Page 21 of Tricks & Treats at The Cosy Cornish Bakery

‘And I doubt she’d be taken on by any of the pubs or cafés,’ Chloe continued. ‘They’d demand someone younger so they could get away with paying the minimum wage. And, even if there was a bus to get her into Polveanan or Truro at the time needed, I can’t see her being happy, can you? Has she got any family?’ She frowned. ‘I’ve never given it much thought before. She’s just someone who’s always been around, in the background.’

‘Not that I know of. Not nearby anyhow. The bakery’s all she’s got. She’s a simple soul. Knows what she knows, is good at what she does. Scared of change.’ Ginger cast Chloe a knowing look. ‘Like a lot of us.’

Chloe missed it. She was staring into the flames. ‘I think she’s agreed to me employing someone to help. I’m going to look into the bakery’s finances, see if it’s viable.’ She chewed her lip and met Ginger’s eyes. ‘I’ve decided to stay in Wheal Kitty Cove for a bit.’

‘Oh, Chloe,’ Ginger said, her face aglow. ‘That’s amazing. I’m so pleased.’

‘Don’t get too excited, it’s only a temporary measure. Think I’m going to try getting the bakery going. See if I can get it through its new incarnation.’

Ginger threw her arms around her friend and kissed her resoundingly on the cheek. ‘That’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time. You go, girl. This calls for a celebration. Another wine?’

‘A celebration?’ Nik appeared, in faded Levis and a battered leather jacket, his nose pink from the cold evening.

Ginger jumped up and hugged him. ‘Chloe’s staying around for a bit to get the bakery up and running.’

He smiled at Chloe over Ginger’s shoulder. ‘Ace.’ Something in his strange grey-green eyes flickered. ‘That’s great news.’

‘So we’re celebrating with another round. We might even run to crisps. Like to join us? Slide up, Chloe, so there’s room next to you for Nik.’

‘If it’s a celebration, I’ve a better idea. How about I treat us to a couple of bottles of fizz? The Smugglers doesn’t run to champagne, but the Prosecco isn’t too bad.’

‘You’re on,’ Ginger exclaimed. ‘I’ll come with you to carry the glasses. Cheese and onion, Chlo?’

Chloe shook her head and repressed a shudder. ‘Not with Prosecco.’ She watched as they made their way to the bar. Nik towering above Ginger, his arm slung casually around her shoulders, laughing down at her excited chatter. It would be nice for Ginger to have another relationship. She hadn’t been out with anyone, that Chloe knew of, since splitting up with Ryan. He’d messed her about and eventually moved away. Ginger was so lovely, any man would be lucky to have her. Chloe bit her lip again, a spasm of envy jolting her. Why then, if she wanted her friend to be happy, did she so fervently hope that it wouldn’t be Nik who made it happen?

‘Penny for them? You were lost in your thoughts. I’m sorry to disturb you. It’s Chloe, isn’t it?’

Irritated, Chloe looked up at the man who had just come in. She didn’t want to be hit on by some random.

He stood by the fire, holding out his hands to the warmth. ‘Chilly tonight.’

He wore faded Levis, like Nik’s, and a dark peacoat, with the collar turned up. Black heavily framed specs obscured his face and his hair was hidden by a khaki bucket hat. The ensemble was peculiarly mismatched and a bit weird but there was something vaguely familiar about him.

‘Josh!’ Ginger returned, carrying three glasses and a couple of packets of ready salted.

‘Ssh! I’m incognito. Thought I’d try out your local.’ He looked around admiringly. ‘It’s brilliant in here. Everything you’d hope an old English pub by the sea should be.’

‘Cornish pub,’ Ginger corrected him. She glanced up at the dusty, low beams. ‘I understand the cobwebs are being left to add to the Halloween ambience. We’re celebrating. Would you like to join us? That would be okay, wouldn’t it, Chloe?’

Chloe nodded. ‘Fine with me.’

‘Pub’s quiet tonight and, if we put you in the corner, I don’t think anyone will notice. I’d advise not going up to the bar, though. Amber’s on tonight and she’s a huge Captain Titan fan.’ Nina Simone oozed through the sound system. Ginger cocked an ear. ‘“I Put a Spell on You.” Excellent. At least the music’s better when she’s working.’

Chloe watched the exchange with interest. It was telling that Ginger had instantly known who Joshua Ralph was, although to be fair, it really wasn’t all that much of a disguise. If she’d been concentrating, she would have recognised him from the beach. Maybe Ginger’s heart hadn’t been lost to Nik, after all? She ignored the relief flooding through her. It was ridiculous. She knew nothing about Nik’s life now; he could be married with a brood of mini-Vikings for all she knew. And, she reminded herself, even if she’d promised to stay in the village for a while, her eventual goal was to return to the city.

The man himself arrived, with two bottles of Prosecco and an ice bucket. He waggled it. ‘Amber couldn’t run to another bucket but as there now seems to be four of us, we’ll get through the first bottle quickly. It won’t matter overmuch.’ He nodded to Josh. ‘Hi again!’

Chloe rubbed her tired eyes; her contacts felt gritty. It seemed it was only her who hadn’t instantly recognised Josh. And, come to think of it, he was wearing the same bucket hat he had on at the beach clean.

Ginger put the glasses down and gestured to Josh to take the furthest most seat in the corner by the window. ‘It’s away from the fire there and gives you an excuse to keep your coat and hat on.’ Turning to Nik she added, ‘This is Josh Ralph. Remember, you met him on the beach. My current guest. Think he’d be happier if no one recognised him.’

‘Of course. Understood.’ Nik jerked his head in assent, giving Chloe a conspiratorial grin. Putting the bottles down, he said, ‘We’ll need another glass. Just one second.’

Josh perched on the window seat, Ginger slid in alongside him, leaving the wooden pew bench for Chloe and Nik. Nik was back quickly and began pouring wine. After sharing out the filled glasses, he lifted his own. ‘To Chloe and the Pengelly Bakery!’

They all toasted back and there was a moment of topping up glasses, putting the empty bottle to one side, ripping open and sharing crisps. Then Josh and Ginger began to chat with each other.

‘So, you’ve decided to stay?’ Nik asked when everything had settled.