‘This month.’ Elsie chuckled. ‘Are you still up for the challenge?’
‘Yes, yes. It’s doable. Just. If you have a few minutes, I can show you a few different options for the foliage and bouquet styles so I can pop the order through for the flowers sooner rather than later?’
‘Yes, yes. That’s fine.’
Sandra lifted a huge book onto the counter and opened it. Colour photographs of an array of flowers and foliage stared back at them. ‘I’ll just get you both a stool and we can have a chat. Would either of you like a drink?’
‘I’d love a coffee, please?’ Elsie perched on one of the stools Sandra carried round.
‘I’m fine, thanks.’ Sitting down, Evie peered at the photographs.
‘Is that your phone, love?’ Elsie nodded towards Evie’s coat pocket.
‘Oh, yes.’ Shaking her head, she pulled it out and frowned. It was Melissa. Why was ringing her? Oh, yes, the email. With everything going on in the bay, it almost felt as though she’d stepped away from her job and London months ago. ‘Sorry, I should get this.’
Nodding, Elsie turned back to the book.
Stepping outside, Evie accepted the call. ‘Melissa?’
Chapter Twenty
‘Evie, hi. I’m sorrythis phone call has taken me a while to get around to. As you can imagine, everything is a bit manic at the office at the moment.’
Evie took a deep breath in. Of course it was, but it was only in response to Melissa’s own actions. What had she been expecting when she’d promoted Steven to partner?
‘Are you still there or is it a bad connection down in the little village?’
‘I’m still here.’
‘Good, good. As I was saying, I’d rather hoped to reply to your email before now, but rush, rush, rush. You know how it is.’
Evie pulled her coat tighter around her. Why didn’t she just get on with it? ‘What can I do for you?’
‘It’s rather more what I can do for you. I can offer you an explanation which is why I didn’t instantly reply to your email. I wanted to give you the courtesy of ringing you and explaining.’
‘Go on, then.’ Evie kicked at a shallow puddle. It must have rained during the night.