Page 63 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Don’t forget Ernie. He’ll have to give them the seal of approval first,’ said Tori. ‘If they pass his taste test, the cats at the café will love them.’
‘If you’re thinking of hosting a bigger event, Tori, we have lots of willing volunteers in the Blossom Heath Belles,’ said Jean. ‘Well, apart from Violet Davenport that is.’
‘The Belles?’ asked Tori.
‘The WI ladies, dear,’ Jean explained.
‘Brilliant, thanks, that’s good to know,’ said Tori. ‘I’m guessing Violet’s still not on board with the cat café then?’
‘Oh, you just leave Violet Davenport to me – she won’t know what’s hit her the next time I hear her bad-mouthing the café,’ said Jean.
‘Now that’s a showdown you could sell tickets to, Auntie,’ laughed Rose.
‘My money’s on Jean,’ said Jake.
‘Well, of course it is, Jake dear,’ said Jean matter-of-factly. ‘Now, Tori, Joyce mentioned that we might be able to hold our monthly WI meetings at the café once you reopen. The refreshments at the village hall are just dreadful,’ said Jean.
‘Of course! We’d love to have you,’ said Tori, beaming.‘I’ll talk to you afterwards and get your meeting dates in the café’s diary.’
‘Wonderful, thank you,’ replied Jean.
‘Actually, I’ve had a bit of an idea for an event…’ said Leo tentatively. ‘I might even be able to rope in some of the lads from the station to help.’
‘Amazing!’ said Tori. ‘What did you have in mind?’
‘Well, I’ve not run it past Jake yet,’ said Leo quickly, glancing at his mate, ‘but I was going to suggest holding a barn dance up at the farm? You’ve got a couple of barns up there that would be perfect.’
‘I love it! That’s such a fun idea. We could organize a band! Beth, Pete, maybe you could even run the bar?’ said Tori.
‘And we could sort out a hog roast or something?’ suggested Jess.
‘Ooh, I love a hog roast,’ agreed Maggie.
‘Like I said, it’s just an idea. What do you reckon, Jake? Sorry to spring it on you, mate,’ said Leo, clapping his friend on the back.
‘Sounds like a plan to me. I’m more than happy for Izzy to use the barn,’ said Jake. ‘Actually, I think a farmer contact of mine is in a folk band; I’m sure if I twisted his arm, he’d probably play for mates’ rates seeing it’s for charity.’
‘And the WI ladies could help with sorting out the food and decorating the barn,’ added Jean.
‘We could sell tickets at the café, couldn’t we, Tori? I’m sure the other shops would do the same,’ said Joyce.
‘Count the surgery in too,’ said Grace.
‘I’m happy to design posters to put up; there’s that community noticeboard in the village hall and I’m sure some of the locals would display them in their windows,’ said Jess.
‘Wow! This is all really exciting, but obviously I’ll need to talk to Izzy about all this, before we get carried away,’ said Tori, throwing her pen down.
‘Is it just me or did that feel too easy?’ laughed Rose.
‘I’ll call Izzy later and run it past her,’ said Tori. ‘She wanted to be here, but she’s had an emergency rescue at the centre.’
‘I propose a toast,’ said Joyce, raising her glass, ‘to Leo – he was the one who came up with the idea after all.’
‘To Leo,’ chorused the group, raising their glasses.
‘And to our first New Beginnings Barn Dance!’ added Tori. As she looked at the group of friends and family gathered around her, she felt truly happy to be back in Blossom Heath again. Ryan or no Ryan.
Chapter 22
