Page 43 of The Second Chance Supper Club

The two weeks until the wedding flew by, and here she was on the Saturday morning stood behind the counter of the village shop, five minutes before opening time, ready to fly solo – gulp.

She’d had a quick lesson on the till and card machine with Dan yesterday, and well, she again reminded herself, she’d handled a classroom full of teenagers, how hard could it be? !

After working a couple of hours, Cath realised the flow of customers was all or nothing.

There were peak times – the early morning papers, croissants and milk run, followed by the coffee and pie/cake/chocolate bar stop for the local workmen and farmers, and then mid-morning the oldies in for their regular provisions and a chat too, of course – which was lovely.

And oh, if you dared to nip out the back to put the kettle on for yourself at what you thought was a lull, well, that would guarantee a fresh barrage of visitors.

She’d not managed to get further than an inch down her mug of tea each time before it had gone cold.

She had to admit she was enjoying it, though, the buzz of being back in a workplace, of dealing with customers face to face. She was meeting more people from the village this morning than she had in the whole four months of living here.

An elderly gentleman, dressed smartly but with a well-worn appearance, in faded-grey twill trousers and a green checked flannel shirt, then came in. ‘Oh, and where are the lads this morning?’

‘Good morning,’ Cath greeted him, explaining, ‘Oh, they’re at a family wedding down in London.’

‘How grand … and who are yea, then?’ the chap asked rather forthrightly.

‘I’m Cath. Just here helping out today. I’ve recently moved here … into Cheviot Cottage.’

‘Ah, so you’re the lassie in Reggie’s old place. Right you are. Nice to meet yea.’ He doffed his tweed cap. ‘My name’s Kenneth, lived here in Tilldale all my life.’ He offered his aged hand to shake over the counter.

Cath shook it, warmly. ‘Lovely to meet you, too.’

‘So, are yea settling in al-reet?’

‘Yes, thanks. It’s a lovely village. And Dan and Andreas have made me feel very welcome.’

‘Aye, they’re nice enough laddies. Andreas usually makes me a mug of tea, actually …’ The words were pointed and hung between them like a question.

‘Oh, well, if you give me a minute. It’s quiet, so I suppose I could pop the kettle on.’ She wondered if the lads charged him anything, or if it was all part of the service.

‘That’d be grand, lass. Milk, two sugars.

’ He nodded and then settled himself down on the seat that was placed near the till, making himself comfortable.

And of course, the second she headed out to the back room where the kettle, mugs, and tea and coffee jars were, the jingly bell went, announcing another customer.

She managed to flick the kettle’s switch to on and dashed back out.

Two more customers were served. Kenneth seemed to know them both well and sat happily introducing Cath – the new shop helper and owner of Reggie’s old house – to them.

The first was Geoff, a boiler-suited plumber ( might be a handy contact , she thought ) from the Old Barn at Claverham, and the second was Sheila, a friendly middle-aged lady, from ‘the lane’ – which lane she never had a chance to find out.

The kettle had to be re-boiled, and she just had time to make and pass Kenneth his mug of tea, when in came a couple of workmen asking for takeaway coffees and steak pies.

The rest of the morning had flown by and the elderly chap was still in situ on his chair, his cup long-drained. ‘Umm, were you actually wanting anything … from the shop, Kenneth?’ Cath prompted.

‘Oh, yes … that’s it, pet, I needed milk and butter, a can of soup … might go for tomato today, and one of those nice creamy yoghurts for my pudding. Is there a strawberry one there, in the fridge?’

Cath fetched his items for him, and popped them into a bag. She decided the mug of tea would be free, feeling that was what Andreas and Dan might well do. And if not, then it could be her treat. She’d pop an extra couple of pounds in the till, just in case.

The old man sat a little longer, even after settling his shopping bill. Ten minutes later, he finally got up to his feet. Popping his cap back on, he said, ‘Grand cup of tea that, lass. Thanks, and very nice to meet yea.’

‘It’s been lovely to meet you too, Kenneth.’

Cath had a feeling that was his social time for the day, his chance to have some company.

It made her appreciate what the lads did for everyone here in the village, keeping the rural stores going, and making them a warm and welcoming place.

It was so much more than just a shop; it was a community hub.

She shut the stores for a half-hour lunch break as instructed, whizzed Shirley around the block, had a quick ham sandwich and a cup of tea (a full one, yippee!) back at home, and was soon back on for the next shift.

The afternoon was more eventful. A steady stream of customers, a lack of knowledge of the whereabouts of some items, plus the odd price label being missing meant things were slightly more stressful, but Cath was managing okay until four separate customers appeared at once.

The third of those being a middle-aged woman with a sour face who gave her such a scowl when Cath confirmed that all the loaves of sourdough ( such a well-named item , she suddenly thought) had now gone.

Cath felt like saying that she should have called in this morning if she was that bothered – but kept that little gem to herself, not wanting to spoil the lads’ ongoing trade.

Everyone else she had served, whether or not they needed to wait, was pleasant and chatty, and didn’t mind the short queue, understanding that she was still finding her feet and learning to master the till and card machine.

And that was where things really went wrong.

She managed to press an extra zero on the charge machine, so instead of ￡10.

90 she had actually charged a poor old lady (thank goodness it wasn’t sour puss) ￡109.

00. She realised too late, and the transaction had gone through – oops.

Cath was in a bit of a fluster, unsure how to put it right, and after trying several menu keys, was at a loss.

She apologised profusely, offering to make a note of the error and get the lads to correct it for her on their return.

She hoped to goodness that she hadn’t just caused the poor lady to be overdrawn.

Just then the doorbell jingled, and in came Will. ‘Hey, how’s it going? Thought I’d look in for some milk, and see how you’re getting on.’ He’d known about her covering the shop.

‘Hi, well, it’s been busy this aft and, yeah, pretty good … but I’ve a bit of a problem with the card machine.’

The elderly lady was still there, hovering to the side of the counter, packing the last of her things into her shopping bag. ‘The transaction amount went through wrong for this lady,’ she explained, feeling embarrassed at her error.

‘Oh, hello, Irene. All okay?’

‘Well, it would be, pet, but my pension’s just disappeared for the week,’ she answered wryly.

‘I’m so sorry,’ Cath repeated, feeling herself flush. ‘Don’t worry, let’s see if we can put it right.’ Will turned to Cath. ‘Can I take a look? Yep, good stuff, I use the same kind of card machine at the cycle shop. So, what have you charged? And what should it have been?’

Cath showed the shop’s transaction receipt, and explained her error.

‘Okay, I think the easiest way here is to do a full refund, and then re-charge the right amount. Are you okay with that, Irene?’

‘Of course, if it means I get my money back.’

‘You will. Can I have the same card you used, please?’ He efficiently scrolled through the menu options finding the button for the refund, that had totally escaped Cath, and made the corrections, handing Irene her refund receipt and the new one at the right price.

‘There you go, all sorted. That’s your refund of ￡109 and here’s your payment of ￡10. 90.’

‘Well, that’s a relief. Thank you so much, young man.’

Will gave a quirky smile at that.

‘You’re welcome,’ he replied.

‘Thank you …’ Cath looked to Will with relief. ‘And thanks for your patience,’ she said to Irene.

‘No worries, pet. We can all make a mistake. It’s nice you’re here helping out.’

Aw, that made her feel a lot better, and at least she didn’t now have to upset the applecart with the lads, having to explain her error, giving them more to do on their return.

After the lady had gathered up her things and left the stores, Will added with a grin, ‘Haven’t been called a young man for a very long time.’

‘Hah, I wouldn’t get too excited.’ Cath chuckled. ‘I think she has to be at least eighty.’

‘The cheek,’ he said, pretending to be offended, but they were both laughing.

He looked rather lovely when he laughed, Cath thought. And of late, he seemed happier altogether than when she had first met him. She wondered, and hoped, if it might have something to do with their growing friendship.

He seemed more relaxed with her today, here in the shop. Perhaps it was just a bit too much too soon, that evening back at hers under the stars. She’d felt it too, that night. But instead of dashing away, she so wished he’d been brave and run into her arms.

Strolling out along the village street in the early evening sunshine, Cath heard the light scrunch of tyres, as Will rolled up beside her on his bicycle.

‘Good evening.’

‘Hi.’ This was a pleasant surprise. Her smile was warm. Shirley wagged her tail excitedly beside her.

‘Doggie duties now?’ Will leaned over, to give the terrier a rub.

‘Yes, indeed. Been all go today at the shop. But it’s been okay. Tiring, just from concentrating and trying to remember it all. But it’s been good to be able to help the lads.’

‘Yeah, they’re great guys. Wonder how the Greek wedding’s going.’

‘Oh, I had a couple of pictures through before,’ said Cath, fetching her phone from her jeans pocket.

‘Looks like they’re having a great time.

Here’s one of the bride … doesn’t she look gorgeous, and so like Andreas.

You can tell they’re family, all olive-skinned, and those dark eyes and hair.

And look, here’s another of the lads at the reception, looking very dashing in all their finery. ’

‘Ah, yeah, very smart. Great photos. I’m glad they’re having a good time.’ He paused, to take a breath. ‘So, ah, what time do you finish at the shop tomorrow?’

‘Oh, umm, eleven-thirty. It’s just a half day. Why?’

‘Ahm, I was just wondering if we might go for a walk … in the afternoon? With Shirley too, of course.’ He nodded at the dog.

What was this … some kind of date? Or just Will offering to help out? She warned herself not to read too much into it, but her heart was doing a little fluttery hammer in her chest.

Then, she remembered her plans. ‘Oh, sorry, but I’ve a tutorial booked and then I’ve promised Andreas I’d go and visit Maria. I said I’d look in on her while they’re away.’

He dipped his eyes, seeming a little disappointed, whilst saying, ‘Oh, that’s kind. She’ll enjoy a visit and some company.’

‘But ah, maybe later on,’ Cath quickly added, not wanting to miss this chance, and thinking she’d need to walk Shirley after she got back, anyhow. ‘How about after four?’

‘Ah no, sorry.’ He looked regretful. ‘I’m committed to a bike ride at four-thirty with a mate.’

Damn, it seemed fate had other plans. Cath felt suddenly deflated, but tried to hide it with a casual, ‘Oh, well, maybe some other time.’ Despite her easy words, Cath really didn’t want to lose this opportunity.

She liked the idea of a walk, of getting to know Will even more … some time for just the two of them.

‘Yeah, okay, another time.’ Those melting hazel eyes were looking at her. He gave a small cough. ‘Right, well, catch you soon.’

He re-mounted his bike and was off. Cath stayed fixed on the spot for a few seconds, not quite sure what to make of the conversation they’d just had.

Was it just a friendly gesture, rather than a getting-to-know-you-more kind of thing?

Was Will not particularly worried if it happened or not?

After all, he hadn’t gone on to suggest another day, had he?

She gave an inner groan. She was overthinking things as per usual, and being a daft eejit.

But, she resolved, the next time she saw him in the village, she might just take the plunge and remind him.

There was no harm in that, surely? And if it was just a walk as friends then that was fine, she’d avoid any unnecessary complications.

Despite her giddy heart, the thought of any romantic relationship was way too risky. It was far too soon, of course …