Page 5 of Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan

‘Oh well, I’ll have a think on it. Maybe come up with something on a smaller scale.’

They had turned around by this point and were making their way back, tracing the damp sands of the shoreline where little rushes of frothy waves broke.

‘So, what’s lined up for you this week?’ Jack asked.

‘Pretty quiet, to be fair, other than my market slot in Alnwick on Thursday. Seems to be a bit of a lull, which is a bit of a worry.’

Unusually, after the end-of-summer rush, the pizza van bookings for the next couple of weeks had begun to dry up quite noticeably.

‘Yeah, it does shift a bit at this time of year. With the change in the seasons and the weather, outdoor catering doesn’t quite have the same draw for your birthday parties and suchlike, but I wouldn’t worry too much – I’ve been there before – and it picks up again come November with the Christmas Markets and festive events slotting in nicely.’

‘Ah, that’s good to know. And, I do have that wedding booked, in three weeks’ time.’

‘Meet you there!’ Jack grinned.

‘Brilliant.’ She always enjoyed it when they were at the same events. It made the bookings more fun, and she had to admit (to herself, if not him! No need to boost his ego any more) she liked watching him in action as the campervan barman – it was how they’d met, after all. And, it was great to know she had that extra bit of support if needed. She knew that he liked to watch her back, quietly and in the background, at these things.

As the dunes ended, they retraced their steps along the sandy track that turned into grass, and then were soon walking back up the characterful coastal street towards Lucy’s stone cottage, with Daisy trotting alongside. The pizza horsebox was parked up there in its usual spot to one side of her property.

‘That’s it! Of course.’

‘What’s it?’ Jack was bemused.

The dove-grey-painted antique horsebox, with its signage, All Fired Up – pizza just like Papa used to make, was stationed invitingly at the side of her little house. An idea was forming. Pizza … for everyone … served right here. And, as well as her friends and family, if she asked along some of the village community too, then hopefully no one would make a fuss that a bit of a bash was going on in their street! It’d be a lot of work, but hey-ho, it’d be well worth it.

‘Yess! I can hold the party right here. It’s still reasonable, if slightly chilly, weather. And well, if we all wrap up a bit, we’ll be fine. Pizza and prosecco!’ She was used to making pizzas by the dozen. And she could knock up a few salads and some garlic breads too … Her mind was buzzing, and in party mode already.

‘Now you’re talking. And, if you need a dashing prosecco server with a very charismatic campervan, well … look no further …’ Jack was grinning, catching on to the idea.

‘Do I get a discount?’ Lucy gave a leading smile.

‘Hmm, there might have to be some clauses attached to that …’ Jack tried his best to look serious, but a cute smile was lifting the corners of his mouth.

‘Hah, payment in kind, I wonder?’

‘Something along those lines …’ Cocky barman Jack was back, but the twinkle in his eye just made her smile.

They both laughed.

‘You’re on.’ Lucy grinned. In fact, that was no hardship at all. Payment in kind would be a delight! ‘Thank you, Jack.’

‘It would be my pleasure.’

Lucy quirked an eyebrow.

‘No really, it sounds a cool idea, the party. I get it,’ Jack followed up.

Lucy could picture the pizza horsebox all lit up with its pretty fairy lights. Ruby, Jack’s red classic VW campervan with her hatch up, globe bulbs beaming almost as brightly as Jack’s smile. And her little street abuzz with conversation and laughter. What a lovely and personal thank-you that would make.

A pizza and prosecco party it would be, then. She couldn’t wait to fix a date and send out the invites. She gave a smile, and then a little sigh – all she needed was for her closest friend to agree to come along too.

Chapter Four

With the invites drawn up, and cards and messages sent out to friends and family, Lucy waited anxiously for the return of Becky’s RSVP, or even a message from her. But there was still nothing two days later, and she was feeling antsy.

She sent a further text:

Hey Becks, hope you are fine? And hope you can make the thank-you bash at mine on the 23rd. It would mean a lot to me if you could come …