Page 27 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

‘Yeah, I reckon she will.’ Jasmine pushed the shadow of sadness away.

Stella’s mum had already expressed her concern about how withdrawn Hilda had become.

Between them, they’d agreed to keep an eye on her.

Hilda adored children and was always glad to see Zak and Chloe when Jasmine had popped in with them after school a couple of times, surreptitiously checking to make sure her friend was doing okay.

Hilda had listened as Zak had told her all about his love of football and how he was hoping to be accepted for the Micklewick Lions’ junior team.

‘By, that sounds “mint”, young man,’ Hilda had said, picking up on the youngster’s term for something that was really good.

She’d also listened to Chloe sing, and had even accompanied her on the piano.

She’d clasped the little girl’s hands, saying, ‘You have the voice of an angel, lovey.’ Both children had grown fond of the older lady, with Chloe presenting her with a daisy chain she’d made on her last visit which had delighted Hilda no end.

‘Right then, onto my other news – unless you fancy a break from hearing me wittering on?’ Jasmine felt like she’d been talking for ages without giving her friends a chance to share their news.

‘Don’t be so daft, of course we want to hear what else has been happening,’ said Stella. ‘My week’s been quite tame so far, so I’ve got nothing much new to share.’

‘What with your work and your private life, I’d never associate the word “tame” with you, Stells,’ Maggie said, making them all chuckle.

‘That’s rum coming from you, Mags. Have you forgotten about last year?

’ Stella replied. Maggie and Bear’s marriage had been tested to the limits by the unexpected arrival of her estranged cousin Robyn who had caused a whirlwind of trouble during her short stay with them.

At one point, they’d been worried they’d never be able to get rid of her.

‘Ugh! Don’t remind me. I still can’t help checking over my shoulder, just to make sure she hasn’t returned with an evil glint in her eye.’ Maggie gave a shudder. ‘Anyway, that’s enough about her.’

‘Too right,’ said Florrie. Being the friend closest to Maggie, she and Ed had witnessed much of what had gone on, particularly just before Robyn had left.

‘Oh, aye, and I just want to mention that the lasses have brought me up to speed about an unpleasant character called Scraggo and his kids, and your friend called Max,’ Maggie told her.

‘Bear and me were really sorry to hear Zak and Chloe were having a hard time at school because of them. Bear was totally gobsmacked to hear that family were back in town. And I know I never met them, but I’ve heard plenty about them, none of it good.

At least you’ve nipped it in the bud at school and Zak and Chloe are okay.

It’s refreshing to hear the headteacher takes bullying seriously.

Anyroad, you know where we are if you need us. ’

‘Thanks, flower.’ Jasmine held on to the hope that the headteacher would keep a close watch on things.

She went on to share her news about the letter from Bart’s parents, segueing straight into how she needed to find somewhere new to live.

Needless to say, these two updates weren’t as well received by the friends as the Danskelfe Castle news.

‘First off – and I just want to get this out of the way, cos you already know how I feel about that family, particularly Gary flaming Forster – I honestly thought that miserable pair couldn’t stoop any lower, but this proves me wrong.

’ Maggie shook her head in disgust, colour rising in her cheeks.

She’d been involved in a road accident caused by Gary Forster when she was pregnant with Lucy and had ended up in hospital.

He’d driven off and denied all knowledge, until a witness had come forward.

Mercifully, both mother and baby were unharmed.

‘In the letter back, you should get old Mr Cuthbert to tell them you’ll take legal action if they don’t leave you alone and stop hounding you. ’

‘I agree,’ said Florrie. ‘Shut them up, once and for all.’

‘That’s what I’ve advised her to do,’ said Stella.

‘As for you having to move house, I’ve been thinking about it and I reckon it might not be a bad thing in the long run,’ said Florrie. ‘I mean, your landlord always takes an age to fix anything.’

‘True,’ said Maggie. ‘That combi-boiler is as old as the hills and Bear says the only reason the window frames haven’t dropped out is cos you keep painting them, which I don’t need to remind you is actually the landlord’s job to sort out.’

Jasmine couldn’t argue with Bear’s assessment.

As well as working for his parents at Clifftop Farm, Bear was an odd-job man and was highly regarded in the town.

Micklewick Mansions used him to carry out repairs and paint the properties on their books – landlords permitting, of course.

But Jasmine’s landlord was never keen to dip his hand in his pocket.

Instead, he advised her and his other tenants he’d take care of such things himself.

Which was something he rarely got around to doing.

‘Moving away from the Forsters, slippery landlords and the dreaded Scraggs, and in a bid to keep things light and positive,’ Lark chipped in, ‘I’ve got an idea that might solve your accommodation problem and add an extra dimension to your cake baking business, Jazz.’

‘Ooh, I’m all ears.’ Jasmine was glad to move the conversation away from the things that had given her so much grief that week, but she couldn’t begin to think what Lark was going to suggest.

‘Me, too,’ said Stella.

‘So, you know the old bakery on Mariner Street down here in Old Micklewick has just been sold?’

‘I’d heard that,’ said Florrie. ‘And I’d also heard that Dodgy Dick and his cronies were beaten to it, which is always good news.’

‘Isn’t it just?’ said Maggie.

‘What about the old bakery?’ Jasmine asked.

‘Well, if rumours are to be believed, it’s supposed to be coming up for rent.’

Jasmine blinked at her, not sure why her friend would think a former bakery would solve her accommodation dilemma, never mind add anything to her business. But Lark was all fired up, which had piqued her interest.

‘Go on,’ said Stella, leaning forward and resting her chin on her hand.

‘I know that look, Jazz, but bear with me,’ said Lark, evidently picking up on her friend’s doubt.

‘You have my full, undivided attention,’ Jasmine reassured her.

‘Good. So, the property comes with living accommodation – three bedrooms – and a cute little garden area at the back. And I’ve heard a whisper the landlord is keen to rent it to a local small business at an affordable price.

’ Lark swept her gaze around the table. ‘Apparently, it needs quite a bit of updating and the décor in the living quarters is supposed to be a bit on the grim side, but I was thinking, if you found out who the landlord is, then you could get in before anyone else, express an interest, potentially save them having to advertise. And, if you think it’d be any good, you might be able to have some input into the redecoration. ’

Jasmine took in her friend’s excited expression.

Loath as she was to pour cold water over Lark’s well-intended suggestion, she felt the need to rein things in a little.

‘I know you mentioned something about the price being reasonable, but isn’t it still likely to be out of my budget?

I mean, with it being a business premises as well as living accommodation, wouldn’t we be talking twice the price?

And I know rental property is virtually non-existent in Micklewick Bay, so I can see why you’d suggest it, but I’m not really sure why I’d want shop space as well. What would I use it for?’

‘That, dear Jazz, is where my idea to expand your business comes in.’ Lark reached for her glass of wine and took a sip, her eyes twinkling over the top.

‘Ooh, do tell,’ Florrie said, leaning in.

‘Okay.’ Lark set her glass down and flicked her mermaid plait over her shoulder, a wide smile spreading over her face, crinkling her eyes.

‘So, the obvious thing as far as I’m concerned is the baking equipment.

I know the bakery was small so, though the food mixers and ovens, etc.

are all commercial – I’m reliably informed they’re still there – they won’t be as huge as the equipment some bakeries have, which I think would be perfect for you.

They’d be an upgrade in size without being ridiculously large, thus offering the potential to get more cakes made in one go. ’

‘True,’ said Jasmine. Though she still wasn’t convinced, she was sufficiently interested to want to hear more.

‘And I reckon you could use the shop window to advertise what you offer. You know, prepare some dummy cakes and make an eye-catching display. After all, your cakes speak for themselves, Jazz.’

‘Ooh, Ed could help you out there!’ said Florrie. ‘He could construct a backdrop for you. He loves doing things like that and is full of good ideas.’

‘True.’ Jasmine nodded.

‘On top of that, you could even hold some cake decorating classes; I remember you said you’d been asked if you’d do that loads of times before and you quite liked the idea.

’ She paused as if trying to read Jasmine’s expression.

‘Oh, and as far as the accommodation is concerned, I’ve been told it’s ever so cosy and cute, dodgy décor aside.

The garden might need a bit of work, but we’d be happy to chip in with the old trowel and fork, wouldn’t we, lasses? ’

All but Stella agreed. ‘I can’t say getting down and dirty in the mud’s my idea of fun?—’

Maggie snorted. ‘That’s not what we’d heard, Stells.’

‘Haha. Very funny.’ Fighting a smile, Stella stuck her tongue out at Maggie, making the others giggle. ‘What I was going to say before I was so rudely interrupted was that I’d be very happy to assist in my role as supervisor, as well as provide any necessary refreshments.’

‘You’re all heart, Stells.’ Jasmine couldn’t help but chuckle along with the others.

‘So I’m told.’ Stella flashed her a faux angelic smile.

‘Imagine how the kids would love it there, Jazz,’ Lark continued to enthuse.

‘Plus, the potential increase in business would mean you’d definitely be able to give up both your other jobs and work solely from home.

In turn, it would mean you’d be around more for the kids which I know is what matters most to you, and it would also help ease your childcare problems. It’s a win-win situation. ’

Jasmine listened, surprised to find Lark’s idea growing on her. There was only one thing left holding her back from being totally sold on it. ‘Much as I’m really taken with?—’

Lark gently rested her hand on Jasmine’s arm.

‘I know what you’re going to say, but don’t let finances hold you back.

I’ve got a really strong feeling about this working for you, Jazz.

And you know I wouldn’t speak so passionately about something unless I was pretty certain about it.

I wouldn’t want you to put yourself and the kids in a tricky position.

But I’ve got this unshakeable feeling that this is your time, Jazz.

’ Her eyes sparkled as she spoke. ‘The planets have aligned for you and you’re about to shine. ’

‘About bloomin’ time,’ said Stella.

‘Woohoo! That’s what we like to hear for our lovely Jazz.’ Maggie gave a happy dance in her seat, Florrie following suit.

‘Hang on a minute, you lot, would you just calm your jets? I haven’t even looked at the place yet and you’ve got me moved in, baking cakes and weeding the garden.’ Jasmine couldn’t help but laugh, her friends’ positivity sending her spirits rising.

The week that had started on such an unhappy note, dipping to despair in the middle, now had an almost celebratory feel. Talk about life being like a roller coaster , Jasmine thought.

‘And lovely as your idea is, Lark, there’s a good chance it might never get off the ground. I haven’t a clue who the new owner is, or how to get hold of them,’ she said.

A mysterious smile played over Lark’s mouth. ‘Leave it with me. I have a contact who might be able to find out.’

‘That would be great, thanks, Lark.’ Jasmine found herself suddenly keen to learn more about the old bakery.

‘Now then, lasses.’ Ando Taylor appeared by their table, standing close to Jasmine, shoving all thoughts of the bakery out of her mind.

He was swaying precariously, his half-drunk pint sloshing over his hand.

‘Don’t sh’poshe you fanshy a shteady little wander back tonight, do you, Jash?

Maybe get a bag of chipsh to share,’ he slurred.

He’d clearly indulged in several pints of Old Micklewick Magic beer that evening.

Jasmine wasn’t remotely tempted by Ando’s offer.

She tipped her head back and looked up at him, noting the large scrape on his cheek.

From the way he was swaying – he was almost making her feel seasick – it was a wonder he managed to stay upright.

‘I’ll be heading home with the lasses, thanks, Ando. ’

‘Well, you know where to find me if you chanshe your mind.’

Rather than heading back to the bar as he usually did following Jasmine’s weekly rejection of his offer, he stood rooted to the spot. Jasmine hoped he wasn’t waiting for her to change her mind.

The familiar gravelly tones of Lobster Harry travelled across the bar above the fiddle music.

Despite it being warm, he was wearing the Micklewick Bay gansey his wife had knitted for him many years ago, if the number of holes that peppered it were anything to go by.

‘Oi, Ando, I haven’t forgotten it’s your round, laddo.

’ He waved his empty glass at the younger man, flashing a gap-toothed smile in his weather-beaten face.

‘Aye, righto, I’ll be over in a shec.’ Ando downed the contents of his glass in a single gulp and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth, before staggering his way across the bar, tripping over his own feet and lunging into Lobster Harry who gave him a verbal savaging.

‘I wonder how Ando thinks he can walk you home when he can’t even manage to make his way across the bar in one piece,’ said Stella, watching Ando’s performance.

‘Good question.’ Maggie followed her gaze. ‘I reckon it’d be worth watching.’

‘Don’t even go there.’ Jasmine snatched up her glass and sent her friend a warning look.