Page 48 of The Pop-Up Cake Shop

‘A few of us are doing a charity fun run, that’s all.’

I wasn’t sure why I was trying to explain myself. Did it really matter what Caleb thought of me?

He nodded. ‘For charity? Nice. Can I sponsor you?’

‘Oh.’ I looked at him in surprise. ‘Well, yes, if you’d like to. That would be great.’

‘Actually, I think a friend of mine might be doing the same run. Is it happening in Sunnybrook?’

‘Yes, that’s the one.’

‘Right, well, consider it done... the sponsorship, I mean. We can sort it out later if that’s okay.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘After I’ve shown Ellie the house?’

I nodded. ‘Yes, that’s fine, thanks.’

‘Good. Well, nice to see you again.’ He joined Ellie and they walked off together to see the house.

I stared after them, perversely wishing I could go with them in case I missed out in some way. Which was a bit weird, all things considered.

Ivan appeared as I was staring after them.

‘Never mind. How aboutIgive you the eco house tour some time?’

I smiled ruefully at him. ‘Thanks, Ivan. That would be great. As long as you can fit me in between all these dates of yours?’

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

At the next stop, Primrose Wood, Bob the postman was one of our first customers.

‘Wednesdays are the highlight of the week here now,’ he told us with a smile. ‘The women’s institute used to have their monthly meeting on a Wednesday morning but after rave reviews of your service from a few of the members they’ve decided to switch their meetings to Tuesdays instead.’

‘Really?’ Ellie laughed. ‘That’s wonderful.’

I nodded. ‘It’s great to know you’re wanted.’

‘Well, you are. I came along early today to beat the rush and looking at that fruit cake, I’m very glad I did. I’ll take two slices, please.’

At the sound of shouting, I turned to find a chocolate-coloured dog bounding towards me. It was Twix, and his owner – the lovely Judy – was jogging after him, calling out his name and waving his lead.

She arrived breathless but smiling. ‘This dog will be the death of me,’ she said, tickling Twix’s ears. ‘You don’t fancy being a doggy dad, do you, Bob? Take this reprobate pooch off my hands?’

Bob gave her an awkward smile, looking as if he didn’t really know what to say. He obviously knew, like we did, that Judy was only joking.

‘Right. Thanks, girls.’ he said. ‘See you next week.’ With another stiff little smile at Judy, he held up his hand and walked off.

Judy watched him go with that same wistful look we’d seen the last time.

‘Bob’s really nice,’ said Ellie. ‘I thought he was shy but he was chatting away to us today.’

‘He’s just a bit stand-offish with me, although I can’t imagine why,’ said Judy sadly. ‘We’ve been friends for years but ever since I lost my husband, he’s been a bit odd with me.’ She laughed. ‘I keep thinking maybe he imagines I’m on the look-out for a replacement hubby and he’s worried I might be considering him. Which of course I’m not!’

‘He might just be shy with you?’ I suggested.

‘But why?’ Judy shook her head, looking mystified. ‘As I said, we’ve known each other for years. We used to sit next to each other in class and he was always hiding my pens and making me laugh so much I used to get told off.’ She smiled, remembering. ‘The sad thing is I could do with more friends now that my husband’s gone. But hey-ho. People can be strange, can’t they?’

As we left Primrose Wood, we chatted about how Judy and Bob were such lovely people.

‘They’d make a great couple but Bob doesn’t seem keen,’ said Ellie.

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