Page 28 of The Little Island Flower Stall
‘Brilliant – I won’t be long.’
Bella set off, following her aunt’s directions. The sky was overcast, but the sun was trying to break through. Even though it wasn’t yet nine, there were plenty of people around, some on their way to open up shops, some out with dogs, many who looked like visitors getting ready to squeeze every last moment out of a hard-earned beach day.
Once she’d got to the end of the street where Celestine had told her she’d find the café, Bella didn’t need any further direction. Her nose was all she needed, following the sweetness on the air. She wondered if they baked their own cakes for sale because it smelled that way.
Michel’s Bakery was hidden from sight, even as Bella walked the narrow, cobbled street, but it appeared like a vision from a fairy tale, lilac wooden-framed windows with bullseye glass, a lilac front door framed by clematis and a display of cakes that were so pretty and delicate it almost seemed a crime to eat them. Bella went in, her stomach gurgling despite the fact she’d already had toast for breakfast, her nose tickled by the scents of good coffee and sugar on the air.
‘What can I get you?’
A man, perhaps in his sixties, handsome despite the grey hair and deep lines, smiled to welcome her.
‘I came in for an Americano, but everything in here looks so good I might have to take one of each as well!’
‘I wouldn’t object to that,’ he said, his smile growing with obvious pride. ‘Shall I get your Americano while you decide?’
‘Yes, please – make it a large one.’
‘Ah, you feel a busy day coming on?’
‘Something like that.’
As he set about making her drink, Bella turned to the cakes. As she was trying to make up her mind – or, rather, trying to control the urge to buy everything – the bell on the door tinkled and she turned to see Celestine’s friend, Dolly, come in. In her straw sunhat and cotton gloves, she looked like she’d just stepped out of a black-and-white film.
‘Morning, Michel.’
‘Morning, Dolly. How are you today? Come for your bread?’
‘Yes, I…’ It was then Dolly recognised Bella. ‘Oh, hello! You’re Celestine’s niece! You’re still here then!’
‘Yes,’ she said cheerfully. ‘Still here.’
‘Lucky Celestine,’ Dolly said. ‘I wish I had someone looking after me. Still, I do what I can, because there’s only me to do it.’
Bella wondered if Dolly was as old as Celestine. She was certainly old, but it was hard to tell. She decided that she didn’t think so. There might not be much in it, but now she looked closer, Dolly did seem a few years younger. ‘I’m more looking after the stall than looking after Celestine, to be honest. And right now I’m not doing a lot of that. She’s there as we speak, working as if nothing has happened.’
Michel brought Bella’s coffee over and placed it on the counter. ‘You’re helping at Bay Blooms?Someone told me Celestine had opened up again – I thought it was a bit quick after her injury. How is she doing? I must go over and say hello when I get time.’
‘Always has been a headstrong one, Celestine,’ Dolly put in. ‘I’m sure she must make a terrible patient.’
‘A bit.’ Bella smiled. ‘I don’t want to sound as if I’m complaining – I don’t mind really. I suppose she’s probably only thinking of me still getting the hang of the job.’
‘Hmmm,’ Dolly replied, leaving Bella wondering what, exactly, that meant.
‘Is there anything else I can get you?’ Michel asked her.
‘Oh, I haven’t chosen yet,’ Bella said. She turned to Dolly. ‘Go ahead and get your order; I’m rubbish at making up my mind so I’ll be ages.’
Michel went to a shelf and took down an already wrapped loaf. ‘Anything else today, Dolly?’
‘No, that’s it.’
He put it on the counter, and Dolly opened her handbag. A moment later, she let out an impatient sigh. ‘I’ve only gone and left my purse at home!’
‘Pay me next time,’ Michel said.
‘I’ll get it,’ Bella said. ‘I’ll take two eclairs as well please.’
‘You don’t need to—’ Dolly began, but Bella stopped her.
