Chapter Thirty-Three
When they stepped outside the café, Iris gave Flora a gentle nudge. ‘Don’t forget, we’ve still got to pick up that sweet treat for Brodie from the bakery.’
Flora nodded. ‘Yes, of course. What do you think he’d like?’
She arched an eyebrow. ‘Mm, he’s a fan of their tray bakes and Empire biscuits.’
‘Anything that he doesn’t like?’ asked Flora as they reached the bakery which was near to the village clock. Opening the door, she inhaled the welcome scent of sugar, butter and vanilla.
‘Yes, those fruit slices. To quote him, he says they are “boggin”.’ Iris chuckled. ‘He calls them fly cemeteries.’
Flora wrinkled her nose. ‘That’s the perfect description. I have to agree that is exactly what they look like. A cake full of dead bugs.’
Iris beamed when she saw both Jessica and Gillian behind the counter. ‘Hello, you two.’
Gillian grinned. ‘It’s our favourite customers.’ She lowered her voice. ‘Obviously don’t tell anyone else that though.’
Jessica rolled her eyes at Gillian. ‘Hey, Iris. And Flora, good to see you.’
Flora smiled back. ‘We’re just in to get something for Brodie.’
‘Ah, the birthday boy,’ said Gillian with a chuckle.
‘No,’ gasped Iris. ‘Is it really his birthday today?’
‘Yes, I thought that’s why you’d come in,’ said Gillian.
Iris shook her head vigorously. ‘I said I would bring him back a wee cake for his break later. I had no idea it was his birthday. He kept that very quiet. The rascal.’
‘You know Brodie. He doesn’t give much away,’ Jessica said with a grin. ‘But I’m glad you popped in, as I was going to message you anyway, Flora. Reuben and I thought we would have a wee impromptu barbeque to celebrate later and wondered if you fancied coming over?’
‘I’m coming, too.’ Gillian’s voice bubbled with excitement. ‘Mum has offered to babysit. I think she’s missing us now that we’re out of her house and not getting in the way. Lily’s coming as well. She’s managed to get a night off at last.’
‘That sounds marvellous,’ said Iris, clapping her hands together. ‘Doesn’t it, Flora? It will do you the world of good to have a night out with some folks your own age.’
‘Sure. Yes it does.’ A thrill ran through her at the thought of a night with the girls and with Brodie.
‘Great, come over about seven?’ said Jessica.
‘Can I bring anything?’
Jessica paused to think. ‘Reuben is getting the burgers and sausages and things.’
‘We’ve already made the burger buns,’ said Gillian, ‘and Lily’s bringing a pavlova for afters.’
‘How about I make a bowl of coleslaw for you to take?’ suggested Iris to Flora.
‘Okay, that would be great. Thanks, Gran. That saves me giving you all food poisoning,’ she joked. ‘I’m not the best cook.’
‘That’s not true, your brownies were delicious,’ said Jessica.
‘If it makes you feel better, all I can do is bake cakes and bread which doesn’t make for a very balanced diet.
I’m a rubbish cook. Fortunately, Reuben insists on making me dinner.
’ She lowered her voice conspiratorially.
‘I’ve made Brodie a birthday cake for later.
But don’t say anything to him. He hates a fuss.
I don’t want him to think it’s a party.’
‘Fine. I will keep schtum,’ said Flora.
Iris nodded solemnly. ‘We won’t say a word. In the meantime, let’s take him a few treats back to celebrate. Could we have an Empire biscuit please and a piece of rocky road. Oh, and a strawberry tart.’
‘At this rate he’ll feel like a health warning waiting to happen and need to go for a lie down,’ said Flora drily.
‘Well, I did ask him to put a hammock up by the oak tree at the bottom of the garden,’ said Iris with a cheeky grin. ‘And I did notice that he’s done it. So maybe he could stop and have a wee snooze later.’
Gillian raised an eyebrow. ‘I don’t think we need to worry about Brodie gaining any weight. The man is in peak physical condition.’
‘Yes. Perfect for this tapps aff weather,’ teased Iris.
Jessica spluttered with laughter.
Flora let out a sharp breath. ‘Gran, honestly.’ Flora tried her best to sound indignant even though the thought of Brodie with his top off was making her pulse quicken.
‘What?’ she asked, her face a picture of innocence. ‘Even the parrots think so.’
Jessica and Gillian’s curious glances didn’t go unnoticed.
‘That’s a story for later that Flora can tell you about.’ Iris looked across at Flora with a wicked grin on her face, well aware of what she had just done.
Flora’s cheeks flushed with heat. ‘Oh, thanks so much, Gran. You’ve just chucked me under the bus. Again.’
‘Look forward to hearing more,’ said Gillian with a hoot of laughter. She looked across as the door opened and a stream of tourists started to file in. ‘Looks like you’ve been saved by the bell.’
‘Thanks, girls. Toodle-oo for now.’ Iris linked her arm with Flora’s. ‘Let’s take these treats to the birthday boy, pronto.’
Flora rolled her eyes and gave a mock sigh, but the corners of her mouth curved up despite herself. For the truth was, Flora was more eager to see Brodie than she cared to admit. The thought of getting back to the boathouse and seeing him gave her a thrill.