Page 66 of Seashells at The Summer Hotel Lovely Bay
‘That’s so kind. I’m really feeling the love.’
They walked past the front of the deli, down through the alley a couple of doors along, and entered through the back. Nina had been in through the back of the deli many times since moving to Lovely Bay, often helping out in the kitchen but something was different. She frowned as she followed behind Nancy. ‘What, no Shipping Forecast?’ Nina laughed. ‘Blimey, it really is an occasion. If we’re not having that accompanying us as we walk in.’
‘Maybe you’re that special. For this occasion, we don’t have to listen to it,’ Nancy stated with a chuckle and raised eyebrows.
They walked through the kitchen and made their way to the back room, where Nina had worked and prepared things for the speakeasies many times. As the door opened, she took in the sight of the room and did a massive inhale. ‘Oh! Wow!’
Nina wasn’t sure what she had been expecting for the baby shower, but she knew that what she was seeing in front of her eyes wasn’t it. She thought maybe there would be the odd pastel matte balloon and a ribbon or two tucked here and there but it wasn’t anything like that at all. It was so much better. The beautiful little tables were covered in floor-length, white tablecloths and topped with gigantic jugs rammed full of white and pink flowers. Overhead garlands of pretty pink flowers were interspersed with white and pink bunting, between which tiny white lights flickered. On a table near the window, piles and piles of wrapped gifts sat next to more pink and white flowers and a little chalkboard sign welcomed.
Nina beamed as she walked into the small packed room. Sophie rushed over, and kissed her on the cheek. Her mum laughed and smiled, and her sister already with a glass of champagne in her hand, hugged her, and bustled around looking uncharacteristically happy.
Nina whispered to Sophie, ‘I can’t believe this; it is so amazing.’
‘I know, right?’ Sophie replied. ‘Even your sister is happy.’
Nina rolled her eyes and whispered. ‘Don’t hold your breath.’
Sophie giggled. ‘You said it. Look at all these beautiful flowers. It must have cost a packet.’
‘No balloons or tacky signs anywhere.’
‘No, I know. How fabulous! So Lovely Bay.’
‘Yep.’
‘Do you know who did all this?’ Sophie asked.
‘As far as I'm aware it was Birdie and Nancy who were in charge.’
Sophie nodded. ‘I did ask if they needed any help, but they wouldn’t hear of it.’
‘It really does look pretty. I can’t believe they’ve done this for me and made so much effort.’
‘I know. The chowder smells amazing, too. You know what’s in it don’t you? So we know it’s going to taste out of this world.’
Nina laughed. ‘Yes, I suppose I do.’
Birdie walked up and butted in, ‘So, what do you think? Pleased with it?’
‘I can’t believe you’ve done this for me. It’s so nice. So nice.’
‘Why would we not? You’re worth it,’ Birdie said as she picked up a flute of champagne and handed one with elderflower sparkling bubbles to Nina. ‘Anyway, cheers to you, Neens.’
‘To the Nina and Robby story. What a story!’ Sophie toasted as she raised her glass. ‘All started because of me. Ha!’
Nina, Birdie and Sophie clinked glasses.
Sophie nodded. ‘Cheers. So happy for you. I’ve wanted this day for a long time. I did a rain dance for it and now it has finally arrived.’
‘Yep, me too,’ Nina beamed.
Nancy joined in and laughed. ‘I was thinking the other day about when you turned up in Lovely Bay with half the kitchen sink, and you were coming here to house sit. Remember that?’
‘That’s right,’ Nina nodded. ‘How could I forget?’
‘And now you live here, you got married here, and you're having a baby here. You even hold a Lovely record for being the only person who has been proposed to in the lighthouse. At least, that we know about.’
‘I know. I feel really lucky to have crossed paths with Lovely Bay,’ Nina added.
