Page 29 of One Snowy Day
‘I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, love. You deserve a break and I know it’ll come soon enough.’
Their grandad’s unwavering belief in both of them had been a constant in their lives and Alyssa would always be grateful for it – especially because it balanced out their mum’s equally unwavering disinterest in their existence. Talking of which…
‘Where’s Mum?’
Grandad had shrugged. ‘Och, she was bored, so I said to her to go on home. Barely been a customer all day. Georgie and her friend out there are the first people we’ve had since the lunchtimebingo ladies got their coffees to take to the church hall. Not even this weather could stop that lot getting their daily session in.’
Alyssa had quietly seethed about her mum taking off, but she’d kept that to herself. Even if the café was deserted, you’d think Dorinda would have stayed to keep Grandad company. Maybe even let him away early? Her thoughtlessness could be infuriating, but it was nothing they weren’t used to.
‘Okay, well, you get off now too, Grandad. Ginny can take care of everything out there, and I’ll get cracking on the sandwiches and the rest of the prep for tonight. I’ll give you lift home first though.’
Thank God she was religiously organised and a big fan of overly preparing for every event. They’d got a special licence from the council to serve beer and wine tonight, and both were chilling in the fridge and ready to go. She’d been baking for this evening since Saturday, and had stayed down late last night to get everything else prepped and ready. Starting early that morning had put her ahead of the game again, and as long as her sandwich-making prowess didn’t let her down, and Ginny gave her a hand later to set the buffet up in front of the counter, she’d be ready with an hour or so to spare. Enough time to nip upstairs for a quick shower and change into something nice for the party.
‘I’ll do that then, love, if you’re sure. I want to get my path cleared of snow, because I don’t fancy trying to navigate that after I’ve had a couple of lagers tonight. I don’t want a lift though. I’m going to nip into the bakers on the way, and then I want to enjoy my walk and get my steps in.’
‘But Grandad…’ she’d begun to object, but he’d shut her down.
‘Alyssa, I’m more than capable of walking for five minutes and I’ve been waiting all winter for a chance to wear these bad boys.’ He picked up the snow boots he’d been wearing when he camein, before he’d changed into his favourite Fred Perry retro tennis shoes that he always wore in the café. ‘But thank you, love.’
He’d hugged them both in turn, Ginny first, then Alyssa.
‘Thanks for today, Grandad. I don’t know what I’d do without you.’
‘That goes both ways, lass, don’t you worry.’
The little table bell on the counter tinkled and he’d gone off to take care of it. Alyssa had heard Georgie speaking to him as she’d settled her bill and ordered three slices of Victoria sponge.
He’d come back for his jacket, then said his goodbyes. Alyssa had waited for the sound of the front door, but when it came, she’d heard her grandad speaking again.
‘Hello there, Moira. Lovely to see you.’
Ginny’s eyes had widened as she silently mouthed ‘Moira?’, her puzzled frown had added the question mark, as she’d dashed out of the kitchen.
Alyssa had to know too, so she’d put the knife down and followed, and that’s how, right now, she could see that Moira Chiles was coming straight towards the counter.
She decided to help out her sister by taking the lead. ‘Hello there, Moira.’ She greeted her with the same wide smile and cheery tone that made all her customers feel welcome. Moira had been coming in once a week or so for months now, sometimes with a pal that wore long floaty kaftans, and other times with her male friend, Nick. Alyssa wasn’t sure of the exact nature of their relationship because neither of them wore wedding or engagement rings, but they always held hands and there was a lot of laughter. Ginny still hadn’t spoken up, so Alyssa bridged the gap. ‘I believe you and my sister here met this afternoon.’
Moira beamed at Ginny. ‘We sure did. That’s actually why I’m here. Although I would also like two ginger slices and four cheese and onion rolls to take away.’
‘Coming right up,’ Alyssa told her, moving to the glass display cabinets, while Moira continued the conversation with her sister.
‘Ginny, you’re my excuse to come in here and break my diet for the second time this week and it’s only Monday.’ Her chuckle made it clear that breaking the diet wasn’t something she gave two hoots about.
‘Really?’ Alyssa heard the hope in Ginny’s voice and got right on that bandwagon with her.
‘Indeed. I was just on my way home and thought I’d save the Academy a phone call and put you out of your suspense at the same time. You interviewed so well today…’
Alyssa could barely stand the tension, and she was suddenly concerned that Ginny might faint, given that it was obvious she was holding her breath. But so far so good… Unless Moira’s next word was a ‘but’.
‘And we’d love you to join our team. We think you’d fit in perfectly.’
Ginny handled the news very calmly, by screeching, clapping, running around to the front of the counter and throwing her arms around Moira.
‘Am I to take it that you’re accepting the position?’
‘Yes, thank you. Thank you sooooo much. Eeeeeek!’
Moira got another hug and Alyssa felt a lump forming in her throat. When it came to problems, she was strong and kept it together. But when good things happened to people she loved? Pure mush and happy tears.
