Tammy looked over at the four customers who’d been waiting for them. ‘Orders 27, 28, 29 and 30?’ They stepped forward and claimed the bags and appropriate drinks. Two said their thanks and left. The other two asked for cupcakes. Tammy bagged up the cakes and took their payments. Her stiff shoulders eased a little as she took card payments with her new card machine. This was easier, not having to worry about the food cooking side of things out back.
‘Thank you for your custom. Please call again,’ she smiled sweetly. The next customers stepped forward. Her smile brightened. ‘Good afternoon. What can I get you?’
As the day steadily came to a close, Tammy stood at the door to the kitchen and peered in. Declan had cleaned the kitchen, and it was as spotless as when she’d opened up that morning. ‘You didn’t have to do that.’
‘A good chef takes pride in his workplace,’ was all he replied. There was still an air of awkwardness between them.
‘I really appreciate your help, Declan. Apparently, Katherine used to have someone help her three days a week. I think I was a little naïve. Because I had my own bakery business recently, I thought I’d be okay and be able to cope on my own.’
‘Are you looking to hire someone now?’
Tammy puffed out her cheeks. ‘Absolutely. Do you know anyone in this town with experience of working in catering?’
‘As a matter of fact...I do, and that person only wants a few part-time days of work as well.’
‘Perfect!’
‘Is there any way of speaking to them this evening? I could really do with help...possibly tomorrow again.’
‘Okay. Fire away What do you want to know?’
Tammy’s eyebrows drew together. ‘What? I’d prefer to speak to them in person if you don’t mind.’
‘You are. I’m the applicant.’
‘You?!’
‘Yes, me... Or will yourboyfriendhave something to say about it?’
‘Boyfriend? I don’t have a boyfriend. And even if I did, this ismybusiness.’
‘So you and Pharis aren’t an item?’
‘What? No!’
‘Then what was that cosy little picnic on the beach yesterday?’
‘A friend who happens to be my supplier was being considerate and killing two birds with one stone. He pulled me away from the tearoom for a break while showing me samples from his farm shop... Not that it’s got anything to do with you!’
Declan’s face blanched. ‘Oh.’
‘Yes, oh indeed.’
‘I suppose I’ve shot myself in the foot now, haven’t I?’
‘YES!’ Declan grabbed his belongings from off the side and walked past Tammy, heading for the door. ‘No...no. Wait! I’m sorry. It’s just that...I came here to Seagull Bay after a terrible break-up. My bark is worse than my bite—I promise. It’s just taking a lot for me to trust men again.’
Declan turned around and walked right up to Tammy. He was so close she could smell his cologne under the smell of cooking now clinging to his clothes and hair. ‘I’m sorry. If it’s some consolation, that’s exactly what happened to me.’
Tammy was overwhelmed with emotion. It had been a tough day. Even though she didn’t want a relationship, she found she was disappointed he wasn’t into girls... Yet still, she didn’t want to lose Declan’s friendship. Her mouth dropped open. ‘Your boyfriend cheated on you, too?’
Declan frowned and scoffed as he shook his head. ’No-no. Not a boyfriend...mygirlfriend.’
Tammy’s heart soared. ‘Oh...sorry. Wrong end of the stick.’
He grinned. ‘Rather!’ He held her gaze and she could feel her heart hammering as it picked up pace. ‘So?’
‘Huh?’ She was being sucked into his tropical blue pools again.
‘The job.’
She blinked to break the trance. ‘Oh yes. Three days a week. But won’t it clash with the lunchtime shifts at the pub?’
‘I work all the evening shifts, and the lunchtime rota is shared out between Pippa, Pippa’s Aunt Morgan, and myself, so I could work any day. Do you know which days were Katherine’s busiest?’
Tammy shook her head. ‘All she said was they changed depending on the time of year. I suppose I could call her and ask.’
‘Okay. I’ll wait until I hear from you about working tomorrow. He grabbed a pen and notepad and scribbled down his number, handing it to Tammy. ‘I’ll stay close tomorrow—just in case. Call me if you get busy.’ He flashed her a smile that made her legs go weak, and then turned around and left.
Tammy locked the door behind him, rested her back against it, and sighed. She looked up. ‘What are you doing to me Mum and Dad? What was your devious plan bringing me here?’ She looked across to their wedding photograph resting against the side of the till. Her parents smiled back at her.
