As Tammy chatted with them, she thought to herself that these two handsome men were shaping up to be good friends, regardless of her mixed-up feelings about men. With their generosity and shared love for the town, she mused contentedly that Seagull Bay was already starting to feel like home.
After a hearty fish and chip meal courtesy of a grateful Tammy, they parted ways outside the pub. Declan headed for his flat as Pharis climbed into his rumbling pickup. Alone, Tammy took a moment to look around her at the seafront, at the colourful houses and shops edging Seagull Bay. It was postcard-perfect, with the rays of the setting sun casting a magical aura over everything it touched.
She wandered slowly back to her tearoom, smiling at her new sign above the window. She let herself in, gazing around at the cosy, welcoming space and sat down to drink it all in. Yes, she decided, sinking happily into one of the cushioned chairs. This was exactly where she was meant to be.
She must have dozed off because she was awakened by a gentle tapping. She opened her eyes and saw her Uncle Ben’s nose squashed against a window; his hands cupped around his face as he peered in at her.
Blinking away her sleepiness, she jumped to her feet and rushed to unlock the door. ‘Uncle Ben. Are you okay?’
‘I was going to ask you the same thing, lass. I thought you were going to see Katherine today?’
‘I am Uncle Ben...Why, what time is it?’
‘Half-past five. I’m sure she said she was leaving at six-thirty after the rush-hour traffic calmed down.’
Tammy’s hands flew up to her cheeks. ‘Oh my goodness. That pint of beer must have made me sleepy. I’d show you the new décor, but I must catch Katherine.’
‘Don’t worry about me. I’ll see it at your grand opening.’ He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. ‘Don’t forget to lock up. I’ll see you later.’ He turned around and walked off. Tammy watched him for a moment thankful he was in her life, before rushing into the kitchen to check everything was turned off. Then she switched off the lights, locked up, and headed for Katherine’s house.
