Page 25 of Spring Dreams at the Cornish Bakery

‘Here, here.’ Teresa held up her coffee before taking a sip and picking up the tray as a customer walked through the door and headed towards the coffee and cake counter. ‘Right, work is calling. Enjoy your coffees.’

‘Thanks.’ Lynsey turned and paled her now half-empty mug on the back counter as Nora stepped inside, shortly followed by a group of suited office workers presumably having decided to stop by on their lunch break. Stepping towards the counter, Lynsey smiled at Nora. ‘Hi, Nora. Lovely to see you today. How’s the weather out there?’

Pulling one of her silk scarves – a midnight blue one decorated with stars and moons today – Nora answered, ‘A bit too nippy for my liking, Lynsey. I’m hoping for better weather this weekend as my daughter is bringing my two grandsons for a visit.’

‘That sounds nice. Have you got anything planned to do with them?’

‘Well, on the Saturday I’m hoping we can spend the day on the beach. They live in the Midlands, so about the furthest point you can get from any beach in England so I’ve promised them we’ll build sandcastles and eat ice cream all day. And then we’re off to play some crazy golf on Sunday.’ Nora plonked her handbag on top of the counter.

‘That sounds perfect.’

‘Oh, I’m sure it will be if only that sun would grace us with its presence again.’ Nora glanced outside at the cloudy sky.

‘Fingers crossed then.’ Lynsey held her hand up and crossed her fingers.

‘Precisely.’ Nora mirrored her and crossed her own. ‘Right, could I have two of your scrummy cupcakes today, please?’

‘Of course. Coming right up.’ Taking a cake box from beneath the counter, Lynsey placed the two cupcakes with the most icing inside before closing the lid. ‘That will be two pounds and fifty pence, please?’

‘Thank you.’ Nora began rummaging in her bag before frowning and sliding the bag across the counter towards Lynsey. ‘I’m sorry, dear, I can’t seem to find my purse. I’ve got that much rubbish in there. It’s probably at the bottom somewhere. Do you mind getting it out, please?’

‘Yes, okay.’ Lynsey pulled the bag closer before carefully moving a collection of scarves from the bottom of the bag and pulling out the flowery purse. ‘Here it is.’

‘Thanks, dear.’ Taking the bag, Nora counted out the money. ‘I should tidy that out really, shouldn’t I? I don’t even know how my scarves always end up in there. After all, I’m wearing them when I’m out! You’d think there was no need for me to put them in my bag, wouldn’t you?’

Lynsey smiled. ‘You must take them off more than you realise.’

‘I must do, mustn’t I?’ Nora chuckled before picking up her bag and the cake box. ‘Thank you for these. Have a lovely day.’

‘You too. And enjoy the cakes.’ Lynsey waved before turning to her next customer. Just as she was about to ask what they were after, she realised it was Zac. ‘Hi, what are you doing here?’

‘I’ve finished taking off the plaster, so I thought I’d treat myself to a coffee and cake whilst doing some paperwork.’ He leaned forward and pecked her on the lips. ‘And moreimportantly, I thought it would be a good excuse to come and say hello to you, too.’

‘Aw, well, it’s a nice surprise to see you too.’ Lynsey grinned. ‘You’ve really finished removing the plaster?’

‘From the living room, yes.’ Zac grinned. ‘Still a long way to go, mind, but you’ll soon be needing a sofa.’

‘Oh yes, furniture.’ Lynsey grimaced. ‘I kind of hadn’t given that much thought. Does that sound daft?’

‘Not at all. It wasn’t so long ago that you weren’t sure you were going to keep the cottage.’ He held up his phone. ‘I’ll take a look at some furniture places. Maybe we could have a road trip and go to see some at the weekend?’

Lynsey nodded. Zac was being so supportive over this renovation. She knew it was his job, well, the building parts, but he was definitely going above and beyond. ‘I’d like that.’

‘Great. I’ll see what I can find.’ Smiling, Zac turned and headed towards the coffee and cake counter, ready to order.

Chapter Twenty Two

‘Thank you, bye.’ Lynsey turned to the till as the couple she’d just served carried their paper bags and cake boxes outside. Having dropped the money inside, Lynsey looked up and grinned. ‘Twice in one day, Nora. What have done to deserve this?’

‘Oh, Lynsey, dear. I’ve got a problem.’ Nora dabbed at her eyes with a pale blue hankie.

‘Whatever’s the matter?’ Rushing around to the other side of the counter, Lynsey gently cupped Nora’s elbow and led her to the closest table before kneeling down in front of her. ‘What’s happened?’

‘I’ve only gone and lost my purse, haven’t I? It had my grandson’s birthday money in too, didn’t it? My dear hubby had told me to take it of my purse and to put it somewhere safe before I came shopping. I didn’t listen to him though, did I? I thought I knew best.’ Nora stifled a sob.

‘Nora.’ Taking Nora’s hand, Lynsey tilted her head as she looked at her. ‘Do you remember where you had it last?’

‘In here. I think anyway. Or perhaps the café? I popped in there for a quick cuppa before getting the bus home, but I used some loose change in my coat pocket to pay for the tea.’ Nora patted her pocket as if to show her.

---