Calling All Customers (Calling All... Book 3)

by Tara Ford

  Stepping out of the car, Jenny was met by at least eight people, who had just poured out from the shop.

  “Have you got bread?” asked a man in a dark suit and matching overcoat.

  “Can I have some milk please?” A young woman called out, from the back of the growing crowd.

  “We’ll bring everything in. If you could all wait a couple of minutes more please,” shouted Jenny, over their heads. Peering across to Dayna, Jenny gave one of her flabbergasted looks before opening the boot.

  A stream of crates, boxes and shrink-wrapped packs entered the shop. One person after another (mainly men), helped to unload the car and carry things into the shop. Jenny couldn’t thank people enough for their help. The people couldn’t thank Jenny enough for being here, for selling bread and milk when no one else could and for being ‘such a friendly shop’ and the best bit of all was when the countless people said, ‘We’ll come again – now we know you’re here’.

  Many of the newcomers looked puzzled when Jenny and Tasha told them that they had sent leaflets out to every single house in the area. Dayna boasted about how the leaflet drops had been her idea and how she’d bought the luminous pink outfits… even though it hadn’t been quite as successful as she had hoped.

  The phone calls came and Jenny went. Delivering goods to the local, elderly residents all through her lunch break. After 15 deliveries Jenny came to realise that this was indeed a service that she should provide. There were so many elderly folk around and many of those were housebound or at least they couldn’t make it past their front drive, without aid. They struggled to meet the minimum requirements for deliveries from the giant supermarkets in town, Jenny had learnt, and relied on family and friends to get their ‘bits’ in. The service that Jenny had provided, in the space of two hours, had given the pensioners a sense of independence, a sense of worth and a friendly face to open their doors to.

  Jenny’s tired, old Jeep slipped and slid its way back to the shop.

  “This is crazy,” she said, walking over to the counter with a wad of notes and a bag of loose change in her hands. “Bring on the snow.” She passed the money over the counter. “Put it in the box for me – unless you need any of it for the till.”

  “You’re kidding aren’t you? Dayna looked smug. “I’ve emptied it again since you’ve been gone, Jen.”

  “Never…”

  Dayna nodded her head. “Yep, and you’ll have to get more bread and milk if this carries on.” Dayna swivelled her eyes to one side, indicating to the second aisle.

  Staring down the shop, Jenny could see more people. Single people, couples, groups. So many of them. And all looking around, picking things up from the shelves and having discussions amongst themselves.

  “You haven’t had a lunch break, Jenny,” said Tasha, worriedly. “I’ve got to go in a minute – Mum’s coming to pick me up.”

  “That’s fine, Tasha – don’t worry about me. I’ll get something to eat quickly. I don’t need a lunch break – I am buzzing.”

  Epilogue

  It felt like the whole world had ground to a halt. After three consecutive days of snow, the working world outside had stopped, but life in J’s Convenience Store was thriving.

  Boom.

  The takings had been phenomenal and far more than Jenny could ever have imagined at this point in the shop’s life.

  With no time for doing anything but serve customers, stock up from the wholesalers, drive around the area delivering shopping bags to the elderly and going home to sleep, Jenny hadn’t replied to Aaron’s two text messages and one missed call. She had to find the time to contact him. They barely saw each other, let alone talk or text.

  Stuck in Birmingham for longer than expected, during the snow-days, Aaron’s journey home would be fraught with danger. Although some of the major roads were now cleared, there were still problems with grit shortages and freezing temperatures.

  Hope everything’s ok, haven’t heard from you. I’ll be sliding home tomorrow. If I skid past your window, get the lasso out and reel me in, lol. Aaron xx

  Hi, Aaron, sorry I haven’t replied – been manic here, you wouldn’t believe it! Err… if I’m going to reel you in, then surely I’ll need a fishing rod rather than a lasso? Lol x

  Clever girl – just checking you’re awake. See you Sunday night??

  Absolutely! X

  It went as quickly as it had arrived. Mushy pavements and sludgy roads made walking or driving anywhere a very messy affair. Why did the snow always have to turn a nasty brown colour as it melted away?

  As the snow disappeared, Jenny half expected her new customers to disappear. She waited for the triple-takings to dwindle and the delivery phone calls to stop. But they didn’t. As life returned to normal, in Farehelm, Jenny’s business did not. The footfall had increased by 241%, according to the EPOS summaries and spend, per customer, had risen dramatically too.

  Jenny spent her lunch breaks shooting off to the bank or the wholesalers, in an attempt to keep up with the ever growing demands.

  As soon as the delivery lorries were able to get back up Millen Road, she increased her orders considerably. It was manic, all round.

  “It’s getting too hectic in here,” said Dayna, one crispy-cold morning. “We need to use the other till for more than just newspaper delivery payments.”

  Jenny placed the last bottle of Blossom Hill on the shelf and turned towards the counter. “If we had the other till working properly, we’d need someone else to use it.”

  “So do it. Get someone else in. You don’t stop, Jen. You can’t keep doing all of these deliveries every day, and then run around the shop, stacking shelves all day as well. You’ve got black bags under your eyes and you look like you’ve lost weight.”

  Jenny peered down at herself. “Oh good, could do with losing a bit and I have been thinking about Tasha’s friend… err… Jane someone.”

  “Thornton, I think,” said Dayna, thoughtfully. “Go for it, Jen. You definitely need a break and… well, I’ve been thinking…”

  “Ooh, sounds dangerous.”

  Dayna smirked. “Well, I thought that maybe I could open or close the shop sometimes, if we had someone else to work – you know, just so that you can come in later in the mornings or go earlier at night. I could cash up, if you show me how. I’ve even spoken to Mum and she’s ok with having Xaylan for a bit longer each day. He’s doing football after school now as well, so he seems to have settled down a bit. All it would take would be a spare key.”

  It smacked her right between the eyes. Yes. Why hadn’t she thought of that? Of course Dayna could open and close the shop, if she had someone else working with her. “Yes, you could. Ok, I’m going to call Jane Thornton – see if she’s still interested. God – I might even get a life…” said Jenny, excitedly. “We can do this, Day, can’t we?”

  “Yes. We can, Jen. Dream-team.”

  Jane Thornton was sweet. An ideal candidate for a part-time position. Having just completed two years at college, Jane was looking for work to see her through a gap year. She was far too timid and homely to go off travelling for months before she went to university, but she wanted to earn some money of her own. Her parents had also decided that she shouldn’t rely on their generous handouts, now that she had reached adulthood. She would still get them but she was not to rely on them.

  How Jane and Tasha had become school friends and then continued that relationship after the age of 16 was a mystery to Jenny and Dayna. They were entirely different people, from very diverse backgrounds and they seemed to have absolutely nothing in common.

  In comparison, Jane was a petite, dainty little thing with wide blue eyes and blonde wavy hair, tumbling down her back. When Tasha and Jane were together, the friendship was not apparent at all. In fact, it seemed to be very one-sided and Tasha was the one who worked doubly hard to please her friend.

  “I’d like you to start on Monday, if you’re happy to do that?” said Jenny, passing a form across the table. �
�Could you complete this before then?”

  Jane nodded her pretty head, nervously, and her hair seemed to shake. “Yes – thank you. Certainly.”

  “It’s a three month contract – subject to renewal at the end.”

  “That’s wonderful. Thank you.”

  “I’m afraid you’ll be on opposite shifts to Tasha – I need you to work mainly with Dayna.”

  Jane sat hunched in a chair, opposite Jenny, clutching her tiny hands together and smiling or nodding at the appropriate moments. Dressed in a smart, pale blue trouser suit and a contrasting navy, floral, silk scarf, Jane’s attire made Jenny feel frumpy. Wearing black jeans, a long, woolen jumper and black trainers, Jenny’s ‘deliveries’ clothing did not reflect her position in the interview.

  “I may have to shuffle things around, from time to time, but you’ll get plenty of notice. Does that all sound ok?”

  “Yes, thank you very much, Miss Fartor.”

  “And please, call me Jenny… or Jen, even.”

  “Yes, thank you very much, Jenny.”

  Jenny smiled warmly and then showed Jane the door. “Thank you for coming at such short notice. I’ll email the work rota to you this evening.”

  “Thank you… very much. Bye, bye.”

  Jenny watched as Jane glided up the aisle in her conservative, navy, one-inch heels and stopped at the counter to speak to Tasha.

  A sense of excitement filled Jenny as she thought about the pending time off available to her. Time to spend with Aaron, time to build on their previously restrained relationship and time to catch up with her life.

  OMG! I’ve now got Saturday evenings off! Happy days. Fancy an evening at the cinema? X

  Absolutely, Jen. This Saturday? Told Mum about your snow-success, she’s real happy for you. Told her we’re VERY good friends as well – so she knows now. A xx

  I’m cool with that. What did she think about it? X

  She’s happy – thinks we make a nice couple, lol. Xx

  Ah, sweet. And your dad? X

  Don’t know if Mum’s told him but he just grunts and groans in his reclining chair when he’s at home – doesn’t say much. He’s been tinkering in his shed a lot lately as well, since Grandad died – doesn’t get on with my Grandma, who comes round a lot more now. Why am I telling you all of this over a text message? Lol xx

  Lol – ‘cos you’re probably sat in a meeting or behind someone’s counter fixing tills, bored stupid and hiding your phone while texting me. X

  Yep – you’re right on one count. Waiting for an EPOS to fire up. See you Saturday. For a whole evening!!! About time xx

  I’m getting the keys cut this week. Dayna is opening the shop on Sunday. Lie-in for us – yay! Xx

  Us? Ok, you’ve persuaded me. Guess I’ll be staying for another coffee then. Loving you Miss Fartor xx

  Loving you too xx

  The last month’s takings were extraordinary. Jenny pored over the summaries, the income and expenditure spreadsheets and the final figures. Since the snow, the business had steadily increased and Jenny now had to decide whether she would reap the rewards or put them to good use. Maybe in the employment of another part-time staff member? That way, the girls could have their well-earned holidays without Jenny having to worry about who was covering who.

  “Think we could get someone else in, Day.”

  Great news! That would really help – and maybe this till working properly would help even more?” Dayna smirked. “Didn’t Aaron say…?”

  “Yes, he did and it’s all sorted. He’ll be doing it a week on Sunday – he’s got too much on at the moment.”

  “Woohoo! A two-till shop – we’re really going up in the world.”

  Jenny nodded. “Yes, I know. Exciting isn’t it? But I’m going to have the other till set up properly for the paper delivery accounts and also, the grocery deliveries…”

  “What? So we can’t use it for normal stuff? What about when we have those big queues?”

  “If you’d let me finish, Day. And it will be for ’normal stuff’ too. Aaron’s going to change it into a three-way till – somehow.” Jenny paused and looked at Dayna, thoughtfully. “I’m going to make you the official manager of the shop too. What do you think?”

  Dayna was speechless and could only gawp.

  “Well? What do you think? It comes with a pay rise.”

  “You’re going to make me cry,” said Dayna, as her eyes began to water. “I think it’s an amazing idea… are you sure you can afford it?”

  “Yes, and I need you to take more of the responsibility, you know, learn more of the management side of things. You in?”

  “You bet I’m in.”

  Hey, Jenny. Heard about your recent success, from your dad. Congrats. Let’s celebrate. How would you like an all-expenses paid meal at our old-time favourite, The New Delhi?

  Thanks for the offer, Calvin but I must decline. It’s kind of you to congratulate me and yes, thank heavens for snow! Calvin, I am seeing someone now and think that the best way forward is for us to forget about any reconciliation or evenings out together. I’m sorry but I have moved on and I’m very happy. Kind wishes, Jenny.

  It was only a friendly invite, Jen. Your boyfriend can come too?

  Thanks, Calvin but I think it best that we leave it. I’m sorry to disappoint you but I’m very happy now.

  Yet again, your loss. Good luck with whoever he is.

  Thanks Calvin and I wish you a happy future too. Take care, J.

  “Heard from Will at all?”

  “No – said he’d email me once he was settled but to be honest with you, Jen, I’m really not bothered.”

  “What about the Greek God dentist you were on about?” Jenny raised her eyebrows, suggestively.

  “No. He’s spoken for, I do believe. Well that’s what Joanne was telling me, anyway. Hooked up with someone over Christmas – fell head over heels in love, apparently.”

  “Who’s Joanne?”

  “The receptionist. We’re going out on the town in a couple of weeks – she’s a single parent too.”

  “Ah, that’s nice. I’m pleased for you, Day. About time you went out for a girlie night.”

  “Absolutely! And we are so going to hit the town – big style.”

  “Oh, Dayna,” said Jenny, beckoning to her friend to move closer. “Make sure you keep your mouth shut then.”

  “About what?” Dayna frowned.

  “Not about anything. Keep it closed should any stray willies head your way.”

  “Oh,” blurted Dayna, “Oh, you’re funny.” Dayna laughed aloud. “My lips are sealed.”

  “Pleased to hear it.”

  “Unless of course… they break through.”

  The girls laughed together, although the shop was pretty full. It didn’t matter though. The clientele these days, seemed to enjoy the light, airy, fun-filled feel to the shop and would spend more time than perhaps they should, joining in the banter and frivolous chats. But maybe, just on this occasion, Jenny and Dayna’s chat about sealed lips had to remain private, for their ears only.

  Even Andrea Doo-Glass Douglas had lightened up and now actively supported the shop and her new acquaintances.

  It seemed to annoy Dolly – Jenny was sure of it, although she hadn’t broached the subject. Yet.

  “Morning Dolly,” said Jenny, chirpily. “I hear you stayed with a cousin of yours while the snow was here.”

  “Second,” replied Dolly, grumpily. “She’s my second cousin.”

  “Oh, sorry – your second cousin then. How long have you been back? We haven’t seen you in weeks.”

  “I came back weeks ago. Soon after the snow had gone.”

  “Ok. So, why haven’t you been in before now then?”

  “It’s too busy in here.”

  “How would you know that if you haven’t been up here?” Jenny quizzed the grizzly old woman.

  Dolly cleared her throat and leant across the counter. “Look, dear,” she whispered. “My legs
are not so good and I can’t stand around in long queues, waiting to be served with my paper.”

  “It’s hardly that busy first thing in the morning.”

  “Hmm… well I heard that you’ve turned things around and you are very busy. I’ve been getting my paper from KO.” Dolly pulled herself upright and placed a hand around the small of her back. “This waiting around is no good for us elderly folk.”

  “Dolly – I’ve had enough of your moaning and groaning, to be honest with you,” said Jenny, cringing at her own words. “So why are you here today then? Winging and whining about anything you can think of?”

  Dolly said nothing and stared up at Jenny with a pathetic look on her face.

  “Well? Spit it out, Dolly. Why are you here now? You should watch out – there might be a mad rush in a minute and then you’ll be crushed by the surge.” Jenny knew her words were spiteful but she couldn’t stop herself from saying exactly what she’d been thinking for a long time.

  Still, Dolly was silent.

  “Are you all right?”

  Dolly nodded her head.

  “Say something then…”

  “I missed you.” Dolly lowered her gaze. “Although we argue quite a lot… you’re like a real friend to me.”

  “Marj. Hello, how are you?”

  Marj peered around the shop, looking surprised by the number of shoppers, and then grinned at Jenny. “Good morning.”

  Gesturing to Marj to come towards the counter, Jenny leant over the top and spoke in a low voice. “What did you say, the last time you came here – as you were leaving? Before the snow came.”

  “Me?”

  “Yes – through the window – as you left.”

  “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about, dear.” Marj looked genuinely puzzled.

  “Something like, ‘Tricked you, tricked you’.”

  Marj shook her head from side to side. “I haven’t a clue what you mean, dear. Please don’t say things like that to me.”

  “Like what?”

  “I’ve only come in to buy toilet rolls – do you have those?”