“Hugh, I hope you still have room for dinner?” Saffron motioned to the table on the patio.
“I’m a bottomless pit.” He patted his stomach.
“In every way imaginable,” Helena chided.
He gnashed his teeth.
Saffron and Kirsty shared a smile, and Saffron couldn’t help but wonder if they’d reach that stage. The one where they mercifully teased each other in front of their friends, without ruffling the other’s feathers.
Ginger took the seat on Kirsty’s right. “When do I get the keys to the castle?”
“Are you done with the town’s website?” Kirsty shifted in her chair to face Ginger.
“Finished the contract this morning. I’m ready to help set up online sales for you.” Ginger placed a cloth napkin in her lap.
“Excellent.” Kirsty tapped her fingertips together. “And I may need a site for my side gig. I’ve had a slew of divorce party requests. It seems you’ve started a Sandy Cove trend.”
“I wonder if there’ll be more popular than hen parties?”
“Not sure if that’s a good thing.” Kirsty squeezed Saffron’s hand.
“For me, I found it wonderfully freeing. For the first time since boxing up my things and moving to a new town, I feel at peace. Ready for the next stage in my life.” Ginger radiated.
Saffron leaned back to allow Dolly to set down the lemon sole, spinach, courgettes, and Jersey Royal new potatoes. “This night has taught me one thing. I need to take cooking lessons.”
“Whatever you do, don’t ever attempt fish pie again. I’ve never been so sick in my life.” Ginger forked a bite of potato. “What’s in the salsa?”
Dolly, luckily, was still present and said, “Mint, chili, spring onions, olives, lemon juice, and olive oil.”
“It’s to die for.” Ginger ate another bite.
“If you’re serious about cooking lessons, I’d love to add you to my Wednesday night class.” Dolly wiped her hands on her apron.
“That’s another part of Sandy Cove life you’ll have to grow accustomed to. Many of us wear different hats, given the tourist season has a short window,” Kirsty said.
“Good to know. Dolly, consider me signed up.” Saffron pretended to write her name in the air. “I’ve got to fill my time somehow.”
“Hopefully without killing anyone.” Ginger pointed her fork at Saffron, pretending it was a gun. “Death by fork.”
“You have zero faith in my domesticity.” Saffron feigned being hurt.
“You did hire a caterer for the night,” Kirsty not so helpfully pointed out.
“Look at your plate. It’s divine.” Saffron circled her fork over her own serving.
“Oh boy, now she thinks she’s a goddess.” Kirsty spoke to Ginger, not attempting to lower her voice so Saffron wouldn’t overhear.
“Be careful with this one. Soon, she’ll be demanding you feed her grapes, while also fanning her.” Ginger fanned her own face with a napkin, displaying a devilish grin.
“Don’t forget belly dancers and musicians.” Kirsty laughed over the image.
Saffron beamed, not about the image, but the banter had already started. That had to be a good sign about their future. She placed her hand on Kirsty’s thigh.
“I’m thinking of hiring a trainer to see if I can star in movies.” Hugh licked juice off his finger.
“Yep. That’s the thing holding you back. Not having a trainer.” Helena patted his cheek.
“Don’t be jealous. Some of us have star quality, right Saffron?”
