Page 42 of Barging In
“Anytime. Although a bit more notice next time wouldn’t hurt.”
Victoria laughed. “I don’t plan on making a habit of losing catering managers. Be sure to send me an invoice, won’t you?”
“You bought all the ingredients, and we can call my time an apology for taking you for that swim.”
“Oh…” Victoria’s face seemed to fall in that moment. “Are you sure?”
“I am,” Clem said firmly, hoping she wouldn’t put up a fight.
“Well then, thank you again,” Victoria replied, her smile so soft and endearing it made Clem’s hectic morning feel worthwhile. “Right, I’d better crack on. I have a mountain of sandwiches and sausage rolls to make. Salads to prep…”
“Alone?” Clem’s voice lifted, more sharply than she’d intended.
“Yes.” Victoria arched a friendly eyebrow at her. “Might I remind you I’m short-staffed because I sided with you.”
Clem grinned. “Remind me again why you did that?”
“Christine was out of order. A bit of competition is fine, but I draw the line at dirty tricks. Those reviews were unjustified.”
Clem felt a pang of disappointment that it wasn’t for any reason beyond standing up for what was right, even though that was a fair justification. Before she could dwell on it, a young woman appeared at the kitchen hatch. Clem recognised her: Blueberry Muffin, another of her wharf regulars.
“Morning, Victoria.”
“Morning, Emma. This is Clem. She’s made all this forthe party,” Victoria said, smiling broadly and gesturing towards the centre island.
“Oh, hi — Clem,” Emma said, biting her lip. Her eyes bulged at the cakes as she tied her hair back in a ponytail. “Wow. They look amazing. I can’t wait to try them later. They look way better than the sh?—”
“Yes, thank you, Emma,” Victoria cut in quickly.
Emma grinned and vanished, leaving Clem to stifle a laugh — only to fail miserably.
“Yes, even the staff despised them,” Victoria acknowledged with a huff.
“Oh, I know. She comes to me every morning for a blueberry muffin.”
Victoria rolled her eyes. “Why does that not surprise me? It seems Jasper’s addicted to your coffee and walnut cake.”
She was about to reply that she knew that, too, when she noticed that Victoria was frowning and rubbing her chin.
“Maybe I should close the café earlier today. Not that I can afford to, but poor Emma’s having to cope out there alone.”
Clem reached out and gently squeezed Victoria’s arm. “I could stay and help.”
Victoria looked down at her hand. “I wasn’t trying to guilt-trip you.”
“It was a genuine offer,” Clem asserted, drawing her hand back. She’d only meant to offer comfort; now she was left feeling like she’d overstepped.
“What about Florence?”
“Max would probably look after her.”
“All day?”
Clem made a quick calculation in her head. “With the two of us, the rest of the food will take half the time. Whydon’t I come back after the lunch rush? You’ll be free to help Emma until then.”
A flicker of relief crossed Victoria’s face as her shoulders relaxed. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Clem said, trying not to sound too eager at the prospect of spending more time with her. “As you pointed out, it’s my fault you’re in this mess,” she snarked.
