Summer at Rachel's Pudding Pantry Page 15

  ‘Right then, would you like to go and see Auntie Eve at the craft fair? It’s just in the village hall here,’ she added for Jake’s benefit.

  ‘Okay, yeah, no worries.’

  ‘Yes! Is Amelia there too?’ Maisy asked.

  ‘I’m not sure, petal. I think she was staying with her daddy today, as Eve is busy with all her crafts for sale.’

  The hall was bustling, with tourists and locals browsing the various displays. There were so many talented stallholders selling a range of toys, woodwork, candles, photography and art. Rachel clocked the stand at the end with the big seascapes on canvas, and wondered if that was ‘the guy’. As they neared, she saw a sign that read ‘Aiden Cole – freelance artist. The coast is my canvas.’ Ah yes, that must be him.

  Behind his stand were several paintings, and a tall blond chap was talking to some prospective buyers about the quality of light and the fantastic skies here in Northumberland. Rachel had to admit that he was quite handsome, though a little too arty-farty looking for her taste. He was sporting a dashing neckerchief in blues and greys, a pale blue linen shirt, beige shorts, and there were Crocs on his feet. It was a look that was a million miles away from Eve’s husband, Ben, in his practical navy work overalls or off-duty jeans and T-shirt. The artist’s paintings looked rather stormy and moody, and she couldn’t help but wonder if, despite his charming smile with his customers, his temperament might reflect that.

  Looking around the hall, she spotted her friend’s stall in the opposite direction and zigzagged her way across the venue, holding Maisy’s hand and dodging several slow-moving browsers, and a couple of spaniels on leads.

  ‘Hey, Eve! How’s it going?’ She finally reached her best friend.

  ‘Hi Rach, thanks so much for dropping in. Good so far. I’ve sold quite a bit already, mostly my toys – they’re proving popular with the families on holiday. And some cards, and the wooden coasters: the “Prosecco time!” and “Gin O’Clock” seem to be doing especially well. There are lots of people coming through, which is great.’

  ‘Brilliant, and are you doing okay?’ Rachel didn’t want to mention Aiden out loud, but she knew it couldn’t be easy for Eve.

  ‘Yep, all fine.’ But she sounded distracted, glancing across at Aiden at that point.

  Rachel saw her friend’s cheeks flush.

  Maisy and Jake had wandered along to the next stall by now, where Maisy was holding up a charm bracelet and chattering away.

  ‘Oh Eve, for goodness’ sake be careful,’ Rachel whispered. ‘Just keep your distance and don’t get wrapped up in something you’ll regret.’

  ‘I’m fine. I’ve got this.’ Eve’s tone was full of bravado.

  It wasn’t the place to take the conversation further, but Rachel couldn’t shift her sense of unease. ‘Anyhow, what about you?’ Eve continued. ‘How’s today been with Dodgy Daddy?’

  ‘Hah, yes, all right actually.’

  ‘Been behaving himself, has he?’

  ‘Yeah, surprisingly.’

  ‘That’s good. Maisy looks happy anyhow.’

  They both looked up at Jake and Maisy, who were wandering back over to them holding hands.

  ‘Well best of luck, hun.’ And Rachel meant in more ways than sales. ‘We’ll take a little look about and then I need to go and pick up my wedding chocolates, and get this little one home.’

  ‘Oh yes, you were collecting your favours, weren’t you. I bet Emma’s done a smashing job.’

  ‘She really has. They looked gorgeous when I called in earlier.’

  ‘Ooh, exciting times, Rach.’ Eve smiled warmly.

  Exciting and worrying, Rachel mused. She hadn’t had the chance to share all the latest woes in her complicated pre-wedding life with her best friend.

  ‘Aw, look, Mummy, these are so sweet.’ Maisy was holding up a felt finger puppet sheep. ‘I could pretend it was Petie and he could play with the Christmas mouse and hedgehog ones I have at home.’

  The tag read £4.50, which was reasonable, but after buying the extra chocolates and insisting on paying half for the fish and chips, Rachel’s funds were all out for today.

  ‘Go on then, I’ll get it,’ Jake offered, peering over Maisy’s shoulder. ‘Are you sure that one’s your favourite?’

  ‘Yes, he’s called Petie, and I love him already.’

  ‘Ah, you spoil her,’ Rachel said, but with a smile.

  ‘And why not, we don’t get to spend much time together, do we, princess?’ He ruffled her blonde hair. ‘It’ll be a little something to remember today by. You don’t want a puffin or a seal one, do you? For the seaside?’

  ‘Nope.’

  ‘All righty.’ Jake took a five-pound note out of his pocket and paid.

  Maisy was already popping the sheep on her finger and baaing. Luckily her antics were drawing a few other children to the stall, who tried on some of the other puppets, wiggling fingers and giggling, and two more sales swiftly followed.

  ‘Hah, I need you to stay a bit longer, Maisy,’ Eve grinned. ‘You’re a sales magnet.’

  Rachel had a feeling she should stay on too, as chaperone, whisking Eve swiftly away at the end of the event. But it was time to move on and get back to the farm.

  She gave her friend a farewell hug, whispering ‘best of luck’. After a quick whizz around the stalls, they were soon heading for the exit; Rachel turning at the last to see artist Aiden making a beeline for Eve’s stand. Oh crikey. But, she told herself, Eve was a big girl now. And she usually had a sensible head on her shoulders. It just seemed to have been turned of late.

  With the wedding chocolates collected and safely stowed in the back of the Land Rover, the three of them were soon weaving their way home along country lanes. Maisy was snoozing, with her head tucked against Jake’s side, his arm around her. Despite her concerns for Eve, it had been a good day.

  Yet, as they edged closer to Kirkton, the three of them singing along to George Ezra’s ‘Shotgun’ at the tops of their voices, Rachel saw a familiar truck coming around the bend. Tom.

  Rachel paused to wind the window down to say hello, but her fiancé had a face on him like thunder. The three of them singing in unison and playing happy families wasn’t exactly a welcome sight, she supposed.

  ‘All right? Had a good day?’ Tom was trying his best to be polite.

  ‘Yeah, great mate,’ Jake cut in, leaning across to the open window.

  Tom gave him a look that said he was anything but his mate.

  ‘Good, thanks,’ replied Rachel calmly, trying to hold it together. ‘It was … nice at the beach. And lovely to see Eve at the craft fair.’

  ‘Well … see you later then,’ Tom said to Rachel, as he put the truck back into gear. He couldn’t get out of there quickly enough.

  ‘Okay. See you later.’ Why did life and relationships have to be so damned complicated?

  26

  EVE

  The hall was beginning to empty out and Eve felt a sense of foreboding. She and Aiden would soon get the chance to snatch a few moments of conversation before packing up and heading home. He had come across to say ‘hi’ earlier in the day, which she had to admit had set her all a-flutter. But other than offering to fetch her a cup of coffee mid-afternoon, they’d both been busy since … and that had probably been a good thing.

  Thankfully, her cash box had several notes in. She’d counted over £100 in takings by lunch time, and this afternoon had seen a lot more people coming through. Of course, she’d have to take all her costs into account – materials, fuel to get here and the hire of the stall, not to mention her time – but she was pretty certain the day had been a success. If she could clear a couple of hundred pounds to add to the family funds, then that would be brilliant … and it might just help cheer Ben up a bit.

  Eve glanced up to see Aiden staring at her from the far end of the room. Their eyes locked for a few seconds, before a warm smile lit his face. Oh my, she felt a bit jelly-legged.

  How could a mere s
mile do that to your insides?

  ‘You okay?’ he mouthed.

  ‘Yeah, you?’

  ‘I am now,’ he grinned. ‘Catch you in a mo.’

  Melting, toffee-warm feelings oozed over her. Eve had to compose herself as a late straggler paused and looked at one of her toys; a gentlemanly-looking hare in a tweed waistcoat.

  ‘It’s all hand-sewn,’ she confirmed. ‘I make them myself.’

  ‘He’s gorgeous. My granddaughter will love him, I’m sure, and it’s her birthday soon. I’ll take it, thank you.’

  ‘That’s great.’ Eve packaged up the toy, popping a business card in the brown paper bag too – a tip from savvy Rachel – and passed the purchase over with a smile. ‘Many thanks, and I hope your granddaughter enjoys him.’

  The woman paid, adding, ‘I’m sure she will.’

  Another satisfied customer, and that felt good.

  After popping the notes in her cash box, Eve looked up to see Aiden standing right beside her stall with his movie-star grin. Actually, this close, there was something about him that reminded her of the actor Tom Hiddleston … and that made it so hard to concentrate when she tried to say ‘Hello’.

  ‘Had a good day? It looks like you’ve been busy.’ His voice was warm and velvety.

  ‘Yeah, I have been. Haven’t had a chance to count the takings yet, but it’s been busier here than most of the events I’ve done lately. What about you?’ She looked up into his deep blue eyes.

  ‘Well, I sold one painting, a couple of prints, and I have taken a commission for another. So, it’s definitely been worthwhile. To be fair, with my originals priced at around £500, I don’t expect to get much casual trade at this type of event. It’s more about getting my name out there, and letting people know about the gallery.’

  ‘Yes, of course.’

  ‘Talking of which … I’m about to open a new exhibition for the summer. I’ve just finished a new collection, using lighter tones and brush strokes – summer seas and skies, summer storms.’

  ‘Sounds amazing.’

  ‘It opens officially next Saturday, but I’ve a preview night coming up at the gallery, Friday evening, for a few special guests and friends. Would you like to come?’

  A giddy mix of excitement and foreboding hit Eve all at once.

  ‘You can let me know what you think about the exhibition … cast your artistic eye over the displays and see if you think I’ve got the positioning right?’ Aiden continued. ‘So it can be spot-on for the opening day.’

  ‘Ahmm …’ Another evening away. How could she justify that to Ben? And, should she even be thinking about meeting up with Aiden with the way she was feeling?

  ‘There’ll be drinks and nibbles. Some other artists and gallery owners you could meet with …’

  The contacts might be handy, she told herself. And it wasn’t as though it would be just the two of them there, or anything.

  ‘It sounds wonderful, Aiden. I’ll just have to check it’s all right babysitting-wise … that Ben’ – it seemed weird saying her husband’s name right now – ‘hasn’t got any plans that night.’ But actually, yes, mentioning his name was a good thing. A reminder to Aiden that she had a husband. Oh, bloody hell, her emotions were so mixed right now, was she just being daft and overhyping this whole thing? He might not even fancy her at all.

  ‘It’d mean a lot if you could come.’

  Oh my, that look. Well, maybe he did, just a little. ‘Thank you. I’ll try my best. I’ll message you as soon as I know. What kind of time would it be?’

  ‘Say six thirty to start. You can stay as long or as little as you like then. It’s on until around nine thirty.’

  ‘Well, I might be able to manage an hour or so.’ Eve smiled.

  ‘Great. Right, well, time to get packed up and get my paintings crated and back to the gallery.’

  ‘Yeah … me too.’

  ‘Can I give you a hand with anything?’

  ‘Oh, I’m sure I can manage, but thanks,’ she spluttered.

  ‘Okay. Your work is stunning, by the way. Really well crafted. I love all the detail on the animals … you’ve given them all such character too,’ he enthused, picking up Mr Fox.

  ‘Aw, that’s lovely to hear. But it’s nothing compared to what you do.’

  ‘No, I mean it. Don’t put yourself down, you’re really talented. Creativity comes in all forms, not just painting.’

  And that meant so much to Eve. Someone who was artistic himself recognising her talent. It was a shame that Ben couldn’t see beyond the pounds and pence, and ‘wasted time’.

  ‘Thank you, Aiden.’ Eve felt a weird pang inside as she watched Aiden turn to walk away. He was a kindred spirit; he understood what it felt like to create something. There was a palpable connection between them, and he seemed a really special person. And right then, it felt bloody awful that she’d never be able to touch him, hold him, find out all about him. Oh hell, she was falling for him good and proper.

  Should she even go to this opening night? She felt a bit wobbly just watching him walk across the hall. But it was just a viewing of his new paintings, after all, so why did it feel like so much more than that?

  27

  ‘Bye then my princess,’ Jake said to Maisy the next morning, gathering her up in a big hug. ‘And I’ll be seeing you very soon for the wedding, yeah? I can’t wait to see you in your special bridesmaid dress.’

  ‘Bye, Daddy,’ said Maisy, squeezing him back.

  Jake caught Rachel’s eye for a moment over their daughter’s shoulder. It was a look full of feeling and nostalgia. And as he stepped forward, Rachel was hit with the strange thought that he was about to kiss her. Whether it was to be on the cheek or lips, she didn’t risk finding out, recoiling with a quick step backwards and politely rubbing his arm instead. After all, one good day out with Maisy didn’t mend all those broken bridges, or give him licence to get up close and personal. She had seen enough over the years to know that she wanted no romantic involvement with that lad ever again.

  ‘Ah, okay, well it’s been great … this weekend. See you both soon.’ He sounded a little awkward, no doubt realising his error.

  ‘Bye, Daddy.’ Maisy moved in for another hug, wrapping herself tightly around his legs.

  He leaned back down. ‘Bye, sweetheart … and be a good girl for your mummy, yeah?’

  ‘I will.’

  They watched and waved as his van headed away down the farm track. Rachel was sad to see Maisy’s face drop, as the vehicle got smaller and smaller. But at least their little girl had had a lovely time. And, amazingly, Jake did seem to be bucking up his act.

  ‘He’ll be back again soon, Mais,’ Rachel soothed; she was pretty sure he’d keep his promise to be there for the wedding. ‘Come on, let’s go and find Grandma and help set up the Pudding Pantry for the day.’ Diversionary tactics were needed.

  Later that afternoon, with Maisy still at the Pantry happily helping Grandma to decorate cupcakes, and the tearooms a little quieter, Rachel took the opportunity to head over to Tom’s to finally catch up with him after their recent disasters. They’d texted briefly last night, but the emotions behind the everyday chitchat were difficult to gauge. Hopefully a little time apart might have helped to put things back in perspective. After all, life was too short for them to be cross with each other about the little things. Their relationship was worth so much more than that. Yes, she resolved, as she parked up outside Tom’s house, what they really needed to do was to mend their own rather rickety bridge in time for their wedding day.

  ‘Hi, I’m here for my sticky toffee!’ She popped her head around Tom’s kitchen door, ready to make her apologies for their lost weekend. But Tom was seated at the kitchen table with his head in his hands, looking totally worn down, a pile of documents spread out in front of him.

  ‘What’s all this on the table?’ What had happened now? she wondered. Couldn’t they catch a break? The carton of honey ice cream that she’d brought along t
o add to the pudding was now melting in her hands.

  ‘It’s the paperwork from the local land agent,’ Tom said glumly. Oh god, thought Rachel, information on how to sell.

  ‘Oh,’ was all she could muster at first. She took the seat next to him, feeling a heaviness in her heart. ‘Are you all right?’ she said softly. ‘Is it really coming to that?’

  Tom nodded slowly and then sighed. ‘I’m trying to get a step ahead and be prepared for the worst, should it happen. But yes, it might well come to selling.’

  ‘Oh Tom, I’m so sorry.’

  He looked up, with the weight of the world on his broad shoulders. ‘I had to break the news to my parents today. I’ve been holding back until now. But they need to know what’s going on, if they see the “land for sale” signs going up … well. And, you know what the village is like for spreading news. Bad news always travels fast.’

  Rachel rested a hand on his shoulder. She knew all too well from their own recent troubles what the thought of losing it all – your land, your inheritance, your livelihood – felt like.

  ‘Dad was gutted, as you can well imagine, though he was trying his best to hide it,’ Tom continued. ‘He’s worked all his life for this place, and his father and grandfather before him.’ A brief smile then warmed his face. ‘Still can’t keep away, though he’s meant to be retired. Always popping in to see if he can lend a hand … Oh, Rach, I’ve let them all down. Trust me to choose such a bloody toxic relationship …’

  Rachel could tell how much he was hurting. It seemed so bloody unfair. It also made her skin prickle. After all this drama with Caitlin, was he really able to love again, to trust again?

  ‘Oh, Tom,’ her voice was a whisper; so afraid the whole thing might fall down around them like a house of cards. She placed her hand over his, to show support, give hope; but he felt so very tense.

  ‘Anyway,’ he looked up, ‘enough of that. How are things with you? How’s it been with Maisy and her dad?’ The effort it took to ask about Jake was plain on his face.