Page 44 of Christmas at the Little Cornish Bakery

People emerged from the ceremony yawning and stretching, their eyes readjusting to their surroundings.

Lola watched as they smiled at neighbours, heard their nervous laughs and felt the deep contentment that had fallen over the gathering.

She sensed in her soul that the event had been transformative, that the group had enjoyed it.

Sue made her way over and yawned. ‘That was so relaxing, do you think you could do more of this?’

Lola hadn’t thought about it previously but instantly brightened at the idea of a new business venture.

‘I don’t see why not. Maybe not on this scale with the huge bonfire, but I don’t see why we shouldn’t form a little circle here in Polcarrow.

Leave it with me, Sue, something else to tuck up my sleeve for the New Year,’ she said. ‘You’ll definitely sleep well tonight.’

‘You have no idea how thankful I’ll be for that, I’ve been lying in bed writing mental lists of all the things I need to do for Christmas and wondering if my mother-in-law will like the lilac jumper I’ve bought her, or worrying about the turkey being dry—’

‘Stop right there, it will all be fine. Who doesn’t love a lilac jumper and turkey is always a bit dry, so no point worrying about it. It’s supposed to be the season of love and joy so it always amazes me how so many people tie themselves up in knots over it.’

Sue nodded. ‘Very true. Right, well, if your meditation wasn’t enough to knock me out, I better go and sample some of Steve’s mulled wine. Do you want one?’

Lola shook her head and didn’t have the heart to tell Sue that post spiritual practice it was usually best not to reach for the alcohol.

However, the mulled wine had gained almost legendary status ever since Steve had announced he was making it, so she didn’t think anyone would heed her advice.

Lola was relaxed and floating on air enough without it.

Popping all her materials back in her tote bag, she scanned the crowd, watching as Freya cracked open the biscuits and marshmallows and started to dish out s’mores to anyone who wanted one.

‘Well, that was quite something,’ Alf said as he sidled up to her.

‘I never thought I’d get involved with any of this sort of hippy stuff and certainly not at my age, but, well, that was very peaceful.

I’ve not felt as calm as that in years but maybe that’s because I’ve left Scruff at home.

Speaking of which, I think I better go back to him, let you young’uns have your fun.

Watch out, that young woman seems to have her claws into poor Tristan. ’

Lola’s eyes followed to where Alf indicated and she swallowed back a lump in her throat as she saw Anna laughing as she got melted marshmallow in her long wavy hair.

Lola’s stomach churned as she witnessed Anna’s over-the-top flirty behaviour.

Peering through the darkness she was only somewhat reassured to see Tristan wasn’t reacting.

Alf gave her a quick pat on the arm before making his way back towards the road, using a torch he’d pulled out of his pocket to light the way.

Tristan caught her eye, turned to Anna, said something and made his way over to her. Anna’s eyes narrowed at Lola.

‘I’ve tried many different things in my life, observed many different ways of worshipping, but tonight has been something very special.

I can’t quite explain it, but I feel it in here.

’ He put his hand on his heart. ‘It feels like I’ve returned to an ancient time, to whatever predated all the things I do.

It’s been . . . beautiful,’ he said sincerely.

Lola stepped towards him, as if pulled by an invisible thread. ‘I’m glad you enjoyed it. Sue’s asked me to do more.’

‘That’s certainly an idea I can get behind,’ he said without removing his eyes from hers. ‘I think we could all do with getting back in touch with our roots more often.’

Lola fought the urge to lean into him. She could feel the warmth of his body and, completely ignoring the fact that she’d spent the past couple of days shutting him out, willed him to step closer.

No one reached her quite like Tristan did.

He gave her hand the briefest of squeezes, longing shining in his eyes.

She swallowed back the temptation to ask about Anna.

‘Are you sure I can’t convince you to come to the pub?’ he asked.

As tempting an offer as he made it, Lola shook her head, overcome with a sudden fatigue.

She didn’t much feel like partying. Deep meditations always left her wiped out and in need of sleep.

‘No, I have some cakes I need to finish off and I would never normally drink after such a deep practice,’ she told him.

Tristan looked aghast and frowned at his cup of mulled wine. ‘Should I not be having this?’

‘It’s fine, honestly, it is. I’m pleased with how many people have turned out, how much of a party this looks like it’ll become.

I feel such a deep sense of peace, of belonging that I want a chance to reflect on it.

’ She reached out and put a hand on Tristan’s arm.

‘Thank you for everything. For guiding me with the whole Alf, Charlie and Ruby triangle. It won’t bring either of them back but it’s brought Alf and me closer and I can’t complain about that. ’

‘I think your grandmother would be proud of what you’ve done, Lola.’

‘I think so too.’ She hesitated before adding, ‘I felt her here tonight, like she’d come to give me her blessing, I don’t know if that sounds daft.

I often feel her with me but tonight even more so.

I think she would’ve loved this. She would’ve approved of me getting you along, luring you over to the dark side. ’

Tristan laughed. ‘It’s not the dark side, Lola, if anything your side is very bright and beautiful. Soft and gentle. It’s made me think we’ve all lost our way a bit. I could learn a lot from you about how to be a better man, a better vicar, too.’

Lola batted the notion away. ‘You don’t need to be a better man or vicar. In fact, I think you’re perfect, just as you are.’

Tristan was about to say something but before he could get the words out Anna bounded over to them.

‘There you are!’ she exclaimed in an over-friendly way before turning to Lola. ‘I really enjoyed that. I’m not very good at relaxing, too much going on in my brain.’

Lola smiled at her, determined not to let a hint of irritation show. ‘Thank you. I think everyone enjoyed it.’

‘It’s not my normal cup of tea, but I think it’s important I experience all sorts of things before moving down here,’ Anna gushed, glancing adoringly up at Tristan before looking hopefully at Lola.

‘And this was definitely a wonderful one,’ Tristan interjected. ‘But it’s not all bonfires on the beach,’ he said, trying to put her off. ‘There’s a lot of sideways rain and it can take a while to be accepted.’

After their closeness moments earlier, Lola’s heart sank as she watched Tristan stumble around the issue of Anna moving. Lola shot him a venomous glance before taking a step back.

Anna remained oblivious to the tension. Instead, she glanced from Tristan to Lola as if seeking reassurance. ‘Erm, yes, totally. I get that. I wouldn’t just swoop in.’

Lola glared at Anna and Tristan looked at her in disbelief.

‘You mentioned the pub, didn’t you? I definitely need a wine or two!’ Anna laughed. ‘I’ll go and find my sister and we’ll come along.’

‘Why didn’t you tell her?’ Lola said through gritted teeth as Anna bounded across the sand.

Tristan’s laugher faded. ‘I don’t think she means any harm and I don’t really think she’ll move here. She’s always jumping from one idea to another without settling.’

Lola turned to him in disbelief. ‘Tristan, can you not see it? She’s already told you she hopes you’ll get back together.

It’s obvious. In fact, I reckon she thinks you already are back together.

’ She didn’t like the way jealousy coloured her voice but she had reached the end of her tether with Tristan not sorting the situation out, for leaving her floundering whilst he pandered to Anna.

Shock washed over Tristan’s face. ‘I thought I made it clear to her.’

‘I think you need to make it clearer, for her sake at least.’ Lola’s voice softened as the fight went out of her.

‘I get the impression that unless you make it very clear she’ll be moving here in January and that would be awkward for everyone.

If you don’t sort it out tonight, Tristan, then there’s no future for us.

I can’t be with someone who can be so easily swayed by another woman. Or who’d put her needs above mine.’

The request hit Tristan square in the chest. Lola saw him blanch as the strike landed, saw the threat of losing her completely flash across his face. He reached for her, but Lola pulled back.

‘Sure you don’t want to come to the pub as backup?’ He laughed nervously.

Lola shook her head. ‘No. You need to do this alone. You need to choose.’

Tristan gave a tight nod. There was a pause as they gazed at each other and it was as if the rest of the beach had ceased to exist. The look was raw with longing as they drank each other in, the risk Anna posed to both their futures hanging between them.

Lola resisted the urge to throw her arms around him, to pull his lips towards hers, to bury herself in the safety of him.

To remind him of what they’d shared. She couldn’t give herself any more to him until she knew she was his choice.

Couldn’t risk falling deeper for him if he wouldn’t, couldn’t be brave enough to choose her.

‘I’ll sort it.’ His voice was soft, his face solemn.

Lola watched him walk away before gathering her stuff together. Once everything was packed up she searched out Freya, finding her handing out melted marshmallows to whoever would have one. Lola took one. ‘Having fun?’

‘Yes, I had to demote Angelo as he was burning all the marshmallows. I’m guessing you weren’t expecting us to use your big spiritual cleansing fire to make s’mores.’

Lola shrugged. ‘It would be a shame to waste such a fantastic bonfire.’ She studied the flames that were starting to burn themselves out and popped the perfectly melted marshmallow in her mouth.

‘It would. Tonight has been lovely, Lola, I’ve really enjoyed it. You should do more of this. Everyone has been saying the same. How about a big one for the summer?’

‘Oooh, I’m sure I could rustle something up for that,’ she said, ‘it’ll be much warmer then.’

‘Better for the naked dancing!’

‘Not you too!’ Lola laughed. ‘What is it with everyone and naked dancing around the bonfire?’

‘I guess it feels a bit woo-woo,’ Freya giggled, ‘though it’s far too cold. Are you coming to the pub?’

‘No, I feel like I need some space to absorb tonight, it’s been a lot deeper than I expected.

I also think it’s far too late to say to everyone that meditation and excess alcohol probably aren’t the best mix, but you know, I’m not one to be a killjoy.

’ Lola studied the crowds who were still huddling around the fire, chatting, laughing, sipping their super-strength mulled wine.

‘It’s amazing to have created all this for everyone. It warms my heart.’

‘But I still can’t tempt you to the pub?’

‘No, my lovely, not tonight, I’m saving myself for my birthday.’