‘So can you predict the future?’ Tristan asked with genuine curiosity.
Lola considered this before replying, ‘I don’t know if it’s so much that I can predict the future but more I get a hunch or a vision or a sense that something will happen. Like Freya and Angelo. I had a feeling there was a reason for them both to come here. I read Freya’s cards and got an image of a dark man. I felt the calling to come here too and well, look . . .’ With a smile she signalled at him. ‘It’s all turned out very well, although, I didn’t get a premonition of all this, just a sense that I had to move, that there was something about the name Ruby had written in her diary and, well, it turns out there was.’
‘Does that not scare you a bit?’
Lola studied him, realising that she could be completely open and honest with him. ‘Yes, it does. I would always have found my way here eventually, Ruby’s diary would have tempted me had I not already been here. Now I can’t think of being anywhere else. How did you feel about coming here?’
‘Relieved, mostly. The city had been tough. The constant deprivation, the problems, I needed some space to recharge, to stop myself questioning everything. It’s hard to tell people that it’s all in God’s plan when they’re really suffering. I learned not to use that line pretty quickly. I experienced a bit of a crisis of faith before I decided my role was to be there as a guide, a listener and that helps a lot more than anything. Not just for me, but for the people who depend on me.’ He took a sip of his drink. ‘I didn’t expect to be here long. I thought I’d get bored, but I’ve grown to love Cornwall and the people I’ve found here. It’s been very healing, more so than I expected. It’s definitely where I want to put down roots.’
Lola reached for his hand. ‘It does feel like magic to think how many of us have been drawn here and plan to stay. It feels like some sort of divine alignment.’
Conversation stalled as their food arrived and they tucked in. Lola could see why the fish pie was scoring so high on the online ratings.
‘That was amazing,’ she said as she put down her knife and fork. ‘Thank you so much for this.’
‘It’s been my pleasure. Any space for dessert?’
Lola made a show of pretending to be too full but still perusing the menu she asked, ‘What would you go for?’
Tristan studied the options. ‘It feels really indulgent on top of that, but probably a sticky toffee pudding.’
‘That’s my favourite,’ Lola gasped, catching the glint in his eye before suggesting, ‘While we’re here I think it’d be rude not to try it, I mean, it says recommended.’
‘You’ve twisted my arm, Lola, shall we share it?’
‘Yes, I think if I have a whole one, you’ll be rolling me home! I’m so full already!’
Tristan pulled a serious face as he leaned across the table. ‘But the most important question is: custard or ice cream?’
Lola squirmed as if it was a trick before declaring, ‘Ice cream because I like the way it melts in with the hot toffee sauce.’ She waited with bated breath and Tristan pretended to consider his answer. ‘Go on, stop it! Put me out my misery!’
‘OK.’ He leaned even closer, dropping his voice to a whisper. ‘I’d be going for the ice cream too.’
Lola let out a sigh of relief. ‘Phew! That settles it then.’ She turned to the waiter who had come over to their table and with a beaming smile ordered one sticky toffee pudding, with ice cream, to share.
While they waited for their dessert, they linked hands over the table. Lola liked the way they fitted together, how Tristan made her feel anchored in a way no one else ever had. The silence that fell between them was companionable, like a blanket to sink into, a peacefulness Lola hadn’t realised she’d been craving.
‘This is wonderful,’ she said, ‘I’m always on the go, always doing something, it’s nice to just . . . be.’ She smoothed her thumb over his knuckles. ‘There is something I’m thinking of doing and want your opinion on it.’
‘Go on.’
‘All this Christmas stuff has got me thinking about the other side of the season, the more pagan side. I’ve always marked the solstice with a little ritual. Candles, incense, meditation, and I’d like to do something like that for Polcarrow, get anyone who wants to come along involved.’
‘Do you want my seal of approval?’
Lola nodded.
‘What are you planning on doing for it?’
Lola shrugged. ‘The ideas are vague but a big bonfire for us all to gather around. I’ll do a meditation and we can have a bit of a social afterwards.’
‘Sounds like it would be a great opportunity to take a break from all the crazy last-minute shopping.’
‘Is that your seal of approval?’
‘Do you really need it?’ he asked softly.
Lola thought about this. ‘No, but it’s nice to have it.’
