Kitabı oku: «The Cosy Canal Boat Dream», sayfa 5
Guy smiled then nodded encouragingly, ‘It’s definitely achievable, but do your homework first.’
Nell knew Guy was right. When Bea had taken over the deli everything had gone wrong initially. The boiler had packed in, the ovens were on their last legs, the roof had leaked and the whole place had needed bringing into this century. But she had done it, and she had an amazing business now.
‘So …’ she smiled over at Guy, ‘Your granddad, did he have his own construction business?’
Guy nodded, ‘He was a very successful, very reputable man over in Ireland. He never had to advertise, all his work came about by word of mouth. Back in the day, he gave me a Saturday job: I was his lackey, at his beck and call,’ he smiled, ‘the tea boy.’
‘You have to start at the bottom,’ Nell chipped in.
‘That’s exactly what he said! But I loved working alongside him and had visions of Cornish and Sons becoming a building phenomenon. I loved the dirt on my hands, the muck in my hair, working outside in the fresh air.’
‘But you became a suit? Stiff collars and ties.’
‘I did,’ he rolled his eyes, ‘but that’s a story for another day.’
Nell didn’t press him any further, but peered up at Guy through her fringe and grinned, ‘So you like getting your hands dirty?’
‘I do,’ his eyes danced playfully. ‘What is going on in that little mind of yours, Nell Andrews?’ he gave her a lopsided grin that sent her heart into a spin.
‘Maybe you could help me, guide me and point me in the right direction. If I decided to go ahead with the picture house?’
‘I suppose I could be your right-hand man.’
‘Would you? Are you absolutely sure?’ she spluttered happily.
‘One hundred per cent. I’m already quite excited about the project, but that auction needs to be won first. And you need to think seriously about your plans for the place.’
Nell didn’t know exactly what that entailed but she like the thought of Guy being her right- hand man, guiding her through the project. She liked the thought of spending more time with him, full stop.
‘The more I think about it the more excited I am about the whole thing.’
‘Have you any other plans for tonight? We could talk figures, come up with some ideas.’ He gave her a cheeky smile.
Nell felt her cheeks flush a little as she held his gaze.
‘My only plans tonight involved a bottle of wine and then I’d probably curl up with a book. I know … I sound so old!’
‘I can open a bottle. I owe you one of those,’ he stood up waiting for Nell to answer, ‘and maybe a take-away. I’ve not eaten yet.’
Nell nodded, ‘That sounds perfect and an offer I can’t refuse, but as long as you don’t mind me gate-crashing your Friday night.’
They both stared at Sam, who was lying flat out on the sheepskin rug.
‘Look at him, he’s not going to be much company, you win hands down,’ Guy softened his words, ‘Even if you are bending my ear about properties.’
Nell felt her whole body prickle with goose bumps. She’d begun to feel alive again, something she hadn’t felt for a long time. And thanks to Guy Cornish she couldn’t think of a better place she’d rather be at this moment in time.
Chapter 8
Nell watched Guy disappear into the kitchen and glanced at her mobile phone screen, which lit up with Bea’s name.
She swiped the screen to read a text, ‘Fancy a girls’ night at mine tomorrow. You know you want to!’
Nell smiled at Bea’s playful goading. ‘Absolutely! See you tomorrow,’ she replied.
Nell heard two glasses clonk on the kitchen table and the fridge door open, then a couple of seconds later Guy appeared in the doorway holding the wine, ‘Pinot?’
‘My favourite, thank you.’
Guy gave Nell a soft smile as he poured them both a glass.
‘I hope you don’t mind but I’ve made myself comfortable near the fire.’ Nell was sitting on the rug next to the wood-burner with her legs stretched out before her.
‘I don’t mind at all, curry or Chinese?’ He asked handing the menus to Nell before poking the embers and adding more logs to the fire. He settled on the floor opposite Nell.
‘Chinese – this is a lovely one and it delivers,’ she thumbed the menu.
Guy phoned the order through and they chatted about anything and everything while waiting for the food to arrive. It didn’t take long to be delivered and Guy scooted to the door and returned clutching a bulging white carrier bag that smelt delicious.
‘Well, this is the moment of truth,’ Guy grinned, plating up the food.
‘What do you mean?’
‘Let’s see if this is as good as the Chinese back home.’
He gave a low whistle, ‘Actually, not bad,’ he nodded with approval while taking another mouthful.
‘I told you it was good!’
Just at that moment, a buzzing noise forced them both to glance towards the sideboard, where Guy’s phone was vibrating. He placed his knife and fork on the plate and wandered across to answer it.
For a brief moment, he stared at the screen. Nell wasn’t actually sure if he was going to answer the call, but after a couple more rings he cleared his throat and swiped the screen.
‘Yes,’ he said rather abruptly, which took Nell a little by surprise. She noticed he shifted uneasily from one foot to another before snorting quietly under his breath listening to the caller and looking agitated. Nell studied his profile. She couldn’t deny, with his dark hair and hazel eyes he was looking very handsome standing there in his grey lounge pants and tight-fitting white t-shirt.
He caught Nell’s eye, then looked away.
‘I’m not getting into a conversation about this now, I have company.’
Nell had no idea who the other person was on the other end of the line but Guy couldn’t seem to get rid of them fast enough.
‘Enjoy your trip.’ His voice was flat and he ended the call sharply, then crouched back down opposite Nell to finish his food.
‘You okay? That sounded a little fraught.’
For the first time this evening Guy was silent. Nell continued to eat her food and waited for him to speak.
‘Just work issues,’ he mumbled.
Nell shot him a quizzical look. ‘Any work issues in particular?’
‘Nothing I want to worry you about.’
‘Do you need to go back home?’
‘Maybe,’ he said.
Nell pressed her lips together and felt her insides suddenly tremble. She wasn’t sure why, but she didn’t like the thought of Guy returning to Ireland any time soon. She was already used to him hanging around Little Rock Marina; it felt as if he’d always been here, part of the furniture.
They both sat silently for a moment while they finished their food. Sam was still stretched out fast asleep.
‘Do you like living in Ireland. It’s a place I’ve never visited,’ asked Nell bracingly. A surge of emotion ran through her body.
‘That’s where my home and job is.’
‘You never answered the question,’ she said tentatively, ‘You seem to lose that spark in your eyes when you talk about work. Are you happy in your job?’
His shoulders slumped and he shrugged, ‘It pays the bills.’
‘If you’re not enjoying something, just change it.’
‘Ever thought of becoming a counsellor, an agony aunt?’ he said, laughing. ‘If you’re not enjoying something, just change it.’ He mimicked Nell’s words.
Gazing up at him, he was grinning at her, ‘Are you making fun of me?’ She swiped his leg playfully, ‘I was only saying!’
‘Sometimes you just get stuck in a rut.’
Nell scrunched her face up, ‘I know that feeling. For the last couple of years, I’ve felt like I’ve been stuck in the same routine and existed on a day-to-day basis but I’ve finally come out the other side. Only you can change it.’
‘I know, I know, maybe I’ve had no reason to change it before.’
Nell could feel his eyes clamped on her. She sipped her wine to hide her smile. Was he flirting with her? She was sure he was flirting with her. Nell was conscious of her heart pounding.
‘What’s stopping you from staying?’
‘A home, a job.’
Nell could see Guy’s point. ‘If you’re enjoying it here, surely Ed would have enough work for you at the boatyard and, look at this place, he’s not going to kick you out of here in a hurry.’
‘He’s already agreed to rent this place out, in principle, to a young couple who are moving into the area.’
‘Oh,’ Nell replied.
‘Anyway, let’s change the subject. The last thing I want to be doing is talking about my boring job.’
‘So what shall we talk about?’
‘You know that boat? There’s something strange about it,’ said Guy, standing up and piling the plates on top of each other.
‘Which boat?’ Nell quizzed.
‘The one that Sam was stuck on. What was it called again?’
Nell racked her brains for a second, ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ she recalled.
‘When I took Sam for a walk after work he was standing on the edge of the jetty and barking towards it.’
‘He’d probably spotted a bird or something?’
‘Maybe, but I had to yank him away.’ Guy stood up, ‘I’ll clear these plates away.’ He gathered them up and then hovered in the doorway, ‘This is what I actually miss,’ he said locking eyes with Nell.
Nell tilted her head, ‘Miss?’
‘Proper adult conversation,’ he said, before turning around and disappearing towards the kitchen.
Nell acknowledged what he was saying. For the past couple of years, she’d missed her late-night chats with Ollie, grabbing a take-away whenever the mood suited and drinking a bottle of wine together.
‘Sat here with you, it just feels natural. I feel relaxed for the first time in a long time,’ Guy admitted, walking back into the room and settling back down. ‘More wine?’ he asked holding up the bottle.
‘That’ll be lovely.’
‘If you want, why don’t we book an appointment to view the Old Picture House? At least then I can have a look around and give you some idea of how much you may need to spend? I used to quote for the majority of Granddad’s jobs.’
‘Would you do that for me?’
‘Of course. Like I said, I’ll be your right-hand man,’ he smiled.
Nell felt a bubble of happiness rise inside.
‘Let’s book an appointment for next week.’
‘Leave it with me,’ Guy said, opening the door to the dresser and handing her a pile of DVDs. ‘Fancy watching one of these?’
She glanced at the films, ‘You like chic flicks?’
He laughed, ‘I found them in here this morning but I’m prepared to give one a go if it means …’
Nell met his gaze, ‘If it means …?’
‘You’ll stay a bit longer,’ he said slowly.
Nell chewed on her lip for a second, ‘Notting Hill it is, then. Guy Cornish, prepare yourself. You’re going to love this.’
‘What have I let myself in for?’ he grinned, inserting the DVD into the machine. When Guy turned round Nell had plumped up the cushions and made herself comfy on the rug. He settled next to her. Gently his fingers reached for hers. Her eyes sparkled as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she nestled into his chest.
‘You okay?’ he said softly.
‘More than okay,’ she replied contently, feeling happiness for the first time in a long time.
Chapter 9
Bea scraped her hair back into an untidy ponytail and bent her head over the toilet. She’d lost count of how many times she’d thrown up in the last couple of hours alone.
Last night she’d spent the evening curled up on the settee with a bowl balanced on her lap. She’d felt sorry for Nathan, who’d pulled out all the stops and taken care of dinner.
But as soon as Nathan had placed the food on the table her senses had gone into overdrive and her body had surged with instant nausea. She’d pushed her chair back and raced to the bathroom, leaving a bewildered Nathan sitting at the dinner table all by himself.
It was six o’clock in the morning when Nathan knocked on the bathroom door. ‘Have you been in here all night? I’ve just woken up and you were gone,’ he asked, poking his head around the bathroom door.
‘I hope I didn’t keep you awake last night.’
‘Slept like a log, but I’m assuming that’s not what you want to hear,’ he smiled warmly towards his wife.
‘Yes, I’ve been here all night.’ She answered, barely able to keep her eyes open. Bea’s face was ghastly white; she was on the verge of tears and already at her wits’ end.
‘I’m not sure how much more I can take of this. I think I’m here for the foreseeable,’ she whimpered wearily. ‘I’m already fed up of this pregnancy lark.’ She wiped her mouth with a tissue then heaved a sigh.
‘Can I get you anything? A cup of tea, maybe?’
Bea shook her head. She’d gone right off tea and couldn’t stomach the thought of it.
‘Have we got any ginger biscuits? I need to try and nibble at something and maybe some iced water.’
‘I’ll have a look,’ he answered, disappearing on to the landing.
‘Nathan,’ she shouted, who promptly appeared again, ‘The deli … I’m not sure I can manage it today, or maybe I could mid-afternoon if this sickness subsides a little. Could you possibly go and begin the baking?’
Nathan raised his eyes, ‘Me in a kitchen? I’m not really into baking, Bea.’
‘Time of need, Nathan. Nancy and Isabel work on a Saturday, they’ll cover the tables and take the orders. Don’t worry, it won’t be that hard. Text Nell. I bet she’s up. She’ll give you a hand or go and knock on the ‘Nollie’s’ door.’ His face look terrified, ‘I’m fed up of this pregnancy lark too.’
Of course, Nathan was only joking but as tiredness washed through Bea’s body she’d lost her sense of humour.
‘You try sitting here.’
‘I was joking,’ he hurried over and kissed the top of her head. ‘Will you be alright if I leave Jacob here or shall I get him up and take him with me?’
‘He’s sleeping, leave him here. I’ll try and get a little sleep too. If things get too much I can always give Gilly a call,’ she said, vomiting once more as Nathen screwed up his face ‘Eww, I’m out of here.’
Thirty minutes later, Nathan had left for the deli with a whole bunch of keys, instructions and a promise from Nell that she would be there the minute she spotted him walking up the towpath. Bea was grateful to them both. This morning she didn’t even feel as if she could manage to get changed or even brush her hair. It had crossed Bea’s mind that she might need to lean on Nell more and more if the nausea didn’t settle down soon, but with Nell’s new project on the horizon she didn’t want to become a burden.
She peered around Jacob’s door and smiled. He was tucked up and still sound asleep. He looked so peaceful lying there. She couldn’t believe she would soon be going through all those sleepless nights again and then there was the dreaded potty-training – that was something she didn’t relish, but looking at Jacob she knew it was worth it.
Bea walked downstairs and shivered. Usually first thing in the morning Nathan would light the log burner but with a change to his routine it was stone cold in the living room. She grabbed a throw from the settee and clutched it tightly around her shoulders. She stood and stared around the living room. They’d bought Driftwood Cottage before Bea had fallen pregnant with Jacob and she was excited to bring another little person into it very soon. She wandered into the kitchen, being careful not to step on the numerous trucks and fire engines that Jacob had been playing with yesterday. After kicking a piece of Lego to the side of the room she tossed a teddy bear on to the settee and opened the kitchen door.
Nathan may have prepared dinner last night but the dirty plates, glasses and mugs caught her eye, all still piled up by the Belfast sink. He hadn’t even loaded the dishwasher. Bea sighed. She didn’t have the energy or inclination to deal with it now. She risked a tentative look in the mirror at the bottom of the stairs, her face was pale and her eyes were tired. She wished she’d hadn’t even bothered to look as she trudged back up the stairs to the safe haven on her bedroom.
The next thing Bea knew she was being shaken. She opened her eyes to see a smiley Jacob peering at her. ‘Mummy I’m ready for my breakfast.’
‘Good morning, my little man, do you want to climb inside for a cuddle first?’ she threw back the duvet as a blast of cold air brushed against her body. Jacob snuggled up against Bea and she squeezed him tight.
‘Where’s Daddy?’ he asked.
‘He’s gone to work at the deli for me today.’
‘Why?’
Bea smiled down at Jacob, ‘Because Mummy has been feeling a little unwell.’
‘Was it Daddy’s cooking?’
Bea chuckled.
‘I prefer it when you make my tea. Daddy doesn’t get it right sometimes.’
‘Let’s hope Aunty Nellie does all the baking in the deli today, then!’
‘Have you got that bug that Ellie Hale has got from school? She was sick all over the beanbags. Eww,’ Jacob held his nose.
‘You are funny,’ Bea answered, tickling his tummy. ‘Not quite, but Mummy may be feeling poorly for a little while longer yet.’
‘Why?’
‘Because Mummy has got a baby in her tummy,’ she said softly, waiting for the news to register on Jacob’s face.
He looked directly at Bea’s tummy then cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, ‘Hello in there.’
Bea giggled.
‘Do you think he can hear me?’
Bea gave a theatrical nod, ‘Absolutely, but of course it could be a girl.’
For a second Jacob looked horrified, ‘A girl?’ he said slowly.
Bea pushed his hair back out of his eyes and smiled.
‘Can we send it back if it’s a girl? They will want to play with dolls not fire engines,’ Jacob said, with a very serious look on his face.
‘I’m not sure that would be possible!’ she grinned.
Jacob shrugged, ‘How long do they have to stay in your tummy for?’
‘They have to stay warm in here,’ she patted her tummy, ‘for nine months.’
‘Is it like one of your ovens at work?’
‘A little. When they are fully cooked they will come out and join our family. What do you think?’
‘I think it will be okay if they don’t pinch my toys, and Mummy?’
‘Yes.’
‘Can I have my breakfast now? I’m starving.’
She grinned at him, ‘You can, come on.’ She replied, throwing back the covers and grabbing her dressing gown. On the whole Bea thought that conversation had gone very well.
Chapter 10
It was six o’clock when Bea heard the key in the door and the excited chatter spilling into the hallway.
Jacob swung his head round, ‘Aunty Nellie, what are you doing here?’ he squealed, launching himself straight into her arms.
‘Wow, you are getting heavy,’ she smiled, planting a kiss on the top of his head.
‘No wellies today?’
‘I’m inside Aunty Nellie, you’re silly!’
She steadied him back on the carpet and rattled a white paper bag.
His eyes grew wide like flying saucers.
‘Doughnuts!’
‘Not before tea,’ Bea shot a warning glance towards them both.
‘Not before tea,’ Nell repeated, giving the bag to Jacob, ‘Go and put them in the kitchen.’
He saluted, grabbed the bag and ran off, pretending to be an aeroplane, towards the kitchen.
‘I wish I had his energy,’ Nell said, kicking off her shoes and sinking into the chair next to Bea.
‘Busy day?’
‘You could say that!’
Nathan hung up his coat then popped a swift kiss on to his wife’s cheek, ‘How’re you feeling?’ he asked, inhaling the faint smell of sickness.
‘Exhausted and queasy but I’ve managed to clear up all the pots in the kitchen.’
Nathan looked sheepish, ‘Sorry, I fell asleep last night watching the TV and was going to clean up this morning but then …’
‘It’s fine,’ ‘Bea interrupted, grateful that the pair of them had worked in the deli all day. ‘Put the kettle on and make Nell a drink. Did you both cope today?’
Nell nodded, ‘Nancy and Isabel organised Nathan while I baked and we even roped Mum in for a couple of hours. She was riding past on her bike and stopped when she saw the queue filtering out of the door. Before we knew it, she was behind the counter with your pinny on and had a whale of a time!’
Nathan walked back into the room, ‘She was worth her weight in gold today, and you too, Nell,’ he said, handing her a glass of wine, ‘Thought you might be in need of this more than a cuppa,’ he smiled, snapping open the ring pull on the can of beer before placing it on the coffee table.
Nell’s eyes lit up, ‘You know me so well.’
‘Can I get you anything?’ he twisted his head towards Bea.
‘Just a glass of water would be good.’
He nodded before disappearing once more towards the kitchen, ‘What’s for tea?’ he shouted.
The thought of food made Bea’s stomach turn, ‘I haven’t started tea. Every time I stand up I feel dizzy,’ she looked at him warily as he came back in the room and handed her a glass of water.
‘I’m not sure I can even face any food,’ she sighed.
‘You have to try and keep your strength up,’ Nell said, sipping her wine while balancing Jacob on one knee.
‘Mummy’s cooking a baby in her tummy,’ Jacob suddenly announced, jumping from Nell’s knee and kneeling on the floor to drive his cars around the play mat.
‘How did he take it?’ Nell mouthed to Bea.
‘All good.’
‘Will you still have lots of kisses for me, Aunty Nellie, when the baby comes?’ Jacob cocked his head to one side.
‘You’d better believe it!’
He gave her a cheeky smile and carried on playing with his cars.
‘So I’m assuming you aren’t up for a girly night tonight?’ Nell asked Bea.
‘I’m not much use to anyone,’ she smiled, ‘But you are more than welcome to veg out on the sofa with me and watch a film.’
‘And read me a story at bedtime,’ Jacob piped up.
‘Deal!’ Nell winked at him, ‘If that’s okay with you, Nathan?’
‘Of course. Shall I nip out and grab a couple of pizzas? To be honest, after slaving over the ovens all day I don’t feel much like cooking either.’
‘Welcome to my world!’ Bea grinned.
‘Sounds like a perfect plan,’ Nell answered, ‘The diet starts on Monday.’
‘Again!’ Both Nell and Bea bellowed at the same time.
Nathan stood up and grabbed his coat from the hallway. He fished around in his pocket and pulled out his wallet.
‘Any toppings in particular?’
‘Surprise us,’ Bea answered, knowing full well she would barely be able to manage a slice.
‘Oh, I nearly forgot,’ Nathan said, pulling out a crumpled letter from his pocket and handing it to Bea.
‘What’s this?’ she asked, flicking the envelope over.
‘No idea, but it had to be signed for.’
She lowered her gaze to the envelope and tore it open. Her eyes scanned the words on the embellished cream paper, then she gasped. Both Nathen and Nell saw a wide beam spread across her face and her eyes danced with excitement.
‘Come on, don’t leave us in suspense,’ Nathan hovered.
‘I think we need a drum roll,’ she paused, ‘The Melting Pot, my little melting pot, has only been nominated for Delicatessen of the Year!’ she shrieked.
‘No way! That’s bloody brilliant!’ Nathan walked across the room and planted a huge kiss on Bea’s lips. I’m so proud of you.’
‘Fantastic news! It couldn’t happen to a more deserved person, even though I may be a teeny bit biased!’ Nell grinned, pinching her thumb and forefinger together.
‘We need to celebrate when I get back!’ Nathan said.
‘Typical! The strongest drink I can have is blackcurrant squash.’
‘Don’t worry, we’ll make up for it,’ Nell winked at Nathan and Bea rolled her eyes.
As Nathan disappeared out of the door, Bea came over all emotional, ‘Nell, I’m beginning to get a little worried.’
‘About the competition?’ Nell looked at Bea.
‘That and how awful I’m feeling at the minute with the sickness and then when the baby comes along. How am I going to manage?’
‘You are a wonderful mother!’ exclaimed Nell.
‘But how am I going to manage with the deli?’
‘You may need to advertise for help.’
‘What about you? Would you think of taking it over for me while I’m on maternity?’
Nell paused. She’d been thinking about this in the last couple of days. As much as she would help her friend as much as she could, her head was filled with her own dreams of the picture house and she didn’t know how much time she would have to spare.
‘Let’s not worry about that now – one day at a time,’ said Nell.
But Bea was worried. She always thought that Nell would run the deli when she wasn’t there, but now things had changed and she had no idea what to do.
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