Page 58 of Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop
‘Because I rang him, that’s why!’ Molly says, looking accusingly at me.
‘You did what? But why … why would you do that?’
‘Because I felt sorry for you. I thought you might be lonely. It was before Jack came on the scene, and this Julian too. I know it was difficult before, Mum, but Joel really liked you.’
I’d often heard people use the phrase ‘their blood was boiling’ and now I know why. My insides are on fire as I stare back at Molly.
‘And you told Joel where we are living now?’ I ask, as calmly as I can.
Molly nods silently, sensing this calm exterior might only be a cover for my true feelings.
‘And what did he say?’
‘Not much really. He asked how I was and how you were, and did we like living here?’
‘And?’ I demand.
‘And what?’ Molly asks. ‘I don’t know why you’re so mad, Mum. It was only a phone call.’
Molly’s phone beeps again, so she picks it up. ‘I’m going to have to reply to Chesney,’ she says, ‘or he’ll never stop texting me. Back in a minute, Mum.’
While Molly steps out of the bedroom to call Chesney, I turn back to my mirror and take a few deep breaths. I have to remain calm or Molly will begin to question why I am so angry.
Right, think sensibly about this, Kate, I tell myself.Molly said she’d rung Joel before the bouquets had started arriving and before I met Jack. That was weeks ago now, and nothing has happened so far. We haven’t heard anything from him and we haven’t seen him. Perhaps I really don’t have anything to worry about. Surely Joel would have appeared by now if he was going to. Maybe he had got the message when we moved away, and everything will be fine.
‘Sorry about that,’ Molly says, returning. ‘He gets annoyed if I don’t reply quickly.’
I nod, then I look at Molly again. ‘What do you meanannoyed?’
Molly shrugs. ‘Annoyed – cross, sulky, I guess you might call it. It’s fine though – it’s just his way. Like you said, at least it shows he’s keen on me.’
Molly comes over to the dressing table before I have time to consider this. ‘I’m sorry I phoned Joel,’ she says hugging me. ‘If I’d known you were going to have all these men fighting over you I wouldn’t have contacted him.’
‘It’s fine,’ I tell her, hugging her back. ‘You were only doing what you thought was right. Promise me one thing though. If Joel contacts you again in any way, don’t reply, just tell me immediately, yes?’
‘Sure, Mum,’ Molly says, looking a bit puzzled. ‘Of course I will.’
‘But I’ve booked a table!’ I hear a loud voice remonstrate, as later that evening I walk down towards the harbour along a small side street. I’m still thinking about Joel and Molly, but as I get nearer to the voice I realise it’s Julian.
As I turn the corner on to the harbour, standing in front of me on the cobbles are Julian – wearing a very smart navy suit, blue shirt and paisley-patterned tie – and Patrick, the owner of The Lobster Pot restaurant, in his chef’s whites.
‘I’m very sorry, sir, but as I just explained we’ve got a problem with our wiring, and we won’t be able to open up until an electrician can come in tomorrow to fix it. I can recommend a number of other very good restaurants in the town for dinner tonight though, if you’d like me to.’
‘Is there a problem?’ I ask, approaching them.
‘Kate! Hello,’ a flustered-looking Patrick says. ‘Yes, my fuse box has completely blown in the restaurant. I’ve had to close for the night.’
‘Oh, no, how awful.’
‘I’m trying to explain to thisgentlemanthat I can recommend several other perfectly good eateries for him to try.’
‘But you are supposed to bethebest in town,’ Julian says, looking aggrieved. ‘I always eat at the best restaurants.’
‘I thank you for the praise, sir, but you won’t be tonight, I’m afraid. Perhaps you’d like to try us another evening? Complimentary wine on the house, of course. Excuse me,’ Patrick says to me, ‘I spy more about-to-be disappointed customers.’ He heads off to greet a couple heading towards him.
‘I’m so very sorry, Kate,’ Julian says with a wounded expression. ‘It seems we are without sustenance this evening.’
‘Don’t be silly, it’s not your fault. Besides, there are lots of restaurants here we can try, and if for some reason we can’t get a table we can always have fish and chips outside on the harbour.’
