Page 19 of The Seaside Supper Club

‘Oh, how fabulous. It’s looking very much like we’re being treated to a full afternoon tea,’ Dan said with delight. He adored a high tea, considering it quintessential English summer dining at its best.

‘Come on out to the garden, guys.’ Lily led the way through open double glass doors to the patio, where a teak-wood circular table was set out with vintage tea plates, cups and saucers, crisp whitelinen napkins, cutlery and Prosecco flutes.

‘Mum got a bit carried away with herself,’ Lily commented, raising her eyebrows whilst giving a big grin. After the stresses of the past year, trying and struggling at first, to get her parents on board with her dream of becoming a chef or artisan baker – and her wish to go to a specialist catering college rather than traditional uni – they’d finally become more open-minded and supportive of the idea. With a promise that she kept her options open, and had taken a look at some university courses and campuses, as well as the cooking schools she’d researched – Prue Leith’s School of Food and Wine being the dream, she had her name down there already. And there was the cutest college in Devon that did a diploma in patisserie, but it was a short course, so perhaps something she could add to her repertoire later. And as well as her sixth form Level Three in Food Science and Nutrition, she had also remained committed to her A-level studies.

Out on the patio, Nikki was already there, with her shades on and dressed in a bright yellow-and-white-polka-dot dress with black kitten heels. Very different from her day-to-day cleaning company attire. She could, in fact, have been dressed for a day at the races.

She spotted the look of surprise on their faces. ‘I know, but when the hell else will I get a chance to dress up? Can hardly put the heels on to go off cleaning, can I? I’ve only worn this outfit once to my cousin’s wedding, so it’s getting an airing.’

‘It looks gorgeous, very summery. Good for you,’ said Cath. Glad she’d made the effort to dress up a bit herself, and put her own floral dress on for the occasion.

‘Stunning, darling,’ added Dan. ‘And I totally agree. Why keep things for best, when you can go out there and be your best.’

‘Exactly. Well then, the Prosecco’s chilled and ready in the cooler. I’ve been holding back, waiting for company,’ said Nikki.

‘Hah, that’s so not like you, my love.’ Andreas gave a wink.

‘The cheek of it,’ came her retort, and she snorted with laughter.

‘Right, let’s celebrate my afternoon off and pop that cork!’ Lily announced.

Dan did the honours, whilst Lily gathered the flutes ready to fill.

‘Sounds like I’m right on cue.’ Will appeared at the patio, having been ushered through by Anna.

‘Perfect timing, mate,’ said Dan.

‘Hi, Will,’ said Lily.

Cath felt her happiness level notch up even more.

Greetings were made, with high fives from the lads, hugs from the girls, and a close-up kiss on the cheek from Cath, who couldn’t help but notice how dashing he looked in a short-sleeved white linen shirt and his trademark dark jeans. He’d obviously got the smart clothes memo too, Cath thought with amusement. Al fresco afternoon teas were evidently for wearing your Sunday best.

‘Cheers, Lily.’ Will raised the glass he’d just been offered. ‘Thanks for having us all over. And hey, good luck with those exams.’

‘Thanks.’ She gave a slow steadying sigh, then took a gulp of her bubbles.

Aware Lily didn’t want to dwell on her impending exams, Andreas and Dan moved the conversation on to the incredible cake waiting for them all in the kitchen, and they were soon chatting easily as they sipped the refreshing fizz.

‘Oh, this is the life,’ said Nikki. ‘The boys are out at football training in Alnwick, and luckily for me, it’s their friend’s parents’ turn to do the taxiing and hanging around today. And Kev’ll be lazing on the sofa by now, after his “extra-busy” week. Recharging his batteries, so he insists.’

The group gave a chortle at the pun; they all knew he was an electrician.

‘Oh, look, and it’s about to get even better,’ Cath added, spotting Anna heading out with a platter of dainty sandwiches – having prepared thinly sliced cucumber, cream cheese and smoked salmon, and mustardy ham – along with a three-tiered cake stand piled high with freshly made scones, small pots of strawberry jam and clotted cream, graced on the top tier by some delicious-looking mini chocolate cakes, and individual pots of lemon posset. ‘That looks amazing. Can I give you a hand?’ Cath took the stand from her, setting it carefully down on the table.

‘Oh, let me help you too, Mum.’ Lily stood up and nipped into the house, coming back soon afterwards with two big pots of tea on a tray, a jug of fresh milk and a bowl of white sugar cubes with dainty tongs, and a tea plate of Cath’s shortbread. ‘Here you go, guys.’

‘Sit yourself down again, love. This is your day. I’ll pour,’ offered Anna, lifting one of the teapots, evidently keen to wait on them. It seemed like she wanted to make it a special afternoon for all of them.

‘This is so lovely, thank you. Are you joining us?’ asked Andreas, concerned that Anna was doing all the work and missing out herself.

‘Um, I might grab a sandwich and one of your delicious-looking feta pastries before I head out. But I’ve got to dash over to the Kirkton Co-op shortly. On a mission for my mother. She hasn’t been feeling quite herself this week, so I’m fetching her a few groceries, and then I’ll stay with her for a bit of a natter. So, I’ll have to love you and leave you.’

‘Oh, I hope she’s okay,’ said Cath, with a note of concern.

‘I’m sure she’ll be fine, thanks. I think Grandma Liz just needs a bit of company and a helping hand.’

Cath had the feeling that setting them up with their afternoon tea and then nipping away, might have been part of Anna’s plan all along. The supper club had always been Lily’s thing, rather than her parents’.