah.’ Cally seemed to be looking Charlie over, assessing her. ‘In that case – I know just the spot.’

  Following the instructions the receptionist had given her, Charlie turned right when she drew level with the rainbow-coloured beach huts, and took the path leading up and away from the sea. As she turned, the café came into view: a wooden building with a small clock tower on it, the windows partially obscured by pretty lace curtains.

  Inside, she saw a woman behind the counter, taking a cake off a tray and placing it carefully on a stand. She felt as if she should knock before she went in, the scene seemed so intimate. She pushed the door.

  ‘Hi,’ the owner said, looking up. ‘Welcome to the Seafront. Table for one?’

  ‘Yes, thanks.’

  Charlie followed the owner, who introduced herself as Letty, to a corner table with a sea view. The décor in the café was simple, old fashioned, and jazz was playing – it was as if the last few decades had been asked to stop at the front door. Letty passed her a menu and motioned for her to sit down.

  Next to her were shelves filled with glass jars of loose-leaf tea. Brown luggage labels with handwritten notes were attached to them: Jasmine, Polish Rose, Summer Fruits…

  A pretty woman with short, dark hair was sitting at the table next to hers, studying a newspaper and circling adverts with a biro.

  Charlie looked down at her menu, but only briefly – she already knew what she wanted. Letty came over with her notebook. ‘What can I get you?’

  ‘Your classic afternoon tea, please.’

  ‘Of course. What kind of tea would you like with it?’

  Charlie’s eyes drifted to the jars lining the wall; she was bewildered by the range of options.

  ‘Here, let me show you,’ Letty said. She brought some jars over to the table and sat down with Charlie. ‘We’ve got spiced orange’ – she opened the jar and sniffed it herself, before handing it over to Charlie.

  Charlie took in a lungful of the sweet, citrusy scent. It made her mouth water.

  ‘Summer fruits is popular too,’ Letty said, passing her another jar.

  After peering at the dried pink and purple petals for a moment, Charlie opened the lid. The scent was light and energising.

  The woman at the table next to her spoke up: ‘If you prefer something classic, the Lady Grey is hard to beat.’

  ‘I’m spoilt for choice,’ Charlie said, smiling at the dark-haired woman, then looking back at Letty. ‘I think I’ll go for the Lady Grey this time, seeing as it comes recommended.’

  ‘Good choice. Kat has impeccable taste,’ Letty said, nodding towards the other woman. ‘She’s my informal tasting assistant. You’ll never meet a woman more passionate about tea.’

  Kat laughed. ‘That’s Letty’s polite way of saying I’m obsessive.’

  ‘A tea obsessive,’ Charlie echoed, an idea forming. ‘Would you have time to join me? There’s something I’d love to talk to you about…’

  Kat finished her Lady Grey and set the delicate teacup back in its saucer. Charlie scanned her face for signs of interest in her offer, but could find no clues there.

  ‘So, the idea is I’d be finding these tea rooms with you, trying them out, and then helping you write reviews?’

  ‘That’s right.’ Charlie nodded. ‘It’s the tea itself I could do with some help on – I’ve always been more of a coffee drinker, so I’m starting pretty much from scratch for this piece. How did you get interested in it?’

  ‘As a teenager,’ Kat said. ‘My dad gave me my first box of tea, and from there I started a collection. When I got a Saturday job during my A-levels I’d save the money and come here on a weekend. I tried all the teas Letty had, then helped her build up the list.’

  ‘That’s wonderful! So you know all about this area. I need someone like you who knows what they’re talking about. Normally I’d do the research myself, but I have my hands full at the moment. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to pay you much, but it would be enough to cover your expenses with a little extra on top. If food writing is something you’re interested in, you’d be learning on the job.’

  As she waited for Kat’s response, Charlie finished the last piece of rose-and-pistachio cake. She had been drawing it out, savouring every bite – rich, indulgent and delicately flavoured. It was one of the best cakes she’d ever tasted.

  ‘What kind of places were you thinking of?’

  ‘These.’ Charlie got out her journal and showed Kat the list of tea rooms she’d jotted down. ‘I could do with your help on the first few.’ Kat read over the names, nodded, and passed the list back. Charlie couldn’t shake the feeling that she was the one being interviewed, rather than the other way around. It unsettled her – she was used to being the one in control.

  ‘I’d want to feature this place, of course,’ Charlie said.

  ‘Here?’ Kat’s hazel eyes widened.

  ‘Absolutely. It’s perfect. This is exactly the kind of place I’ve been looking for. A real hidden gem. In fact, I’d never have stumbled on it if the receptionist at the South Cliff Hotel hadn’t mentioned —’

  ‘Cally told you about this place?’ Kat seemed to relax a little then, and for the second time that day Charlie felt as if she’d passed some kind of test.

  ‘Yes. Not right away, though. I got the feeling she was quite reluctant to begin with.’

  ‘That’s because the Seafront is as close as we have to a secret round here.’

  ‘I see,’ Charlie said, her excitement growing as she considered the potential to change the tea rooms’ fortunes. ‘Well, it’s one we can share now.’ She smiled. ‘With a feature in Indulge, we could make this a real destination venue, drawing in customers from all over the country. Send it stratospheric.’

  ‘I don’t know about that…’ Kat said, shaking her head warily.

  ‘Why not?’ Charlie said, running with the idea now. ‘An article I wrote in the spring brought huge crowds to the cafés that I recommended. This place may be half-empty now, but it could turn into a goldmine.’

  Kat glanced over at Letty, who was taking a bill to a
n elderly couple in the far corner of the room.

  ‘And you think that’s what Letty wants?’ Kat said, furrowing her brow. ‘She likes that it’s mainly familiar faces in here. That’s why Cally didn’t direct you here right away.’

  ‘But surely everyone wants more business these days?’

  ‘Not everyone. Letty’s got a cheap lease on the premises, and she doesn’t spend much money on luxuries. If she needs anything else her son, Euan, looks out for her.’

  ‘So she keeps the tea rooms running because she enjoys it?’

  ‘That’s right.’

  ‘Oh.’ Charlie couldn’t hide her disappointment.

  ‘Look, Charlie. It’s kind of you to ask me to help with your feature, but I don’t think —’

  Charlie had to act fast. Kat was the ideal person to assist her – she was sure of it now – but if she didn’t do something she was going to slip away.

  ‘I’m not asking out of kindness – I need someone like you on board.’

  ‘I don’t know…’ Kat was shaking her head.

  ‘Last try,’ Charlie said, summoning her best negotiation skills. ‘If I were to leave the Seafront out of the feature – so that this place stays a well-kept secret – would that change your mind?’

  The corners of Kat’s mouth twitched slightly, and after a moment, a broad smile came to her lips.

  ‘OK,’ she said. ‘If the Seafront is out, then I’m in.’

  Charlie smiled back, relieved and excited. ‘Brilliant,’ she said. ‘Although I have to say it pains me not to include this place – it’s perfect.’

  ‘Well, now it can stay that way,’ Kat replied.

  Charlie walked back to Pippa’s house, full of enthusiasm for the feature she was going to write. She’d arranged to pick Kat up the following day so they could drive to York. With her help, Charlie was confident she could put together an edition of the magazine that would prove she’d make the perfect editor to take the reins from Jess.

  Pippa answered the door dressed in a pair of leggings and a lilac top that showed off her slim figure. Her blonde hair was neatly blow-dried and she was cradling Gracie in her arms.