Chapter Thirty-Six
Ava looked around the shop. It was ready. She had put out the last of the Texan inspired outfits she could muster and replenished the formal gown rail — it’s popularity taking her by surprise as it seemed almost the whole village had “fallen in love with” or “simply must have” one of the dresses or another. The takings leading up to the festival had set new records for the shop. It was a welcome bonus as those hidden costs for the move, and Mary’s ambition for a larger, better-equipped rescue centre had started to have an impact. Ava knew she needed to thank Gino. He’d been right about the timing, and not just because his mum and sister had visited and spent a considerable sum on outfits.
Realising the time, Ava opened the door and switched the sign as Flo and a chilly breeze blustered in. ‘Well that’s not what the weather forecast promised is it?’
Ava shut the door. ‘No! All week my weather app has been saying sunshine for today. I woke this morning and it had changed to cloud with a forty per cent chance of rain. I could cry.’
‘Nonsense! Let’s have none of that. The day will be a success, you mark my words.’
Ava welcomed Flo’s optimism, but with grey clouds in the sky and a chilly wind blowing, she wondered if people would take a punt and come out and support the festival.
Flo unbuttoned her coat and placed a laden carrier bag on the shop counter, before pulling out a large tin and popping the lid off. ‘Here’s my tomato soup cake.’
‘Your what?’ Ava screwed up her nose and walked to the counter.
‘Yes, I know it sounds an odd ’un but rest assured it tastes every bit as good as it looks.’
Ava was surprised to see an appealing looking cake, encased in cream cheese frosting. The unexpected sweet smell made her mouth water. ‘Maybe we shouldn’t say what’s in it.’
‘Nonsense. We have to what with allergies and what not — besides folks’ll be intrigued. You’ll see. It was a big hit at my cousin’s funeral.’
‘Oh.’ Ava didn’t want to associate the festival weekend with a wake and tried to focus on the positive as she put the lid back on the tin. ‘Let’s hope you’re right. I’m sure it will be a first for many. I’ll pop it out the back with the cakes the other volunteers have dropped off. Once things start picking up, I’ll put them out. I tried to put the books out the front earlier but the wind was flapping the covers. I’d turn them but then they’d be upside down to passers-by.’
‘I’m sure the wind will pass, and with a bit of luck it will take the cloud with it.’
Ava hoped Flo was right. ‘And you’re sure you’re happy to stay and man the till this morning?’
‘Of course, it’s blowing a hooley out there.’
‘Flo!’
‘I’m teasing, you daft beggar. It’s going to pass. And don’t you worry the rota is all sorted: Thursday Sue is coming in shortly and we’ll be as right as r —whoopslet’s not risk saying the r word.’ Flo smiled before continuing. ‘Monday Chris is covering this afternoon and Friday Pat is coming in to help her. Though you know how Friday Pat is. She loves to stand and chat — I’ll have a word with Chris, make sure she keeps her on task.’
Ava smiled. She knew the shop was in safe hands and how lucky she was to have so many wonderful volunteers, even if they did insist on referring to each other by the day they worked as well as their name.
‘I’ve got Knit and Natter in the village hall from one o’clock, so I’ll have a nosey around the stalls before I go and set up.’ Floslipped on her name badge and glasses, readying herself at the till. ‘All you need to focus on is checking that everyone’s where they should be and that everything’s sorted for the dog show.’
‘The dog show! Flo, I’ve forgotten to buy the runner-up prizes. I knew there was something. I’ve got the rosettes for first place in each category and the best in show trophy but nothing for the runners-up. What shall I do?’ Ava looked around the shop, seeing if there was anything suitable.
Flo raised her hand halting Ava mid-panic. ‘Leave it to me! I’ve got just the thing at home. Perfect prizes for an animal show. The dogs will love ’em.’
‘Really?’ Ava thought about the tomato soup cake and wondered if Flo’s idea of perfect matched her own.
‘Trust me.’
‘Maybe I’ll get some dog treats and sweets or something. It will be mostly children who enter I’m sure and—’
‘Nonsense. I told you I’ve got just the thing. I’ll pop home before Knit and Natter and will drop them down to the arena on the green. You’ve no need to worry. Oh, and there now, here’s our first customer.’
The shop door rattled open and the bell rang.
‘Hello.’ Ava smiled at Mrs Dent who had owned the Post Office for as long as she could remember.
‘Hello, Ava dear. My joints say rain is brewing and I remembered you sold brollies.’
Ava tried to maintain her smile. ‘Yes, we do. I’m sure Flo will be able to help you find one.’ Clutching the tomato soup cake and taking Flo’s coat, Ava rolled her eyes and headed for the back of the shop.
Looking at her watch, she realised she’d just enough time to make Flo a cup of tea before heading out to the square to meet Dave, the grandson of her old school headmistress. With some persuasion from his gran, a regular visitor to the charityshop, he’d donated a sound system and his compère skills for the weekend. Waiting for the kettle to boil, Ava looked at the flier she’d had printed, listing all the events, sponsors and participating shops and cafes over the next two days. She felt proud at the achievement of bringing it all together — and sick as she registered the countless opportunities for it all to go wrong.It’s going to be OK.
