Page 48 of New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn
‘No worries there. Got a voice like a foghorn when she wants. She’ll sort them out and, if there are any problems, she can come in the bar and repeat the questions.’
‘She’s done a great job writing the questions.’
‘She has.’
‘And everyone’s rallied round with the raffle prizes. Not sure if Brittany used thumb screws or her natural charm but we’ve got some amazing things to give away.’ Livvy ticked them off using her fingers. ‘Christmas wreaths and greenery from Daisy, a meal at the Old School Kitchen, a bundle of children’s books from Bee’s Books, a bottomless brunch at The Station House and, can you believe it, Christmas lunch at The Henville in Berecombe. I want to win that one for myself.’
‘You’re not alone there, my lovely. Scoreboard set up?’
Livvy nodded. ‘Mark’s in charge. He’s the numbers man.’
‘Marking team ready?’
‘Darrell, Dave Wiscombe, and Austin and his wife Aggie.’
Karl hooked the glass onto the rack above him and picked up another to polish. ‘Uh-oh. Aggie’s like Lucie. Don’t take no prisoners. Shame Pete’s missing it.’
Livvy grimaced. ‘Think it might be too hectic for him and certainly for Skip. Same is true for Angel. I’ve put her in her bed in my room. Apparently, Pete and Skip are having a quiet night down at The Old Harbour.’
‘Lucky Claude.’ Karl grinned.
‘And Stewie’s in charge of the kitchen. Light snacks only tonight: sausages wrapped in bacon, brie and cranberry mini tarts, filled turkey and gravy Yorkshire puddings and deep fried halloumi fingers with a sweet chilli dip. Oh, and mince pies and clotted cream, or Christmas pudding ice cream if anyone fancies dessert.’
‘Cracking. Fabio not coming?’
‘Not his scene I imagine, and it is his night off. Eli and Brittany will be manning the bar, along with you and my good self, so that should be covered. It’ll be rammed before it starts and, in the interval, but should be fairly steady trade during the actual quiz. Think we’re all set.’
‘Got your fancy dress sorted?’
‘Yeah, Karl.’ Livvy gave him an old-fashioned look. ‘I don’t normally go around dressed as an elf.’ She pirouetted, showing off her green miniskirt and stripey red tights. ‘I’ve a hat to go with this lot too.’
He chuckled. ‘Very fetching on you. You should show your legs off more often.’ He caught her look. ‘I’m not allowed to say things like that, am I?’
She went behind the bar, took his arm and hugged it. ‘Not really but from you I’ll take it as the compliment it was meant.’
He looked relieved. ‘Jen, the wife, is always on at me for being not PC.’ He began polishing another glass. ‘So, what are your parents doing tonight?’
‘Think Mum’s staying in her room watching TV, but Dad might come down and join in.’
‘Been a bit of a trial, having them around?’
Livvy sighed. ‘It’s such a busy time, Karl, that’s the issue, and they demand entertainment, especially my mother. I packed them off to the Henville for Sunday lunch today. That kept them busy for a few hours.’
‘Nice.’
‘Think Mum appreciated the luxury. Simona went along. Those two have forged a rather worrying alliance.’ Livvy rested her hands on her velvet-covered hips and contemplated her bar. ‘Right. Think we’re ready.’
An hour later, the bar was five deep in assorted Father Christmases, reindeer and the odd penguin. Karl was cool and unflustered, Brittany quelled anyone getting impatient with awithering look and Eli was just about coping. Livvy, returning from showing a group dressed as Telly Tubbies to their quiz table in the restaurant, saw that Gerry and his entourage had turned up. They weren’t in the requested fancy dress and didn’t look as if they were taking part in the quiz, so she assumed they were in to drink. Eli looked uncomfortable; he was trying to deal with them, but the group was already getting rowdy. To her relief, her father had appeared and was making his way over to lend a hand.
Against the soundtrack of ‘Fairy Tale of New York’ blasting out, as Eli had, once again, cranked up the volume, her father yelled across, ‘This is good fun, Liv. Just like the old days when I had my first bar. Just love the Christmas madness.’ He adjusted his Santa hat and began pulling pints of lager for Gerry’s mob.
Diving behind the bar herself, she took an order for three mulled wines, a pint of cider, a gin and tonic and a pint of Santa’s Sauce Ale. Putting them on a tray, she asked, ‘Contactless?’ and handed the machine to the man waiting. ‘Oh, Jason. I didn’t recognise you. Great fancy dress. Very Johnny Depp.’
He raised a sardonic brow from under his Captain Jack Sparrow hat. ‘Expressing my inner pirate. Just hope I don’t have to make anyone walk the plank tonight.’ He leaned closer. ‘I have to express surprise at seeing Gerry Wiscombe in here. Is he the sort of customer you want to attract?’
She gave him a thin smile. She was beginning to dislike Jason intensely. Pompous didn’t gel with lookalike Jack Sparrow sexy eyeliner. ‘I’m keeping an eye on them. Enjoy your night and good luck with the quiz. Now, who’s next? Hi, Daisy. What can I get you? Great fairy costume!’
Risking a glance across to her father, she could see he was in his element. However, an argument was breaking out between a blustering, red-faced Gerry and one of his friends. Livvy winced. It would be awkward if she had to eject them but if they causedany trouble she’d have no choice. Keeping a wary eye out, she decided to let Eli handle it. He didn’t have an awful lot of confidence, and she didn’t want to undermine him in front of his family.
