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Layla looked over at the door as Molly walked through, her forehead creased with worry. ‘Is everything okay?’
‘I’m not sure. I was supposed to be meeting Diane and Harry at their wedding venue to go over their food choices for the wedding breakfast, but they’ve not shown up.’ She glanced at the clock. ‘That was half an hour ago and Wendy stayed on at The Fern Hotel in case they showed up, but she’s just messaged and they’re still not there.’
‘Ah, I might be able to explain that.’ Graham clasped his hands on top of the counter. ‘Neither of them had much, if any, sleep last night. They might well have fallen asleep.’
Molly grimaced. ‘I hope they’ve not been worrying about the wedding? I did think they looked quite panicked after we drew up that list of things to do the other evening.’
‘They are a bit, yes, but I don’t think it’s because of that list. They had been fine when we’d got home after that.’ He shrugged. ‘They had rung around a few family members to discuss the wedding yesterday evening and I think that made them realise they don’t have that long at all.’
‘Oh, okay.’ Molly glanced towards the door and then back to Graham. ‘I’ve tried ringing Diane, but there’s no answer.’
‘Shall I pop up there and see if they’re in? I’ve got a key.’
‘Would you mind? That would be amazing. I can cover for you.’
‘No problem.’ Graham slipped his apron over his head and handed it to Molly before leaving.
‘Will they still be able to choose their food?’ Layla began wiping down the counter.
‘Yes, I think so. The chief at The Fern said he didn’t have any other appointments today and promised to fit us in if we could locate them, so I’m hoping if Graham can get hold of them, we can still get it wrapped up today.’
‘That’s something then.’ Layla looked towards the door as the small bell tinkled to indicate new customers arriving. Judging by the number of people walking across the cobbles towards the bakery, it looked as though the lunchtime rush was about to begin.
LAYLA BLINKED AS SHE read the message again. It made no sense. Not any at all.
You’re right Layla. I see it now. On the way to Cornwall. Eli
‘Is everything okay?’ Graham frowned as he glanced from the customer in front of him to her and back again.
‘Yes, I think so. Just a weird message, that’s all.’
‘Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon.’ Graham waved his customer off before taking a step away from the counter and standing next to Layla. ‘What does it say?’
She looked at him and frowned. ‘It’s from Eli and he says he’s coming to Cornwall.’
‘Eli from the ship? The Eli you had a thing with?’ Graham knitted his eyebrows together.
She nodded. ‘Yes. I don’t understand what it means.’ She passed her phone to him. ‘See if you can make any sense of it.’
‘He says you’re right. Right about what?’ He passed her phone back to her.
‘Exactly. I have no idea. I’ve not spoken to him in weeks. Certainly not since I’ve been working here.’
‘You sent him that photo, remember?’
‘Yes, but I deleted it after I realised how daft it was. The last time I messaged him was to say that I’d arrived in Cornwall and had no response.’ She shrugged. ‘Like when I got straight off the bus.’
‘Oh, I don’t know then. Why don’t you ask him?’
‘I suppose I should.’ She shrugged. She’d been happy in her bubble with Graham. She didn’t want to have to think about anyone else, much less Eli now she’d realised how much he’d been stringing her along. Since being with Graham, she hadn’t given him another thought, and that had felt right.
‘Why don’t you nip outside and give him a call? See what he means? I’ll be okay here. We’re pretty quiet again.’
‘Are you sure?’ Layla looked towards the street outside. The drizzle seemed to be warding away customers. ‘I’d rather get this sorted. I don’t see why he wants to come down here.’
‘Yes, I’m sure.’ Graham shrugged.
‘Thanks.’ Leaning towards him, she pecked him on the lips before walking around the counter. Stepping outside into the rain, she stood against the window out of the drizzle and took a deep breath before dialling Eli’s number.
