Chapter twelve
The next morning, asthe sun peeked over the horizon, Tammy stood in front of her tearoom, a sense of excitement and anticipation bubbling within her. After spending the previous day finalising all the little details, making sure everything was perfect for the grand opening, she was finally ready.
The sandwich board was in position outside the shop and the dozen multi-coloured balloons she’d had blown up at the card shop were bobbing about above it, dancing to the invisible music of the soft warm sea breeze. Tammy looked up at the freshly painted sign hung in its rightful place above the window, bearing the words ‘Tammy’s Tearoom’ in elegant letters, a tribute to her journey and the love she had poured into this new venture. All she needed now was for the tables, chairs, and parasols stored behind the tearoom to be brought out, but Katherine had told her a local gentleman went around each morning doing such jobs for all the local tradespeople, Tammy had been in grateful awe when she’d told her.
Uncle Ben came over from his fish cart to join her outside, his smile warm and proud. ‘Ready for the big day, lass?’
Tammy turned to look at him, returning the smile, and nodded, her heart fluttering with a mix of nerves and exhilaration. ‘I think so, Uncle. It’s a new beginning, just like the sunrise over the sea.’
He chuckled and patted her back. ‘You’ve got this, Tammy. You’re carrying the legacy of your parents and your own determination. I have no doubt it will be a success. I’ll pop in a little while when I see it’s not too busy.’
‘I have a special table all ready for you, Uncle.’
‘Bless you.’
The postman she served a couple of days ago walked past whistling merrily, pulling the red postal cart behind. He stopped and dipped his head in with a greeting. ‘Morning Ben. Morning Tammy.’ They chorused good morning simultaneously. ‘I’ve put the word out Tammy about you taking over the café, turning it into a tearoom, and I was sure to remind whoever I came into contact with that you are still continuing with the breakfast menu, but there would be other food served too. I think the response was quite positive overall.’
Tammy’s tummy pinched. Did that mean there was some negative feedback?
‘Thank you. That’s very kind.’
He continued walking as he spoke. ‘It’s my pleasure. The sandwich you made for me was lovely. I’ll call in for another one later on.’
‘Wonderful. I look forward to seeing you again.’
Tammy turned to her uncle and made an excited face. ‘I’ll see you shortly.’ She kissed his cheek and walked in, surveying the tearoom with a smile before tying her hair back and slipping into her apron.
She busied herself brewing coffee and turning on the large griddle and cooker ready to begin cooking; she wanted at least some of the breakfast food cooked and ready to go before her first customers arrived.
Forty minutes later, the morning breakfast foods were in hotpots, keeping warm for the first few customers. Tammy made her way to the entrance door and turned around to survey her new domain, seeing what her first customers would see.
The intimate tables were set with fresh flowers and soft music played from hidden speakers, filling the room with a soothing melody, and the cakes and pastries she’d spent a day baking were proudly displayed in the cooler glass cabinet. Everything sparkled and shone. She was ready. All she needed now were customers.
The tinkle of the bell above the door behind her set her pulse racing. She set a smile on her face and turned to greet her first customer. A woman with immaculate hair, whom Tammy guessed to be in her fifties smiled brightly at her.
‘Good morning Tammy my dear, and welcome to Seagull Bay. Katherine asked me to call in and show you a friendly face.’ She extended her hand. ‘I’m Christine. I own the local hair salon.’
Tammy shook Christine’s hand. ‘Awww. How lovely of her. Hello Christine and thank you. I’m a bag of nerves and your wonderful smile is just what the doctor ordered. Can I get you anything? As you are my first ever customer, it’s on the house.’
Christine shook her head. ‘Oh bless you, but I’ll be paying my way. I want this venture to be successful for you. Can I have a flat white expresso coffee and a toasted teacake to go, please? I have an early client and I’m not fully awake yet.’ She laughed at herself.
‘Thank you.’ Tammy stepped behind the counter and set about making the coffee first. ‘Do you take sugar, Christine?’
‘No thank you. I’m sweet enough.’ She giggled again. Tammy smiled to herself as she spooned in espresso granules. ‘The place looks amazing, by the way. You’ve added your own charm.’
‘Thank you. I wanted to add a touch more of the coastal town feel. You don’t think I’ve gone overboard with the wooden whale figurines, do you?’
‘Not at all. They are my favourite part of the décor revamp.’ Tammy sighed with relief. ‘I notice you’ve kept the cork noticeboard. That’s good because I wanted to ask you if I could pin up a small A5 sized poster.’
‘Of course. Pin away. I’m just nipping in the back kitchen to make your teacake.’
While Tammy was toasting the teacake, the doorbell jingled, alerting her of a new customer. Tammy’s tummy turned over with excitement. She heard Christine welcome them and begin chatting. Tammy was slightly relieved. She didn’t want to risk going out and burning Christine’s order. Then the jingle of the doorbell sounded again.
Tammy grimaced as she began buttering the teacake.Another customer already?‘Be with you shortly!’ At the bakery she’d shared with Richi, he’d been the face to greet people, taking orders and money, and then making drinks and serving food from the cabinets out front. Tammy had stayed in the back, doing all the behind-the-scenes work needed for their bakery.
She quickly bagged the teacake and took it out into the tearoom for Christine, who was now standing by the counter again. There was a face she didn’t recognise who, by his attire, was someone on vacation. The other person was Pippa.
‘Good morning,’ she beamed at both the new customers as she placed Christine’s order down in front of her.
