CHAPTER 28
‘What do you mean, you can’t find it?’ Josh said.
Rosa balanced her mobile under her chin whilst she emptied her washing bin into a holdall. ‘Honestly, Josh. I’ve searched high and low and it’s nowhere to be seen.’
‘Have you tried down the sofa again?’
‘I’ve tried everywhere.’
‘Well, you weren’t going to sell it anyway, so it’s no loss.’
‘I know that, but it’s just weird. It can’t have disappeared into thin air, and what’s more, now I’ve read that letter I told you about, I feel a strange connection with the necklace. It’s as if I need to look after it.’
‘Bloody hell, that sea air really has gone to your head, hasn’t it?’ Josh paused, then went on: ‘I hate to say this out loud, but you don’t think Titch has taken it, do you? I mean, you said her mum had chucked her out and that she’s lost her job at the pub, so she must be feeling the pinch.’
‘Hmm. I did think of that, but no - for all her faults, I don’t see her as a thief. And to give her her due, she did hand over some money for food and is going to pay me forty pounds a week rent, moving forward.’
‘Forty pounds! Are you going mad, Rosa?’
‘Oh, Josh, stop it. I’m not in London and she’s currently on a single mattress in a room with nothing but that and an old desk. That’s plenty for now and the money is really handy.’
‘And did you speak to her this morning like you said you were going to?’ Josh bit his lip – he sounded just like one of his old teachers.
‘Josh, what is this, Twenty Questions? But, no I didn’t, as she must be on an early shift at the café.’
‘Why did you say she lost her job at the Ship again?’
Rosa huffed. ‘Right, I’m busy. I’ve got to go.’
‘So, have you started setting the shop up yet? It will be February before you know it.’
‘I know, I know. Stop nagging me! I realise I’ve been procrastinating slightly, but lovely Joe has suggested a Valentine’s Day opening. I’m going to get some heart-shaped doggie chocolates to give away, plus I’ll be handing out a ten per cent discount voucher for anyone’s next visit. I plan to make the window display look really colourful. In fact, I have some fun ideas for the window in the summer that the kids will love.’
‘Remind me who Joe is again?’
‘He’s the reporter stroke Editor guy from the Gazette.’
‘Ah, yep.’
‘He’s going to put an editorial in the paper the week before with another voucher that can be spent on Valentine’s Day in the shop.’
‘Great. So, is Valentine’s Day a Saturday this year then?’
‘Yes, and it also falls in half-term so I think it’s perfect timing as there may be a few tourists down here then too. I just hope it won’t be too cold.’
‘So, do I get an official invite?’
‘Yes, here is a verbal one. Are you going to come?’
‘Of course I bloody am, with bells on. Carlton said he may come too as one of his old uni mates plays for Falmouth RFC. So the plan is that he will drive down here with me on the Friday and stay with his friend on the Saturday night.’
‘Ah, the elusive Carlton – it’ll be good to meet him at last. You’re welcome on the sofas, both of you, but you might want to get a B&B.’
‘Yeah. Can you see if Jacob has got anything at the Lobster Pot, please?’
‘I expect he’ll offer you his bed when I tell him it’s you and another rugger bugger.’
Josh laughed. ‘This man ain’t for turning.’
‘How’s your new chick anyway?’
‘I take her out for dinner occasionally, it’s nothing serious.’ He waited for just an incey wincey hint of jealousy, but Rosa remained silent. ‘Like I said, it’s nothing serious. Anyway, more importantly, do you have any men to mention? I don’t recall there ever being much of a man drought when you lived with me.’
‘Tragically, Cockleberry Bay is not exactly a hotbed of talent, like London town used to be.’
‘What about this lovely Joe?’
‘He’s going through a divorce.’
‘Rebound chances then.’
‘Ha! Let’s hope so.’
‘So, the necklace, what are you going to do about it? Report it to the police?’
‘God, no. It will turn up. There is no sign of a break-in. Maybe the Cockleberry Coven have magicked it somewhere safe, so I can’t sell it.’ She replicated a witchy laugh.
‘Can’t wait to meet all these new friends of yours.’
‘Don’t lie. But it will be lovely to see you.’ At that moment Hot came bounding into the kitchen, barking.
‘Aw, there’s my boy,’ Josh said fondly. ‘Can’t wait to give him a big smoochy kiss.’
Rosa giggled. ‘Right, Mr Smith, me and the hound are off to the launderette. If your mum happens to be chucking out a washing machine, let us know.’
‘You cheeky monkey.’
‘You love me really.’ With that she hung up.