Eleri was delighted when, only a few days later, Alex made a return visit to the café.
‘Um. Ah. Hello Eleri. Message for Millie.’
‘I’m so sorry, I’m afraid she’s not here this morning but she’ll be back in later, mind. Can I pass it on?’ Eleri was aware Alex was staring.
‘What?’
‘The message. Shall I pass your message on?’
‘That would be wonderful.’ He gave a heartfelt sigh.
Eleri put her head on one side. ‘If you don’t mind me saying, you look exhausted.’
Alex gave her a weak smile. ‘Knackered, actually. Bloody roofers.’
‘Ah. Having work done on the hotel, aren’t you? Millie mentioned something. Look, sit yourself down, lovely, and I’ll get you a coffee. We’re quiet at the moment, so I can join you and you can tell me all about it.’ As she went to go into the kitchen, she stopped and turned. ‘How about a bacon roll too? One left over from breakfast.’
Alex gave her a painfully grateful look before sinking into the same chair he’d sat in the other day.
Once he’d eaten and Eleri had served a couple clad in cagoules and walking boots, she joined him with two more Americanos.
Alex sat back in his seat and sighed again, this time happily.
‘Now then, you look a much happier man.’
‘I am. That was just what I needed.’
‘Can’t go wrong with a bit of bacon and some caffeine. Sure to hit the spot. Whatever the spot is that’s in need.’ She nudged his coffee nearer. ‘Got some orange marmalade cake as well, if you’ve room.’
‘Thanks, but no thanks. Haven’t got a terribly sweet tooth.’
Eleri gasped. ‘That’s the most shocking thing I’ve ever heard. Please don’t let Millie hear you say that.’
Alex grinned, appreciating the joke. ‘I won’t.’
‘So, what’s got you all tense and stressed?’
‘How did you know I was stressed?’
‘Not difficult to guess, lovely.’
Alex pushed up his specs and blew out a breath. ‘The hotel. It’s a nightmare. It’s been a nightmare ever since I bought it.’ He stopped and a rueful expression overcame his thin face. ‘I don’t usually talk about my problems, especially not to a stranger.’
‘Well, no one’s a stranger in Millie Vanilla’s. And it can be good to share problems.’ Eleri picked up her coffee. Holding it between her hands, she closed her eyes and breathed in the aroma. ‘Got to be one of the world’s great pleasures.’ She drank, aware Alex was watching her avidly.
Putting her cup down she said, ‘Now, come on, why are the hotel repairs causing you so much hassle? Money?’
‘You’re very direct, aren’t you? Funnily enough, no.’ Alex took off his coat and scarf. He seemed flustered. ‘Got rather warm in here, hasn’t it?’
‘Millie likes to keep her customers cosy.’
‘Yes, it’s jolly cold today. Somehow hadn’t thought it would be by the coast.’
‘Arthur thinks we’re in for a harsh winter.’ Eleri smiled kindly. ‘I suspect he says that every winter, mind.’ She watched as Alex drank his second coffee. He ate and drank as if it was purely fuel, she observed. There was little sensual pleasure in it. A closed-up man, she decided. ‘It’s usually money that causes the renovation stress, but not with you, so what is it?’
‘Oh, it’s the untidiness of it all,’ he blurted out. ‘The men seem to turn up when they like, leave their stuff all over the place, don’t finish one job before going onto the next.’ He wrinkled his nose in such disgust, Eleri wondered what he was about to say. ‘And have Radio Two blasting out at all hours.’
‘Shocker. I’m guessing you’re a Radio Four man?’
‘Three, actually.’
Eleri sat back and laughed out loud. ‘They sound like fairly typical builders to me.’
‘Do they?’
‘Are they doing a good job? Are you pleased with the results?’
‘Well, yes, I suppose.’
‘And are you providing them with tea and biscuits?’
Alex looked at her in horror. ‘Should I be doing?’
Eleri shrugged. ‘Can’t hurt. How about you set up a drinks station with a kettle and teabags and coffee and such? Even Kit Kats maybe? Might oil the works when you ask for the radio to be turned down.’ She laughed. ‘Have you never lived with builders before?’
‘Never.’
‘I think they run on tea and Radio Two. Chocolate digestives help too.’
‘I’ll try that. Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome. My Da runs a building firm back in Wales, so call it insider knowledge. Or a plea on behalf of good will to the building trade.’ Alex didn’t comment, so she added, ‘What are your plans when the building work is done, then?’ She was dismayed to see his face crumple and his shoulders sag.
‘That’s the other, enormous black hole of a problem. I don’t know.’
‘Surely you’ve got a design consultant or an interior designer on the go?’
He shook his head. ‘Thought I’d get one on board when I’d decided what sort of place to go for. And, apart from an outline plan, I have absolutely no idea. The hotel is a bit of a gamble for me.’ He shrugged. ‘Oh I’m used to gambling with money. That’s what I did in the city, I suppose. But this,’ he spread his long-fingered hands, ‘This is something else. I’m rather out of my depth.’
He looked so forlorn, Eleri wanted to hug his too-thin shoulders. She contented herself by putting a comforting hand on one of his. ‘Oh cariad. I think you were meant to walk into Millie Vanilla’s. You were meant to meet me. You lucky, lucky man. I just happen to have a degree in interior design and I’m dying to have a look at your hotel!’