Chapter Ten
'I'll bring your coffees over in a moment. You go and get seated.' Merri smiled at Mrs Peters and her granddaughter.
'Thanks, dear. I appreciate that.' Picking up the canvas bag she'd placed on the counter whilst she'd ordered, Mrs Peters led the way across the bakery towards the table by the window, her granddaughter hefting two large carrier bags as she followed her.
As she turned back to the coffee machine, Merri heard the bell above the door chime.
Apart from the usual rush around lunchtime, the day had been unusually quiet, and Merri had to admit she'd been relieved. She hadn’t got in until gone midnight last night.
the Victorian market hadn’t closed until ten and then she, Felix, Nick and Gabby had spent a couple of hours sitting around the firepit chatting and swapping Christmas stories.
It had been nice to listen to the traditions different families kept for the Christmas period.
And it had made her want to begin one too. Not that she knew what. Or how.
She placed the first chai latte on the tray next to the two slices of carrot cake Mrs Peters and her granddaughter had chosen.
Perhaps it would just be visiting Penworth Bay over Christmas.
Or at least for a weekend leading up to the Christmas week.
Or maybe she should think of something she could do at home.
She could learn how to bake a Christmas cake or a yule log or something.
That would probably be easier to continue the tradition than committing to holidaying down here every year.
Merri sighed as the coffee machine spluttered out another chai latte.
The thought of going back to the flatshare with Aggie and her boyfriend filled her with dread, as did the thought of going back to working in the office with just her boss and Martha for company.
She'd always been happy with her lot. Well, not happy, but thought she was getting by okay, but after volunteering her min the summer something had changed in her and she realised how much she enjoyed being around people.
And this trip down here had only confirmed that for her.
'That was a very loud sigh.' Elsie frowned as she walked past and paused, two trays full of cupcakes in her hands. 'Everything okay?'
'Sorry, I was just thinking about my job back home.' Merri placed the second chai latte on the tray.
'Well, you know what to do. Speak to Carrie.' Elsie looked up as the door opened again and Felix came rushing inside. 'I'll leave you to it.'
Merri nodded before turning her attention to Felix. He looked more than a little flustered and his usual calm expression had been replaced with what Merri could only think of as mild panic. She looked him up and down, taking in his dishevelled appearance. 'What's happened? Is everything all right?'
Leaning his palms on the counter, he shook his head slowly, catching his breath. 'I've just come from the hospital...'
Cutting his sentence short, panic washed over her and she reached for his hand. 'Oh no, are you hurt? What happened?'
'I'm fine. Fiona, one of the ladies who runs the arts and crafts sessions at the Christmas tree farm took a tumble and she's broken her wrist. I've left her at A & E with husband waiting with her.'
'Oh, that’s awful. How did it happen? Did she just trip?' Relief flooded through her. At least Felix was okay and although awful, a broken wrist would heal soon enough. No one was irreparably hurt.
'She's pregnant and she fainted. just like that.' He clicked his fingers to signal how quick everything had unfolded. 'She hadn’t even mentioned the pregnancy or the fact she'd been getting light-headed to any of us.'
'Bless her. At least it was just her wrist she hurt.' Merri frowned.
'Yes, definitely. The doctors gave her the all clear on everything else.' Felix tapped his fingers against the surface of the counter. 'Which brings me the reason why I'm here.'
'Sorry, do you mind if I just run this tray over?' Picking up the tray, Merri glanced over her shoulder at him as she headed towards Mrs Peters and her granddaughter. 'Sorry about the wait.'
'No problem, dear.' Mrs Peters helped Merri unload the tray. 'There you go.'
'Thanks. Enjoy your chai lattes and cake.' Hugging the tray to her chest, Merri headed back to the counter and Felix. 'Sorry, what was it you were going to say?'
'No worries. I've just dropped in here and I knew you'd probably be busy.' He glanced around the bakery as if noticing for the first time it was relatively quiet. 'I don’t think I've seen it so quiet in here since I arrived at the farm.'
'I know. I haven’t either. It's weird but apparently there's a few things going on over in trestle today, Some big market and Christmas thing. I’m not really sure what, I've only heard bits from customers.' Merri shrugged. 'It feels odd.'
'I bet it does.' Felix nodded.
'Anyway, do you want a coffee or something? I dread to think how long you've been waiting at the hospital for.' Picking up a mug, she held it aloft.
'No, I'd better not. Thank you though, but I had to take Nick's truck to the hospital. I couldn’t very well take Fiona on the back of my motorbike with a suspected broken wrist.' he grimaced. 'And he needs it back.'
'Okay.' Lowering the mug, she nodded.
'Apart from wanting to see you, of course, there is another reason I’ve popped by.'
'Oh, yes?' What could he want? Coffee and cake? Yep, she was the go-to person for that, but she knew between nothing and very little about Christmas trees or anything in his line of work.
'Fiona had, has a class today and I thought I'd check with you whether you wanted to take it before we ring and cancel everyone from coming?
' He held his hands up, palms forward. 'There's absolutely no pressure so if you don’t want to, for whatever reason, then just say so, but you'll get paid and it could potentially lead to something a bit more regular.
Fiona will be unavailable for the rest of the season for sure. '
'I can’t teach.' She shook her head. 'I know nothing about Christmas trees or making wreaths or anything like that. However good the pay or the potential opportunity. Plus, I have this place. I can’t leave Elsie in the lurch. Not after she's done so much for me.'
'You do know about willow weaving though, which is what she teaches. And it's part of the evening schedule which doesn't start until six.'
'Oh.'
'Like I said, there's no pressure. If you'd rather not, that's not a problem. And if you need more time then we can cancel tonight's class now and you can think about it and let us know when you decide?'
'Willow weaving? Is it a class to make those angels little Evie had made?
' She missed willow weaving. she'd enjoyed the course she'd taken and had a stash of willow back in her bedroom at the flat to practice with.
Although she'd contemplated bringing some here, she'd soon shelved the idea when she'd realised how many transfers she'd needed to make from bus to train to coach to bus - too many potential opportunities to stab people in the eye!
'And it doesn't start until six? When we've closed? '
'Yes, and yes.' And if you are interested in taking the class, we can always push the time back by half an hour so you have more time to get something to eat before getting over to the farm.'
'Okay. Okay.' Merri took a deep breath. this was her season of firsts, and this opportunity was showing up to her, she couldn’t every well turn it down, could she?
Not only would she be helping Nick and Felix and the Christmas tree farm, but it might also be a step towards doing something different, just like Elsie had suggested.
Yes, she'd gain experience teaching willow weaving and that experience she could take back home with her in the hope of perhaps working towards starting her own business. 'Yes, I'll do it.'
'Are you sure? Please don’t say yes if you feel as though I'm pressurising you. That's not any intention.' Felix ran the palm of his hand across his face.
Grinning, she reached out and took his hand in hers. 'I'm not. I’m saying yes for me.'
Nodding, Felix let out a sigh of relief and gave her hand a squeeze. 'Great. Then welcome to the team.'
'I’m actually looking forward to it.' And she was. If anyone had asked her to teach a class a few weeks ago, she'd have run for the hills but now, after volunteering here for a second time and enjoying all the customers company, she was thrilled by the idea.
'Great.' Pulling his coat sleeve back, Felix glanced at his watch before grimacing. 'Right, I'm sorry to rush off but Nick is going to need his truck in a few minutes.'
'No worries. I guess I'll see you later?'
'Yep, I'll be there. Have a good afternoon.' Leaning forward, he pecked her quickly on the lips.
'You too.' She watched as he walked back through the bakery and the second the bakery door had closed, she could feel Tilly and Brooke's eyes on her. Turning to face the coffee machine, she grinned.
'Oi! Don’t think you can turn your backs on us without an explanation!' Tilly called across the bakery.
Turning back, Merri scrunched her nose up. She most definitely had not got away with them not noticing that kiss.
'Things are going well with you and Felix then?' Tilly asked.
Merri nodded, her grin widening. 'Yes, you could say that.'
'Aw, that's so lovely. You'll have to bring him to the pub quiz tomorrow evening.' Brooke stepped forward to the counter as a customer entered.
After everything was in order at the coffee and cake counter, Merri walked across to the bakery counter.
'Oh, I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it for the quiz.
I'm going to be teaching willow weaving at the farm although I'm not sure when my classes will be, but if I can't make it for the quiz, then I'll pop into the pub after. '
'Ooh that sounds exciting! You'll be fab at that. the basket you made for Elsie is gorgeous.' Brooke glanced towards Merri as her customer peered at the treats behind the glass, deciding on what to buy.
'Thanks. I'm actually looking forward to it.' Retreating to the coffee and cake counter, Merri picked up the cloth to begin wiping down the vacated tables. She could do this, couldn’t she? Elsie had said Carrie taught pottery. Glancing behind her, she looked up at the clock. She probably wouldn’t have time between finishing here and getting over to the farm for six to ring Carrie to ask for advice, but she could definitely take a walk up to her workshop during her lunch hour tomorrow.
Tonight, she'd just have to wing it and hope for the best.