‘I can,’ she said. ‘Not sure about Sarah, though. I think she may be the weak link in this otherwise extremely strong chain.’
They all protested about leaving early, but I insisted. Five minutes later it was just the two of us.
‘I don’t know about you,’ I said. ‘But I’m definitely ready for a relax and a few drinks tonight.’
‘Now you’re talking,’ Clare said. ‘I thought my job was demanding but I don’t mind admitting that it feels pretty easy compared to today. How do you cope?’
‘By turning my hobby into my career. Yes, it’s busy. Yes, it’s physically exhausting but it’s mine and it’s a success and I love it. And, if I can secure that contract?—’
‘Which sounds like it’s in the bag.’
‘Fingers crossed. The future for Seaside Blooms is looking pretty good.’
‘That’s more like it. Does this mean you’re relaxing and enjoying the experience more?’
I nodded. ‘I appreciated the pep talk. Helped me get my act together.’
‘I think this town and this shop complete you,’ Clare said. ‘You have a glow about you.’
‘That’s a lovely thing to say.’ Tears pricked my eyes. ‘Would you mind holding the fort? I trashed the stock cupboard earlier looking for a teddy. I feel an urge to re-organise.’
She nodded. ‘Any excuse to play with the soft toys.’
As I stood on the small stepladder, re-organising the cuddlies, I heard the bell tinkle in the shop and felt a cold breeze around my ankles as the door opened and closed.
A loud male voice exclaimed, ‘Oh my God! Clare Siobhan O’Connell. I came to see Sarah, but this is an unexpected added bonus. I haven’t seen you since graduation. How the devil are you?’
My heartbeat quickened.Surely that’s not…?
‘Andrew Steven Kerr,’ responded Clare. ‘I thought you were in Dubai. What the hell are you doing here?’
I froze.Andrew Steven Kerr? Steven. Oh my God! Why didn’t I think of that before?
26
‘Let me see if Sarah’s free,’ Clare said. ‘Can you be trusted not to steal out the till while I’m gone?’
I gripped the stepladder with one hand, the other clenched around a teddy bear.
Moments later, Clare poked her head round the doorway. ‘You’ll never guess who’s just turned up.’
‘Andy?’ I squeaked. ‘What’s he doing here?’
‘I’ve no idea but I don’t think he’s here to buy flowers.’
‘What should I do?’
She frowned. ‘Come out and say hello of course. I thought you two were friends.’
‘We are. But…’
‘But what?’
‘You said it yourself, Clare.’
‘Said what?’
‘His name.’
