‘Great. You’ve got your answer so give me my phone back.’
‘Say please.’
‘Please.’
She stuck out her tongue as she handed it over.
‘You’re being very childish today and suspiciously upbeat.’ I shoved my phone deep into my jeans pocket. ‘Are you still drunk from last night?’
‘I hardly touched a drop I’ll have you know. I never drink when I know I have a long drive the next morning. I’m just high on life.’
‘You’re just a child.’
‘But I make you laugh,’ she said. ‘Now spill. I have to know everything about you and your man Nick. Who is he for a start and how is it I’ve never heard of him?’
‘Shh,’ I said again. ‘I promise I’ll tell you every last detail but you have to be quiet.’
‘Why?’
‘I don’t want my parents to know just yet. Mum will tell Auntie Kay and she’ll start planning the wedding. I just want a bit of time to enjoy being with him without the family drama.’
‘Okay. I’ll zip it, but don’t blame me if something accidentally slips out.’
‘Can I have this please?’ A short woman in her mid-twenties placed a soft pink bunny on the counter.
‘Aw. It’s so cute.’ Clare shoved me aside. ‘Will you be wanting this for a special occasion now?’
The woman beamed proudly. ‘My cousin’s just had her first baby.’
‘Congratulations. Now I don’t wish to be stereotypical, but would I be right in thinking the pink means she’s had a girl?’
‘Bethany Lily.’
‘What a beautiful name,’ Clare gushed. ‘Have you bought a card yet as we have a lovely selection of unique cards at fabulous prices.’
‘Well, I…’
‘Let’s just leave this little fella here and I’ll show you. No obligation, but you might as well look. Stay in the warmth a bit longer. And I tell you what else would make this gift even more special…’
By the time the customer left ten minutes later, she’d also bought a card, an expensive gift box, a photo frame, and a bouquet for the new mum because, as Clare put it ‘baby gets showered with gifts and poor mum who’s done all the hard work and is absolutely exhausted gets forgotten.’
I gave Clare an appreciative round of applause. ‘You could sell ice to the eskimos,’
‘I keep telling you, watch and learn. But I admit I am good. Very good. In fact, that’s why I was named last night as Prime’s PR-person of the year and received a rather fat bonus to say thanks. Hurrah for me!’
‘Clare! That’s fantastic.’ I gave her a hug. ‘No wonder you’re so giddy this morning.’
‘It might have something to do with it.’ She looked down the shop towards where Cathy and Mum were still busy with the flower delivery. ‘Seeing as you won’t tell me about your night of passion with your man Nick, I’m going to see if your mum or Cathy have anything interesting to tell me. And I think it’s about time you did some work. I don’t know, just because you’re the boss, you think you can spend the day mooning after your new man and everyone else will do all the hard work.’
‘I’m not mooning and I’ve not stopped all morning, Little Miss Rude. But I’m sure Mum and Cathy would appreciate your help. Just don’t tell them about Nick.’
Less than ten minutes later, my plan to keep Nick a secret was well and truly scuppered. I was making a bouquet for a waiting customer when the bell tinkled.
‘Special delivery for Ms Sarah Peterson. Who can take it?’ I looked up to see a young girl wearing a uniform from The Chocolate Pot, holding a large box tied up in cellophane with a big red ribbon round it.
‘Ooh, what is it?’ Mum said, reaching for the box.
My heart thumped as she took the box and peered at the large card on the front. She frowned, then smiled, then looked across at me. I could almost see the question marks spinning round her like in a cartoon. Cathy, Clare and Jade also gathered round the box, whispering and giggling.
‘Hand it over,’ I said the second my customer left with her bouquet.
‘“I can’t send you flowers so here’s the next best thing. Thinking of you. Nick,” plus lots of sloppy kisses,’ Clare read. ‘Who’s Nick, Sarah?”
‘Yes, sweetheart, who’s Nick?’ Mum said.
‘Nobody.’
‘Doesn’t sound like nobody,’ Mum said.
‘Is it that lovely Nick who was looking for you earlier in the week?’ Cathy asked. ‘Nick Devonshire?’
‘Derbyshire,’ I said. ‘It might be. Hand them over.’
Mum passed me the box.
‘Ooh, Kay will be delighted.’ Cathy turned to Mum. ‘Your sister always thought Nick and Sarah would make a perfect couple.’
‘Do I know him?’ Mum asked.
‘I don’t know,’ I said. ‘He’s Granny Sutton’s grandson.’
‘She’s turned pink,’ Clare said. ‘I think our Sarah’s pretty smitten.’
‘Are you going to open it?’ Jade asked.
‘Not with you lot watching.’
‘Aw, go on,’ Clare said. ‘Don’t be such a meanie.’
Scowling at her, but inwardly delighted that Nick cared enough to send me something, I turned my back to them and put the box on the counter. I carefully unfastened the ribbon and peeled back the cellophane. Inside the box were two compartments: one filled with fairy cakes with flowers decorated on the top and the other filled with beautifully iced flower-shaped shortbread biscuits. They looked and smelled absolutely divine. What an absolute sweetheart.
‘Don’t be a spoilsport. Turn around and show us,’ Clare said.
I turned round, stuck my tongue out at her, and then lifted up the box so they could all see. ‘Who’s for elevenses? And then, if you’re all nice to me and we’re not too busy, I might tell you about Nick. But it will be very brief.’
‘Don’t panic, everyone,’ Clare said. ‘I’ll get the unabridged version out of her later and email you all.’
I headed into The Outback with my box of goodies. Clare followed.
‘Are you going to phone this Nick to thank him,’ she said.
‘I might. Why?’
‘I just wondered if you might like to invite him along tonight.’
‘Really? You wouldn’t mind?’
Clare shook her head. ‘I’d like to meet the guy who you’ve given up on Steven for because he must be pretty damn special.’
I blushed again. ‘I think he might be.’
Clare smiled. ‘He can only come on one condition: strictly no PDAs. You know I hate it when people are constantly snogging and pawing each other.’
‘It’s a deal. No PDAs. Are you absolutely sure?’
‘Stevie and Rob will be there so it’s not like I’ll be a gooseberry so, yes, I’m sure. I can’t wait to meet your new non-Steven.’
Almost as soon as I brought the drinks and cakes out, things went crazy in the shop. My mug of tea went cold and it was two hours before a lull allowed me to take a bite of my cake. I had to swallow it quickly when I spotted Skye peering through the window with a woman who I assumed had to be her sister, Kate. Eek! My stomach churned. Skye pushed the door open.
Deep breath. Smile. Look surprised. ‘Skye! What a lovely surprise. How are you?’
‘I’m great, thanks. I’ve come to ask you something. Have you got ten minutes?’
‘Definitely. You’ve timed it perfectly. We’ve hardly stopped all day and it’s just this minute calmed down.’ I didn’t want Kate to feel concerned by the empty shop.
‘I know,’ Skye said. ‘We passed about an hour ago and the shop was packed so we went to The Chocolate Pot for a cuppa instead. By the way, this is my sister, Kate.’
I shook hands with Kate, hoping nerves hadn’t made mine too clammy. The family resemblance was striking but K
ate had short blonde hair instead of tumbling curls and wore a smart black shift dress with a bright pink belt round the waist; very chic in comparison to Skye’s flowery maxi dress.
‘There’s something I wanted to speak to you about too,’ Kate said.
‘Really? Sounds intriguing.’
We moved away from the counter, leaving Cathy and Clare in charge of customers, and wandered to the end of the shop. Skye’s project sounded exciting and potentially a great earner. The theme for her exhibition was ‘Less is More’. It was all about simple but beautiful crafts and she wanted me to create some modern minimalist floral displays to complement her paintings and jewellery, but also to create arrangements to sell.
Then Kate confirmed exactly what Nick had told me. The contract with the hotel’s existing florist was up for renewal and, although they’d been pleased with her work, they wanted to move in a different direction, creating displays that wowed rather than just looked pretty. She told me that she worked off a combination of gut-feel and talent, that I ticked both boxes and, if I could meet their needs at the right price, she wouldn’t be approaching anyone else for a quote. No pressure then! She made an appointment for me to go to the hotel in the New Year to discuss the finer details.
‘Can I ask you something, Kate?’
She smiled. ‘Of course.’
‘I’m incredibly flattered and excited to have this opportunity, but I’m curious as to what made you think of me. I thought most businesses would have wanted a more established florist for something like this.’
‘That’s a good question, but someone sang your praises so highly that I felt I had to come and see for myself.’
I grinned at Skye. ‘Thank you. I think I owe you a drink or two.’
Skye shook her head. ‘It wasn’t me.’
I frowned. ‘Then who?’
‘It was Skye’s friend Nick,’ Kate said.
My heart raced. ‘Nick? Really?’
She nodded. ‘He’s been designing a new brochure for us and happened to ask who supplied the flowers. I told him the contract was up for renewal and I didn’t want to go with the same florist. He asked if I’d considered you. I told him I was aware that Flowers had changed hands, but there was no way I was going to give such a big contract to a new business. He nagged me for days. I realised he wasn’t going to shut up until I agreed to visit your shop, but once I’d seen your work I knew it was exactly what I wanted. So I think it’s Nick you owe a few drinks to.’
‘Sarah. Sorry but we need you a minute,’ Cathy called from the shop.
‘We should go,’ Kate said. She shook my hand again. ‘I’m really looking forward to working with you next year. I think this could be the start of a great partnership.
As they headed towards the door, Skye turned round and gave me a huge beam and thumbs up and mouthed the words, ‘It’s yours!’
Singing inside, I sorted out the query from Cathy’s customer, then picked up my mobile.
* To Nick
Skye & Kate just left. I think I’ve got the contract! So exciting. And you can stop playing the innocent with me. I know I have you to thank for this big time. I don’t think words will cut it… I may have to show you my appreciation later xxx
I hesitated as I re-read it. It was quite brazen for me. Oh, what the heck… SEND!
* From Nick
So pleased for you. I knew you’d wow her. I’d say you don’t have to thank me… but on re-reading your text, perhaps you do! Can’t wait xxx
The shop picked up again for the next couple of hours. At five o’clock, things finally slowed down so I gathered my team round me. ‘Thank you all for working so hard today and not taking lunch breaks. The rush is over so I want you all to get your coats and bags, grab another cake, biscuit, or both and go home early. Clare and I can cope, can’t we Clare?’
‘I can,’ she said. ‘Not sure about Sarah, though. I think she may be the weak link in this otherwise extremely strong chain.’
They all protested about leaving early, but I insisted. Five minutes later it was just the two of us.
‘I don’t know about you,’ I said. ‘But I’m definitely ready for a relax and a few drinks tonight.’
‘Now you’re talking,’ Clare said. ‘I thought my job was demanding but I don’t mind admitting that it feels pretty easy compared to today. How do you cope?’
‘By turning my hobby into my career. Yes, it’s busy. Yes, it’s physically exhausting but it’s mine and it’s a success and I love it. And, if I’ve secured that contract…’
‘Which you have done.’
‘Okay, now that I’ve pretty much secured that contract… the only way is up.’
‘That’s more like it. Does this mean you’re relaxing and enjoying the experience more?’
I nodded. ‘I appreciated the pep talk. Helped me get my act together.’
‘I think this town and this shop complete you,’ Clare said. ‘You have a glow about you.’
‘Aw. That’s a lovely thing to say.’ Tears pricked my eyes. ‘Would you mind holding the fort for a short while? I trashed the stock cupboard earlier looking for a teddy. I feel an urge to re-organise.’
She nodded. ‘Any excuse to play with the soft toys.’
As I stood on the small stepladder, re-organising my cuddlies, I heard the bell tinkle in the shop and felt a cold breeze round my ankles as the door opened and closed.
A loud male voice exclaimed, ‘Oh my God! Clare Siobhan O’Connell. I came to see Sarah, but this is an unexpected added bonus. I haven’t seen you since graduation. How the devil are you?’
My heartbeat quickened. Surely that’s not…?
‘Andrew Steven Kerr,’ responded Clare. ‘I thought you were in Dubai. What the hell are you doing here?’
I froze. Andrew Steven Kerr? Steven. Oh my God! Why didn’t I think of it before?
Chapter 26
‘Let me see if Sarah’s free,’ Clare said. ‘Can you be trusted not to steal out the till while I’m gone?’
I gripped the stepladder with one hand, a teddy bear tightly gripped in the other.
Clare poked her head around the doorway. ‘You’ll never guess who’s just turned up.’
‘Andy?’ I squeaked. ‘What’s he doing here?’
‘I’ve no idea. But I don’t think he’s here to buy flowers.’
‘What should I do?’
She frowned. ‘Come out and say “hello” of course. I thought you two were friends.’
‘We are. But…’
‘But what?’
‘You said it yourself, Clare.’
‘Said what?’
‘His name.’
‘Andy?’
‘His middle name.’
‘Steven? Jesus! Steven! You don’t think…’
I sighed. ‘I don’t know what to think.’
The bell jingled again. ‘Well, you can’t hide in here forever,’ she said. ‘You’ve got a customer and an ex-boyfriend wanting you. And can you put that poor teddy down before you rip his head off?’
I looked down. My knuckles had turned white. I released my grip and gently placed him in the crate. Focus, Sarah! You have a business to run and a friend to face. Neither of them are scary prospects. ‘Can you see to the customer while I see to Andy?’
‘I’ll have to steal you back if they want flowers.’ She leaned over and gave my hand a gentle reassuring squeeze. ‘Time to face your past. It’ll be grand.’
She headed back into the shop and I took a few deep breaths before following.
‘Andy! Long time no see.’
‘Sarah!’ He gave me a kiss on the cheek then moved in for a hug. ‘It’s been too long. It’s so good to see you.’
I hugged him back but pulled away laughing when he held on a little too long, muttering something about PDAs scarin
g the customers and Clare away. I could tell from the hug that he was carrying a little more weight these days but it suited him. Gone was the floppy fringe too, although his hair was still thick and dark. A very tanned face — out of place in a northern seaside town a few days before Christmas — highlighted the years spent living and working abroad.
‘Welcome back to the UK!’ I said, finally finding my voice. ‘But what are you doing here?’
‘I offered to take you out for a drink when I got back from Dubai so here I am. You look fantastic, by the way.’
I blushed. ‘Thank you. When did you—’
But the bell jingled and yet another customer came in. And another. And another. So much for the last half an hour being quiet.
‘I can see you’re busy.’ Andy headed towards the door. ‘What time do you close?’
‘Half past.’
‘I’ll be back then.’
I was about to protest that I had plans, but he’d already gone and an elderly lady was wittering something about chrysanthemums. Or was it christenings?
‘What did he want?’ asked Clare when the shop emptied.
‘To take me out for a drink.’
‘What? He came all the way back from Dubai for that?’
‘He’s back in the UK,’ I said.
‘London to here is still a trek. I take it you weren’t expecting him.’
‘Of course not.’
‘Then why’s he turned up out of the blue? People don’t travel several hours without warning just to take their ex out for a drink. Hey, do you think he’s about to tell you he made a mistake by letting you walk out his life eight years ago? Do you think he’s here to propose?’
My legs felt quite weak at the prospect. I leaned against the counter to steady myself, hoping Clare wouldn’t notice.
But Clare missed nothing. ‘Sarah! I know that look. What are you thinking?’
‘Nothing.’
‘SARAH!’
The bell jingled and another couple of customers came in. I quickly made up a bouquet for one of them while Clare sold and gift-wrapped a teddy bear for the other. The unfinished conversation hung heavily in the air.
Searching for Steven (Whitsborough Bay Trilogy Book 1) Page 21
