Act two – Chapter seven
‘Ican’t believe you’veonly been here for five days. It feels as though you’ve always been here with me.’
Tammy looked up from the list she was preparing and smiled at her Uncle Ben. ‘Is that a good thing or a bad one?’
Ben pulled on his scraggy grey beard as he laughed. ‘Good. I didn’t realise how quiet and empty this house was until you arrived.’
She looked around the kitchen and realised she’d taken over somewhat. There were potted plants in the window, a new colourful tea towel draped over the handle of the cooker, and three brand new matching pots on the work surface for coffee, tea, and sugar.
‘Sorry Uncle Ben. These were extra things I bought for the tearoom, but I changed my mind about them in the end.’
‘I’m not complaining my dear. You’ve breathed life into the bones of this old house.’ Ben’s words meant a lot to her. ‘What are your plans for today?’ he asked.
‘I’m making a list of the last-minute things I need to buy and do. I’m nervous Uncle Ben. I’ve never run a business venture alone before. I did all this with Richi when I decided to break free of my job to become self-employed.’
‘You’ll be fine. Stop fretting. I’m here to help if you need me.’
‘Thank you, Uncle Ben.’ Tammy got to her feet. ‘I’m off down the town. Is there anything you want me to get whilst I’m out?’
Ben chuckled. ‘Depends. Will this be another lamb chop tuned into a Chinese takeout incident? I don’t know if I can take that much excitement again.’
Tammy chuckled. ‘I made it up to you two days later, didn’t I? I got lamb chop and braising steak and cooked you a wonderful meaty supper.’
‘That you did.’ Ben nodded in agreement. ‘No. I don’t need anything this time thank you.’
Tammy hugged him and shoved the shopping list into her bag. ‘Okay...well, I’m off. I’ll see you later, Uncle Ben.’
The morning sun peeked through wispy clouds as Tammy made her way down Seagull Bay’s cobblestone main street. Today was dedicated to gathering supplies and decor to bring her new tearoom to life. She wanted to create a warm, welcoming ambiance for visitors to enjoy. Not that there was anything wrong with Katherine’s current style, it was just that she wanted to make it her own. Richi had had far too much influence on the way their bakery had been decorated and styled. This time, it was all going to be her choice.
Her first stop was the local home goods store: Bell, Book, and Table. Pushing open the weathered green door, Tammy was greeted by the cheerful tinkling of a bell and the aroma of lavender candles. The shop was small, but it was jammed full. Tammy picked up a basket and then took her time wandering the few aisles, running her fingers over the embroidered table linens and handmade pottery. She chose plastic gingham blue check tablecloths. They weren’t exactly the look she was going for, but she had a limited budget, and at least they would match the window dressings.
By the time she left the small quaint shop, with bagfuls of tablecloths, mini ceramic vases to house the fresh flowers she intended to put on every table, and assorted scented candles, her wallet was significantly lighter. But she couldn’t resist the charming tea towels printed with seashells, seagulls, and nautical motifs. They perfectly captured the essence of her coastal town and they reminded her of her uncle.
Next was the frame shop, where Tammy had spotted several prints of seascapes and lighthouses in the window when she’d passed by in Mina’s car on the way to the farm shop. In her mind’s eye she had already chosen the places on the tearoom wall they’d adorn. She imagined guests gazing at them while sipping tea and then turning their heads to watch the real ocean just outside.
At the register, the owner Mrs. Klein recognised her. ‘You’re Tammy aren’t you?’ Tammy’s eyes widened and she nodded. ‘I’ve seen you walking about this week, and someone pointed you out as the lady who will be taking over Katherine’s café and opening it up as a tearoom,’ she said brightly. ‘I’m guessing these prints are to be used for your new décor, because Ben has never stepped inside this place, let alone bought anything new for his cottage.’
Tammy smiled. News certainly travelled fast around here. ‘Yes, they are, and my Uncle Ben’s house doesn’t need anything new. It’s perfect as it is.’
The owner’s face blanched. ‘Oh, I didn’t mean anything by what I said.’
Tammy smiled. ‘I know.’ She leaned in close and lowered her voice. ‘It is kind of stuck in the fifties, but don’t tell him I said that.’ She finished with a wink.’
The storekeeper giggled with relief. ‘I won’t... Here, let me get the door for you.’
‘Thank you and be sure to come and check out the art once it’s hung in the tearoom.’
‘I will.’
Tammy left the shop smiling. There was one guaranteed customer. She was loaded down with bags practically bursting at the seams and now with framed prints under each arm as well.
She slowly made her way back up the street, trying her best to dodge the tourists. Rounding a corner, she stumbled slightly under the weight of her purchases, then felt someone’s strong grip on her waist. Once she was righted, the hands left her and grasped several of the bags from her overloaded arms.
‘Here, let me help you with those.’ She instantly recognised the smoky voice before the man it belonged to came into view, offering her a kind smile.
Tammy hated to admit it, but she could have kissed him right at that moment. ‘Declan! You’re a lifesaver,’ Tammy sighed with relief, adjusting her grip on the remaining bags. They continued to walk side by side.
‘So the rumour is true then?’ he asked.
