‘Julie Woods. Nice to meet you.’
Woods?
‘Felicity DeVere. Likewise.’
Her smile seemed genuine and at least she was making an effort, unlike the other customers, who I knew were looking at me while pretending not to. But I’d dealt with that before. I ignored them and focused on what I’d come here to do.
‘How’s it going?’ Julie called over the surprisingly unobtrusive sound of the coffee machine as it ground the beans. She saw me glance at it. ‘I know, quiet, isn’t it?’
‘It is.’
‘The other one was driving me mad and I was moaning about it once when my brother was here and next thing I know, this had arrived.’
‘Wow. Nice brother.’
‘Yeah. He’s all right,’ she said with a grin. ‘Take a seat anywhere you like and I’ll be with you in a minute.’
I click-click-clicked over to a table for two by the window, took a seat and began to study the menu.
‘So, how you getting on up there?’ Julie asked as she got to my table, pad and pen in hand.
‘In Paradise?’ I asked, with a wry smile.
Julie laughed. ‘Yeah. I gather it’s not quite that just yet.’ She pulled a sympathetic face. ‘But the views are amazing.’
‘The weather hasn’t really been the best since I got here but I’m sure they are. Although I’d prefer to view them through glass rather than plastic sheeting.’ Why I’d mentioned the plastic, I had no idea. Usually, the minimum amount of small talk was enough for me. But I was so grateful for this woman’s warm, friendly smile and greeting after everything that had happened, I was surprisingly eager to extend the conversation.
‘I can’t believe he left it like that. That wasn’t the deal.’ She shook her head.
‘The deal?’ I asked as I chose the avocado on sourdough and Julie scribbled it down.
‘My cousin. He made a right hoo-ha about wanting the place and how he had always dreamed about having it. Everyone knew my brother was the one who was supposed to get Paradise Farm once Gran died but he’s such a softy, he let our cousin have it. He even lent him the money to do it up it as he’d made such a song and dance about caring for it. Instead, Joe ripped out all the original fittings that were worth anything and flogged them to a salvage dealer, sold the place and scarpered with the money.’ She threw a dark look. ‘Jesse’s money.’
‘Jesse?’ I repeated.
‘Yeah. He’s my brother. Oh, that’s him now,’ she said as the tiny bell above the door tinkled and her brother’s large frame filled the doorway. ‘I’ll introduce you.’
Before I could speak, she was beckoning him over from where he’d stopped to chat to a young couple with a newborn who were sitting near the door. He glanced over, gave her a wave, gave me a brief nod then turned back to his conversation.
‘That’s OK,’ I said. ‘Some other time.’
‘OK. I’ll bring your order over when it’s ready. Cutlery’s over there.’ She pointed to a wooden dresser, its shelves displaying a stylish mix of teacups and saucers and teapots. Below those stood utensil pots and mini condiment sets along with a water dispenser, slices of lemon and lime bobbing inside it.
I clipped over to the dresser, aware of the sound of my shoes, which suddenly seemed deafening over the quiet chatter of the café. Back straight and chin up, I gathered what I needed, including a glass of water, then made my way back, sat down and pulled the laptop out of my Hermès shoulder bag and resumed my project management of the house.
A short time later, Julie appeared at the table bearing the most delicious-looking brunch.
‘This looks amazing,’ I said. ‘Thanks.’
‘Julie’s food is the best around by miles,’ a deep voice added, pride in his tone.
I looked up to see Jesse now standing by his sister.
‘He’s biased, obviously. And probably just wants free food.’ She gave him a nudge with her shoulder.
‘Well, if there’s some going,’ he replied, exchanging a grin with her.
‘This is my brother I was telling you about,’ Julie said. I didn’t miss the brief shadow that passed across his face as she said the words.
