Will touched his own hair. ‘You can definitely sort me out with a barber.’
‘I’m going to give you a list, son.’ Jed reached over to the sideboard and grabbed a notepad and pen. ‘Everywhere you should go around here. You’ll soon get your bearings.’ He raised the pen to his ear. ‘Artie’s son-in-law, Shaun, has his own building company. Fixing up Lottie’s house as we speak, only up the road. You up for a spot of labouring? I can get you in there.’
‘Erm, I—’
‘Tell you what we’ll do. You go have your lunch, then come back here. My shift will be over, and I’ll take you to meet Shaun. If he’s not about, we’ll fix another time to see him. There, that’s another thing sorted.’
It wasn’t a bad plan, if a little rushed and unexpected.
Will nodded. ‘Sure, that’ll be great, thanks.’
‘No worries. Go on, get going. Time and tide wait for no man.’
Will managed to get in one more gulp of tea before being manhandled towards the door.
‘You’re in safe hands, Willard Pendleton,’ said Jed, giving him a hefty shove in the direction of the café.
Will brushed some crumbs from his lapel as he turned to speak, but Jed had closed the door on him. He had to laugh.
I didn’t even tell him my name.
He glanced over at the sea, inhaled the salty air, and smiled at the seagulls circling a fishing trawler. There was something about the place drawing him in already, and that was without the old fisherman in the Hub trying to organize his life.
The crisp air nipped his neck, so he turned up the collar on his navy-coloured coat and hurried towards the café.
Whoa!
The nautical theme made him smile immediately. He glanced up at the fishing nets and fake seagulls above, then at the framed pirate story to his side. Now, if only he owned such a place, he’d never bother looking for work again. It was an idea. Perhaps he could get himself something similar.
Will sat by the window, perusing the menu. Harbour Light Café was giving him all sorts of business ideas, and he started to wonder if Jed had method in his madness when he sent him there.
He glanced up at a storm lamp hanging high above him. Yep, he could do something with a nautical theme, but what? A café of his own? No, they already had this one. Some sort of gift shop for the tourists, perhaps, but he’d seen quite a few in the area. He needed to find a gap in the market. Something they didn’t have that would be a good fit for a seaside village and would make money all year round, not just peak season . . .
A tearoom.
He racked his brains, pretty sure Harbour End Road didn’t have one. He’d double-check after lunch, but so far so good. He used to love going in the one along by his flat in Wales, and it was always busy. All he needed was to secure some premises. What a lovely way to become part of the area. He was sure the locals would enjoy having a tea shop along the harbour. And he wouldn’t be stepping on anyone’s toes.
Chapter 4
Ginny
Ginny entered Cockle Cottage, groaning with delight at the aroma of beef stew wafting from the kitchen. It was nice to be invited out to dinner, even if it was round Sophie’s house and because her friend was alone for the evening. The week before, she’d had a fish pie at the pub, joined by Robson for all of half hour. Still, it was better than eating all alone.
‘Hope you’re hungry,’ declared Sophie, lifting a large wooden spoon.
Ginny glanced into the pot. ‘Ooh, yum. Have we got to save any of this for Matt?’
Sophie giggled. ‘Yep, and Grandad. I’ve told him to move in now, before the weather really turns, but you know what he’s like. Reckons he’ll be back mid-November.’
‘I really have no idea how Jed sleeps on a boat, let alone live there. I think it would make me sick, all the swirling and bobbing about.’
‘Yeah, well, he’s used to it. But at least he’ll be here for dinner later.’
‘What they up to?’
‘Grandad wanted to take Matt out for a bit of night fishing. I can’t see Matt making it past ten.’ She laughed and scooped some stew into bowls.
Ginny grabbed the cutlery and sat at the table. ‘Ooh, I don’t know, chick. He seems to have found his sea legs since he moved here. How is Matt getting on?’
