Page 14 of Christmas Joy at the Cornish Bakery

‘No, I really don’t.’ Robyn muttered as she wiped her lips with a napkin.

‘Go on, tell her how loved up they are after all this time. They’ve just celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, haven’t they?’ Gerald turned his attention to her. ‘They had a joint anniversary and retirement party here last month, didn’t they, Jasper? Which is why Jasper’s taken over the family firm.’

‘That’s right.’ Jasper nodded, his eyes fixed on Gerald. Anything to avoid looking at Robyn.

‘Well, tell her then.’ Gerald held up his hand, palm forward. ‘No, wait, you can do something even better. Take Robyn along to Penworth Bay Care Home with you this afternoon.’

Jasper dropped his fork to the bar with a clatter. ‘Oh, she doesn’t want to volunteer there.’

‘Go on.’ Gerald looked at Robyn. ‘The care home is having a huge Christmas party for all the residents and their families this afternoon. Go along, that’ll prove to you true love can be the real deal. And that families can have fun together.’

Robyn spluttered. ‘No, I can’t do that.’

‘Of course you can. There’ll be a minibus to take the volunteers from right outside the pub in about fifteen minutes, and you’ve got the afternoon off from the bakery, haven’t you? I’m sure that’s what you told me.’

‘Yes.’ Robyn whispered. The last thing she wanted to do with her afternoon off was to spend it anywhere near the entitled Jasper.

‘No excuses then. And besides...’ He leaned towards her and lowered his voice. ‘Who can refuse to volunteer for such a good cause?’

Robyn closed her eyes. She couldn’t do this. She didn’t want to. ‘I’ll just take your word that true love exists. I believe that all these families in here are happy, and no one ever argues or raises their voices to one another. I’ll believe all of it.’

Gerald chuckled. ‘Go on Jasper, tell her she’s welcome to go along with you and the other volunteers.’

Picking up his fork slowly, Jasper pierced a chip and shrugged. ‘Sure.’

‘That’s settled then.’ Gerald tapped the bar in celebration before turning to serve.

‘Great.’ Robyn seethed under her breath. A whole afternoon with Jasper! What could be worse than being forced to listen to him prattle on? And to make matters worse, if he volunteered regularly at the care home, he’d probably told them his side of the story of Dasher’s escape and turned her into the villain she wasn’t.

Chapter Eleven

‘...and we had the most marvellous day. The film was just spectacular. Have you seen it?’ Lizzie glanced at her husband who was sitting next to her at the long table in the residents’ dining room at the care home, before looking at Robyn.

‘No, I’ve not seen that one yet.’ Robyn smiled. The atmosphere in the large room was full of excitement and happiness as residents sat down with their families to enjoy an early Christmas dinner. Foil gold and red Christmas decorations similar to those her parents had strung up in her childhood home hung across the ceiling and a huge real Christmas tree took pride of place at the front of the dining room, a mound of carefully wrapped presents piled high by its trunk.

‘Oh, sorry, Robyn. I think I must be keeping you.’ Lizzie pointed towards the hatch which opened through to the kitchen as a swarm of volunteers collected plates and carried them to the tables.

‘Oops. I’d better go then.’ Standing up from the chair she’d been perched on, Robyn smiled at Lizzie. ‘It was lovely to talk to you. I’ll catch up with you again later.’

‘You too, dear.’ After patting her hand, Lizzie released her.

Hurrying towards the kitchen hatch, Robyn stood in line as she waited for more plates to be ready. She slumped her shoulders as she realised who was standing in front of her – Jasper. There was literally no escaping this man. She jumped as she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned around. The manager, Angie, joined the queue.

‘How are you finding things, Robyn? I see you’ve been chatting to Lizzie over there.’ Angie smiled.

‘Yes, she’s lovely. And yes, it’s been great so far. I’m really enjoying myself.’ Robyn darted her eyes quickly towards Jasper’s back. Good, he hadn’t heard Angie saying her name then, he was still unaware she was standing right behind him. ‘Thank you again for letting me come to volunteer at such short notice.’

‘We’re very pleased to have you.’ Angie continued. ‘And if you decide to make Penworth Bay your home once you’ve finished volunteering at Elsie’s, remember where we are, and we’d be thrilled if you could join our team of volunteers.’

‘Oh wow, thanks.’ Robyn tugged the sleeves of her jumper down to cover her hands. ‘That’s very kind, but I’m only here for a few weeks.’

‘Ah, that’s what everyone says.’ Angie chuckled before noticing someone waving her over from the tables. ‘I’d better go and see what the problem is.’

Nodding, Robyn watched as Angie hurried across the room. It was nice of Angie to offer a voluntary spot to her, but as lovely as Penworth Bay was, she wouldn’t be able to stay.

‘You’re staying then.’ Jasper turned around and looked at her.

‘What?’ Had he been eavesdropping? ‘No, no, I’m not. Angie said if I did, I could volunteer here on a regular basis.’

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