Page 33 of The Seaside Supper Club

‘You’ll be ready for one of these, then.’ Will reappeared with a smile.

‘Now there’s a man who knows how to host.’ Andreas beamed.

‘As you all know, my pouring skills are better than my cooking skills,’ said Will.

Nobody argued with that.

‘Where are the girls?’ asked Cath.

Nikki and Lily were in fact bringing up the rear, loaded with fold-up camping chairs, a picnic rug and yet more bulky cool bags.

‘Welcome to the beach bungalow,’ Cath greeted them warmly.

‘Now then, don’t get too excited before you look in. Remember, it’s a work-in-progress,’ Will warned.

‘No worries,’ said Nikki. ‘And what a view.’ She dropped down her bags and took a breath, gazing around her.

‘Hey, Lily? You okay? How’s it going exam-wise?’ Cath asked.

‘Ahm, all right, I think. At least, I’ve managed to escape … for just the day. I’ve got one food practical left and two more A-level written papers, and then that’s it. I’m counting down. Nine more days, then I’m done. Exams will be over! I’m soo ready to stop and chill out. My brain feels fried.’

‘Ah, well done, Lils,’ said Nikki. ‘You’re nearly there, hun.’

‘We’ll be sure to help you with the R&R, today,’ added Dan, with a smile.

‘Yeah, well done, Lily,’ said Will. ‘Rest today, then you can refocus for one last big push.’

‘My head is honestly done in.’ Young Lily did look a touch peaky.

All that stress and study, thought Cath. ‘Yeah, I bet you’re tired. Exams can really take it out of you. Enjoy some time out today.’

‘I will. I’ve done my best, and that’s all I can do. I’m ready for a good yap and chill out with you lot. And for now, I’m going to park the worries about results.’

‘Sounds a good idea,’ Cath added warmly, thinking that’s exactly what she and Will needed to do today, too.

‘Ooh, and this place, it looks awesome,’ Lily gazed about her at the wooden beach bungalow.

‘Well, from the outside, perhaps …’ Will smiled knowingly.

‘But what an incredible spot. This has so much potential.’ Nikki was hovering by the open door. She couldn’t wait to get inside and check it out.

Not that there was a lot to see at this stage.

‘I take it you want to look around,’ said Cath.

‘You bet.’ Nikki was already on her way in.

‘Here, give us one of your bags, Lily, and we can drop them down inside,’ offered Cath.

‘Thanks.’

Despite being noticeably fresher within, with Cath and Will having gone on a mission when they’d arrived today armed with brooms, cloths, disinfectant, mops and buckets, the interior was very much as it was. They hadn’t had a lot of time, or funds, as yet to sort out the next stage of the refurbishments. Two director’s chairs, which had been stored pretty much unused in Will’s garage, were positioned each side of the log burner. And there was now a replacement, barely used, navy sofa bed that she and Will had discovered on ‘Kirkton Sales and Wants’ and picked up for a bargain price of thirty pounds.

One of Will’s cycling friends had come over with a van with him just over a week ago, before the doctor’s appointment, and helped him dispose of the original sofa, aka mouse hotel, and a few other items, to the dump. ‘Express Pest’ controllers had been booked in to de-louse and de-mouse the coastal bungalow soon afterwards. And just yesterday, Will had deemed it safe to move the new item in with the help of the same mate. And boy, was that one hell of a carry from the car park and across the dunes! He’d been shattered when he’d arrived back at Cath’s later. He hadn’t told her what he’d been up to initially, and when the truth of his exertions came out, she’d been cross with him for overstretching himself.

‘So, what are your plans for the place?’ Dan asked, as they headed on in.

The newcomers dropped down their many cool bags, wine, food items, plus an extremely big pan along with a few cooking utensils; Will having warned them about the lack of facilities and cookware.