Page 19 of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn
The George was open for business. Again. And this time it really felt like her place.
Inevitably it was Pete and Skip who were first to arrive. She settled both in a corner by the now merrily flaming wood burner and handed the old man a pint of cider and a newspaper from the rack by the door. ‘First one is on the house today. And here’s a dog biscuit for Skip.’ Not brave enough to hand the treat straight to the cantankerous dog, she put it on the newly scrubbed pine table. ‘I hope you like the changes I’ve made and they’re not too drastic.’
Pete harrumphed into his glass. He took a swig and gave Skip the biscuit. ‘Looks alright.’ Nodding to the wood burner, he added, ‘Like the stove. Cosy for the old bones.’
Livvy grinned. It was as much praise as could be hoped from him. ‘Glad you approve,’ she said softly.
Young Karl arrived and got into position behind the bar, keeping himself busy by polishing already clean glasses.
Brittany turned up at midday for the food service, looking as if she’d only just rolled out of bed. Livvy hoped the girl was awake enough to wait tables; she’d had a good training session with her so was reasonably confident. Once you got past Brittany’s sulky, slightly superior air, the girl had a sharp brain. Livvy just hoped she would stick around for a while before going travelling. The team, Livvy included, wore a simple uniform of a black T-shirt and long stone-coloured aprons embossed with the pub’s logo. A grumbling Brittany was made to tie up her hair.
For thirty anxious minutes, it was just Brittany, Karl, Livvy, Pete and Skip the collie. Livvy could sense Fabio and Stewie idling impatiently in the kitchen. She stood behind the bar watching the door and praying for customers. She’d put notices on the local Facebook page and had taken out a paid ad in the online version of the local paper. She hoped that was enough.
And then the door opened. Mark first, closely followed by Jason and a sprinkling of walkers who had been tackling the South West Coast Path. Rick arrived, accompanied by a vivacious dark-haired woman wearing a Va Va Bloom T-shirt who Livvy assumed was Daisy. Keeping an eye out for Brittany who was being tutored by Karl, she made her way over.
‘Thank you so much for coming. It really means a lot.’
‘We came to wish you all the luck in the world.’ Daisy gave her a hug. ‘Nice to have a new place in town.’
Livvy hugged her back. ‘And thank you for the flowers. They’re gorgeous!’
Daisy grinned. ‘Got to be some advantages to being a florist. Just let me know if you’d like a regular order for the restaurant.’
‘I will.’ Livvy laughed. As well as being kind, Daisy was obviously an astute businesswoman. She nodded. ‘I loved the flowers you did for The Old School Kitchen, so I’ll pop by to discuss something similar.’
‘Happy to oblige. Oh, and the tree will be with you early December.’ Livvy had spoken to Daisy yesterday about ordering a Christmas tree and she’d been efficient and friendly. ‘And I’ll get the wreaths delivered as soon as I’ve made them. They’re popular so I’m out of them at the moment but Rick said you weren’t majoring in Christmas until after your party at the weekend. I’ll get them to you with the tree. Promise.’
‘Brilliant.’
Daisy leaned nearer. ‘And, take it from me, although you’ll want to put all the hours God sends into working, remember to take some time out. I’ve learned that the hard way. Come for a drink one night. Maybe we can do cocktails at The Station House?’
There was something about Daisy that reminded Livvy of Yolanda. Maybe she could be a friend? ‘You’re on!’ Turning to Rick, she thanked him for the information he’d emailed. ‘I’ve had a good look through it and I’ll discuss the suppliers with my chef. And I can’t thank you enough for Candice, she’s a one-woman miracle worker. Now, what can we at The George tempt you with? There’s mulled wine on, seeing as the weather has gone decidedly wintry and I can definitely recommend Fabio’s burgers. Not sure how he does it but they melt in the mouth.’
Daisy giggled. Flicking a cheeky look at Rick, she said, ‘Two burgers then. I’m rather partial to them.’
Letting what was obviously an in-joke go over her head, Livvy showed the couple to a table opposite Pete where Daisy managed, wonder of wonders, to charm Skip. Livvy’s admiration for the woman grew and she vowed to ask for dog taming tips.
Less than an hour later, the bar was full, and Fabio and Stewie were churning out delicious food from the kitchen with efficiency. Karl was proving reliable behind the bar and Brittany was putting on a charming front. Even Pete ordered a turkey baguette and chips which he shared with Skip.
Livvy, in a rare quiet moment, stood back and surveyed the scene. Brittany brought out two steak pies for Mark and Jason, the group of walkers were ploughing their way through lasagne and chips, the wood burner flickered comfortingly in the newly opened up chimney and there was a contented hum of chatter from satisfied customers.
As the first real day of business, it would do.
CHAPTER 13
Sassi Vino Bianco – expensive tasting. A cheeky little number
As the pub began to empty Livvy felt herself starting to relax, although her eyes were gritty with stress and fatigue. Jason paid his bill, mouthed the words, ‘It was excellent,’ put up a hand and left. He passed a woman walking in and they stopped and greeted one another. She was tiny, blonde, very attractive and looked familiar. Livvy suppressed a grin at the way most people seemed to know one another in Lullbury Bay. It was very unlike where she’d worked last.
The woman came up to the bar and smiled. ‘Well, darling, I’ve just heard great things about the food from Jason, but I suppose I’m too late for any today?’ She reached a hand over. ‘I’m Simona Stratton, your neighbour for your sins. I’ve been away, otherwise I would have popped in before.’
Livvy shook Simona’s hand in response. ‘If I sweet talk Fabio, he might rustle you up a baguette. Welcome to The George. Can I get you anything to drink?’
‘Oh, sweetie, a large dry white please. I’m absolutely parched. Ye gads, please excuse me for a mo, I’ve just spotted the love of my life.’ She tripped across to the end of the bar, reached up and enfolded Mark in a bear hug. Livvy watched and then it clicked. Simona was the woman driving the flashy white sports car she’d seen him in the other day.
There was a large Georgian house adjoining the pub; Livvy had always admired its symmetry. It was the sort of house she’d like to own when she grew up. So this was who lived in it? Pouring Simona’s glass of Pinot, she tried to not to watch as the woman had a very animated conversation with Mark. She wondered if there was something going on between the two. Simona’s hands were all over him, stroking his arm, hugging it to her, gazing up at him as if she could eat him up.
Leaving the wine on the bar, Livvy went to check with Fabio about whether he could do one more food order and came back to see Simona and Mark still deep in conversation. Collecting the wine glass, she took it over and presented it to Simona with a flourish saying, ‘One white wine. It’s a good Italian Pinot so should hit the spot. Fabio has one hot smoked salmon and cream cheese baguette left if you’d like it. Or a turkey and cranberry roll. I twisted his arm, and he said he could do a few chips too.’
