Page 44 of Such a Sweet Girl

‘Oh no. It’s closed,’ she complained. ‘So much for our scones.’

‘What does it say?’ I asked, walking forward and encouraging her along with me.

‘Under new management, closed for refurbishment. Aw, Alex! It’s my favourite little spot in London. Where will we go now?’

Putting the umbrella down, I wrapped an arm around her. ‘We can stay right here.’

‘Yeah, but where will we have coffee?’

I turned her to face me, rain gathering over her freckled cheeks. ‘Right here, honey.’

Confusion furrowed her brow, and she spoke slowly, like I’d suddenly lost my mind. ‘It’s not open.’

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a key on a pretty pink ribbon.

‘What is this?’

‘Your key.’

‘To your house?’ Her eyes flicked to the pavilion, before coming back to me. A flicker of hope and disbelief in her eyes.

‘No, darling, to your very own cafe. If you want it.’ Nerves bubbles in my stomach, hoping I hadn’t read too much into her comments about what she’d do with the place if it were hers. I’d listened, hooked on every word, for the past few Sundays, revelling in her dreams.

For a heartbeat, Frankie stared at me, her mouth forming the wordsyour very own cafesilently. Then she let out an almighty squeal, half bowling me over as she threw herself at me. Her mouth covered mine in a half-shriek, half-rain soaked kiss, excitement pouring from her.

‘You’re happy?’ I asked.

‘Beyond happy. I can’t believe you did this for me! Can we go in? Please?’

‘It’s all yours babygirl, we can do whatever you like.’ I put her feet back on the floor and went to unlock the door, keeping the key in my palm.

We tumbled into the sound of the rain pitter-pattering on the roof, like the sound of a thousand miniature cantering pony toys. Chairs sat upturned on rickety tables, but the kitchen area and serving station had been cleared.

Francesca twirled in the centre of the room, eyes wide as she took the space in with fresh eyes.

‘I can’t believe you did this.Howdid you do this?’

‘Old Marge wanted to retire. She had no interest in trying to compete with social media marketing, and no budget to do the place. I’ve rented it for a year, and she’ll give it to you for a great deal if you want to keep it. I know you were only staying in London for three months originally, but you can always hire some help when you need to go on your courses if you want to, and I’ll be your labourer to get it exactly the way you dreamed.’

‘I love it. I love you. I can’t believe you arranged this.’ Her waterline shone as she beamed up at me.

‘You’re not mad that I took over?’

‘You know I love it when you play boss.’Damn. The twinkle in her eye made me weak.

Then her brow furrowed again, and she caught her lower lip with her teeth.

‘What is it?’

‘I can’t stay. I want to. Here with you and Elmo. I don’t want to go home.’ The sweetest quiver filler her voice.

Placing the key into her hand, I grinned. Her face lit up when she looked down at the ribbony pile in her palm.

‘Alexander,’ she breathed.

‘Babygirl.’

‘Is this real?’ She fingered the sparkling ring, her tears escaping in shining streams.

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