Page 26 of Sanctuary at MacLeod's Cove
‘Thank you so much,’ said Lucy. ‘I really appreciate it. The dishwasher should be fixed tomorrow you’ll be glad to hear. So I’ll put you on other duties then.’
Jen grinned and pulled the plug. Gripping the side of the sink, she stretched her aching back. ‘No problem. Glad to be of service.’
Lucy pulled a face. ‘Yeah, I bet.’
Jen stopped grinning. ‘No, really. You cancelled plans to come in the dead of night to collect me and Liam from the airport at only a day’s notice.’
‘The plans were probably better off cancelled.’
Jen frowned. ‘Didn’t you re-arrange them?’
Lucy shook her head. ‘Uh-uh. I… only made them in a moment of weakness. Let’s just say sense has prevailed.’
‘Sounds like there’s a story there.’
‘Well, if it is, I’ve reached The End,’ said Lucy. She turned at the sound of a bell. ‘Kaydee,’ she called. ’Counter please!’
Jen couldn’t help smiling. Lucy was all business and cool control. This wasn’t the kid sister she remembered. As a youngster Lucy had been dramatic and emotional. She wondered where all that emotion had gone. Or if it was still there, why she was hiding it.
Lucy suddenly looked up and waved. ‘I’ll be right with you,’ she called. ‘My friend, Megan,’ she said. ‘Anyhow,’ she added, ‘I wanted to ask one more favour before you leave.’
‘Of course. Anything. You’re doing me a huge favour employing me like this.’
‘You’re earning your money, believe me.’
‘So what’s next then?’ Jen said, pulling off her gloves. ‘Fridges need cleaning? Floors mopping?’
‘Signs need writing. I’m rubbish at it and Marcus generally does it, but he has to leave early.’
Jen swallowed. It was one thing being tucked away in the kitchen, quite another being in the public space. It made her feel vulnerable. She immediately drew herself up a little taller, determined to leave behind the woman she’d been.
‘Sure. I did a calligraphy course at college. Hopefully, I’ve remembered something.’
‘Perfect.’
Even more perfect, Jen couldn’t help thinking, now that the chance of running into Sam was well past. She didn’t know if he’d been into the café or not but, if he was like most men and a creature of habit, he’d have come in early in the morning as he had yesterday.
She stepped out from behind the counter and cast a quick, cautious glance around. There were only a couple of people — an elderly couple lingering over a pot of tea and cake, and Lucy and her friend, heads close as they chatted in earnest about something.
She wiped her sweating palms on her apron, repeating the mantra, ‘I’m home safe, I’m home safe’ to herself as she unfolded the list of specials for dinner that night. She jumped only once when someone yelled at a friend across the road as they walked past the open door to the café. She heaved a calming sigh and took up the brush and paint. Kneeling down in front of the blank menu board, she began to paint.
She did a double take at the first item. Planked Whitefish? What on earth? She shook her head and focused on writing.
She was soon absorbed in trying to turn the words into a work of calligraphic art. It wasn’t until someone called her name that she looked up, rubbed some paint on her chin accidentally and blinked. And blinked again.
‘Sam!’
Chapter Eight
Jen jumped to her feet, annoyed at the blush that filled her cheeks over which she apparently had no control.
‘Hey, Jen. I didn’t expect to see you here,’ Sam said, looking perfectly at ease.
‘And I didn’t expect to see you,’ she said, her voice sounding strangely high to her ears. She cleared her throat and rubbed her forehead before remembering the paint on her hands. She swore under her breath.
He laughed. ‘Are you swearing at me…’ He stepped forward and pretended to inspect her face. Her blush deepened, and her mouth dried. ‘Or the fact you’ve got as much paint on your face as you have on the board?’
‘Me. The paint,’ she added to be clear.
