Page 101 of Barging In
“You need to see the canal as an asset. It draws people in. I’ll speak to the other traders, get them on board. They can help spread the word through their followers.”
“I’m sure I’ve got a lot to learn from you.” Victoria beamed. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Clem shot her a warm smile. “Me too.”
“By the way, Jasper was open to hearing about your suggestions for the museum.”
“That’s great. And I’m free tomorrow. We could start drawing up a list of what needs doing for the event.”
“Nine o’clock?” Victoria said, standing and draining her glass.
Clem nodded, though she was gutted that Victoria was leaving already.
“I can give you a lift, if you like?”
“That would be great.” She was reluctant to moor Florence along the towpath when she had no intention of opening. There was passive marketing, and then there was the risk of annoying customers who might wonder if or when she would be open.
“Thanks for the sugar and alcohol hit,” Victoria said. “I needed it, but I’m whacked. Thanks for the chat, too.”
Clem winked as she stood. “Anytime.”
The smile on Victoria’s lips faded quickly as she took Clem’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I meant what I said, Clem. Give me time.”
To Clem’s surprise, Victoria leaned forward and kissed her cheek. She lingered for a second — long enough for Clem to wonder, to hope, that her mouth might drift towards her lips. The soft, hurried sound of Victoria’sbreathing and the brush of her finger against Clem’s hand suggested temptation was teasing at her, too.
Clem eased back. “Night,” she said quietly.
Victoria had asked for time, and she’d get it. It was never wise to start something with someone who’d recently come out of a relationship.
“Good night,” Victoria replied, her smile seemingly appreciative as she took Clem’s hand to steady herself over the gunwale in the dark.
She disappeared into the shadows, leaving Clem suspended between the thrill of possibility and a slow, twisting ache of uncertainty. How long would Victoria need? Would the time ever come when she was truly ready?
All Clem could do now was wait, give her the space she’d asked for, and trust her to come back. Trust in the strength she knew Victoria had and the strength of what was growing between them.
All the same, it was hard not to let doubt creep in and whisper that it could all slip away before it had even begun.
CHAPTER 23
THREE MONTHS LATER
Clem yawned and stretched as she emerged from the wharf into the sunny, late summer morning. Union Jack bunting swayed in the light breeze as people rushed about in the courtyard, unloading items from cars before removing them. Having been baking in the kitchen since six a.m., she was grateful to find the weather mild. It was ideal for the day’s event.
She had been burning the candle at both ends for the last few months, and so she was quietly relieved that summer was drawing to a close. Demand for her bakes was only growing, from the wharf and from her own customers, who were making the most of the lingering sunshine before autumn fully settled in. Soon, she could hang up her barista apron for the cold season and focus more on the wharf.
Once today was over, the pressure would ease, thoughnot for long. The Christmas market needed planning next. That was set to be bigger and better, and there was always more to a Christmas event. A Father Christmas had to be found, a grotto created; a corner of the café might do, and her dad would fit perfectly in the starring role. Clem pushed her ideas to the back of her mind; she needed to focus on getting through today.
Her gaze caught her mum and dad, mid-bicker over the best height to hang a banner that readWelcome to Otterford Wharf Heritage Fest.They had been tasked with hanging all the signage, and Clem couldn’t help wondering how they would cope now they had nothing to focus on but each other.
Victoria caught her eye and smiled as she directed stallholders to their spots to set up. Hopefully, their tables would manage with the uneven cobbles; that Clem couldn’t fix. Nor could she fix her aching heart.
Three months of working closely together, through lunches, dinners, and endless planning meetings, had given her the chance to watch Victoria’s confidence grow and bloom. Clem’s love for her had only deepened. She was still waiting, hoping that one day soon Victoria might be ready to take their friendship to a new level. She may have agreed to wait as long as she needed, but her feelings for Victoria were threatening to suffocate her. How long did someone need to move on, to heal from their past? There was no answer to that.
Realising Victoria was making her way over, Clem instinctively swept her hair back and tried to stifle the flutter of anticipation in her chest.
“Is your mum still okay to hand out leaflets?” Victoria asked.
Clem greeted her with a smile. “Yes, she’s brimming with excitement. She loves this sort of thing.”
