Page 29 of Yule Party on Sunflower Street

‘Hello there!’ the woman said with a kind smile. ‘Can I help you?’

‘I’m hoping so.’ Tara walked over to the counter and held out a hand. ‘I’m Tara Warren. My sister and I have opened the pop-up Christmas shop in the village.’

‘I know the shop! It’s lovely to meet you, Tara. I’m Darcie Harman-Jones.’

They shook hands and the silver bracelets on Darcie’s arm jingled together while the rings on her fingers caught the light. Her brown bobbed hair was tucked behind her ears and her blue eyes sparkled.

‘How has business been so far?’ Darcie asked.

Tara sighed. ‘Not bad but not as good as we’d hoped.’

Darcie frowned. ‘Oh dear, that’s a shame. Do you know why?’

‘I don’t. I thought… hoped… we’d chosen the right village and the right shop but we’re not doing as well as we could be.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ Darcie tilted her head. ‘Perhaps it will pick up as we get closer to Christmas.’

‘I hope so,’ Tara said. ‘Although there’s not long to go.’

‘Not long, no.’ Darcie tapped a finger against her mouth. ‘Would you like a cuppa?’

‘I would love one but I don’t want to take your time.’

‘I’m having a quiet morning, sweetheart, and even if I wasn’t, there’s always time for a cuppa. Make yourself comfortable on the sofa and I’ll be right back.’

‘Thank you.’

Tara went to the sofa and sat down. She sank into it and rested her head on the cushion. It was soft and almost warm to the touch, and she felt like she could close her eyes and drift off to sleep.

‘Lovely, isn’t it?’ Darcie said.

Tara’s eyes flicked open. ‘Oh goodness! I’m so sorry.’

‘Don’t be. I’ve had many a nap on that sofa without meaning to fall asleep. I like to think it’s a magical sofa that can soothe even the most restless of minds.’

‘I think it’s your shop as well, though,’ Tara said. ‘It’s very relaxing in here. Incredibly beautiful and soothing.’

‘Like being underwater.’ Darcie’s eyes crinkled at the corners. ‘I just came to check if you want milk in your tea. I have skimmed or oat milk.’

‘Skimmed is great, thank you.’

‘I’ll be right back.’ Darcie turned, her silk kaftan swirling around her, leaving a waft of violets in her wake.

When she returned, Tara made the effort to sit up straighter and accepted the mug of tea. Darcie set a plate of chocolate biscuits down on the sofa between them.

‘Help yourself, my lovely.’

Tara took a biscuit and dunked it in her tea then took a bite. It was sweet and rich and exactly what she needed. Before she knew what was happening, her vision had blurred and she was struggling to swallow the biscuit in her mouth.

‘What is it, lovely?’ Darcie placed a cool hand on her arm.

‘I’m… so sorry. It’s just so nice in here and you’re so kind and I’m… far tireder than I realised.’ Tara sniffed then accepted the tissue Darcie offered.

‘It gets like that in retail,’ Darcie said. ‘Especially at this time of year.’

‘And I chose to open a Christmas shop!’ Tara said. A giggle escaped her, then another, and before she knew it, she was laughing hard and tears were rolling down her face. ‘I’m so sorry. I don’t do this.’

‘You get it all out, Tara.’ Darcie gave her another tissue. ‘Better out than in and you’ll feel a million times better for it.’