She leaves the bedroom, and I head into the bathroom to wash my face. She is right. I do look like shit. My face blotchy and red. Snot still on my nose and my eyes look like I’ve been on the champers again.
I sort myself out and make my way downstairs. I get on my wellies and coat. Then the big pink fluffy scarf that Aradia has now just given to me. I look a bit like a pink fluffy yeti.
We get some baskets from the hallway and head out to Aradia’s Beetle. “Sure you’re OK, poppet?” she asks, helping meput the final basket in the back. “If it’s too much you can stay at home.”
“No, I need to get out,” I say, straightening down my coat. “I’m hoping being in the forest might help me think.”
“It’s good for that.” She smiles as she steps into the car. I follow her and climb into the passenger side. “We’re not going far, just further into the forest.” She turns on the rattling engine and we head off down the muddy drive.
Before we leave Brindlewood we stop outside The Wandering Wisp on the way. She places a twenty-pound note into my hand. I love that my aunt and my granny both treat me like a child with no money of my own. I have learnt not to argue anymore as they just shoot me down and get annoyed at me for not taking their money.
“You go in and grab us a couple of coffees and sticky buns to go. I’m just going to say hi to Peter.” She fixes her hair in the tiny mirror in the car and applies some lip balm.
I notice Peter standing at the grocer’s talking to who I assume is Jim, the owner.
“You like him,” I tease. She shoots me a look then softens.
“OK, I deserve that.” She nudges me and takes one last look in the mirror before heading out of the car and walking over to Peter whose eyes light up when he sees her.
I follow but head into the cafe to grab the coffees. The bell rings above my head as I enter. I have to unravel my scarf as soon as I enter due to the heat the little log burner kicks out. Soft country music is playing on the speakers today. I recognise the song playing by Noah Kahan. I hum along as I walk to the counter.
“Hot in here today, Gloria,” I shout to the back as I try to pull the scarf from off my face.
“I like it hot,” a familiar voice chimes back at me in a flirty tone. It’s Sam. My cheeks burn even more than they werealready.
“Didn’t see you there.” I smirk.
“I figured. You did have a giant pink ball of fluff in your face, so I’ll let you off.” He wipes his hands on his dark jeans and makes his way to the counter. “So what can I get you?” His cheeky smile draws me in and the heat from my cheeks now burns deep in the pit of my stomach.
“Where’s Gloria?” I ask in a way to try to play it cool.
“Lola is at school and Nana never gets a break, so I sent her to go shopping in Ravenswick with Angela,” he replies standing against the counter with both arms leaning on the top, his black T-shirt tight against his body. His muscled forearms flex before me as he stands. I look at them then up to his face where he has definitely been watching me look at him.
“Ah, such a gent!” I wink.
“It’s one of my many qualities.” He pushes away from the counter and stands up. He puffs out his chest and smooths his dark brown hair back.
“Can I get two lattes and two of anything sweet?” I simper.
“I’m pretty sweet,” he teases. “But there’s only one of me to go around.” He pulls a silly face. “Will you settle for two Belgian buns?”
I roll my eyes with a smile. “You’re so humble,” I reply. “Can I get them to go as well?”
“Where you off to?” He begins to make the lattes in the machine.
“Aradia is taking me for a walk in the forest.”
“Sounds nice. Just make sure you’re home before dark.”
“Why? What’s out there?” I ask with playful concern.
He’s quiet while adding the freshly ground coffee grounds to the portafilter so I ask again. “Why?”
“Just creepy out there at night. Wouldn’t want you gobbled up by a witch or something.” He carries on making the coffee.
“Dark, Sam. Do witches do that?”
“I dunno, never met one.” I can see him trying to concentrate so decide to not ask anymore.
