Act three – Chapter thirteen
The next day wasn’thalf as busy as the grand opening day had been, and Tammy didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. Yet, she still had a nice steady flow of customers that were manageable on her own and they kept her on the go all day. She even managed to come from behind the counter and spend some quality time talking to each one of her customers, getting to know more about the locals and chitchatting with the holidaymakers, finding out where they came from and how long they were staying in Seagull Bay.
The next hour continued to bring a steady stream of customers to the tearoom that kept Tammy bustling about, serving delicious treats, and engaging in pleasant conversations. With each interaction, she felt a deeper sense of connection to the locals and the visitors, appreciating the genuine conversations and warm smiles that were exchanged.
Just after the early morning rush, Tammy finally got the chance to drop Declan a quick text letting him know that she was managing well on her own for the day.
Hello Declan, I’m so sorry I haven’t called you, but it turned out I’ve been able to cope on my own so far today. Maybe Tuesdays are going to be one of the quieter days. Anyway, am I still okay to call you tomorrow if I get busy? I know doing it this way isn’t very consistent for you at the moment but as soon as I know which are the busier days, I’ll be able to offer you set working days.
Tammy
As she waited for his reply, she was elated when Reverend Townsend walked through the door.
‘Good afternoon Tammy. The new sign looks fabulous.’
‘Good afternoon Reverend Townsend. Thank you. I wouldn’t have it if it wasn’t for you—and Pharis of course,’ Tammy greeted him with a cheerful smile.
‘He’s a good lad. He jumped at the chance when I mentioned it, even though he is super busy with the shop and the products he’s creating to sell in there. His parents are really proud of him. Talking of parents, I was asked by them to invite you to the annual summer barbecue. I say annual, but this will in fact be the first one they’ve held in three years...or is it four?’ Tammy watched amused, as the reverend grabbed his chin and gazed up at the ceiling. He shook his head. ‘I digress and it doesn’t matter, anyway. What does matter is that there is another one this weekend.’ He fixed her with a grin, his brow lifting, causing a sea of lines on his forehead as he waited for an answer. ‘Well? What answer can I pass on?’
‘Oh...right.’ Tammy nodded enthusiastically. ‘Yes-yes. I’d love to come. I’ll bake a batch of cupcakes as a thank you.’
The reverend clapped his hands together with glee. ‘Wonderful. I adore your cakes.’ He peered into one of the glass cabinets and pointed at one that hadn’t been sliced yet. ‘Is that a coffee and walnut cake I spy?’
Tammy nodded. ‘It is. Would you like a slice?’
The reverend shook the palms of his hands wildly at her. ‘No, not a slice. I want the entire cake.’
Tammy’s eyebrows almost met her hairline. ‘You want the entire cake?’
He chuckled. ‘It’s not just for me. I’m holding a coffee morning for the local choir. We’re discussing the Christmas service today and there’s nothing better to get the conversation flowing than a slice of delicious cake and a cup of tea in a bone china cup and saucer to wash it down with.’
Tammy giggled as she took the cake out from the display and carefully packed in into a cardboard cake box. ‘I suppose not.’ She slid the cake across the counter. ‘Normally I sell the slices at £2.99 each, and there’s sixteen slices there, but I’ll let you have it for £35. I wouldn’t have had my sign if it wasn’t for your intervention.’
The reverend shook his head. ‘No. I won’t hear of it. I’m paying full price and that’s the end of it. You’ve already offered free cupcakes for the barbecue.’ He pulled out his wallet and handed her five crisp ten-pound notes. ‘Put the change towards the ingredients for the cupcakes.’ He lifted the cake and headed for the door. ‘Cheerio,’ he called out over his shoulder. ‘I’ll see you at the weekend.’
Tammy made a move to come out from behind the counter to get the door for him, but a new customer came in and held the door open.
‘Goodbye, Reverend, and thanks for the custom.’
Throughout the day, Tammy also had the pleasure of meeting more of Pippa’s family. Brent, Pippa’s father, visited the tearoom, eager to try more of Tammy’s delectable creations after being won over by the coffee and walnut cake Pippa had sampled the previous day. Their enthusiasm and genuine appreciation warmed Tammy’s heart, affirming her decision to change the café into a tearoom.
As the afternoon sun began to cast a cosy glow through the tearoom’s windows, Tammy took a moment to check her phone. She couldn’t help but wonder if Declan was a bit miffed she hadn’t needed him. Would he respond? Should she call him? It was the first time today the tearoom had been customer-free.
As if on cue, a familiar figure walked through the tearoom’s door. It was Pharis. Tammy’s surprise was evident in her raised eyebrows and warm smile as she greeted him. An air of awkwardness had marked their last encounter after Declan had seen them together picnicking as if they were a couple on the beach. Relations between them had definitely been strained when they’d parted company.
‘Pharis, it’s great to see you,’ Tammy said, genuinely pleased by his visit. ‘How can I help you today? Have you called in to eat?’
Pharis grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He placed the hessian bag he’d brought in with him onto the counter. ‘I thought I’d stop by and see how the tearoom is doing. Plus, I brought along a few more samples for you to consider. Just couldn’t resist.’
Tammy chuckled, feeling a sense of ease settle between them once again. ‘You’re really determined to make me expand my menu, aren’t you?’
‘Guilty as charged,’ he replied with a playful wink. ‘But hey, I have a good feeling about these ones. I’ve added additional flavours to the chutneys.’
As they discussed the new samples, sharing insights and ideas, the atmosphere was light and friendly. Tammy felt a renewed sense of camaraderie with Pharis, grateful that their previous awkwardness seemed to have dissipated.
However, the easy atmosphere shifted when the door chimed once more, signalling the entrance of another customer. Tammy turned her attention towards the door and her heart skipped a beat as she saw Declan standing there, his piercing gaze fixed on her and Pharis.
Declan’s demeanour was noticeably different—his posture more assertive, his expression determined. Without missing a beat, he strode up to the counter where Tammy and Pharis were standing.
