Page 9 of A Poisonous Plot

“What area do you want to work in?” Lily asked.

“I studied accounting, which I know sounds very boring, but I’ve always loved numbers. My plan is to set up an accounting firm one day, but I’ll work for someone else for a while to gain experience.”

Lily smiled politely and slipped her notepad into her bag.

“How’s the green smoothie going down?” Sally asked, tipping her chin toward the drink in front of Lily.

“It’s good.” Reaching for it, she stifled a grimace at the thought of drinking any more. She should have trusted her instincts and gone for a coffee, but when Gordon had recommended the green smoothie the healthy option had felt like a good idea.

“It’s surprisingly filling,” she said, forcing another mouthful down. There was no way she could manage any more of the thick gloop that tasted of grass.

“Think of the health benefits,” Sally said. “It’s the only way I can get them down.”

“It tastes fine,” she lied, not wanting to offend her new business partner.

Sally gave her an indulgent look. “I can put it in a takeaway cup if you want?”

“That would be perfect,” Lily said, a rush of gratitude making her want to claim Sally as her new best friend.

“Have you set a date for the opening of the ice cream shop?” Gordon asked, standing when Lily did.

“Two weeks.” She assumed Flynn and Ted wouldn’t let her wriggle out of it so she may as well bite the bullet. “On the Saturday.”

“That’s exciting,” Sally said as she reached for the smoothie. “I’ll definitely come along on opening day. I’m desperate to try these flavour combinations you’ve been talking about. They sound divine.”

“Just call ahead to confirm your first order,” Gordon said. “Then I can have everything ready for you.”

“Thank you.”

Gordon offered his hand. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“You too,” Lily said. Hopefully, at some point it would sink in that this was her life now, and the idea of running an ice cream shop would feel normal. “I’ll be in touch again soon.”

“I’ll look forward to it,” Gordon said and stayed behind in his office.

The little cafe area at the back of the garden centre was manned by Arthur, a tall, smiley man who Lily had been introduced to when she arrived. He was one of those people whose age was hard to judge. At a guess, she’d say he was probably in his thirties, but his tweed jacket and green wellies gave him the air of someone older, as did his grey corduroy trousers, which were cinched at the waistband by a brown belt.

He stood aside when Sally moved behind him to get a takeaway cup. “Can I get you anything else?” he asked Lily.

“No, I’m fine, thank you.”

His smile remained wide as his eyes lingered on Lily. “I’m an expert on houseplants if you ever need advice or a recommendation.”

“Thank you,” Lily said politely.

“Not just houseplants.” Sally handed the smoothie over in a takeaway cup. “Arthur is an expert in all kinds of plants. Some might say he’s a little obsessed.” She flashed him a teasing grin that was full of affection.

“I have other hobbies too,” he said proudly. “I like art.”

“But not as much as plants,” Sally said with a smile.

“I’m a qualified botanist,” he said, eyes locked on Lily.

“That’s great.”

“Do you know a lot about plants?” he asked.

“I’m afraid not, but I’m learning a lot about which herbs I can use in ice cream flavours.”

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