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THE TWENTY-SECOND pt3
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Thirty Days THE TWENTY-THIRD
I have just finished piping the final teal and cream swirls onto my dark chocolate and raspberry muffins. A glance at the clock tells me we have an hour before the couriers turn up to collect the parcels, and we still have to pack up the muffins into individual boxes, tie them up with ribbon and attach the invites. Thank heavens there are plenty of hands-on deck to help, and I am grateful that Mum has had the foresight to organise our mini production line. Half an hour later, I sigh in relief as the last invite is tied to its box. I am exhausted. My night was filled with disturbing dreams where I kept trying to tell Taylor that I loved him, but numerous obstacles kept getting in my way. When I pulled myself out of bed at five this morning, I didn’t feel like I had even slept though I know I must have. Dark circles are etched under my eyes, and I can see the concern on my friends’ faces. I still haven’t heard from Taylor, and I know that worry is also adding to my exhaustion. Taylor
Thirty Days THE TWENTY-THIRD pt2
The first thing I notice about Detective Stanton when I slide into the booth opposite her is how tired she looks. She is perfectly made up, like all the times I have seen her, but nothing can disguise the dark circles under her eyes or the tight lines around her eyes and mouth. “Thanks for seeing me at such short notice, Abby,” Detective Stanton says after we have ordered our coffee and sandwiches. “That’s no problem,” I say. “It sounded urgent.” “Yes, well, we have been tracking down a few of Richard’s ex-girlfriends, and the picture we are building is not a good one. Of the couple who would actually talk to us, it would seem that there is a pattern emerging of systematic mental and physical abuse alongside a complete obsession with Taylor. Though I am sure this is nothing new to you?” I nod my head in acquiescence. “I wanted to ask you a few questions about Hannah, if I may?” Detective Stanton asks. “Sure, though I don’t know how much I can tell you that Taylor won’t have told
Thirty Days THE TWENTY-FOURTH
I squeal with delight as the inspector signs off the paperwork so that Cake can open on Monday. I have to restrain myself from jumping and giving the guy a great big hug as finally, all our hard work has paid off. Looking around me, I am astounded at how much has been achieved in a couple of short weeks, and I know this is down to James and his team, and my mum, who has been working tirelessly to pull together my vision. The inspector leaves, and I just sit and admire the café. I pinch myself; I can’t quite believe that I really own the dessert café I always dreamed about. The hulking great coffee machine sits there, gleaming, waiting to get fired up. The fridges are on, waiting to be filled, and the counter is lined with jars and cake stands ready for their goodies. I know Sunday is going to be a busy one with Annabeth coming in to hang the artwork, and all the prep that will need doing, but I am just itching to get into the kitchen and get baking. I hear footsteps and look up to s
Thirty Days THE TWENTY-FIFTH
I am just bringing through a batch of freshly baked sesame seed rolls from the kitchen when I hear a familiar voice saying my name. I look up to find Eddy, my old boss at Hudson; his wife, Meg; and their gorgeous little girl, Sophia, standing on the other side of the counter. I hand off the tray of rolls to Lorna, our Saturday girl, and rush around to give them all a hug. “Gosh, it is so great to see you guys!” I exclaim, overjoyed at this unexpected surprise. When I left Hudson, the circumstances were far from ideal, but I never blamed Eddy for the part he played. Through the office grapevine, he heard about my move to Brighton and got in touch via email asking for my forgiveness. I explained to him that everything was between Taylor and me and that he had nothing to apologise for. Since then we have exchanged emails, and I have kept in touch with Meg via Facebook. Sophia holds her arms to me to take her, and I grin, pleased that she remembers me. I give her a cuddle as we chat, an
Thirty Days THE TWENTY-SIXTH
Annabeth stands back to admire her handiwork, and I can’t help but clap my hands like a kid. With the addition of each work of art, the walls have come to life, the different shades of grey providing the perfect foil for the bright drawings and paintings. Next to each frame is a white card with the name of the artist and title of the artwork, along with a brief description and a price. The partition between the shops is now down, and James’s guys are cleaning up the mess they made. Both the bakery and café are filled with the delicious aroma of cookies that has wafted through from the kitchen. Mum has been running around like a headless chicken all day, moving things from one place to another and then back to their original position, and it is driving me nuts. “Mum, stop,” I command. “It all looks amazing. Plus once people have been through here, we are going to have to tidy it all up again anyway.” Mum lets out a soft grumble about just wanting to make it perfect, but I know she rea
Thirty Days THE TWENTY-SEVENTH
It is eight o’clock and we have officially opened Cake. Bread opened as normal at seven, but we left the rope barrier up to give Emma and Alison some extra time to get set up after there was a bit of a mix-up with the milk delivery this morning. I have no sooner unlocked the door than Fred and Sarah come walking in, demanding coffee. I laugh and introduce them both to Emma and Alison before giving them the grand tour I promised when I dropped off their cakes on Saturday. Their response is gratifying, and as they walk out with their lattes, they promise to spread the word. The rest of the morning is much the same, with our bakery regulars popping in to check out the café after they have bought their bread. Slowly, though, the café fills with new faces, and by late afternoon I think it is safe to declare our opening a success. As I help out where needed in both the café and bakery, ensuring that everyone gets their breaks, I watch with delight as people scarf down their cakes. The co
Thirty Days THE TWENTY-EIGHTH
I blame my Internet time last night for the reason that I am feeling so jittery. Any sudden noises make me jump, and I am hyper-aware of everyone around me. By lunchtime, I still can’t shake the feeling of dread that has settled over me, and I take myself out into the alleyway to give myself a talking-to. I am aware that I probably look a little unhinged telling myself to get it together, but I know my odd behaviour has been noticed by my colleagues and I don’t want them to be worried about me. A movement in my peripheral vision startles me, and my body immediately goes into fight/flight mode. As a guy steps forward, I realise it is actually one of my security detail. They have been so good at their jobs, I have not had a clue where they hang out whilst keeping an eye on me. “Are you okay, Abby?” he asks as he makes his way over to me. “It’s Ben, isn’t it?” I ask, and when he nods, I feel stupidly pleased with myself that I actually remembered his name. “I don’t know, Ben. I was lo
Thirty Days THE TWENTY-EIGHTH pt2
I am suddenly awake. My heart is pounding, and I open my eyes slowly, waiting as they adjust to the darkness of my bedroom. I can’t remember if it was a bad dream that woke me up or a strange noise, but I am lying here trying to still my rapid breathing as I survey the room. My eyes pick up a shadow in the corner, but I am quick to dismiss it. Inwardly cursing my overactive imagination, I reach out and flick on the lamp beside the bed. My eyes adjust to the sudden light, and as I scan the room, the shadow I so easily dismissed steps forward. I let out a gasp as realisation dawns on the identity of the person standing in front of me. “Anna,” I say, staring as she slowly moves forward until she is standing at the foot of the bed. “What are you doing here?” She doesn’t say a word, and for a moment I think I am maybe dreaming, that is, until I see the knife she is holding in her hand. My body starts to tremble, but I will myself to be calm. Now is not the time to turn into a complete m
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