‘Thanks. That’s exactly what the doctor ordered,’ he replied with a grin, accepting the sandwich with gratitude. ‘You’re a lifesaver.’ He handed her a five-pound note. ‘Keep the change.’
Tammy shook her head. ‘No. I don’t want paying, it’s on the house.’
‘I insist, and I’ll put the word about how you made me a sandwich when you were closed.’
‘I really appreciate that. Thank you. Enjoy, and have a great day!’ Tammy gave him a warm smile and the postman tipped an imaginary hat and went on his way.
With another breakfast served, Tammy decided it was time to get to work on her cakes for the grand opening. She stepped back into the cafe and headed straight for the kitchen, mentally preparing for a day of baking.
Hours passed by in a flurry of mixing, measuring, and baking. The kitchen was filled with the heavenly scents of vanilla, chocolate, and freshly baked goodies. Tammy hummed as she baked, feeling a sense of accomplishment as trays of beautifully crafted cakes filled her kitchen counters. It was all coming together.
Just as she was putting the finishing touches on a batch of cupcakes, a cheerful knock sounded on the kitchen door. Tammy wiped her hands on her apron and went to answer it. It was Pharis and Declan, both with beaming smiles and mischief in their eyes.
‘Ready to see my masterpiece?’ Pharis asked with a grin.
Tammy’s heart raced with excitement. She nodded keenly and took off her apron, hanging it on the back of the kitchen door before following them outside. The beachfront was now a hum-drum of activity and Tammy could see the beach beyond it had almost filled to capacity. The early afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the scene, making it picture-perfect. As she joined Pharis and Declan in front of the café, Pharis held his hands in front of her eyes. ‘Ready?’
‘Yes.’ Her heart was going ten to the dozen.
‘Ta-da!’ Pharis announced theatrically, his hand dropping and then sweeping toward the sign. Tammy looked up, and her breath caught in her throat. There it was the sign that proudly proclaimed, ‘Tammy’s Tearoom.’ It could no longer be referred to as a café. The font was elegant and inviting, a perfect reflection of the cosy haven she had worked so hard to create.
Tammy’s eyes welled up with tears of joy. ‘It-it’s beautiful,’ she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Declan grinned at her, his eyes holding a mixture of pride and admiration. ‘You did it, Tammy. This is all yours.’
Pharis nudged her playfully. ‘You better get used to seeing your name up there because Seagull Bay is going to love your tearoom.’
Tammy blinked away the tears. ‘Oh, I really hope so.’ Overcome with emotion, she wrapped her arms around both of them in a tight hug. ‘Thank you both for working so hard when you barely know me. You don’t know how much I appreciate it.’
Pharis patted her back gently. ‘It’s been our pleasure.’
Declan pulled away slightly and looked down at her with a soft smile. ‘We’re glad to be here at the beginning with you in your journey to success.’
As the three of them stood there, basking in the moment, Tammy felt a sense of camaraderie and support that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Richi had been her boyfriend and her business partner, but she’d never felt as connected as she did right now. It was as if she had found her place in Seagull Bay, surrounded by friends who genuinely cared about her and her dreams.
‘So,’ Pharis said, breaking the silence, ‘are we celebrating this moment with that promised pint?’
Tammy’s eyes lit up. ‘Absolutely! But first, let me just lock up the cafe.’ She was buzzing. It appeared the two men worked surprisingly well together after all. Their competitiveness now history replaced with camaraderie.
With the cafe secure, they walked down the beachfront together, the sun’s rays warming their backs. Declan led the way into The Cheese Wedge and Pickles.
Oliver was pulling a pint, and he lifted his chin in acknowledgement. ‘Good afternoon to the workers. I saw you struggling and falling out when I took Ginger and Jess for a walk along the beach earlier. Glad to see you’ve made up.’
Declan lifted his finger to his lips. ‘Shhh. We didn’t want Tammy to know that part.’
They burst into fits of laughter.
They found a corner booth and settled in, each with a pint of beer in front of them. The conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and anecdotes. Tammy was grateful for these moments of genuine connection and lightheartedness after six months of emotional misery.
Ordering lunch, they moved out of the lively pub onto its patio, cold beers in hand, looking out at the shimmering sea. A few other patrons waved in greeting, welcoming Tammy to town. She was touched by the friendly sense of community.
Looking from one to the other, Tammy smiled. ‘Truly, I can’t thank you enough for all your help,’ she said, raising her glass. ‘I’d never have got my own sign, let alone got it fitted so quickly, without you two.’
‘Anything to pitch in for the newest addition to our little community,’ Pharis replied. Declan nodded in agreement, adding, ‘Folks around here are always eager to help a neighbour in need.’
The afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the pub, Tammy raised her glass. ‘To new beginnings, to friendship, and to Tammy’s Tearoom.’
Pharis and Declan clinked their glasses against hers, and the sound resonated with a promise of the adventures that awaited them in Seagull Bay.
