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‘Oh,Idon’t know.Ionly caught a glimpse.Linencut-offs, some kind of black frilly top, off the shoulder.’
Marionsucked in a sharp breath, her eyes flicked from side to side like a bird of prey on the hunt. ‘Valentino, new season.Boundto be.Shoes?’
‘Someonemissed their vocation.’Janchuckled. ‘Specialisein pulling nails, do you, love?’
‘What?’
‘Shouldhave been around during theNaziinterrogations, my lovely.You’dhave been in your element.’
Mariondrew herself up. ‘Areyou calling me aNazi?’
‘No, love.I’mnot calling you anything.’Janbeat a hasty retreat. ‘Bestget littleFleurback.Havea nice time tonight, my chickadee.Andleave the aftersun at home this time.’
‘Bye,Mum.’
Marionturned from staring atJan’sreceding figure and rounded onDaisy.Shepounced. ‘What’shappening tonight?’
Miaanswered onDaisy’sbehalf before she had the chance to speak. ‘Well, in an effort to get herselfsome kind of love life, a proper one this time, without sneaky lotion sessions and hovering girlfriends, our esteemed boss is going out on a date tonight!’
Petetook her toTheStationHouse, a new cocktail bar which had just opened in the abandoned railway station on the edge of town.Itwas a balmy still evening so they decided on a table outside.
‘Ihaven’t been here before,’Daisysaid as they were shown to their table on what was once the platform. ‘Isn’tit fun?Youwere lucky to get a booking, especially at this time of year.’Theirtable was situated in front of a railway carriage painted a glossy maroon and cream and proclaiming the sign,Eat,DrinkandGoNowhere!
Petewent a bit pink under his suntan. ‘Iknow the owner,Caroline.Shedid me a favour.Thoughtit would be good to go somewhere other thanTheToadfor once andIhave to confessIavoid the seafront inAugust.Getstoo busy for me.’
‘Knowwhat you mean.’Daisylooked around her.Theex-station house obviously housed the bar, from which the sound of happy early evening chatter and the clink of glasses floated out.Itwas busy outside too, with all the other tables taken or reserved.Thesky flamed flamingo pink and fairy lights strung between poles marking out the outside seating area glowed.Sheapproved of the planting scheme with structuralNewZealandflax and palm trees.Withthe warm weather it felt almostMediterraneanand made a welcome change from the seafront pubs which could get crowded and sandy on a summer’s evening.
‘Goodevening.’Theyoung miniskirted waitress did a double take as she clocked the pair of them. ‘Hello,MrFletcher!’
Pete’sface crimsoned even more. ‘Hi,Eleanor.’
‘Mummentioned you might be coming in tonight.Hopeyou have a good time.’
‘I’msure we will.EleanorisCarolinethe owner’s daughter andbig sister toCorawho was in my class this year,’ he explained toDaisy.
‘Andyou were her favourite teacher ever.’
Helaughed. ‘I’msure.Untilshe gets her new one inSeptember.’
‘Maybe, but you’re a big act to follow.’
‘Wow.Thankyou,Eleanor.Youworking here for the summer?’
Eleanornodded vigorously. ‘Offto uni inOctober.Can’twait.’Sheglanced behind her as the sound of revelry coming from the bar increased. ‘I’dbest do the spiel and get back otherwiseMumwill be on my case.’Shetook a breath and gabbled out, ‘WelcometoTheStationHouse.Oursnacking plates are listed on the chalkboard and here’s our drinks menu.’Sheplaced two enormous, laminated cards on the table. ‘Specialcraft ales tonight areOldStoker,RailwayPorterandGetSteamin’ and, if you want the most alcohol for your money,Ican recommend theBrightonBelle-ini cocktail.I’llbe back in a mo to take your order.Cheers, guys.’
‘Thanks,Eleanor.’
‘Thisis so great,’Daisysaid, genuinely. ‘HadIknown how nice it wasIwould have tried it out sooner.’
‘Eleanorand her family haven’t long developed it,’Peteclarified, his eyes scanning the menu. ‘Thinkthey’re going to fit the railway carriage out as a restaurant eventually but they’re only doing snacks at the moment.Isthat all right?’
Helooked so anxious,Daisywas quick to reassure him. ‘Absolutely.I’mgoing for theBriefEncountercheese and salami board and aBellini, seeing as it was recommended.’Sheperused the menu, checking her decision. ‘Yes, definitely theBellini.Whatabout you?’
‘I’ma bit of a real ale fan soI’llhave theOldStoker.Onlythe one though, seeing asIdrove.’
Eleanorreturned and took their order and an awkward silence dropped.
‘I’msorryI–’
