Page 51 of Cupcakes and Kisses in Micklewick Bay

THIRTY-THREE

SATURDAY

Despite calling Max’s number several times first thing on Saturday morning, Jasmine still hadn’t managed to speak to him.

She’d been up early, stress depriving her of sleep, and had baked a batch of his childhood favourite double-chocolate cookies to give him as a peace offering.

She’d even taken the bull by the horns and driven to his house, armed with the cookies, as Stella had suggested, only to find no one home.

It was torture!

She returned to Rosemary Terrace and set about making the two dozen cupcakes ordered by the local history group since one of their members was celebrating a special birthday that week.

The highlight of the day was the viewing of the Wilkinthorpe Road property which had turned out to be everything Jasmine had hoped.

She’d viewed it on her own, leaving Zak and Chloe with her parents, not wanting to unsettle them if the property didn’t work out.

As she’d suspected, the house had been refurbished in readiness for the rental market, and from what she could see it appeared to have been done to a high standard.

It was light-years ahead of her current home and, much as she would love to sign on the dotted line immediately, she was going to give it some careful consideration over the weekend, telling the letting agent she’d get back to them on Monday.

Jasmine didn’t take decisions of this kind lightly and didn’t want to rush into something as important as somewhere to live.

When she’d returned to her parents’ house afterwards, Jasmine was relieved to find the awkwardness after how she’d spoken to Max had gone.

She’d apologised again, and listened as her mum had gently reminded her that she wasn’t the person Jasmine should be apologising to.

‘I know, Mum, I’ve been trying to get hold of him.

I won’t settle until I speak to him,’ she said.

Her mum had come back with, ‘Well, keep trying.’

Jasmine was ironing in the kitchen when her phone pinged heralding the arrival of a text. She set the iron down and reached for her phone to see the text was from Florrie.

Hi all, apologies for the short notice, but Ed and I are having a BBQ tomorrow here at Samphire Cottage. 12 noon-ish. We’re keen to make the most of the sunshine while it lasts!! Would love it if you could all join us. Fxx

Jasmine smiled. A barbecue at Florrie and Ed’s always made for a good do.

It was just a shame Max was playing it cool with her, she was sure her friends wouldn’t mind if she’d invited him along to meet everyone.

It would’ve been the perfect occasion to do it, when they were all feeling relaxed. Too late for that now, Jasmine.