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  THE CAFE

  by Sarah Pond

  The Cafe

  Copyright 2019 Sarah Pond

  This is a work of fiction. All of the characters and events described in this novel are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  This ebook may not be reproduced or used in whole or part without written permission of the author.

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  Table of Contents

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  About the author

  Other books by Sarah Pond

  PROLOGUE

  As Amy woke up, rubbing her bleary eyes, she turned her head to look at Laurel. She watched the gentle rise and fall of Laurel’s chest as she slept, her dark brown, shoulder length hair half covering her face. She gently stroked Laurel’s hair back over her ear, so she could look at her. Amy ran her hand through her own cropped honey blond hair, tussled and wayward as usual. Quite how she had ended up in bed with Laurel, she wasn’t sure. Obviously, she knew how it had happened from a physical point of view, but that wasn’t quite what Amy had been trying to work out in her head. Maybe it had been destined, but Amy didn’t really believe in that sort of thing. Her mind wandered to the first time she laid eyes on Laurel at the cafe...

  ONE

  Amy was walking along the seafront on a brisk, bright January morning. The sea was calm, and the tide quite far out, so that the wet sand in the distance shone where the sun’s rays touched the surface. The beach was mostly pebbles, and although it wasn’t the prettiest stretch of coast, it was her bit of coast, and she loved it.

  Ahead of her, Amy could see the outside seating area of the coastal cafe was deserted, but for two people. They were well wrapped up against the cold, a dog curled up at their feet. They looked like a cosy trio, snuggled up together. As Amy walked past the cafe, she looked to her right, and caught the eye of a woman through the window, who appeared to smile at her. She had been to the cafe before, and walked past it many times, but she didn’t remember seeing the woman, and was sure she didn’t know her. She must have been smiling at the person she was with, and just happened to look out of the window at the same time. Still, as she went on her way, Amy kept thinking about the woman, although she couldn’t say why.

  When Laurel had happened to glance out of the window at that precise moment, she couldn’t help but hold her breath for a moment, and the smile that followed was so natural. She didn’t think that the woman walking by had even noticed her. She idly wondered how many times in life this sort of thing happened. That one person could look at another, and be so captivated by someone, whilst the other continued with their life obliviously.

  It was a cold morning, and the woman wore a thick aviator jacket with an orange scarf, and dark jeans which hugged her figure. Her short, thick, blond hair was blown around in various directions by the wind. She thought she was probably a similar age, maybe a bit younger than herself, certainly not over forty. Laurel knew that she had never seen her before, she definitely would have remembered her.

  The next day, Amy walked past the cafe again. It was on her usual route into town, when she chose to walk along the seafront, which she usually did. It was often windy along this part of the south coast, but she loved to walk along by the sea. The pier in the distance showed her how far it was to the town.

  Over the next few days, Amy walked past the cafe a few times, but didn’t see the woman again. Then again, why would she. She must have walked past countless people over the last year, most people liked a seat by the window, looking out to sea. It was quite likely that the woman was a day tripper, and chances were that Amy wouldn’t see her again. She was just a random person who happened to look out of the window at a random time.

  Amy had only been in Worthing for about a year. At the age of forty, she was trying out a fresh start. She was still finding her way around, but the walk into town from her flat was a favourite, and familiar to her. It was quite a long walk, but what else did she have to do with her time. The fresh sea air was invigorating, and a good way to start the day. She would usually turn right off of the seafront, cutting through the shops towards Liverpool Gardens. Although the job was, in Amy’s opinion, boring, she loved where it was based. The small grassed area was nestled like a brief oasis between the hustle and bustle of the main shopping centre and the grand beautiful elegance of the Regency styled buildings standing proud and tall.

  Amy was in the coastal cafe having a coffee before work one day. Her hours were part time and flexible, another reason for putting up with the mundane aspect of the work. She particularly liked the cafe because of its rustic feel, with its bare wooden tables and sea view. You could only be at the beach in a place like this.

  She had been there for nearly half an hour, absorbed in her book. Now she laid it face down on the table, still open, and was idly looking out of the window. As she turned back to her coffee, she happened to look up. The woman she had seen that time was walking towards her, and Amy felt her heart speed up. As the woman walked by, she smiled and said, ‘Hello again,’ and continued walking towards the door. Just before she left, she turned again, and smiled at Amy. Then she was gone.

  Amy didn’t reply, she had been too surprised. Having seen her close up, she definitely didn’t know her. So why had she said ‘Hello again’? She must have been smiling at Amy that first time, she obviously had seen her. Then she hoped that the woman didn’t think she was rude for not responding, she had been taken off-guard, that was all. Still, she felt an unexpected flush of excitement.

  Laurel had been thrilled to see the woman in the cafe. She had been back many times over the last few weeks, without one sight of her. She believed in things being meant to be, and something inside told her that she would see the woman again. As she approached the woman’s table, she slowed her pace slightly, and greeted her as she walked by. The woman hadn’t responded, although Laurel could see that she was a bit surprised. Well, close up, she was as attractive as she had first thought when Laurel had first glimpsed her. Walking by the window as she left, Laurel looked in to where the woman was sitting, and for a brief moment, their eyes met.

  Over the following days, life was the same as usual for Amy. Except. Her mind kept wandering back to that brief meeting. Why did the woman keep popping into her mind? Did she really have so little going on in her life, that a couple of moments of eye contact with a stranger were so exciting. But she didn’t feel like a stranger. Still, Amy thought she really ought to get a hobby or something. The flat could do with brightening up for a start, it was exactly the same as when she had moved in, beige carpets and walls. It was about time she gave it a personal touch. A lick of paint, some nice pictures on the walls. Yes, that was what was needed.

  Laurel had really hoped to see the woman again. Despite her frequent visits, there didn’t seem to be any pattern as to when the woman would be there. If she saw a head of tussled blonde hair, her heart rate would increase, and she would feel an excitement bubbling up, only for it to slip away again when the person turned and it wasn’t her. Damn, was she becoming a stalker now? Maybe she should have said more last time. Oh come on, get over yourself. It was an attractive woman in a cafe, she’s probably straight and married anyway. Well, Laurel was going away for a few weeks. What on earth did she think was going to happen, anyway. She would just forget about her.

  It was another three weeks before Amy saw her again. This time she saw her approaching the table, and when the woman smiled, she smiled back. She had a stunning smile.

  This time Laurel knew it was her. So, it was another chance. Third time lucky, and all that. She would introduce herself, offer her a drink. She would soon know if the woman wanted to be on her own or not. She could always say no, or make an excuse that she had to be somewhere. Although Laurel was sure that wasn’t going to happen.

  ‘Do you mind if I join you?’

  ‘Of course not,’ Amy gestured to the seat opposite.

  Afterwards, Amy had thought it was unusual, that Laurel had just walked up to her and asked to sit down. At the time, it had just seemed so inevitable.

  ‘I’m Laurel,’ and she offered her hand to shake.

  ‘Amy. Well, Amelia, but everyone calls me Amy.’

  ‘That’s a beautiful name.’ Laurel looked right into Amy’s eyes, a searing look, and Amy felt herself flush.

  Laurel was still holding her hand, and it felt so soft and warm. Then Laurel let go, and sat down. She looked at Amy, smiling. ‘I hope you don’t mind me joining you, but I keep seeing you around, so I thought a proper introduction would be nice.’ Laurel was just glad to have the opportunity to talk to Amy.

  ‘I don’t mind at all.’ Amy was intrigued to meet the woman who had begun popping into her mind more and more when she had an idle moment. Which seemed to be quite a lot, come to think of it. Amy came to, to see Laurel looking at her, causing her to blush as she smiled shyly.

  ‘Let me get you another drink. What would you like?’

  ‘That’s very kind of you. A coffee, thank you. With cream, please.’

  ‘Okay, I’ll be right back.’ Amy watched Laurel walk away. She noticed how her hips swayed as she walked.

  When Laurel returned with a coffee for each of them, she handed the little ceramic jug of cream to Amy. ‘Thank you. I know it’s a bit naughty having cream, but why not!’

  Laurel smiled at the cheeky look on Amy’s face
. In that moment, she felt a warm glow of affection for Amy, along with a feeling of something more visceral. ‘It’s good to treat yourself.’

  ‘Is this your regular cafe?’ Amy was interested.

  ‘Most of the time it is.’

  Amy cocked her head on one side, ‘Do you often buy strangers a drink?’

  Laurel laughed out loud, and Amy blushed. ‘No, I don’t. But somehow you don’t seem like a stranger.’

  Amy gathered the courage to ask the question that had been playing on her mind. ‘When I first saw you here, I was walking past outside. I saw you smile through the window, and I thought you must have been smiling at the person you were with.’

  Laurel’s reply was softly spoken, her gaze intense, ‘No, I most definitely was smiling at you.’

  The way that Laurel spoke sent a tingle down Amy’s spine. Laurel was still looking at Amy, and she turned away, unsure of where to look. Laurel smiled to herself.

  As Amy regained herself, she was able to break the silence, ‘It’s nice to have company. On my own, I sometimes drive myself to distraction.’

  You could drive me wild with desire. The thought came out of nowhere, and although Laurel’s heart rate had speeded up, she managed to speak calmly, ‘I can’t imagine that.’ So, she was most likely single, then. ‘Do you live nearby?’

  Amy nodded, gesturing in a general direction behind her, ‘About half an hour walk from here. How about you?’

  ‘Similar, maybe a bit less. In the other direction, though.’ Laurel smiled at Amy, and tucked her dark brown hair behind her ear. It just about touched her shoulders, and when she leaned forward it flopped down over one eye.

  After some more small talk, Amy noticed Laurel look at her watch. It was a large watch with an old brown strap. Amy thought it looked like a man’s watch. Laurel said, ‘Unfortunately, I have to go now. I really wish I didn’t. Would you like to meet up for coffee again next week?’

  ‘Um, yes, okay.’

  Laurel noticed that Amy seemed more hesitant now. ‘Shall we say Wednesday at ten thirty?’

  Amy gave an awkward smile, ‘Okay.’

  ‘Perfect. It was lovely to meet you properly, Amy.’

  ‘You too. Thank you for the drink. It will be my treat next week.’

  ‘I’m looking forward to it. See you then.’ She touched Amy’s shoulder as she left.

  Amy found herself looking forward to the following Wednesday more eagerly as it approached. On Wednesday morning, she woke up feeling excited, and looking forward to the day. It struck her that if coffee with an almost stranger was the highlight of her week, she really needed to get out more. She had begun decorating the flat, and although it was keeping her occupied, it was within four walls with a lot of time to let her mind wander.

  Laurel was already at the cafe when Amy arrived. She stood to greet Amy, but thought a kiss on the cheek or a hug might be a bit soon, it wasn’t as though they were really friends. Well, not yet, although Laurel hoped that they would be. Amy had a very quiet and gentle way about her which Laurel found very soothing to be around.

  ‘Oh, I’m not late, am I?’

  Laurel smiled, ‘No, I’m a bit early. I thought I’d grab us a table.’ She managed to stop herself saying, I just couldn’t wait to see you.

  ‘Great. Now, what would you like to drink?’

  Laurel watched as Amy walked towards the counter to order. What was it about Amy that she found so fascinating.

  Seated together at the table, Laurel began the conversation. ‘Have you always lived here?’

  Amy looked down at the table before she answered, ‘No. I moved from Kent. I’ve been here about a year now, I suppose.’

  ‘What made you choose to move here?’ Laurel noticed a look of discomfort pass across Amy’s face, and was just about to change the subject when Amy answered.

  Sighing, Amy looked uncomfortable, ‘Things weren’t working out where I was. It was time for a change.’ She paused, before adding, ‘And I love the sea.’

  Laurel thought that there was much more to tell, but Amy obviously wasn’t ready to talk about it yet. It was hardly surprising, she hardly knew Laurel. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.’

  Amy smiled a bit too brightly, ‘No, don’t be silly. It’s a natural question. How about you?’

  ‘I’ve lived here all my life. I do love to travel, but I always come back here.’

  Amy was intrigued, ‘Do you live on your own?’

  ‘Yes, I do.’ Laurel was encouraged that Amy wanted to know. Then again, she could be reading a bit too much into it. It was a pretty standard getting to know you conversation.

  ‘Do you ever get lonely?’ Amy looked directly into Laurel’s eyes, and Laurel’s heart flipped.

  ‘Sometimes. I love living on my own most of the time, though.’

  ‘I find it hard. I suppose I’m still getting used to it. It’s far better than living with the wrong person, though.’ She looked down at the table again.

  ‘I imagine it is. Apart from an occasional lodger, I’ve never really lived with anyone. Well, I did share with a girlfriend for a few months once, but that was a long time ago.’

  Amy looked up, ‘As in friend who’s a girl, or relationship?’ She looked flustered, before adding, ‘Sorry, that’s a bit personal, isn’t it?’

  Laurel laughed, ‘Not at all, I did bring it up! Girlfriend girlfriend. I was in my twenties, and we drifted apart. I’m still waiting for the right person.’ Laurel smiled, and looked out of the window.

  As Amy looked at Laurel, she realised how comfortable she felt with her, and found herself saying, ‘I left my fiancé and moved down here. He was a control freak, and after ten years I’d had enough. It ended amicably enough, and fortunately we didn’t have any kids. Although he wasn’t right for me, I still find it hard being on my own.’

  Laurel touched Amy’s arm, ‘It’s not surprising when you’ve been in such a long relationship. It will take time to adjust.’

  ‘I thought it would be easier by now. Sometimes it is, and at other times I wonder whether I made the right decision.’

  Laurel was sympathetic, ‘When you think of your ex, how do you feel?’

  Laurel didn’t need an answer, she could see from the look on Amy’s face. ‘It wasn’t right. I wasn’t happy. Sorry, I don’t want to burden you with this.’

  ‘Hey, don’t apologise. It’s good to talk about things. Not that I can help in the advice department, I’ve never settled down with anyone for long enough!’ Truthfully, the thought of settling down scared the life out of her.

  After chatting for another hour or so, Amy said she had a few things to do, and that she was going to head off. ‘Thank you, Laurel, for listening to me ramble on. It’s been really good to be able to talk about how I’ve been feeling.’

  For the whole conversation, Laurel had been attentive, listening without interrupting, and making Amy feel like she was the most important person in the world. For the first time since she could remember, she felt really listened to.

  Laurel smiled warmly, ‘Any time, I enjoying talking to you.’

  ‘You make it very easy. It feels like it’s all been about me, though.’

  ‘Don’t be silly, of course not. It’s been fascinating getting to know you.’ Amy blushed.

  They left the cafe together, and outside, they said goodbye. Laurel pulled Amy into a hug, whispering in her ear, ‘Remember, any time. You have my number now, just give me a call if you want to talk.’

  Amy felt a tingle down her neck as Laurel spoke softly in her ear. It was very kind of Laurel, but she wasn’t going to just ring her up to unload her problems. Still, she did appreciate the offer.

  As Amy walked away, Laurel watched her for a while, before turning around and heading home.

  As Amy walked along, she replayed their conversation, and thought about how kind and patient Laurel was. She hardly knows me, she thought, and she’s listening to me like an old friend. It was so good to be able to relax and chat. Amy used to socialise quite a bit with her friends many years ago, before she met Rob. Over time, she seemed to have less time to spend with them. Of course, she spent most of her spare time with Rob, and when she wasn’t with him, he was always ringing or texting to find out where she was, and in the end it was easier to just stay home or go out with him.