‘Yes. You know,’ Harriet continued, ‘what you’re about, where you come from. Why you’re here, too. I always remember faces, so I know I definitely haven’t seen yours before. It’s Maria, isn’t it? I haven’t gone and got your name wrong?’
‘It is,’ Maria nodded.
‘Don’t worry,’ tittered Harriet. ‘I’m not stalking you. I overheard your friend yesterday. He’s a handsome chap. Brother, is he?’
Maria laughed. ‘My! You really don’t miss a trick, do you? That was my brother, Robert.’
‘I thought as much. You look so alike. So come on then, what’s your story? You mentioned that you’re only here temporarily yesterday, when your brother mentioned the job to you?’
‘I’m here for a bit of a holiday, I suppose. Life’s been a bit… surprising recently, so a bit of time-out was very much needed. One of my mother’s friends has a cottage which she and her husband are planning to rent out next year, a bit of a holiday home if you will, over on Daffodil Lane?’ She saw Harriet’s eyebrows lift, she was obviously impressed. ‘She offered it to me, as a place to sort myself out and relax for the summer. I’m going to be doing a bit of painting and decorating while I’m there too. I suppose I’m here to get away from the stress of… recent events. So, here I am.’ She grinned. ‘Thankfully, I think it’s beginning to work.’
‘So what surprises has life thrown your way? I’m intrigued.’ Harriet leant forward on the table.
‘A divorce.’ Maria drank more coffee, feeling that there was no point in lying about it. ‘A cheating husband, which was very surprising. I certainly didn’t see it coming, anyway.’ She felt her muscles relax. It was a relief to be able to get it out, and Harriet didn’t seem like the type to judge, so it wasn’t hard to confess the truth to her.
‘Oh dear,’ Harriet murmured. She had the grace to look away, but then turned straight back. ‘I’m so very sorry to hear that. It sounds like you’ve been through a tough time of it lately. Well, you’re here now, that’s the main thing, and if I know one thing, it’s that Loland Green will fix you!’
Maria smiled. ‘How so?’ She was genuinely intrigued by Harriet’s comment.
‘Well, it’s a beautiful place, isn’t it? Those cottages on Daffodil Lane are like something out of a magazine. They’re so dreamy, and I imagine the place you’re staying in will work its magic on you sooner or later, if it hasn’t already.’
‘I have to admit, Loland Green is utterly gorgeous. I was sat in the conservatory yesterday admiring the view. Fields upon fields upon fields. Not a single office block or row of houses in sight. It’s a refreshing change, I must say, especially from where I live. Everything is so straight-edged and plain. It’s different here. More open and it makes me feel quite free.’
Harriet nodded in agreement. ‘That’s it. You’re already noticing how wonderful it is, and you’re right. Why do you think I’ve never left? On a Sunday, when this place is closed, I take myself off for a walk. Sometimes I’ll even pack some sandwiches and eat them by the lake, watching the swans and listening to the birds. You’ll have to join me one day. You’ll love it.’
‘That sounds nice. Thanks for the offer. I’d love to.’
‘Excellent. That’s settled then. I think by the time summer reaches its end, you’ll be feeling better than ever. You mark my words.’ She winked playfully.
‘I hope you’re right.’ It was then that Maria remembered the vow she’d made to herself the day before – to be happy once more by the end of summer. It seemed like a good omen that Harriet was echoing that promise, and Maria felt renewed optimism for her time here in Loland Green.
‘Anyway, I must stop chatting. I’m trying to get ahead of myself for the lunchtime rush, what with no waitress to help out. Have you thought any more about it? The vacancy, I mean? No pressure of course, but I think you’d fit in quite nicely here.’
Maria squirmed. ‘Not really. I just don’t think I’d be of much use.’ It was a stupid excuse but the only one she could come up with right then. The more time she’d spent chatting to Harriet that morning, the more she’d felt herself warming towards her. Even the story of how the café had come to be had made her feel more connected to it. It had a whole history, and Harriet and her husband’s life had taken place here. It was more than just a business to make money, she realised. It was full of memories for the owner, and Maria wasn’t surprised she’d never left. She didn’t think that she’d ever want to, if she was in Harriet’s shoes. It was obvious how much the café meant to its owner and, after that morning, Maria felt like she’d known Harriet for years.
‘Nonsense. You’d be fantastic as my waitress. As long as you’re friendly and quick on your feet, you’re perfect for the role. It’s only part-time hours so you wouldn’t be here all of the time, which could work quite well alongside your painting? Still, I don’t want to force you into it. It certainly sounds like you need the break, so if you’d prefer to take it nice and easy while you’re here, I’ll completely understand. There are better ways to spend a summer than waiting on people, but it’s there to think about anyway.’
A customer entered the café then, and Harriet’s attention shifted from Maria to the harried newcomer. ‘Good morning, Millie!’ she called brightly.
‘Hi! Hi! Oh, bugger.’ Millie, in her haste, had walked straight into a chair and was now flapping her hands about her face to calm herself down. Hastily, Millie pushed the skew-whiff chair back beneath the table she’d kicked it out from and closed her eyes momentarily to calm herself. ‘I’m late. For everything,’ she declared dramatically, like a movie star, and she certainly looked like one too. ‘Susie was an absolute nightmare this morning, refusing to get dressed, refusing to eat her breakfast. I had to carry her into nursery, because she decided to lie down on the ground and wouldn’t get back up. The people walking by had to step over her. It was a little bit embarrassing.’ She finally took a breath and it was then that she realised she and Harriet were not alone. ‘Oh, hello! I’m Millie. Sorry, didn’t mean to bore you with the trials and tribulations of my life.’ She rolled her eyes and laughed lightly.
‘Come on over, Millie. This is Maria, she’s new to Loland Green.’
‘Hello,’ Maria smiled and gave a little wave of her hand. ‘It’s nice to meet you.’
‘You too,’ Millie grinned back, walking towards the table. ‘Sorry about that, I didn’t realise anyone else was in here. I thought it was only Harriet and she’s more than used to my morning babbling.’
‘No need to apologise. It certainly added a bit of excitement to my morning.’
Laughing, Millie took a bow. ‘Here every day!’
‘Vanilla latte, two sugars, extra milk,’ called Harriet from over by the coffee machine. She was holding a takeout cup over the counter and wobbling it a bit at Millie, who hurried over and took it gratefully. After paying, she took a quick sip and grinned again at Maria.
‘I don’t think I’ve ever been on time for anything in my life. Not once. Hey, if you’re ever after a haircut, pop by the salon. I’ll give you mates’ rates.’ She winked and, with a final wave at Harriet, left the café. Maria watched her hurry up the street, shiny blonde hair fluttering behind her.
‘Well, she seems nice,’ Maria said to Harriet.
‘Who? Millie? Oh, she’s a lovely young woman. Although I think her daughter is giving her a rough time at the moment. You should definitely visit her in the salon. She’s fabulous with a pair of scissors.’
Maria ran her fingers through her hair self-consciously. If she was going to be honest, she hadn’t made much effort with her appearance since, well, since everything had happened. Had Harriet noticed? Did she really look that terrible? Was that why she’d