‘Can I propose a toast?’ Mum raised her glass in Mario’s a little later. Elise and Cathy nodded in agreement and grabbed theirs. ‘To mybeautiful daughter on the incredibly successful opening of her new business. To new beginnings at Seaside Blooms.’
‘To Sarah.’
Mum took my hand in hers as she continued. ‘You know your dad and I have always been supportive of you wherever you’ve lived and if you’d stayed in London and asked Kay to sell the shop, we’d have supported you in that decision. But can I just say how proud and delighted we are that you decided to come home because we’ve loved being part of this and we’ve missed you so much.’
‘Hear hear,’ Elise said.
I blushed as I raised my glass. ‘To Seaside Blooms. And to you all for your amazing support today. I couldn’t have done it without you.’
A waiter cleared our plates and advised us that our main courses would be along shortly. ‘I think I’ll just nip to the ladies before our mains arrive,’ Mum said.
Cathy stood up. ‘I’ll join you, Sandra.’
Elise twisted in her chair. When they were clearly out of earshot, she said, ‘While your mum’s not here, what’s the latest online news?’
‘I’ve been so busy getting ready for the shop, I’ve hardly looked.’
‘Liar.’
I laughed. ‘I’ve genuinely been too busy for the past few days.’
‘When was the last time you looked?’
‘Monday night.’
‘Were there any messages then?’
‘A few.’ I drained the last few sips of wine and raised an eyebrow at Elise who promptly refilled my glass.
‘Messaged anyone?’ she asked.
‘No. I’ve put a couple more Stevens down as favourites but I haven’t made contact. I thought I’d better get opening week out the way.’
‘Good plan. Are you all set for your hot date with Nick on Monday?’
‘Behave,’ I said. ‘It’s not a date.’
‘Of course it isn’t.’
‘Elise! It isn’t. And you know why. Stop looking at me like that.I’ve got Auntie Kay nagging me by text, Clare on at me over the phone, and now you.’
Later that evening, on my way back from the ladies, I had a strong sensation of being watched. I turned slightly and caught the eye of a man two tables away. He looked to be in his mid-to-late-thirties with greasy hair and a dodgy goatee. He wore a deep maroon shirt that was at least two sizes too small if the bursting buttons were anything to go by. He stared for a bit longer then raised his hand and waved, revealing a large sweat patch under his arm. I frowned and looked round to see if he was waving at someone behind me but there was nobody there. He waved again and smiled. It was a sinister smile, the sort you’d expect to see on a photo-fit on the news. I shuddered.
He stood up, still staring at me.Oh my God, he’s coming over. Do I know him? Maybe he was a customer today.
‘Sarah,’ he said, ‘it is you, isn’t it?’
‘Erm, yes.’And you are…?
‘I thought it was. You’re even more beautiful in real life.’
‘Than what?’
He laughed loudly and snorted. Several diners looked in our direction and I felt my whole face flush. ‘Than your photo, of course,’ he said.
‘My photo?’
‘I like to look at it before I go to sleep each night.’
