Noah has been repainting some of the pinks walls where there are noticeable marks. They now look great. Dad has been a legend and stepped in to help Pam. They’ve agreed he will help on a temporary basis until her ex-husband can return to work.
I haven’t seen Esme or Phoebe although we have kept in touch on WhatsApp. Phoebe has updated us on her mystery letter sender and apparently, she must meet them today at a secret location which will be revealed later. She and Keith have been spending their time in the bookshop searching through their book customer database to try and work out the identity of Mr Lavender. Phoebe thinks her mystery love letter sender is an older man who recently bought a book titled –The Joy of Growing Lavender. This has caused some debate in the bookshop as Keith believes the man is married and has just celebrated his wedding anniversary.
Esme has been a little quiet which has been worrying. Once the judges have visited, I am going to go see her.
We are an hour away from the visit. Richard is playing his harp and table four have just ordered two Flirty Flat Whites and two of Dad’s special chocolate brownies which have become quite a hit.
A couple enter the café and the man says, ‘Oh, Belinda, I think I love you.’
The name ‘Belinda’ makes me look at Richard. He’s scowling at the couple kissing each other while waiting for a free table. That’s his ex-girlfriend, the one who cheated on him. I walk over to Richard. My heart thuds. This could cause us a problem. ‘Everything okay?’
He grimaces and nods. ‘Belinda is here with her love interest.’
‘I know but I need you to stay strong as it is a big day for us.’
With a heavy sigh he nods. ‘I’ll try my best.’
‘I won’t sit them near you.’
I show them to a table at the opposite end to Richard.
On my way back to the counter with their order I look up to see Jason and Michelle before me. I knew they would come back to The Little Love Café, but I didn’t realise it would be today. We stare at each other for a few awkward seconds. I take a deep breath as it’s time to put things right. I outstretch my hand. ‘Please accept my sincere apologies, both.’
Jason shakes my hand and then Michelle does the same.
‘All drinks are on the house plus you can have two free brownies,’ I say, guiding them to a table.
‘That’s very kind of you,’ says Michelle.
‘Have a look and I will pop back to get your order.’
Noah smiles at me. ‘Is that the couple who were annoyed when you stopped filming their proposal?’
I nod. ‘I feel good for apologising and their drinks and cakes are free.’
Noah points towards Richard and his harp. ‘Is he crying whilst playing his harp?’
I gasp and look across at an emotional Richard. ‘Oh God, visible heartbreak is the last thing we need.’
I hurry over to Richard. ‘Let’s go get some fresh air.’
He looks up and nods.
After guiding him outside I listen to him tell me about how Belinda hurt him and how painful it is to see her with her new love interest. ‘Richard, I know how you feel. A few weeks ago, I was like you. Do you know what I learnt?’
He shrugs.
‘Heartbreak does hurt us, but it also can redirect us in life. Maybe heartbreak is telling you Belinda wasn’t right for you.’
‘She didn’t like my harp music.’
‘That’s a huge part of you, Richard. Don’t you want to be with someone who likes every part of you?’
He nods and a faint smile appears on his face.
‘Richard, I need you today. This café needs you.’
We walk back into the café. Noah looks up and gestures to me that new customers have entered. I turn around to see Joy and Eric. She beams at me. ‘We’re here to celebrate our two-month anniversary.’
