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Layla nodded. ‘He wants to be close to his brother.’
‘And see how things develop between you both.’ Elsie smiled. ‘Or that’s what he’s told Diane and Harry.’
Layla could feel a sweep of heat rush across her cheeks. ‘Yes.’
‘Oh, that’s lovely.’ Teresa smiled. ‘For you, of course, and for Harry. He’ll be made up to have his little brother close by.’
The shrill ringtone of the bakery phone rang through the kitchen and Elsie wiped her hands down the front of her apron before picking it up.
Concentrating on the cupcake recipe, Layla poured in the ingredients and began to mix. It was good to hear that Graham had been speaking about her to his brother and Diane. It showed he was serious about their relationship.
Elsie placed the phone down.
‘Is everything okay?’ Teresa nodded at the phone.
‘Yes, I think so. It was Diane. She’s all in a fluster because they have some family coming down early and she’s not sure how she’s going to entertain them as well as finish the planning.’
‘Ah, they can’t expect her to entertain them. She and Harry have too much to do in the days running up to their big day.’ Teresa frowned.
‘That’s what I told her, love. I’m sure they don’t expect them to either. They’ve probably just decided to come down early and make a holiday of it.’ Elsie shrugged. ‘She sounded as though she’s not had much sleep again though, poor love.’
Teresa sighed. ‘I was going to say she’s not normally an early bird.’
‘Nope, she’s not.’ Elsie shook her head. ‘I’ll try to pop round there for a bit when we open, give her some reassurance and help organise a little. Ian’s free today so he’s said he’d pop in and bake.’
‘That’s a good idea. You can tell the family to either help or entertain themselves, too.’ Teresa nodded.
‘Yes, I certainly will.’ Elsie sighed as she began baking again.
SCRUNCHING UP HER NOSE, Layla glanced towards the closed kitchen door and then back towards the front door of the bakery. It was time to open, but there still wasn’t any sign of Graham. He’d never been late before. Should she open up or wait a little longer? She watched as a man came to the door and tried to push it open. She should open now.
Rushing towards the door, she turned the sign to Open and pulled it open. ‘Morning.’
‘Good morning.’ The man stepped inside and waited patiently in front of the counter for her to serve him.
Taking her place back behind the counter, she smiled. ‘What can I get you today?’
‘Just a loaf of your sourdough, please?’
‘Of course.’ Layla glanced towards the door as the bell tinkled to announce more customers. She could do this. Elsie was in the kitchen finishing off some bits before she popped out to see Diane and Harry, and Wendy and Molly were working in the office. She had people to call upon if it became too busy for her to handle.
‘Thanks.’ The man dropped the change to the counter before leaving, his space quickly filling with a new customer.
As Layla served, she tried to keep her mind on the job at hand but found herself glancing at the clock behind her every few minutes. Should she be worried about Graham not turning up? He would be with Diane and Harry, wouldn’t he? So, he was okay, just running late. She tried to push the worry to the back of her mind and to concentrate on the queue of customers forming. ‘Sorry for the wait. What can I get you today?’
‘Two pasties and a half dozen rolls, please?’
‘Coming right up.’ She glanced up as the bell tinkled again and smiled as she saw it was Graham. He was okay.
‘I’m so sorry I’m late.’ Graham rushed around the counter and pulled his apron on hurriedly before serving.
‘No worries.’ She glanced across at him. He hadn’t tied his apron strings. She placed the bags of rolls and pasties on the counter. ‘That’ll be ten pounds forty, please.’
‘Thanks.’ The woman tapped her card before disappearing.
Once the queue had subsided, she walked behind Graham and tied his apron strings. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Thanks.’ Turning, he looked at her. ‘I really am sorry I was late. Diane and Harry are panicking because some family have decided to come down early.’
