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‘Ah, yes. Diane rang Elsie when we were baking this morning.’ Layla grimaced. ‘She was worried about how they’d entertain them alongside planning.’
‘Yes. It’s family on mine and Harry’s side, and I imagine they’re only coming early to explore the local area.’ He shifted on his feet. ‘Although it is my aunt and uncle, so they may well be expecting the red carpet, but it is what it is.’
‘Hopefully, they’ll find something to do then. It’s the perfect hotspot for day trips around here.’
‘It sure is.’ Graham glanced towards the door to check for customers before wrapping his arms around her waist. ‘Maybe we could plan another day trip when we get a day off?’
‘I’d like that. Maybe something a little more sedate than our last date?’
‘Now that sounds like a plan.’ Graham chuckled.
‘Maybe we could go to an animal sanctuary or somewhere? There seem to be a few fairly local.’
Graham looked out of the window again, a frown forming across his forehead.
‘What is it?’
‘I’m not sure. I just recognise that guy out there. He asked me the way to the bakery when I was on my way down the hill.’
Following his gaze, Layla’s heart sank. She recognised him too. ‘That’s Eli.’
‘Eli? I thought you’d told him not to come? That you’d moved on?’ Stepping away from her, he leaned his back against the counter.
‘I did. The phone cut out, though, but I just assumed he’d heard me. I thought he’d have called me back if he hadn’t.’ She sighed and reached out, touching Graham’s arm. ‘I’ll go and speak to him.’
‘Too late, he’s coming inside.’
‘Oh, great.’ Walking around the counter, Layla stopped in front of Eli.
‘Layla, it’s so good to see you!’ Dropping his rucksack on the table nearest the door, Eli threw his arms around her.
Caught unaware, Layla staggered back before pulling away and indicating the table. ‘Hi, shall we have a chat?’
‘Absolutely! I’m glad to see I’m not too early. I did half-wonder if the bakery would be open this early.’
‘Nope, not too early. Have you been driving through the night?’ She slipped into the chair facing the counter and nodded to the one opposite her.
‘Ah no, I stayed at a little place in a quaint little town a few minutes away.’ Eli sat down.
Layla nodded before fixing his gaze. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘I thought I told you?’
‘Yes, you did, but it doesn’t make any sense. We spent years working together and nothing happened between us and now you’re suddenly saying you want something to?’
‘That’s right. I was speaking to Helen, and she told me how you feel about me and, well, I thought why not give you a try?’
‘Give me a try?’ She raised her eyebrow. What was that supposed to mean?
‘That’s right. I didn’t see it before, but I think perhaps we could be good together.‘ Eli nodded confidently.
Perhaps? Oh, this was just getting better and better. She looked behind him towards Graham, trying desperately to catch his eye, but he was either too engrossed in serving or was avoiding looking at her. ‘Before I realised the signal had gone, I was telling you that I didn’t want a relationship with you. Not anymore. I’ve moved on.’
‘Oh, I heard you. I just didn’t think you were being serious.’ He leaned back in his chair. ‘After all, as Helen said, you’ve had a crush on me for years. Who would be able to take my place so quickly?’
She swallowed. How hadn’t she noticed how utterly arrogant he was? She’d spent shift after shift working with him, plus going on day trips when they stopped at ports. How had she glossed over this fact? She pointed towards Graham. ‘Him.’
Twisting in his seat, Eli looked from Layla to Graham and back to Layla again. ‘Him?’
