Another Cup of Coffee by Jenny Kane Page A

Rob here sometimes. They’d always made time for plenty of coffee stops back then, so why not now?
    â€˜And if you press this then you’ll get a nice steady stream of hot milk frothing on top of the coffee.’
    Amy had been in Pickwicks for almost two hours, and her head was so full of new information that she thought it might burst. Anyone who considered being a waitress an easy option was under a serious misconception. Her booted feet had almost reached tropical temperatures, and were beginning to distract her as she struggled to concentrate on everything Peggy said.
    â€˜So, do you fancy it?’ Peggy was bouncing around behind the counter like an exuberant puppy – how could she say no? Anyway, she did feel comfortable in here. Perhaps it was fate. Amy nodded, unable to believe her luck in finding employment so fast.
    â€˜Thanks, yes! Although I think you’ll probably have to show me how to work the cappuccino machine a few more times before I get the hang of it.’
    â€˜Not a problem. I’m just so glad to get help.’
    â€˜Were you advertising then? I didn’t notice a sign in the window.’
    â€˜Not really.’ Peggy tossed her ponytail from off her shoulder, ‘I keep an eye out every now and then, and pounce on anyone remotely suitable. The last girl who worked with me was a regular customer I lampooned. She ended up working here so she could afford to eat here. Nuts!’
    â€˜I’m really grateful. Like I said, I’ve only lived here a day and I need something to tide me over. Something to work at, while I find something to work at. If that makes sense.’
    â€˜No one makes much sense here, honey. You’ll fit in fine.’ Peggy ripped a piece of paper off her order pad and began to write. ‘Now, these will be your hours for this week, starting with a sort of training day tomorrow. The hours will vary each week, depending on the season and how lazy I’m feeling, but it will include most weekends until after Christmas. After that we’ll see if you want to stay, or if you’re off to become a captain of industry, OK?’
    â€˜More than OK. It’ll give me a bit of free time too. Catch up with friends, develop a career, marry a millionaire, that sort of thing.’
    Peggy laughed again, ‘Let me know if you find one, I’m still looking.’
    â€˜For a millionaire or a career?’
    Shrugging her shoulders, her new boss replied, ‘Both! I’ve been here five years and have been far too busy to actually look!’
    â€˜Oh?’ The number of tables crammed into the room illustrated just how busy Peggy could be, especially if she didn’t always have waiting staff to help her.
    â€˜And being married to the owner sort of helps the time fly.’
    Now it was Amy’s turn to laugh, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow. I’d better pull myself together and go home. My removal van should turn up quite soon.’
    â€˜Sure. Take care honey.’ Peggy beamed at Amy’s retreating back, feeling very pleased with herself for securing someone to help her without having to go through all the hassle of advertising.
    Kit looked up. Peggy was free at last. The girl she’d been showing round must have gone. She waved in her friend’s direction. Peggy picked up the percolator jug from behind the counter and crossed the room to refill Kit’s cup. ‘How’s the snooker – sorry, pool  – tale going? You’ve hardly raised your head since you put pen to paper this morning.’
    Deciding not to tell Peggy that she’d spent more time locked within her own memories than writing, Kit replied, ‘Pretty good, thanks for the inspiration.’
    â€˜Any time.’ Peggy tapped the side of her head. ‘Constant supply of material nestled in here, you know.’
    Kit laughed ‘You’re a star, a grubby star, but a star nonetheless!’
    Peggy began