‘All good, thanks. Hi, Ian.’ Evie grinned.
‘Oh, it’s Jack. Jack, can we just pick your brains for a moment, please? I know you’re not on the clock, so we’ll only take a second of your time.’ Elsie tapped Ian’s shoulder.
‘Jack, good to see you.’ Standing up from his stool at the steel table, Ian shook Jack’s hand.
Pushing the door into the bakery open, Evie paused. A short queue from the bakery counter tailed to the door, and the couple who had been arguing over wedding cakes were back, and by the looks of it, Molly and Wendy were doing their best to help them come to a mutual decision. Meanwhile, a throng of customers were gathered around the coffee and cake counter whilst Teresa served, whilst a couple walked towards a table, pushing away the used crockery from an earlier customer. Ducking behind the bakery counter, Evie grabbed a cloth and a bottle of spray. ‘I’ll go and help Teresa if you’re okay here?’
‘Yes, that’s fine. Thanks.’ Brooke smiled at her and turned back to the customer she was serving.
‘I’ll just move these for you.’ Grabbing a tray, Evie began piling the used crockery up and wiped the table the couple were sitting at.
‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome. We seem to have a rush.’
‘It’s just started raining.’ The woman smiled.
Following her gaze, Evie nodded. It must have started when she and Jack had gone inside. The rain had obviously chased the people looking for shelter inside. ‘I didn’t even notice. That explains the rush then.’
‘See you this evening.’
Turning, she watched as Jack stepped outside, pulled his hood up, and disappeared down the cobbles. Smiling, she moved to the next table and began wiping crumbs off into her hand. Where was it he’d said he was taking her? Had he?
Chapter Nine
‘Bye, love, and goodluck.’ Elsie closed the bakery door and locked it. ‘Ooh, that’s Ian off to get fitted for his suit.’
‘I’m sure he’ll be fine.’ Evie hung her apron up.
‘Yes, yes, he will. There’ll be enough people there, anyway. Brooke, Nina and, of course, Wendy with her son Hudson and Teresa with her boys.’ Elsie rubbed her hands together. ‘Thank you for finishing off today.’
‘That’s okay.’ Evie smiled.
‘You’re off out now, aren’t you?’
‘Yes, Jack’s picking me up soon. I’m not sure where we’re going, though, but I do know he has an anniversary dinner at his parents’ at eight, so wherever we’re going, it won’t be for long.’