‘I’m guessing so seeing as he and his wife are about to renew their vows to celebrate their ruby wedding anniversary. He tells me he’s never known a day’s unhappiness since he met his wife except when he had to spend a week on a training course away from home.’
‘Ah, that’s so sweet.’
‘Isn’t it? That’s whatIwant – to meet someone whom I can’t bear to be away from and who can’t bear to be away from me. It must make you feel so special.’
‘Yeah,’ Elise said. ‘It must be nice.’
‘What are you talking about? You’ve got that with Gary.’
‘I meant the longevity. It must be nice to still feel that way afterso long.’ She turned away and gestured round the shop with her arm. ‘So, one week tomorrow till opening day. The place looks amazing, Sarah. Are you pleased?’
I looked round the shop and felt a tingle of pride. The wood floor and silver light fittings were classy, the soft cream walls added warmth, and the various glass and silver shelves and display units oozed quality. Rows of brushed silver tubs and vases eagerly awaited their first delivery of flowers, and the dark granite counter and preparation table seemed to sparkle with excitement for the first bouquet to be created on it.
‘It’s even better than I imagined,’ I admitted. ‘Although I did spend more than I hoped to get this look.’
‘I think it was money well spent. I like these.’ Elise pointed to a display containing wooden christening gifts. ‘I haven’t seen anything like these in town.’
‘Good. I wanted things that were different.’
‘What’s going on there?’ She pointed to a circular display unit.
‘Teddy bears, which are coming on Monday. I’m expecting two card deliveries on Tuesday, more gifts and vases on Wednesday, first flower delivery on Thursday, then it will be flat out on Friday making bouquets ready for opening on Saturday.’
‘You’ve certainly got your work cut out.’
‘I know. I’m trying not to panic but it feels like there’s so much to do. Are you sure you don’t mind helping out next Saturday?’
‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’
I smiled. ‘Thanks. I’m glad you and Mum will be here.’
‘Is Clare coming?’
‘No. She’s got a work event that she couldn’t get out of.’
‘That’s a shame.’
‘Don’t start…’
Elise held her hands up. ‘It wasn’t a bitchy comment. I genuinely meant it’s a shame after she helped you paint and get things ready. It would have been nice for her to be here for opening day.’
I nodded. ‘That’s more like it. Life is so much less stressful when the two of you can play nicely.’
‘It’s not me who starts it. It’s?—’
But a knock on the door saved us.
‘Hi, stranger,’ I said to Nick. ‘How was Edinburgh?’ Those damn butterflies were back. Why did he have to be so attractive?
‘Edinburgh was great, thanks. How’s progress?’
‘Getting there. Do you want a sneak preview?’
He nodded eagerly. ‘Do you mind? I haven’t caught you at a bad time, have I?’
‘No. But you can only come in if you promise to say nice things.’
‘I promise to say nice things. And I’ll mean them.’
