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Clocking the children, Flora saw her mother was with them. ‘Hey, what are you two doing down here? I said you could watch a film upstairs.’ She looked at them, their eyes shining with excitement. ‘OK, you can stay down here just for a bit, then back upstairs.’ She ruffled the tops of their heads then turned to her mother, giving her a disapproving look.
‘I said they could come down for a little while, then I’ll take them back up, I promise.’
‘It’s fine, I just didn’t want them getting in people’s way. And a wine shop isn’t the ideal place for a couple of kids to hang out, Mum.’
‘I know, I’m sorry… Who are these guys? They’re great!’ Behind the decks the DJs worked away, overlaying the music with their own percussion instruments.
‘Take a guess who sent them.’ Flora spoke in Kate’s ear over the music.
‘Billy?’ Kate looked around for him.
‘He’s not coming, Mum. Something came up, apparently. He messaged this morning. A work meeting up north – he couldn’t get out of it.’
‘Oh, that’s so disappointing.’ Kate’s face fell, then recovered as she held her glass out when someone passed with a bottle.
‘Oh, Mum, this is Colin. You must meet him.’ Flora put her hand out to stop him, resplendent in yellow. ‘Colin, this is my mother, Kate.’
Colin did a little bow. ‘It’s an honour to meet you, Kate. You must be very proud of your lovely daughter. She and Johnny really did come to the rescue with the shop.’
‘Yes, we are very proud. Aren’t we, darling?’ Kate looked at Flora, smiling.
Flora remembered her mother’s reaction when she’d first mentioned the shop, but she resisted the urge to remind her. ‘Yes, hopefully this is just the start of something good.’ She smiled back then gestured to the bottle in Colin’s hand. ‘You don’t have to do that, you’re a guest.’
‘I’m very happy keeping people topped up, Flora. It’s so nice to see everyone. And I’m telling them all to join the mailing list.’
‘You are brilliant, thank you.’ Flora turned back to her mother. ‘Colin’s a regular, Mum. He’s been buying wine from Mack for years.’
‘Since he first opened, in fact.’ Colin topped up his own glass. ‘I remember when he first moved here and he brought all these new wines nobody had ever heard of. We all thought he was quite mad.’
‘Well, this is lovely, whatever it is.’ Kate raised her glass, taking a sip.
‘Oh, look, there’s Tilda.’ Flora called out and waved. ‘I’m just going to go and say hello. She’s brought a few of the other mums from school, too. Back in a minute.’
‘Hey, you!’ Tilda called out, glass in hand. ‘Look how beautiful you’ve made it out here! It looks amazing!’
‘Ah, thank you.’ Flora squeezed her friend’s hand then turned to the others. ‘Have you all got drinks? Good. Mack’s opening some bottles at the new tasting table and there’s plenty to eat, but be quick, it’s going fast.’ Flora pointed to the counter covered with plates of cheese, smoked salmon-topped blinis and bowls of olives.
‘Sorry I’m late!’ A clearly flustered Susie appeared by Flora’s side.
‘You’re really not late, and I’m so happy you’re here. Let me get you a glass of something. Is Julian with you?’
‘No, he said he had to work, but he might come later. I’m sorry…’
‘Really, don’t worry. It’s much more important that you’re here. I’ll get you some fizz, don’t move.’ Flora glanced around as she crossed the room to see if she could see her father. No sign.
Just then, Johnny appeared at her side. ‘Hey, I was just thinking we should probably say a few words now that most people are here, what do you think?’
Flora nodded. ‘Good idea. Shall we get Mack, too?’
‘He’d rather I spoke. I did ask him but he’s very happy to leave it to us.’
‘Then let’s do it. Just a quick welcome and thank you. I’ll give this to Susie and go and ask them to stop the music for a moment.’
Flora made her way back out to the courtyard. Her father was standing in the corner.
‘Hey, Dad, I didn’t see you come in. What do you think?’
‘It looks fantastic, Flora. You’ve both done a brilliant job.’ He raised his glass to hers. ‘Music’s a bit loud, though? Sorry to sound like an old man.’ He smiled apologetically.
