Page 21 of The Beach Cottage
The outdoor area had the framing for vines to grow up the open walls. The plants were small now, but it wouldn’t take them long to wind their way towards the ceiling. For now, the wires were laced with twinkle lights that would light up the entire area at night. The wrought iron tables and chairs she’d pictured in her mind’s eye when she first looked at the space were dotted across the floor. Inside the café, the furnishings fitted the same coastal style theme as the outdoor area but instead of wrought iron, she’d chosen warm timber, chestnut leather, white walls and accents of blue.
“It looks amazing!” Evie stepped through the shared doorway to the bookshop, a black apron around her waist, her eyes wide. “You’ve done such a great job. It matches the bookshop perfectly and yet has its own style as well. I love it.”
“Thanks,” Bea replied. “And thank you again for agreeing to help wait tables. I still haven’t found a full staff for the café, and I’m sure I’ll be doing most of the work myself at first.”
“Not a problem at all. It takes me back to my teen years. And I love a good reminisce.” She laughed. “I’d better get back to the kitchen and make sure I have everything I need.”
The guests had begun to line up outside, so with a quick intake of breath and a glance around the café to make sure everything was in place, Bea strode to the door and flung it open with a cry of welcome.
The event got underway, and Bea found herself fully occupied with conversation, refilling drinks, making coffees and helping Evie serve the trays of food she’d prepared ahead of time. She’d made finger foods, including macarons in various colours, small lamingtons, gem scones filled with jam and cream, tiny caramel tarts and mini cupcakes with delicate sugar flowers on top.
By the time an hour had passed, the anxiety was gone, and instead she longed to sit down and put up her aching feet. She’d been on them all day preparing for the opening, and now that the adrenaline had faded, her energy was going with it. But she pushed through, smiling and chatting with everyone as people came and went. The coffee she’d ordered from Brisbane was a big hit. She’d had to try a lot of suppliers before she found the perfect blend and was happy with it. It seemed her customers agreed, with several complimenting her and telling her they’d be back daily for more.
Finally the party was over, and people ambled for the exit as the sun set over the bay. Golden light filtered through the front door as Evie swept the floor. Bea cleaned the coffee maker then went throughout the café, setting upside-down chairs on top of tables. Betsy sat at one of the tables, looking through her purse as though she’d lost something. She stood and smiled at Bea, slinging her purse strap over her shoulder. She wore a long, flowing floral print dress, and her grey hair was curled neatly around her face. Her blue eyes sparkled.
“What a wonderful party and a lovely café. I know where I’ll be coming to meet my friends for coffee from now on. That other place is so drab in comparison.”
Bea’s heart swelled. She’d been a little nervous that the island’s residents might be resistant to change and loyal to their favourite haunts. She’d envisaged an opening where only her friends showed up, but it’d been nothing like that. Half of Kellyville must’ve sifted through the café at some point that afternoon, and she’d heard nothing but positive feedback so far.
“Thank you, Betsy. It’s so lovely that you came.”
“I wanted to bring you something, but I can’t seem to locate it in the Bermuda Triangle that is my purse.” She glared at the offending bag.
“Oh, well, thank you. I’m sure you’ll locate it eventually.”
“It was your mother’s, and I can’t for the life of me recall where I left it. I had it set out to bring to you.” She shook her head in frustration.
“My mother’s?” Bea couldn’t imagine what Betsy was talking about. Her mother had died such a long time ago, and from what Betsy had told her the other day, they were only passing acquaintances. What would she have kept all these years, and why?
“Never mind. As soon as I figure out where I left it, I’ll bring it right over. I know where you’ll be.” She laughed. “I don’t know what’s worse about getting older—the forgetfulness or the joint pain.”
“I’m already forgetful, so it’s going to be a nightmare for me,” Bea said as she walked with Betsy to the door.
Betsy paused on the threshold. “Would you like to come fishing with me on Saturday morning? I’ve got a few hours to spare.”
Bea wasn’t usually the type to go fishing with people she’d only recently met. She was an introvert most of the time; it took a while for people to grow on her. But she already felt as though she knew Betsy. The woman’s warmth seeped out of every pore. And besides, she knew something about Bea’s mother — had kept an item belonging to her all these years. Plus, she was a friend of Bea’s father. There was more to Betsy than Beatrice knew, and she was curious enough to push aside her normal discomfort and take the plunge.
“I’d love to go fishing. I’m sure Dad has a pole I can borrow.”
“I’ll pick you up around five.”
“Right, five. AM or PM?”
“We can’t wait until the sun has scorched the island—the fish won’t bite then.” Betsy winked. “It’s the best time of the day. See you then!” She waved a hand over her shoulder as she grabbed the handrail and clacked on low heels down the front steps.
Bea tented a hand over her eyes and watched Betsy walk up the street towards the florist’s. She was about to step back inside the cafe when Aidan’s voice stopped her.
“Hi, Bumble Bea.” He stood behind her, hands pushed deep into his shorts’ pockets. His hair was mussed, and he wore sunglasses. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him.
“I was surprised you didn’t come to the opening,” Bea said.
“I wasn’t sure you’d want me there. Then on the way here, I got a flat tyre, so I suppose it was fate’s way of telling me to stay away.” He laughed.
She shrugged. “I don’t know if I believe in fate. Not anymore.”
“Really? Because you were always talking about it when we were kids.”
“I thought it was a real thing, that everyone had a destiny that they would fulfil. That you were the one for me. That we’d fall in love, get married, have a family and live happily ever after. But now I know that’s just a fairy tale. Real life isn’t like that. You make your own fate.”
