The old place was regenerating before his eyes and the amount of walk-in trade was increasing year-on-year. He just wished it was the same for Nell and Holly Lodge. This whole video thing had caused him a sleepless night and he’d decided that when they met for a drink with Kieran and Cat at the hotel, he’d take his laptop, and hijack some of the wedding talk so they could research similar hotels and where they were advertising.
There was a whole day to get through first though. ‘Right, Janie, shall we get some music on and kick this day’s butt?’
‘Definitely,’ she replied with a giggle, already working on an order he hadn’t even asked her to start on.
And as he turned on the radio his favourite Christmas tune was playing, ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham, which was surely a good omen for the day ahead.
***
With aching feet, Tom climbed into his van to begin the afternoon’s deliveries. The morning had been pure madness. They’d had a number of people pop in to buy some loose flowers for vases at home and he’d taken a few more orders for gift bouquets. The shop had been filled with chatter from the moment they’d opened, so Tom was happy for the peace and quiet of the van.
The fresh air of the high street, crisp and clear, felt lovely after the heavy floral scent of the shop. Some of the stores like the chain coffee shops were already playing Christmas songs and were full of Christmas decorations. The smells of cinnamon hit him first and then savoury smells lingered too. The bakery was selling Christmas cakes and Christmas tree-shaped shortbread, decorated with bright green icing and he thought about grabbing himself and Janie one, but he was already running a little late. Some more of the smaller Christmas trees that were going on the sides of the buildings were up now, decorated with multicoloured lights. It wouldn’t be long before it was all finished and Swallowtail Bay would be ready for Christmas. Though so much quieter than summer, the bay at Christmas time was just as special with everyone coming together to enjoy the season. Carol singers or brass bands were in the high street every weekend giving a wonderful soundtrack to your Christmas shopping. Which reminded him, he had some presents to buy.
Finally at his van, he hunkered down in his thick winter coat and pulled the collar up to keep his neck warm. Tom switched the engine on and turned the heater up, taking a moment to appreciate how comfortable he was leaving the shop in Janie’s capable hands.
When he’d first taken on an apprentice, he’d anticipated doing a lot more teaching and training, but Janie had a knack. She’d learned the cash handling side of the business with ease and had come up with great ideas for new products and offers. Tom really felt he’d landed on his feet with Janie and planned to offer her a permanent job once her apprenticeship was over.
The frost of the morning had disappeared, and though the day was dry and clear with a soft-white sun shining down, it was bitter outside: a freezing stillness that turned cheeks pink and fingers blue. He pushed the clutch down but before he could put the car in gear his phone rang. Easing his foot back off, he fished in his coat pocket for his phone.
‘Hey, Kieran, what’s up, mate?’
‘Are you busy?’
‘I’m on deliveries. Why?’ The line went quiet. ‘Kieran? You still there?’
‘Yeah. Umm, listen, has Nell said anything to you about Cat?’
‘What about her?’ Tom asked a little hesitantly. At dinner the other night, Nell had mentioned about the wedding dress, but she’d been adamant that Cat wouldn’t want Kieran to know. He rested his free hand on the steering wheel, wondering what to say. Sometimes the four of them being friends could be a minefield.
‘I just wondered if she’d said anything about the wedding. She’s been really weird lately. Quiet and … I don’t know … just not my Cat.’
Tom could hear the frustration and worry in his friend’s voice. How could he ease his pain without giving anything away and betraying Nell’s trust? ‘Look, mate, it’s probably just some wedding jitters. I’ve got them about my best man speech. Maybe organising the wedding is proving a bit much with Brenda on her back. I don’t envy you your mother-in-law.’
There, that was a nice way of hinting that Brenda was getting a bit too involved. Tom felt secretly proud of himself.
Not normally one to open up with so little prompting, Tom was surprised when Kieran continued. ‘Yeah, I get the impression Brenda’s being a bit controlling. I’ve said I’ll talk to her, but Cat won’t let me. She doesn’t want a row. And I keep asking to be more involved in all the organising and stuff, but Cat says it’s her job to organise the wedding and she’ll give me things to do as and when she needs to. I just feel like I’m not pulling my weight with it, even though she won’t let me, and seeing her get so stressed out is hard, you know?’
Unfortunately, Tom didn’t know because as much as he’d love a wedding, kids and all that lot, he’d never found anyone who could replace Nell in his affections. It must be so hard for Kieran seeing the
