Page 24 of The Seaside Cocktail Campervan

‘I used to love the Merry-Go-Round as a kid,’ Lucy admitted. ‘It was my absolute favourite when the fair came to town. My friends all liked the fast rides, the ones that whizzed you round making you feel sick, like the Waltzers and Twister, but this …’ The Merry-Go-Round came into view as they dashed across the yard. ‘This just used to make me smile.’

Jack wasn’t sure why, but he suddenly wanted to be able to make Lucy smile. ‘Wait a sec, and I’ll see if they’ll let us on.’ The chap in charge was already taking down some of the lights, and like all those who’d worked hard all night, was evidently ready to pack up and get away home. Jack darted over. A short conversation ensued, with a shrug from the fellow, then some nodding and a thumbs up.

‘We’re on! Choose your horse,’ Jack called out with a grin.

Lucy glanced around her, then headed for a dark-grey horse with a carved flowing white mane, and a red-painted saddle. She climbed on with a giggle, taking hold of the gold-sprayed handlebars by the horse’s wooden cheeks. Jack took up the horse just inside of hers.

The chap walked to the centre of the ride, and pressed a button. Old-fashioned music started up and that long-missed slow swirl began. White lights glowed above them, and the elegant wooden horses began to rise and fall on their gold-twisted stems.

Jack watched as Lucy’s smile broadened, until it lit up her whole face. She looked so much prettier when she smiled. In fact, tonight she seemed very different from the stressed-out girl he’d met just a few weeks ago.

Lucy looked across at him. ‘Thank you,’ she mouthed. Then she closed her eyes, enjoying the rhythm of the fairground ride, the music, the steady swirl.

Jack in turn, found himself enjoying watching her. It was like seeing a glimpse of the young girl she must have once been. A happier, carefree, less troubled Lucy, than he’d witnessed so far. Then, he looked beyond her, catching sight of the night sky; clear and crisp, the stars out in force. And for a second or two, Jack too was transported to a happier place and time. As the ride revolved, for a few precious moments, the worries of the world seemed to fade away for them both.

But as all special moments do, it had to end. The horses slowed and the ride came to a soothing halt.

‘That was lovely, thank you,’ Lucy said to Jack.

‘Well, we need to go and get our payment sorted. I’ve bartered two beers and your last pizza for that.’

‘Hah, no worries. I’ll go fetch the pizza. It was well worth it.’ It had been so nice just to chill out and do something fun, however brief.

‘Absolutely.’

It was worth it just to see that smile too, thought Jack. And, as they headed off the ride, taking the three steps back down to where their feet met the ground, he instinctively placed his palm on the small of her back to help guide her.

Something had shifted between them. The Ice Queen had melted a little.

Chapter 14

The following evening, Lucy had arranged to meet friends, Becky and Katie, in the village pub. A girlie night was very much in order – what with setting up the new business, she hadn’t had much time, or money, lately to get out and about much socially.

Saturday night, 8 p.m., and The Oyster Catcher was buzzing. There was going to be a live band on later and locals and tourists alike were jostling for seats. As a couple got up from a corner keg table, Becky seized her chance and moved in speedily to bag the three stools there, just as Lucy came back from the bar balancing two G&Ts and her large glass of rosé.

‘There you go, girls. Great manoeuvre there, Becks.’ Lucy placed the glasses down on the circular wooden table top.

‘Perfect. Cheers!’ Katie grinned, her wavy blonde hair bouncing around her shoulders.

‘Yes, cheers. Well, this is nice. I must say it’s good to be on the other side of the serving counter for a change.’

‘Oh yes, how’s it all going?’ Katie asked, keen to catch up on all the goss.

‘Yeah, pretty good, I’m getting there. I’ve taken a few more event bookings, and the Alnwick market was a good day last week and I now have a regular slot, so it’s all building, slowly but surely.’

‘Well, I think it’s bloody brilliant. You taking the plunge, creating your own business,’ said Katie, who spent three days a week working at a children’s nursery, as well as looking after her own little girl the rest of the time.

‘Thanks. It’s still a bit scary. The money side is a bit hit-and-miss just now. I really can’t afford to fail.’

‘You won’t, hun. I’ve seen your grit and determination in action. You’ll make it work,’ Becky was onside, as always. ‘Anyway, tell me more about this mystery cocktail-bar guy?’

‘Oh, what’s this, Luce?’ Katie’s eyes lit up.

Blimey, Becky was on it like a car bonnet. They had chatted on the phone this morning, when the Merry-Go-Round ride was still fresh in Lucy’s mind; but she’d only mentioned Jack briefly.

‘Oh … don’t get excited, you lot. It’s just someone I’ve bumped into a couple of times at these events. He’s often booked in at the same things. He’s a bit cocky, actually.’ She tried to act casual, but remembered chatting about Papa at the end of the evening … the showy barman persona had mysteriously disappeared at that point. The Merry-Go-Round … and the warmth of his hand resting gently on the small of her back … Hmm, why on earth was she remembering that right now?

‘And?’ Katie probed, barely containing her grin.