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‘Yes, that’s true. Although normally they wouldn’t be making a noise.’ Elsie sighed. ‘Oh well, it’s probably better this way thanwaking earlier and having to try to go back to sleep after clearing the mess.’
‘That’s true.’ Heather stifled a yawn.
‘Why don’t you go back to bed for a few hours? Come down at lunchtime, if you like?’
‘No, I’ll be okay. I don’t really mind the early mornings. Thank you, though.’ Heather looked up as the tell-tale click of the bakery front door sounded.
‘Ah, that’ll be Teresa.’ Elsie glanced at the clock behind her before pulling the cafetiere and a spare mug towards her.
‘Morning!’ Teresa grinned as the kitchen door sung shut behind her.
‘Morning, love. Here, have some coffee. We’re going to need to get at least one mug of caffeine down ourselves before we make a start on the baking.’ Elsie poured the coffee before sliding the mug across the table towards her.
‘Oh, how come? Has something happened?’ Shrugging out of her coat, Teresa picked up her mug before sitting down.
‘We’ve had a bit of drama with the dishwasher.’ Elsie nodded towards the machine in question.
‘Really? What happened?’
‘About two hours ago we were woken by a strange noise and came down to find the kitchen flooded.’ Elsie shrugged.
‘But it’s relatively new, isn’t it? It shouldn’t have broken already.’ Teresa frowned.
‘Just out of its warranty, typically.’ Elsie shook her head.
‘Is that what the umbrellas were for? Trying to keep dry?’ Teresa nodded towards the two umbrellas leaning against the wall and grinned.
‘Ha-ha, no they were for our protection before we realised what had happened.’ Elsie chuckled.
‘Typical Ian was at the lighthouse tonight.’ Teresa grimaced.
‘Well, we managed.’ Elsie smiled. ‘I’ll call someone out to get it fixed later, but I’m afraid we’re going to be resorting to the old fashioned method and wash up for the time being.’
‘That won’t be so bad. Not just for one day.’
‘That’s what I like about you, Teresa. You’re always the optimist.’ Chuckling, Elsie grinned.
‘What can I say?’ Flinging her hair over her shoulder, Teresa grinned. ‘Although you wouldn’t have said that last night when I picked Pippa up from afterschool club and she was covered head-to-toe in sand and glitter.’
‘Oh, not the dreaded glitter?’ Elsie shook her head.
‘Oh yes, not to mention the smear of paint across her brand new school jumper.’ Teresa rolled her eyes. ‘I had to keep reminding myself that the filthier she is when I pick her up, the more fun she’s had.’
‘That’s very true. Aw, our lovely Pippa.’ Elsie smiled.
‘Umm, well maybe next time, I’ll swing by the bakery with her and let her jump up and down, dispose of as much glitter as she can before we get home.’
‘I think I’ll pass.’ Elsie chuckled. ‘I still find the stuff sticking to the tiles from the lantern parade.’
‘What’s the lantern parade?’ Heather took a sip of her drink, glad of the strength of the coffee.
‘Local residents and visitors make paper lanterns and then we have a parade around the bay. It’s wonderful. Everyone sings Christmas carols and it’s such an uplifting evening.’
‘That does sound lovely.’ Heather smiled.
‘Oh, it is, love.’
‘That’s me done. I’ll make a start.’ Standing up, Teresa rolled her sleeves up and slipped her apron over her head.
