Page 70 of The Midnight Bakery
Frankie bit her lip. ‘Yes, it’s fine. But I wondered if I might have a chat about something. I can call later though, if you’re busy?’
‘No, no, now’s good. I was only popping next door to take some magazines to my neighbour. I read them first and then pass them on, but I can do that any time. What can I do for you? I’m afraid I don’t have any more news about the sale, I’m still waiting to hear back from the people I spoke to you about.’
‘Yes, that’s why I’m ringing, really,’ Frankie replied, winding a curl of hair around her finger. ‘It’s just that I’ve had a bit of an idea…’
35
Frankie
Frankie turned the key in the lock and pushed open the bakery door. It was her and William’s last shift together, and the way she was feeling it might as well beherlast one, too. But William was right behind her, so she kept the smile on her face and held the door wide for him before closing and locking it. She was determined they would have a good night.
‘Well, here we are,’ she said, as they walked through to the back and she turned on the lights. ‘I bet you’ll be glad to see the back of this place. The boss is an absolute tyrant.’
William grinned. ‘Worst I’ve ever had.’ He paused, looking at her. ‘Are yousureyour wrist is going to be okay?’
‘William…’
‘I know, I know. I have to go back to the club sometime, but you can’t blame me for trying. It’s been good though, hasn’t it?’
‘You know it has. And no being maudlin,’ she teased, wagging her finger in mock severity. ‘I’ve no idea how long I’m going to be here for yet, so I’m going to make the best of the time I have.’
‘And I’ll still be able to call by on my way home each night,’ he said. ‘And get to spy on you when you’re dancing around the room, with a bowl in your arms, singing like you’re Doris Day.’
Frankie rolled her eyes. ‘I’ll get you dancing yet, just you wait.’ She hung up her things and went to the storeroom. ‘Right, pinny for each of us and then we’d better get rolling. Or Vivienne will sack me, never mind the rest.’ She winced slightly, glad she had her back to William; she really hadn’t wanted to mention Vivienne.
She handed him an apron and was about to switch on the ovens when there was a series of knocks at the door – jaunty ones – rat-a-tat-tat. Two heads appeared in the window.
‘Is this your doing?’ she asked William, an amused smile on her face as she went to open the door. ‘What are you two doing here?’
‘Day off,’ said Beth, grinning. She was holding a large round tin.
‘And I just came for the cake,’ said Tam, taking the tin from Beth’s arms. ‘Get the kettle on and I’ll sort some plates,’ he said.
Frankie looked at William, but he shrugged. ‘Nothing to do with me,’ he said.
‘You do know we’re supposed to be working,’ she said. ‘Although if you’ve brought cake, I suppose a quick cup of tea won’t do any harm.’
‘They’re brownies,’ said Beth. ‘And blondies. I wasn’t sure which you liked. Probably not a patch on your pastries, but…’
‘She’s lying,’ said Tam. ‘I sneaked one earlier.’
Frankie laughed. ‘Lovely as it is to see you, whyareyou here?’
Tam cranked the lid off the tin and set it down on the table. ‘It’s your last night working together, so we thought we’d come and surprise you. Plus, we’re celebrating my new job, of course.’
‘You’ve got a new job?’ said William. ‘But that’s brilliant! Fast work, too. Where is it?’
Tam grinned at Frankie. ‘You haven’t told him, have you?’
‘Well, in my defence, I didn’t know for certain that you’d accept it, so…’ Frankie took a seat at the table and pulled the cakes towards her, breathing in the heavenly aroma of chocolate. She looked up, giving Beth a warm smile.
‘Okay…would someone like to tell me what’s going on?’ William’s hands were on his hips.
Tam bustled past with a stack of plates. ‘That pinny suits you, you know.’ He sat down beside Frankie. ‘It’s very simple, really. Actually, Frankie, why don’t you explain?’
Frankie helped herself to a blondie, looking at William with a smile. ‘It was after I met with Robert yesterday,’ she said. ‘And you and I got talking. Well, I got thinking…about us – all of us – and all the things which have happened recently and all the things which haven’t.’
‘Carry on,’ said William, sitting down.
