Page 22 of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn
‘Wearing a black coat, oh and a mustard-coloured scarf?’ Livvy asked, frowning.
‘That’s the badger. I asked him if I could help. Said he was on the way to the gents so I showed him where it was.’
‘I don’t think we need worry about Jason taking anything, although it is strange… He knows the place; he’d know where the loos were.’
‘Just thought I’d tell you. He looked right shifty.’
‘Thanks, Karl. I appreciate you checking. I’ll have a word with Fabio about being more conscientious about locking up.Hopefully no harm done. Now you get off home to your wife. It’s been a long night.’
‘Will do. Night, my lovely.’
‘Night, Karl.’ Livvy saw him to the door and then made her rounds checking all windows and doors were locked. She keyed in the alarm and went wearily upstairs.Funny about Jason. Probably just having a look around, seeing what I’ve done to the place.Yawning, she barely had time to undress and brush her teeth before she collapsed into bed.
CHAPTER 15
Cappuccino – espresso based, prepared with steamed milk, milk foam, cocoa powder. The perfect morning pick-me-up.
On Monday, the only day The George shut, Livvy braved the piercingly cold and very Christmassy weather to visit the art school. She decided to walk, wanting to get some fresh air. Daisy’s words nagged at her. It made sense to take time for herself. Work-life balance was important, but she had no earthly idea how she’d achieve it.
She marched briskly down the hill into town, swinging her arms to keep warm. Above her was a sky of peerless blue and the sea sparkled shades of sapphire and green, topped with foamy crested waves. Lullbury Bay, on a day like this, was a good place to live.
She found the art school eventually. It was tucked away behind a housing estate and next to some tennis courts. Crossing over the unpromising-looking car park she went inside to be greeted by white corridors hung with photographs and paintingsand followed the hubbub of noise and a sign saying, ‘Artisans’ Show This Way’ to an enormous, light flooded studio. Standing at the doorway she paused for a second to take it all in. The white walls were hung with huge seascapes and some abstracts; a gigantic Christmas tree dominated one corner decked in tasteful white and silver; and arranged around the room were trestle tables crammed with crafts for sale. Snatches of ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ could be heard when there was the occasional lull in chatter.
‘Hey, Livvy!’ It was Daisy calling her from the corner opposite the tree. She was dwarfed by a collection of wicker baskets brimming with winter greenery, next to a table heaped with wreaths of all sizes and colours.
Going over she said, ‘Hi, Daisy. Thanks for the invite. When you rang and mentioned a Christmas craft fayre, I didn’t anticipate anything like this.’
‘It’s brilliant, isn’t it? One of my favourite things to do in the run-up to Christmas. This is slightly different to the usual ones. They’re usually full-on Christmas with mulled wine, carols and mince pies. Dave, who runs the place, is booked up with stuff in December so he decided to try a more streamlined version out. Make sure you have a good look round. There’s some really excellent stuff for sale and all made by the artists who work here.’ She plucked a length of holly from one of the baskets, the bright red berries gleaming against the glossy leaves. ‘And don’t forget all your Christmas greenery. It’s traditional to bring some evergreen in at this time of year!’
Livvy laughed. Daisy never seemed to miss a selling opportunity. ‘I won’t. I’ll come back for some holly and mistletoe.’
‘Ooh, who are you planning on kissing this Christmas?’
A stocky middle-aged man in dungarees and a red beret approached. It saved Livvy the embarrassment of having toanswer. Whodidshe want to kiss this Christmas? With Jason, Fabio and Mark around she had quite the choice.Not to mention the Three Ds and Old Pete,she giggled to herself.
Mr Red Beret handed Daisy a mug of steaming hot chocolate. ‘There you go, my lovely. No marshmallows but best I could do.’
Daisy took it, cupping her hands around the mug emblazoned with, ‘Father Christmas does it Up the Chimney’. ‘Thanks, Dave. Have you met Livvy? She’s taken on The George.’
He clasped Livvy’s hand and pumped it vigorously. ‘Nice to meet you, my friend. Dave Wiscombe. Bloke in charge for my sins. I was at your bonfire and fireworks on Saturday. Had an ace time. Good to see the place open again. And our Eli is going to work for you, I understand? He’s my nephew. Good lad but easily led. Firm hand and he’ll do okay for you.’
‘Thanks.’ Livvy smiled. ‘I’ll bear that in mind. I’ve got Karl Comberford working for me too.’
Dave brightened at the name. ‘He’ll help you sort him out. Good bloke, is Karl. Now, my lovely, make sure you look at Jago Pengethley’s stuff. His glass light catchers make great presents. And check out the pottery and jewellery. All made on the premises. We’ve got eleven artists and crafts people working here now. Lots of excellent Christmas present ideas.’
‘Thank you, I will.’ She looked at the painting on the wall behind them. It was simple but effective, broad creamy stripes of sand against deepening shades of blue. A thought occurred. ‘Dave, would you consider letting me display some of your paintings in my pub?’
A cunning look crept into his eyes. ‘What, for sale you mean?’
Livvy nodded. ‘I’d like to showcase some local talent. My walls are very bare and paintings like the one there would be the perfect backdrop.’ She pointed out the landscape.
Dave turned to look. ‘That’s by Vivienne Little. She’s very talented. Does a lot of seascapes. Dunno though, not sure I’dwant to risk some of ’em in a pub. Can get a bit lairy, like, in a bar sometimes. Wouldn’t want them wrecked.’
‘Neither would I,’ Livvy said, horrified. She hadn’t considered that. ‘Maybe just in the restaurant then? It’ll be seated meals, waiter service in there. And I run a strict house. Anyone getting drunk gets thrown out.’
‘Tell you what, I’ll have a chat with Viv, see what she says. She’d get more eyes on them than they get down here, that’s a fact.’
‘Thank you. And do pop in for a pint one night.’
