Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 138541 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 693(@200wpm)___ 554(@250wpm)___ 462(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138541 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 693(@200wpm)___ 554(@250wpm)___ 462(@300wpm)
As it is, I don’t need earplugs because the bakery gets way busier than normal. Apparently there’s some kind of kite festival down on the beach and everyone is stopping off here for iced drinks and sweet snacks. By noon I’ve not stopped baking and already we’ve run out of the favourites. Valentine fortunately prepared for the festival, but she didn’t make enough. Nobody expected it to be such a turn out, but with the weather being perfectly windy and not too cold, the town is swarmed like it never has been before.
When I look through the window I can see some of the larger kites in the air. One of them is shaped like Shrek and it makes me smile. I bet Dillan would love this if he were older. It’s been a while since we had this festival in town. I think the last time was when I was five and I thought it was brilliant. I hope it comes around again when Dillan is that age.
“Okay, these old bones need a break.” Valentine announces and flops onto a nearby chair, using a book to fan her face. “Can you handle the rest for a while?”
I nod. “No problem. Why don’t you go and lie down for a bit?”
“I need to be here, just in case you get stuck.”
This is obviously a possibility, but I refuse to admit defeat. “It’s fine. I’ve got this. Everything is almost ready to come out anyway. You go, and I’ll shout you if we need anything.”
She mulls it over for a moment before nodding wearily and climbing back up from the chair. “I knew I’d be glad I hired you.”
I smile at that and get back to work cleaning our used utensils. She pats me on the back as she walks past and soon disappears through the door that leads to her flat upstairs.
Okay, I can do this.
“I think I’m definitely going to be joining you for non-alcoholic cocktails and treats tonight.” I say to Tiffany, flopping into the same chair that Valentine flopped into hours ago.
Tiffany grins and claps her hands. “Brilliant. I’ll stock up a box of whatever is left.”
“Yay.” I say, but it comes out sounding tired and defeated. “I need to go home and have a shower first.”
“Duly noted. You go on ahead, we’ll handle the lock up. I’ll pick you up in about forty minutes.”
Well at least I don’t have to walk to hers on my aching feet. I hang up my apron and head home. As soon as I fall through the door, I stumble to the shower and barely get my clothes off before climbing in. I even go as far as to sit on the tiled floor; my body just can’t hold me up. I’m exhausted, but I don’t want to sleep. I want to have fun.
It’s a huge change. A few months ago the idea of fun was abhorrent to me. Now I feel like I want to start living again. Caleb… I’m sorry.
“One virgin Tiffany surprise, without the surprise because it’s virgin.” Tiffany grins and hands me a tall glass of purple, ugly looking liquid. I take a tentative sip, surprised when it actually tastes good. “It has grapes in it.”
“It’s great.” I nod slowly with a smile and watch Elle switch to the music channels via the TV remote.
Tiffany takes a picture of me holding the glass, much to my annoyance. I hate pictures and I don’t ever use the social networking sites that are available. She still uploads it. I’m grateful I’ll never see it.
Am I dull? I sound really dull.
“How’s the baba?” Elle asks, turning the TV down low after the neighbours bang on the wall a few times. Tiffany glares at the wall as if it’s to blame. This makes me snigger.
“He’s great.” Although I have yet to hear from Nathan. I should text him.
Gwen: How are you both? Is he being good?
“He’s gorgeous. I want baby cuddles but I never get to see him outside of work.” Elle moans.
Tiffany nods in agreement. “Yeah, we should all go for lunch soon.” Even though we either work at the same time or on different days. “We’ll figure something out. Are you working tomorrow?”
I shake my head. “No, it’s Sunday. I never work Sundays.”
“I do, every freakin’ Sunday.” Tiffany grumbles and sits in between Elle and myself. “Which means I have to be really careful to avoid a hangover.”
“Woe is me.” Elle jests and places her hand to her forehead. I can’t help but giggle.
“Shut up.”
My phone vibrates in my pocket and I pull it out and read the text.
Nathan: All is well. He’s sleeping. How is your evening?
Gwen: It’s actually really good. I’m sat with two ladies from work, Elle and Tiffany. They’re drinking cocktails, mine is virgin. I haven’t laughed so much in a really long time :-)