Lizzie's List (13 page)

Kate and I are now in the thick of planning, organising and adding final touches to our new cafe – The Tea Cosy 2. We are over the moon with its style, very much in keeping with The Tea Cosy, but it has a slight independence of its own, mainly due to the additional space.

The location is superb and the more we have visited to make preparation, the more confident I feel about its potential. The owners of the barn are working hard to develop the whole centre and are using our autumn launch as a method of increasing the barn’s identity as a lovely place to visit.

Not forgetting our original Tea Cosy 1–Laura is doing a wonderful job. She’s slid gracefully into the role of manager, handles things without fuss, and is fast becoming indispensable. I am also miffed that one customer told me her chocolate brownies are the best she had ever tasted, but she did explain that nobody could beat my scones and shortbread, so I felt a little better. Kate and I have both agreed to give her a pay rise as soon as we can afford to – right now all the funds are being ploughed into Tea Cosy 2.

After my little tiff with James, I am feeling rather humbled because at the moment I am the one who is too busy to fit him into my life. He did point this out to me, but quickly regretted it when he saw my glare and nostril puffing like an irate dragon about to blow fire–although he was quite right to point it out.

This brings me to the present, which is the day of our grand opening. We have struggled to estimate how much food we will require, but have enough cakes to feed the British Army – well nearly! “Well we can’t do any more now Lizzie – it’s a matter of waiting to see if the advertising has worked and then all systems go – hopefully.” says Kate.

“I feel excited. I would normally be nervous, so I’m not sure what’s wrong with me today.”

“It’s your confidence Lizzie – you’re more confident these days. I think your list and your lovely boyfriend have done wonders to it. Right now, though, we need to grab a cup of tea and cake, because I am hoping we’ll be so busy, we won’t have time later.” I ponder Kate’s words briefly and think that she may well be right.

“What are you having Kate? I’m having a Smartie biscuits, because I feel strong, slightly silly with excitement and also looking forward to the element of surprise we may get today.”

“Seriously–you think too much Lizzie – just give me anything sweet and large and I’m happy,” Kate laughs in response. “Shall we get something for your mum and dad? They’ll be here soon.”

“Yes we’d better. I can’t believe they are actually coming to help us out for the day and Tabitha too.”

I am ecstatic that my family are rallying around. After they all visited the barn and I talked to them about our plans, Mum suggested she and dad could help. We didn’t want to recruit too many staff too soon, until we were certain of our customer base. She loves the place so much (I think the quirky little shops help) that she has even said she’ll help on busier days until we are more established. The extra help today has meant that Kate can plan lots of children’s autumn crafts and will be able to run activities, whilst Mum, Dad and Tabitha serve. Dad still prefers the peace and tranquillity of Tea Cosy 1, but mum has already organised luncheons with her ‘Golden Girls’ here soon.

“Wow girls, this truly looks amazing!” beams my mum as she and Dad arrive. You might not quite believe how much this means to me. Having felt that I am a constant let down to her, she’s finally enthusing over something I am doing. “I think you’ve done a great job and I just love the bunting – my Golden Girls will love it here.”

“The bunting was all down to Lizzie. Thanks so much for helping today – it’s difficult to know how busy we’ll be,” replied Kate.

“Yes thanks, to you all, and it looks like our first customers might be here already,” I say as we hear the distinct noise of a car arriving on the car park. We all down our teas/coffees and don our welcoming smiles in hope that this is the start of a hectic day.

Before we know what’s hit us, The Tea Cosy 2 is a bouncing and bounding puppy full of new life, activity and zest. The flow of customers is constant and steady throughout the day with a noisy peak during lunch time. I’ve tried to take moments, whenever the opportunity has arisen, to soak up the atmosphere as if I’m a customer myself. The experience felt like a buzzing bee, with lots of activity around, but time and places to stop, pause and unwind amongst the cheerful and vivacious surroundings. We’ve just about coped with the demands of our guests, allowing them enough time to relax and have this experience, not just a beverage, but the constant flow of new customers arriving has ensured people don’t stay too long.

The hum of noise is enough that families don’t feel they are unwelcome with children, but the size of the cafe allows people to escape and rest in quieter areas. We have cleverly (if I say so myself) sectioned the space into designated areas to attract a diverse clientele. The family area is close to the large doors opening out onto the play area with an activity table for children. The central area is designed for people who want food, and we have a cosy corner with books, magazine and squishy sofas for people who want peace and quiet. Our aim for this is to provide customers with the experience they desire. We have also lined the walls with Welsh dressers and various shelves that we have sourced from local antique fairs to display our items for sale. As with The Tea Cosy 1, we have many local artists who are displaying their artwork, which they will hopefully sell through our cafe.

By the end of the afternoon, we are utterly shattered. My feet feel as though they have been pummelled with hot bricks. To give Mum her credit, she was fantastic as a waitress and seemed in her element mingling with customers, chatting tumultuously enjoying their company. Dad now looks tired, but seemed to have enjoyed the day, probably because he enjoys seeing Kate and I succeed.

“Well, everybody, I think we can clearly say that it was a triumphant day and thanks so much for your help!” I say, still buzzing slightly on adrenalin.

“I think we can all agree that this place will be the making of you both. I think the location is great and its size allows it to retain some of the cosiness of Tea Cosy 1, but allows for more customers with the extra space,” replies Dad.

“I don’t know about anybody else, but I’m in need of a glass of wine. Shall we clear up and head off to the pub? Mark’s coming over later, and we should all celebrate today’s success,” suggests Tabitha.

“Well, your dad’s driving, but we could come for one I suppose,” answers Mum.

“You and Dad could stay at my flat, because I’m staying at James’ tonight with Tabitha and Mark. Ben will come, won’t he Kate?” I ask.

“Yes I’m sure he will – I’ll give him a call now.”

“Well that’s settled then,” answers Mum, already donning her rubber gloves to get finished, “but I’m not coming if you two start singing,” she grins.

“How do you know about that?” I ask, but already know the answer as Tabitha quickly scuttles off to do some job or other in the kitchen.

Later that evening, we all gravitate towards the open fire in the pub. Although it’s only early in October, there is a distinct chill in the air this evening. I love autumn and how it brings the dappled colours of leaves contrasting against the bright blue sky. I love the warm sunny days finished with crisp, darkening, cooler evenings, leaving you craving the warmth and comfort of your home knowing that you’ll seek this for many months ahead. I love making autumnal-themed food: chutneys, pumpkin soup, apple crumble and treacle toffee – what’s not to love?

There is a happy buzz around our table as everybody joins in with our celebrations. I still can’t quite believe that I am now part-owner of two establishments. I’ve never considered myself ambitious, but I am already thinking about whether we could open a third – but let’s not be too hasty just yet. “Well, shall we make a toast,” says Mark, “to The Tea Cosy 2 – may she make Kate and Lizzie loads of money!”

“It’s not just about making money Mark; it’s about creating an experience for our customers,” I reply hastily.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever Lizzie – to making loads of dosh!” he replies, and I give up and raise my glass.

The boys discuss ideas for Ben’s stag do and end up deciding that having it at The Northern Edge is the easiest and best idea. Ben’s a bit of an adrenalin junkie and hasn’t yet been up there to do any activities, so wants to do some white water rafting, followed by a curry from the nearest take away. I glare at Kate in case she suggests something similar for her hen do. As much as I am glad that I did an extreme sport, I have no wish to participate in more of them so soon.

Changing the subject ... Tabitha, who is very keen on knowing details about my list, asks, “Have you had any more thoughts about what to do next from your list, Lizzie?”

“I’ve not to be honest. We’ve been so busy opening Tea Cosy 2, and I have a feeling that we’ll be busy for a while. The next thing on my list is slightly harder to do – it needs some thought,” I answer.

“What do you mean – what is it?” James asks as I haven’t told him the whole of my list yet.

“All I have written down is the word–visit. I want to visit somewhere I have never been to before in this country. I’m not really sure where to go yet. I need to think about it a little.”

Later on, after tipsy hugs, we all part to go in our separate directions towards home, leaving Tabitha, Mark, James and me with our short walk up the track towards James’ cottage. We all head off to bed fairly quickly having consumed far too much drink.

Snuggling up to me in bed, James says, “I’ve not told you how proud I am of your success. Sorry I didn’t make it down there today – it was just so busy, especially with Nick being away at the moment.” Nick is a new member of staff that James hired in July.

“That’s okay,” I reply knowing that I can’t make a fuss after James has not moaned once about hardly seeing me over the last week. He slowly pulls me towards him and as usual he’s aroused; it doesn’t take long for me to succumb to his charms!

Note to self

1. Do not allow the business of the Tea Cosy 2 to affect my attention to my bodily hair. I was quite shocked last night when I noticed the speed of its re-growth. Thankfully James’ didn’t seem to notice – must be the beer!
   
2. Start to think about task number 8 and where I might like to visit.
   

October seems to spin out of control just like twirling and swirling leaves do on a windy, autumn day. It seems as though we have been running the Tea Cosy 2 forever, not just a month. We were reluctant to take on too many staff until we were sure of how busy we’d be, but it’s become obvious that we need more help. Mum, true to her word, has been great and helped us out, particularly at weekends when we are most busy. We have, however, been lucky enough to find a lovely lady called Kathy who has spent many years raising her children and now they are older wanted to work. She arrived full of apprehension, but after two days, she was like another woman, full of confidence, sending out batches of muffins like there’s no tomorrow. What’s more, she is keen to organise some of our themed nights here. Sewing and knitting are her things. Kate, being eager to start themed nights at Tea Cosy 2, jumped at this like a cat on a mouse.

Working with Mum has actually been enjoyable and has brought us closer together. I had forgotten what a dry sense of humour she has. It also reminded me that it was she who taught me how to bake – introduced me to my first love. It’s fair to say that, although Mum is a good cook, it’s certainly not her love. She much prefers being out front with the customers.

As November arrives with its frosty and angry attitude, we catered for the bonfire celebrations at the barn. The obvious children’s favourites of treacle toffee and toffee apples are on the menu, along with heart-warming food for adults, such as hot pot, chilli, pumpkin soup, treacle tart and apple pie, which we made using the apples from the orchard at the barn. James insisted that we add Lancashire hotpot to the menu, to which we all looked at him blankly, so he asked his mum for the recipe. When he tasted my version of it, he described it as smashing, which I assume means good.

Anyway this all brings me to the present time, November 15th when I am finally getting a day off. Unfortunately, James is out on some expedition, so I said I’d take Jack out for a long, exhilarating walk. I’ve packed a picnic and intend being out in the fresh air for many hours, since the weather is glorious and the trees look magnificent, still grasping on to their remaining patterned, leaves.

As I wander through the woods, I switch off my mobile phone to enjoy the peace of not being at somebody’s beck and call constantly. As much as I love my job, it’s been very intense over the last months and I endeavour to have some peace and enjoy this time, which I rarely get to myself.

Reaching the top of Bluebell Hill, I sit and ponder whilst admiring the colourful view, now a patchwork of oranges, yellows and browns. Smiling as I think about my best friend Kate and how happy she is about her upcoming wedding to Ben, I feel contented. My thoughts turn to Ruth and Pete and how quickly and happily they seem to have fitted into each other’s lives. Tabitha and Mark are fast becoming the people I love to be with now our relationships seem to be developing. Mum and Dad seem comfortable and I cannot possibly be happier or more in love with James.

I like to think that I am not already planning our wedding, but if I’m honest, it’s only the finer details that I haven’t yet considered. Obviously I have not told James any of this, especially since he’s hasn’t even mentioned marriage in any shape or form; however, should he ever ask, I’m well and truly ready for the preparations. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not in a rush, but should he ask me–I’d say yes!

Thinking about my life at the moment, family–friends, my business and James; it almost feels as though I am enclosed within a bubble of happiness. Everything inside my bubble is perfect, and it seems that nothing can alter my joyous mood. My only hope is that my bubble never pops.

I deliver Jack back to James’ and head off to the flat as James won’t be back until much later. Unpacking my rucksack, I pull out my stuff and switch my mobile back on, only to be greeted with an insistent beeping as text after text arrives. Slightly disturbed, because nobody ever texts me this much, I read the first one which is from Mark.

Lizzie call me ASAP – Dad is in hospital.

Notes to Self

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