Page 11 of A Brambleberry Manor Christmas
Flo saw the horror on my face. ‘What’s wrong?’ shewhispered.
I swallowed hard. ‘Yes, Rosie, no problem. I have a note ofthat. Two vegetarian meals. Good luck for tomorrow!’
I ended the call and rushed to check the notes I’d made atthe time. Sure enough, I hadn’t actually recorded the fact that there’d be acouple of vegetarians. It was the first booking I’d taken from people I didn’tknow. I must have been so nervous I’d forgotten to write it down…
The problem threw me into a spin. I had so much to do andnow this! But Flo made me sit down and take some deep breaths while she made mea reviving mug of coffee. She didn’t tell me she’d added a slug of brandy untilI took a sip and almost choked on it.
‘For the shock.’ She shrugged and after I stopped coughing,I started to laugh.
‘This is really nice.’ I could feel the alcohol warming me insideand Flo’s grin was infectious.
‘Now,’ she said, ‘I’ve got this brilliant vegetarian recipeI used to make for my son-in-law. Even the rest of the family, who aren’tvegetarian, used to love it. So how about I make it and you can see if you likeit? While you get on with the other stuff?’
‘Okay.’ I nodded, not sure what I’d say if I didn’tlikeit. I’d hate to hurt Flo’s feelings.
But I needn’t have worried. Her individual artichoke,spinach and cheese pies in gloriously buttery flaky pastry were a work of genius,and after sampling one, I had no hesitation in putting it on the weddingbreakfast menu.
The next day, driving home from the wedding, I asked Flo ifshe’d like a permanent job as my assistant.
‘Oh.’ She glanced at me uncertainly, and I wondered if shewas going to turn the offer down. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes. You’ve been such a great help. And I do need anassistant.’
‘I was a sous chef once,’ she said quickly.
I looked at her in surprise. ‘Wow, really? You nevermentioned that. Whereabouts?’
‘Oh…the Swan Hotel?’
‘Here in Sunnybrook?’
She nodded. ‘It was a couple of years ago, in betweenaccountancy jobs. I did some cleaning as well for a while.’ She was avoiding myeye and I wondered if she was embarrassed because she’d done a bit ofeverything.
‘Sous chef! Well, in that case,pleasecome and workwith me. It was obviously meant to be. I guess you could even supply me with areference,’ I added, trying to be professional about it.
Flo looked overcome. Her face flushed bright red, and for amoment, she seemed lost for words.
I smiled at her. ‘Well? Please say yes.’
‘Okay.’ At last, she looked at me. ‘Yes.’ She laughed, thedoubt on her face replaced by a look of cautious delight. ‘I’d love to come andwork for you, Jenny.’
So that was that. Flo was lovely and I felt I’d turned acorner with the business.
At last, the future seemed to be looking brighter…
CHAPTER FOUR
Brambleberry Manor on this late December afternoon istruly a sight to behold. All twinkly Christmas lights around the main entrance,and a dusting of snow on the trees and on the lawn in front of the house.
Flo is captivated enough to lay down her phone with a sigh.
‘It looks like a fairy-tale palace,’ she breathes, as weglide along the drive.
‘I know. I wish Tavie could see it.’
I think sadly of how Tavie used to love putting up theChristmas decorations with me. She’d be jumping up and down on the designatedmorning, hardly able to wait. But I don’t even want to suggest it this year, incase she gives me that withering look that I’ve come to dread…the look thattells me I’m a completely inadequate substitute for a mum and a dad…
I drive round to the courtyard and park by the back door sothat we can unload the crates and boxes. More people have arrived, if thenumber of cars parked there is anything to go by.
