“Look mum!” shouted Joe before he had even reached the gate. He was waving a piece of paper over his head and grinning like a Cheshire Cat. “Can I go, can I go?”
“Whoa there, hang on a second.” She braced herself as he threw himself at her legs and thrust the paper into her hands. “Let me see it first.” She knew exactly what it was, it had been the talk of the school gate for about a week and she had also overheard conversations from the regulars in the cafe. The annual school day out to Applecross was due over the Easter holidays, and it was the highlight of the school year.
“It’s a trip to Applecross. Can I go?” asked Joe excitedly.
“Well, we’ll have to see won’t we?” Kate took hold of her son’s hand, knowing full well she would let him go but she couldn’t resist the urge to tease him.
“Aww mum, see about what?” he said, dragging out the vowels. He pulled his hand away sulkily. “That means I can’t go,” he huffed.
“Well, let’s see. Can you keep your bedroom tidy?”
“Yes.”
“What about helping out with the washing up?”
“Yes.” His voice was rising an octave with every answer.
“And what about helping Jack tidy the café?”
“Oh yes, yes, yes. Please mum, please. I’ll never ask for anything ever...” He was practically begging her. She glanced down at the boy who was now walking backwards in front of her so he could see her face.
“Hmm I’m not sure...” But she couldn’t keep it up and started laughing whilst she ruffled his hair. “Of course you can go, but you still have to do all those things I mentioned.”
He almost tripped them both up as he crashed into her.
“Steady on, you’ll have us both over.” She pulled him from her and took hold of his hand once more but he wriggled free.
“Can I tell Jack?” he asked, already starting to break into a run.
“Yes, but go carefully,” she called after him. As Joe shot off, Kate followed at a slower pace. She was more concerned about him tripping over his own feet than busy roads or stranger danger; everyone knew everyone else in the small coastal village. Smiling to herself, she took the short walk back to the café knowing that Jack would be waiting for his wee pal.
Jack Bruce was the owner of the only café in Gairloch, a Lochside village in the Scottish Highlands. He had taken over the run-down building after the previous owners retired and although he wasn’t getting any younger, he hadn’t wanted to miss the opportunity of making a few pence for his own retirement fund. A couple of weeks after arriving in the village, Kate had spent an entire day knocking on doors at the few souvenir shops, the local pub and various tourist attractions in the area, hoping for a part-time position that would top up her savings. When she was exhausted and just about to give up, she sat on the bench overlooking the Loch, gazing out across the vast expanse. Jack had joined her on the bench and after a wee chat he had offered her a position in the café. It wasn’t much, he had said, but to Kate it meant everything. A few months later he had offered her the little flat above and she had snapped his hand off. It was small and needed updating but anything was better than their previous accommodation above The Old Inn pub.
Now, with Jack’s health not being what it was, he had offered her the chance to take over the café full-time, on a profit-share basis. She had been beside herself and, much to Jack’s embarrassment, had kissed and hugged him every day for a week. He had sensed that Kate was looking for security and, having no children of his own, he had taken both her and Joe under his wing. With his guiding hand he had helped them settle into the rhythm of Highland life and now they were an integral part of the small community. Breathtakingly beautiful, the Lochside resort nestled on the banks of Loch Gairloch with natural sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. Kate had now lived there through every season. When they had first arrived it had been the depths of winter, infinitely bleak with persistent rain, snow and howling winds. Before spring had poked its head through the clouds Kate had been ready to quit. She had chosen Gairloch as she had fond memories of family caravan holidays spent there when she was younger. She figured it was far enough away to not attract any attention to herself but when she’d visited before it had been summer and she wasn’t quite prepared for the isolation of winter. As the surrounding mountains had woken from their winter sleep, Kate felt her spirits shifting with the weather. The gorse bushes bloomed with their spiky yellow flowers and as the purple heather sprang forward, ready to start its new life, Kate had a sense of synchronicity and decided to stick it out. Moving Joe again would be too much for him she had thought, and now she had the job and flat she could build on the foundations and create the secure, happy home that she had always yearned for.
She caught up with Joe just as he was charging through the café door, nearly knocking one of the regulars off their feet.
“Hey, hey, hey steady on there young man, where’s the fire?”
“Sorry Mr Wheeler,” called Joe as he headed into the kitchen.
Kate apologised, but Mr Wheeler brushed it off. “It’s nae bother hen, no harm done.”
Kate shook her head and held the door open to let Mr Wheeler and his wife through. She followed Joe into the kitchen at the back of the café where Gill, the part-time chef, server and all-round life saver, was piling Joe’s plate full of sausage and chips.
“There you go wean, go find yourself a seat.” Gill was used to Joe taking over the café after school and she always had a plate of food ready for him.
“Thanks Gill, what would I do without you?” said Kate, shrugging out of her coat and back into her work apron. “Has it been busy?”
“Steady away, Jack’s been busy with his measuring tape and doing a lot of tutting and sighing. What’s that all about?”
Kate laughed. “I’ve given him a list of jobs that need doing. I don’t think he’s too happy about it.”
“Ach, yes that will explain it. Giving the place a do over then?”
“Just a minor one before it gets busy in the summer. A new coat of paint and repairs to the floor and kitchen units, nothing too drastic.”
“This place hasn’t changed in years. You’re a breath of fresh air Kate.”
Kate had built a good working relationship with Gill who was as much a part of the furniture as Jack. Gill had worked at the café on and off since Jack had taken over the place years before, and Kate appreciated her hard work. She could turn her hand to anything, and the regulars loved her. Plus, her homemade cakes were a sight and taste to behold. Kate walked out into the front of the café and sat opposite Joe whilst he tucked into his tea.
The little chime above the entrance tinkled and Kate looked up to see Jack. She smiled affectionately as he ambled into the café, wrapped up in his heavy waxed coat, cap in place and feet firmly encased in all-weather boots. He was rarely seen in anything else, even in the summer. He removed his cap and unfastened his coat.
“Now then,” he greeted Kate in his usual brusque way, and tickled Joe on the back of his neck. Joe didn’t look up from his plate of food. He sat in the chair next to Kate and nodded his head towards Joe. “Hungry as ever then? That boy’s got a fair appetite.”