Page 11 of Match Point in Crumbleton
For a second, she was half-tempted to leave the museum unlocked… just in case there were any friendly burglars around who might do her the favour of nicking some of the not-so-priceless artefacts.
‘Better not,’ she said with a grin, sliding the key into the lock and turning it. Nothing happened. ‘Are you serious?!’
Taking a deep breath, Cath remembered Andy’s instructions and proceeded to give the key an elaborate wiggle as she tried again. It turned smoothly. It was clearly easy, once you knew how!
Pocketing the key, Cath paused for a brief moment. It was hard not to feel like she was running away. She’d had a feeling the place was going to be in a bit of a state, but she hadn’t really been expecting this peculiar combination of town-jumble-sale, giant recycling bin, and abandoned storage unit.
‘I need cake,’ she muttered, setting off before she could guilt herself into going back inside.
The wooden shutters were still pulled across the antiques shop window as Cath marched past. It was no great surprise considering it probably hadn’t even reached eight o’clock in the morning yet. The sign taped to the door read "Open at 10.30(ish)”
The ish part made her smile. Anyone who put that on their opening hours had to be a bit of a character, didn’t they? She could only imagine she’d get to know her new work neighbour before too long. In fact, she’d make sure she did. Having a museum and an antiques shop right next door to each other had to offer some kind of opportunity to work together, didn’t it?!
As she wandered towards the bakery, Cath realised her stomach was tight with nervous knots. Somehow, she didn’t think it was entirely down to the fact that she’d just left the biggest mess she’d ever witnessed behind her at the top of the hill. She had a feeling it had something to do with… Andy?
No, that would be ridiculous!
Cath gave herself a little shake. Sure, he seemed nice—if a bit quiet. He definitely wasn’t too hard on the eyes, either, especially when he took off his hard hat. Even so—she’d promised herself to stay away from all men for the foreseeable future.
Greg had broken something inside her when he’d pulled the rug of her life out from beneath her feet. Cath wasn’t entirely sure if the damage was in her head or in her heart. Perhaps it was both. Either way, that wonderful, floaty belief that there might be someone out there to share the rest of her life with had been well and truly shattered.
There would be no romance in her future. It didn’t matter. She had plenty of other things to keep her busy. A new flat to turn into a home, for one thing. The museum for another. She definitely had her work cut out for her there! She wouldn’t have time for ridiculous things like romance and new relationships.
Squaring her shoulders, Cath forced herself to smile and think of the positives. She’d moved to a lovely new town. She had a new job, and she’d already met some nice people.
‘Hey!’ she said, her forced smile instantly feeling more natural on her face as she spotted Andy leaning up against the doorway of the bakery. There was a woman with him, laughing as she watched him wave his hard hat in front of his face as though he was halfway through a hot flush.
‘Cath!’ he spluttered, sounding slightly pained. ‘This is Heather… my… ouch… ha ho heee hooooot!... my sister!’
‘Hi,’ said Cath, smiling uncertainly at Heather, who beamed back at her. ‘Erm… is he okay?’
‘Other than being an impatient idiot, he’s fine!’ laughed Heather. ‘He never waits for his fruit slice to cool down enough before she shoves it in his face!’
‘Ooh, that’s the problem!’ said Cath, spotting a steaming piece of cake in Andy’s hand that she hadn’t noticed before because of all the hat-flapping.
‘Blow on it, idiot!’ said Heather. ‘Seriously, he didn’t even give me a chance to ice it before he demanded a piece.’
‘Ha! Hoooo!’ hooted Andy, having taken another steaming mouthful, only to suck in air and waft his hat again as though his life depended on it.
‘It’s your own fault if you’ve burned your tongue,’ huffed Heather.
‘Is that the mythical fruit slice I’ve heard so much about?’ said Cath, taking a deep sniff of the sweet, spice-infused air wafting from the bakery.
‘Yep,’ said Heather. ‘I suppose you’ll be wanting a piece now?’
Cath grinned at Heather and nodded enthusiastically. ‘Yes please!’
‘I’ll go and grab you a bit,’ said Heather. ‘Give me a sec to add some icing… and just learn from this idiot,’ she added, nodding at Andy. ‘It’s stupidly hot!’
‘So good though!’ said Andy, giving Heather the thumbs up.
‘Idiot,’ muttered Heather again before disappearing back inside.
‘I thought the boxes might beat you before too long,’ said Andy, giving her a mischievous look.
‘Oh, I’m not beaten that easily,’ said Cath drawing herself up. ‘Just tempted by the mention of cake.’
‘It’s definitely tempting!’ said Andy, licking his fingers.
