I smile and show them to a spare table. Joy looks up at me once they are both seated. ‘This is also a farewell celebration as we’re leaving Blue Cove Bay.’ She grins at Eric. ‘Me and Eric are running away to start a new life together.’
Eric nods. ‘With your sister too.’
Joy frowns. ‘Yes, and Esme.’ The way she says it is like Esme is an afterthought. Anger at Joy bubbles inside me. The urge to spill a drink over Joy is strong. I find myself willing her to have a milkshake so I can tip it over her. They order two cappuccinos and as I walk back cursing her, I hear Frankie’s words in my head. ‘Control your emotions, Alice.’ He’s right. Getting angry at Joy today will not help my award submission.
We are half an hour away from the judge’s visit. I am nervous and Noah is too. A few couples from yesterday have shared happy selfies and I have added them to our social media stories.
I’m loading up a tray when I hear a familiar laugh behind me. I turn around to see Phoebe and Liam. She grins. ‘Guess who turned up at my secret location – outside The Little Love Café.’ She points to Liam. ‘He was also receiving lavender-scented love letters.’
‘So, Phoebe, this is Mr Lavender? Nice to meet you Liam.’
‘I guess so,’ he says, with a smile. ‘I’ve been hoping, well praying, Phoebe was my secret admirer.’
Phoebe turns to him with a look of surprise. ‘Really?’
Liam nods. ‘Yep, although we were going to have to talk about your love of scented letters.’
They both giggle. I notice how he’s giving her an adoring gaze. They will make a beautiful couple. I like the way her curly fringe is gently tousled and parted in the middle of her forehead and her curls are bouncing off her shoulders. She is stunning, and he is tall and striking.
‘Let’s get you both to a table.’
Phoebe is surveying the café. ‘It’s quite nice in here. I love the harp.’
I give Richard, who looks happier, a wave. ‘Yes, he was a great find. Have a seat, both of you, and I will be back to take your order.’
As I am clearing away table two’s cups and plates, someone hurries past my shoulder. I look up and I spot Esme marching over to Joy’s table. An uncomfortable feeling takes hold of me as I spot Esme’s stern expression. ‘Joy, I have something to say,’ Esme announces in a loud voice. Joy turns around to smile at her sister.
‘Oh God,’ I mutter. The judges will be here any minute. I hurry over to Joy’s table.
‘I’m not coming to Devon with you.’
Joy’s smile evaporates and conversation in the café quietens. All eyes are on Joy and Esme.
Joy replies, ‘I’m sorry, Esme, what did you say?’
Esme clears her throat. ‘I’m staying in Blue Cove Bay. You can go to Devon on your own. This is my life and I am going to live it the way I want to live it.’
A look of thunder passes over Joy’s face as Noah comes up behind me. ‘The judges are outside.’
I need to defuse the situation. Taking Esme’s elbow, I lead her away. ‘Come with me. This is not the time or the place.’
‘But…’ she says, as Joy rises from her seat.
I guide Esme past the counter and to the back of the café where the paint tins are. ‘Stay here,’ I bark.
I meet Joy head on as she marches towards me. ‘Where’s my sister?’
‘Not now, Joy. Please sit down.’
She tries to barge past me, and I block her with my foot. Leaning in close to her, I hiss, ‘Leave your sister alone. You’ve done enough damage to her over the years. Go sit back down with Eric.’
Joy stops and stares at me.
I give her my hardest stare. ‘Joy, I saidgosit back down.’
To my amazement she turns and makes her way back to her seat.
Noah and I greet the man and the woman judge on the steps. ‘Hi and welcome to The Little Love Café.’
