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‘Hopefully not. Although we’ll see what they’re like. I know some will probably be a little worse for wear.’ Elsie lifted the lid and grinned before turning to Tammy. ‘Ian, my husband, who you’ll meet at some point, is retiring from being the local lighthouse keeper, so we’re throwing him a retirement party and we’re hoping the new lighthouse keeper will let us host it there.’
Tammy nodded. She remembered Elsie telling her Ian had stayed at the lighthouse last night in order to finish packing up his things, ready for the new lighthouse keeper’s arrival.
‘Right, I’ll look through those properly later.’ Elsie closed the lid and slid the box to the back of the counter. ‘Tammy, would you like to go on your lunch break now? I think we’re okay baking-wise for the moment.’
‘Yes, okay. Thanks.’ Slipping her apron over her head, Tammy grinned. As Teresa had said, it would be good to get out into the bay and discover what it had to offer.
‘You’re welcome to help yourself to something to eat from here or Penny at the café next door always has a good selection.’ Elsie washed her hands before drying them and turning around.
‘Thanks. I’ll check out the cafe then. It will be nice to explore a little.’
‘Good idea. See you later, love.’
Chapter Three
Taking another biteof her baguette, Tammy walked further along the beach. With each step she took, she could feel the sand shift a little beneath her trainers. She hadn’t been to a beach for at least four years, unless she counted the brief visit to Western-super-Mare she and her ex, Andrew, had taken last year. And it had been brief.
Andrew had surprised her on the morning of her birthday by telling her he’d arranged for them both to have the day off work and they would be going to the beach. The seaside had always been important to Tammy, a place to reset and decompress, as well as the familiar salty aroma stirring up happy childhood memories. For Andrew, on the other hand, it had never particularly moved him. Having always travelled abroad for childhood holidays, he had none of the nostalgia she had, so it had been a thoughtful treat.
Of course, as usual, her and Andrew’s shared day trip hadn’t gone to plan and as soon as they’d arrived, the heavens had opened, and rain had slashed down, quickly covering the tarmac of the car park. She’d still ran down to the beach, but knowing he was waiting in the car for her, it hadn’t been the relaxing and energising experience she’d hoped for.
Pausing, she looked out across the ocean and shrugged. It didn’t matter now. None of their differences of opinions mattered. In fact, in a few short days, he’d be vowing his eternal love to Jennifer, and Tammy would be a distant memory, a blip in his dating history.
‘Excuse me, please?’
Shaking herself from her thoughts, Tammy turned and watched as a man walked across the beach towards her. ‘Hi.’
‘Hello, I’m sorry to bother you but I was hoping you wouldn’t mind pointing me in the direction of the pub, please? I’m told they serve a mean pie and mash.’ The man rubbed his dark stubble.
‘Oh, umm, no, sorry I don’t.’ Tammy frowned. Had she seen a pub on her venture to find the bakery yesterday? ‘Up the hill there are a few buildings, a community hall and a school. The pub might be up there.’
‘Right. Thanks. I’ll take a wander up the hill then.’ Nodding, he glanced towards the steps up to the promenade before looking at her again. ‘Are you new here too?’
‘Yes, I am. I’m volunteering at the bakery up there.’ Tammy indicated to the small row of shops behind her and smiled. ‘You are too, then? New, I mean. Not volunteering at the bakery.’
‘Haha, yes, I am. And it’s a good job I’m not volunteering at a bakery. Beans on toast is my comfort zone in the kitchen.’ He chuckled before holding out his hand. ‘It’s nice to meet a fellow newbie. Everyone I’ve met so far seems to have lived here for years. I’m Josh.’
