Page 26 of My Summer of Magic Moments

‘Hey you, you look great. Are you fancying cake?’

‘Sounds good to me.’

‘Chocolate fudge,’ they both added at the same time.

‘I’ll go, you keep the table,’ Claire said.

It was busy there, a Saturday afternoon, always popular with the students in the area, as well as a couple of young mums with buggies and a kindly-looking elderly couple nestled with their teapot and scones at a table at the rear.

‘Hey, Claire. Haven’t seen you in a while, hen. You been okay?’ The café owner smiled from behind the counter that was laden with scrummy cakes and bakes. Many people in her everyday life knew of her illness – the bald head and headscarves of the past year had given the game away, if they hadn’t already read her column and online blog.

‘Yeah, I’m fine, Helen. Just had a lovely break away.’

‘Well good for you, pet. You look well on it, I must say. Now then, what can I fetch you two? Don’t tell me … chocolate fudge?’

‘Has to be, it’s divine. You make the best. Two slices, please.’

‘I’ll bring them over.’

‘Thank you.’

Claire settled down next to Andrea at their window table. It was great for people-watching as well as chatting. They’d had some fun times viewing and occasionally scoring the passers-by (when Andrea was young, free and single, often rating men on looks, and butts in particular), the level of seating being perfect for a sneaky glance.

Claire took a sip of hot cappuccino. ‘Ah, bliss … Well, how’s good old work been?’

‘Not too bad. Missed you though, chick. That bloody dragon Julia’s been lurking around. “Helping out”. She’s been desperate to snag your column for her latest protégée, Lisa, who’s also been trying to bag your desk, perching her skinny bum in your seat. I soon moved her on, don’t you worry. Imagine working opposite that pair every day.’

‘Well, I’m back now. She didn’t get offered my column, did she?’

‘No, no worries there – David’s not that stupid. He let Emma use the column for her health and fitness article for two weeks. It worked well.’

‘That’s good to hear. I’m looking forward to getting back.’

‘I really liked your “Magic Moments” article. David let me have a look over it. That’s such a fab idea. Wish I’d thought of it. It goes out on Monday.’

‘Wow, it does? That’s great. I wasn’t sure he’d go for it. Well, I just hope it strikes a chord. Being away made me realize how important those simple things are. And everyone will have their own take on it, too.’

‘True. Talking of being away, how was it? You look really great, by the way. You have a tan and everything.’

‘Hah! More like windburn! But yeah, there were a good few days this last week when I managed to sunbathe a bit. It was lovely … just what I needed.’

‘Oh yes, sun, sea, sand and se—’

‘None of that, I’m afraid.’ Claire laughed a little too loudly.

‘Are you sure about that?’ Andrea eyed her curiously. ‘What about that guy you texted me about?’

‘I mentioned nothing. You were trying to wheedle something out of me that never happened.’

Andrea raised her eyebrows, unconvinced. ‘You’re blushing.’

Ah, shit – she was never any good at lying. Even though nothing sexual had actually happened, a whole lot more had. She felt the heat rise up her neck. She’d have to say something or Andrea would carry on digging for information, for sure. ‘A near miss, that’s all. Well, maybe a lucky escape.’

‘I knew it. You can’t lie to save your life, Claire Maxwell.’

‘Well, that’s not such a bad trait to have.’ Though it sometimes made life rather awkward.

‘I bet he was hot.’