We lead them into the café as Richard plays his best piece of harp music. I guide them to a special table in the corner and offer them both a heart-shaped menu.
Noah and I nervously survey the café while they look at their menus. I spot the couple at table six in the far corner casting each other cold stares. Nudging Noah, I point them out. ‘Offer them free brownies,’ I whisper. To my relief Dad’s brownies seem to stall their agitation with each other.
The judges enjoy their drinks, and they love Dad’s brownies. Once they’ve finished, they ask me a series of questions about the café and Frankie. After the last question has been answered they thank me for my time and tell me they will be in touch. The woman turns to me as I lead the way out. ‘Have you seen your social media today?’
I gulp. Has something happened that I don’t know about? Has someone complained? My heart beats like a drum. Has Heartbreak Café been trending again?
Noah appears behind me. ‘Yes, we have and we’re over the moon.’
I turn to Noah, and he gives my shoulder a reassuring rub.
Once the judges have left, Noah takes out his phone and shows me Rocco Reid’s Instagram post. It’s a photo of him with his arm around a young woman with a little girl on her hip. The caption reads:
A few weeks ago I got into difficulty. I was rescued by Alice Hiddleston from The Little Love Café. Not only this but she made me realise that a celebrity life is not for me and that I should be with this one @FreyaHicks – the only girl I have ever loved. Freya has agreed to be my girlfriend. My next film –Always You– will be my last as I want to be with Freya. I know you will all support me and give Alice and all her team at The Little Love Café some love. Rocco x
‘Our little café is trending for all the right reasons,’ says Noah, as he pulls me into his arms. ‘I love you, Alice Hiddleston.’
CHAPTERFORTY-TWO
Esme, Phoebe, and I are all sat on a bench on the promenade watching tourists bob about on giant inflatables in the sea. After the judges left, I rescued Esme from the back of the café, and we came here. Phoebe has just joined us.
‘I’m sorry I nearly ruined your big day,’ says Esme. ‘The courage to go tell Joy hit me and before I knew it, I was marching over to the café.’
I take her hand and give it a gentle squeeze. ‘You didn’t ruin it. Everything worked out in the end.’
Esme nudges Phoebe. ‘How’s Liam?’
‘Gorgeous,’ giggles Phoebe. ‘When I saw him waiting outside the café holding his scented envelopes, it felt like I had won the lottery.’ She lets out a comedy sigh. ‘He can play his music as loud as he wants.’
We all erupt into giggles. ‘What I don’t understand,’ she says, ‘is that if I never sent Liam those letters and he never sent me letters – who has been playing matchmaker?’
Esme and I both casually shrug and look away.
Phoebe takes Esme’s other hand. ‘Any news on the buyer of the gift shop?’
Esme shakes her head. ‘No, I guess this part of my life is coming to an end.’
I turn to Esme. ‘What made you tell Joy today? Did something trigger you?’
Esme nods. ‘Joy was lecturing me on what I was going to be expected to do in the new business.’
‘I take it she wants you to do everything?’ Phoebe asked, before rolling her eyes.
Esme grins and turns to Phoebe. ‘How did you guess?’
We all smile and go back to watching the people in the sea.
‘I decided after she left that I’d had enough,’ explained Esme.
Phoebe nudges Esme. We all turn to see Joy and Eric walking towards our bench.
‘Oh, no,’ groans Esme. ‘I’m going to have to be brave again.’
I squeeze Esme’s hand. ‘Your future happiness depends on it. You can do this.’
Joy’s face is shadowy and taut. ‘Esme, I’d like a word please, in private.’
Esme casts me and Phoebe a worried look. As she rises from the bench I grab her hand. ‘Stay strong.’ I watch her walk behind Joy who is stomping towards the gift shop. Without hesitation or thought, I am on my feet and chasing after Esme. She turns to see me behind her. ‘Esme, you need a friend.’ I look at Joy who is stood by the door of gift shop and glaring at me. ‘Joy – you can say whatever it is you need to say to Esme to me as well.’
