By ten o’clock the next morning Gilly had baked her first batch of chocolate brownies and was already getting into the swing of things. She hummed away around the kitchen of The Melting Pot without a care in the world. Her face flushed and her hair limp with the heat from the ovens, but clearly loving every minute of it. Today, Bea and Nell were both manning the front of the shop while she worked the kitchen.
Gilly stared out on to the lake at the back of the deli and took a second to admire the magnificent view. This morning everything seemed a lot brighter, the rain had stopped, the sky was blue and small purple crocuses danced in the light breeze. She watched dog-walkers and couples strolling hand in hand around the lake. She breathed in the air and exhaled before washing down the worktops and switching the kettle on.
Nell opened the kitchen door and smiled at her mum. ‘The brownies and sausage rolls are baked, over there on the trays, ready to display in the counter. More scones are in the oven, cream meringues on the side and Alan from the butcher’s has dropped off some sausage and bacon for the lunchtime trade which is in the fresh drawer of the fridge. Oh, and I’ve had a little spring clean.’
‘You have been busy and flowers as well.’
Gilly had even ventured out the back and picked some of the crocuses and dotted them in jam jars all around the kitchen.
‘Kettle’s boiled, let me make you both a drink,’ Gilly said, tossing a tea-bag in each mug.
‘Superstar!’ Bea exclaimed, casting her eyes around the kitchen, ‘Look at this place, it’s spotless. Why didn’t I employ you sooner?’
‘I keep asking myself the very same question,’ Gilly chuckled, handing a mug of tea to the pair of them. Bea and Nell sighed as they heard the door to the deli open, ‘I’ll go. You two take a breather for a minute,’ Gilly insisted, disappearing through the kitchen door towards the deli counter.
Alan Webster from the butcher’s, who was built like a string bean and had the hair of a mad professor, beamed over the counter at Gilly and handed her a tray of bread buns.
‘Second time today,’ he chuckled, ‘We need to stop meeting like this.’
‘You daft thing,’ Gilly said, swiping his arm.
He grinned, ‘These were delivered next door by mistake. One of the staff signed for them but then we’ve realised they were for you.’
‘Don’t worry,’ Gilly said, taking the tray from him. ‘Thanks for bringing them over.’ He swiftly disappeared as Gilly took the tray into the kitchen.
‘What have you there?’ asked Bea, as she sidled up to the tray of buns and scanned the advice slip.
‘Alan popped them in. They were delivered there by mistake.’
‘Damn,’ Bea murmured, taking the tray from Gilly, ‘I’ve only gone and ordered double. That’ll be the baby brain already kicking in. What the heck are we going to do with all of these?’
‘We’ve already prepared the sandwiches for the lunchtime rush on the granary and bloomer bread. We can’t keep these until tomorrow, they’ll go stale,’ Nell added.
‘Bacon baps?’ Gilly suggested, ‘Everyone loves a bacon sandwich.’
‘Right, good idea! Gilly, you update the blackboard and Nell, you start grilling the bacon.’
Nell saluted ‘Yes, chef!’
Bea threw a box of chalk towards Gilly, ‘Price one pound. Let’s get these shifted.’
Gilly disappeared on to the shop floor and promptly peered back round the kitchen door. ‘There’s a couple of customers sitting at the tables inside waiting to be served.’
Bea took a swig of her drink and clutched her pen and notepad, ‘I’m on it,’ she said, painting a wide smile on her face and hurrying back out into the deli.
Bea’s eyes flitted between the two customers; there was a man sitting in the corner perusing the menu, mid-sixties, dressed in a flat cap, waterproof trousers and green wellington boots. He unravelled his scarf and placed it on the empty chair next to him. His cheeks were rosy and his glasses were perched on the end of his nose. He spotted Bea and gave her a warm smile. The lady sitting on the other table was busily scribbling away on a notepad. Her blonde hair fell below her shoulders, her chiselled cheekbones were streaked with blusher and she looked very business-like sitting there in a blue pinstriped suit with heels. Bea guessed she was early thirties and was definitely not passing through on a narrowboat.
Bea’s mouth suddenly went dry and her palms began to sweat, this woman oozed best delicatessen judge all over.
‘Keep your cool, keep your cool,’ she muttered under her breath.
‘Did you say something?’ Bea met the woman’s icy stare.
She shook her head and took a breath. ‘Hi, I’m Bea, welcome to my deli. It’s a lovely day out there isn’t it? At least the rain has stopped. Have you come far?’ What the heck was she doing? She’d never rambled on so much to a customer before. The woman glowered at her, ‘Can I just give you my order please,’ she said, in a very abrupt tone.
‘Yes, of course, sorry. What can I get for you?’ Bea asked, poised with her pen on the pad.
The unfriendly woman reeled of a long list of food while Bea scribbled quickly on her pad.
‘Are you expecting company?’ Bea asked politely, thinking it was an awful lot of food for one person to manage.
The woman stared at Bea, ‘No, I’m assuming you can bring me what I’ve ordered.’
Bea’s voice faltered, ‘Of course, madam. It’ll be right with you.’
Just as Bea turned away, the woman spoke again. ‘Oh and a coffee please and I don’t mean any of that instant rubbish.’
Bea bit down on her lip and met the woman’s glare, ‘Certainly, madam,’ she said, giving her the sweetest smile she could muster. Bea felt sick to her stomach, remembering the coffee machine was still broken and the engineer wasn’t coming out until this afternoon to fix it. ‘We won’t keep you long,’ Bea said, before walking over to the elderly gentleman sitting in the corner.
‘Hello, are you ready to order?’ Bea asked, smiling brightly at the man.
‘Good morning, what a lovely day it is today, very spring-like.’ The man was jolly and smiled warmly back at Bea.
‘It’s beautiful out there today,’ she said. ‘What can I get for you?’
‘Full English with all the trimmings, granary toast and a mug of coffee,’ he said, then lowered his voice to a whisper, ‘And I don’t mind any of that instant rubbish,’ he winked at Bea, who smiled at him. ‘And a scone to take home for my lovely lady. She likes a good scone.’
‘Certainly sir,’ she said, opening his napkin and laying it on his lap for him.
Bea hurried back to the kitchen, ‘Shoot!’ she exclaimed, as soon as she was safely on the other side of the door.
‘What’s up with you? You look flustered.’
‘It’s her,’ Bea whispered, but she didn’t know why she was whispering, it wasn’t as though the snooty woman could even hear her in the kitchen.
‘It’s who?’ Nell asked perplexed.
‘The judge from the competition, she’s even dressed like a judge, keeps writing things down then shutting her notebook. She’s ordered anything and everything off the menu and hasn’t cracked a smile or been polite since she got here.’
Quickly Nell got up and peered around the kitchen door into the deli, ‘Oh yes, it’s definitely her. No one passes through the marina dressed like that. Look at that suit, very Ted Bakerish, and are those Jimmy Choos?’ she gave a low whistle. ‘I was hoping for someone friendly like Mary Berry,’ she said, spotting Gilly coming back through the deli door.
‘What are you two whispering about?’ Gilly looked amused as she placed the chalk box back on the kitchen shelf. ‘You two are acting very cloak and dagger.’
‘That’s the judge,’ mouthed Bea, pointing in the direction of the kitchen door.
Gilly raised her eyebrows, ‘The snooty one?’
Both Bea and Nell nodded.
‘Why do you say that?’ Nell asked in wonderment.
‘She’s just made a flippant comment about a greasy spoon café after she spotted the sign I’d just written on the specials board about the bacon butties.’
‘Oh God, we are doomed!’ Bea exclaimed.
‘Don’t panic! We have everything she’s ordered. Except for the coffee,’ Nell assured her friend.
‘We have coffee,’ Gilly waggled the jar of instant by the kettle.
She specifically said, ‘None of that instant rubbish.’
Nell rolled her eyes, ‘Mum, sneak out the back door and run over to The Waterfront and bring back a coffee.’
‘I’m on it,’ she said, thrusting her arms into her coat and scooting out the back way towards the pub.
‘Is that cheating?’ Nell asked, shrugging her shoulders.
‘Needs must. We have everything else. And here’s the order for the gentleman in the opposite corner,’ said Bea, placing the ticket on the counter, ‘He would like a full English, granary toast and a scone to take home for his wife.’
‘Aw how lovely. What’s she ordered?’ Nell asked, casting her eyes over the order pad.
‘A champagne breakfast, dessert, a fresh strawberry tarte, and speciality cheese and biscuits.’
Nell raised her eyebrows, ‘Jeez! Where is she going to put all that?’
‘That’s exactly what I thought and asked her if she was expecting company.’
‘Oh God, you didn’t?’
‘I did and the poor man in the corner was chuckling under his breath.’
Nell fell about laughing and Bea swiped her arm playfully, ‘Never mind laughing, is the champagne cold?’
‘Yes, it’s in the bottom of the fridge along with the salmon.’
‘Phew.’
Gilly promptly appeared and placed the coffee on the worktop.
Nell quickly poured it into one of their mugs, ‘Mum, take this through to her with the biggest smile you have.’
‘Will do,’ she said, planting a wide smile on her face and walking out of the kitchen door.
‘Let’s get this show on the road,’ Nell said, swiping her hands together.
Bea’s expression suddenly hardened as she began to concentrate on preparing the fresh food. For the next ten minutes, Nell and Bea worked in silence while Gilly served behind the front counter.
Nell exhaled sharply and caught Bea’s eye, ‘I think we’re ready.’
Bea nodded, picking up the plate and the champagne flute before she walked into the deli.
‘Enjoy your breakfast,’ Bea said politely, with a smile, as she placed the food down on the table alongside the glass. The woman tapped away on her mobile phone and didn’t even make eye contact with her.
How rude, Bea thought to herself, before turning to the man in the corner who was reading his magazine, ‘Your order is just coming,’ Bea said, warmly, as the man gave her a smile.
‘Excuse me,’ the woman clicked her fingers. Immediately Bea spun round. ‘My glass appears to be empty.’
‘I’m just bringing the champagne for you now,’ Bea forced a smile and did everything in her power not to curtsey.
A frantic Bea returned to the kitchen.
‘You need to go and pour the champagne and the full English is now ready for table five, along with his coffee. I’m just toasting the bread.’
‘Who does she think she is?’ Bea’s face was like thunder.
‘Take deep breaths, it will soon be over. We’ve dealt with worse.’
‘Have we, when?’ Bea questioned, taking the bottle out of the fridge.
‘Actually, I don’t think we have! But on the plus side, it’s character-building.’
‘I don’t need my character building. Manners cost nothing.’
‘Very true. Do you want me to go and serve her?’ Nell suggested.
Bea shook her head, ‘No way, she’s not getting the better of me.’
‘Good girl, now stay calm for the baby’s sake.’
‘And smile,’ Bea winked at Nell as she walked back through the door in an entirely professional manner.
After pouring the champagne, she returned to the kitchen and grabbed the man’s breakfast and coffee. ‘Enjoy your breakfast. I’ve put you an extra sausage and piece of bacon on for you and your toast is just coming.’
‘Very kind of you and this …’ he said taking a sip of his drink, ‘is a very nice cup of coffee.’
‘Thank you,’ Bea answered, thinking what a lovely man he was.
When Bea returned to the kitchen once more, Nell was spying around the door, ‘Get in there,’ Bea laughed, shooing her back into the kitchen.
‘Toast is ready.’
‘My cheeks are actually aching from all this smiling!’ Bea said, taking the toast from Nell, who thrust her hands in the sink and began to wash the pots.
‘The strawberry tart and cheese and biscuits are all under the glass dome when she’s ready.’
‘Thanks, Nell. What would I do without you?’
‘Hang on in there, she’ll be gone in twenty minutes or so,’ she said, looking up, her face brightening. ‘I’ve already prepared her bill so we don’t get flustered at the till.’
‘You’re simply the best.’
While Bea and Nell busied themselves in the kitchen, Gilly served a steady stream of customers and for the next ten minutes the boaters got wind of bacon barms for a pound and they were flying out of the deli.
‘Good morning, Fred,’ Gilly said cheerfully when he walked into the deli.
He tilted his cap.
‘What can I get for you?’
‘The board outside, bacon baps, any left?’
‘There is, just the one?’
‘Two please,’ he answered, ‘and brown sauce on both.’
‘To take out?’
He nodded.
‘Coming right up,’ Gilly smiled, popping back into the kitchen.
The woman in the corner of the deli, who was sipping her champagne, glanced over and gave Fred a look of disdain as he slapped a two-pound coin on the counter and shuffled his feet while he waited.
The moment Fred left the shop the woman clicked her fingers again. This time Gilly slipped over towards her. ‘Can I have the bill please?’
‘Certainly, madam, but what about the rest of the food you ordered?’
‘Box it up for me.’
‘Of course, right away,’ she said, turning back into the kitchen.
Within five minutes, all three of them stood in the deli window and scrutinised the woman as she tottered up the towpath on her Jimmy Choos, clutching her notepad.
‘Don’t hurry back,’ Nell muttered under breath.
‘How do you think we’ve done?’
‘I’ve no idea, but she’s going to catch pneumonia from that icy persona of hers if she doesn’t watch out.’
They all chuckled.
‘Shall I put the kettle on?’ Gilly asked. ‘I think we could do with a cuppa.’
‘You read my mind,’ Nell said flinging a tea towel over her shoulder.
‘I’ll go and check on the gentleman in the corner,’ Bea said, relieved that the woman had finally gone.
‘How was your breakfast?’ she asked as the man laid down his knife and fork on the empty plate.
‘That’s the best fry-up I’ve had in a long time, but don’t tell the missus!’ he grinned, wrapping his scarf around his neck. ‘I’m meant to be watching the cholesterol levels.’
‘I promise,’ Bea said brightly, warming towards the old man. ‘Can I get you anything else?’
‘Only the bill please.’
If only more customers were like him, Bea thought to herself, as she gathered up the empty plates and disappeared back into the kitchen.
When she returned with the man’s bill he was waiting by the counter with his boating magazine tucked under his arm as he grappled with his money.
‘Here’s the scone for your wife,’ she said, placing the paper bag on to the counter. ‘Would you like some clotted cream and jam to go with it?’
‘Strawberry is her favourite, thank you, very kind. And you, my dear girl, deserve a medal.’
‘What for?’ Bea asked holding his gaze.
‘That woman. She would test the patience of a saint.’
Bea smiled and handed over his change. ‘You have a lovely day.’
He nodded and walked out of the door.
As soon as the door closed behind him, all three of them heaved a huge sigh of relief.
‘Urgh! What a horrible woman she was.’ Bea stated, ‘I think I need a drink – an alcoholic drink.’
‘You can’t, you’re pregnant! But you can have this,’ Nell laughed, handing her a mug of tea.
Suddenly, there was a loud knocking on the window and all of them jumped out of their skin. They spun round to see Guy standing there, beaming back at them.
He opened the door and Sam waited patiently outside, his tail thumping on the ground. ‘What’s up with you ladies? You look frazzled. Bad morning?!’
‘Yes!’ All three replied in agreement.
‘We’ve just had the judge from hell,’ Nell rolled her eyes.
‘Come again?’
‘The Melting Pot has been entered for Delicatessen of the Year and the judge has just darkened our day, but this one did amazing,’ she added, rubbing Bea’s arm.
‘Oh, interesting! So, I take it you all charmed the socks off her?’
‘Jimmy Choos, more like! It’s safe to say she had a heart of ice, but fingers crossed,’ Bea answered.
Guy crossed his fingers too.
‘And what can we do for you?’
He glanced back over his shoulder towards the chalk board outside, ‘That sign has tickled my taste buds. Any chance of a couple of those bacon baps? I’m starving! And a coffee?’
‘But none of that instant rubbish,’ both Nell and Bea said together, then laughed.
Guy raised his eyebrows, ‘Eh?’
‘In joke, don’t worry about it! Gilly you take a break. I’ll get the bacon baps and the coffee.’ Bea and Gilly slid past Nell into the kitchen.
Nell stood on the other side of the counter and caught a whiff of an inherently spicy masculine fragrance, Guy’s aftershave. It was a lot stronger than Ollie ever wore, but it suited him. For a brief moment she closed her eyes and inhaled.
His face flickered with amusement, ‘You okay?’
‘Sorry,’ she said, feeling a little embarrassed. Pull yourself together, Nell, were the words whirling around in her head.
‘No need to be sorry. There’s another reason. I’ve nipped in.’
‘Oh! Which is?’ she asked, thankful he’d changed the subject so quickly.
‘I’ve put together a financial plan for you, outlining the potential costs of the picture house. Let me cook you dinner tonight and I’ll go through it with you.’
‘Cook?’ she said, ‘Tonight? That sounds lovely. What time?’
‘Say seven?’ his eyes twinkled as he held her gaze.
‘Perfect.’ Nell’s lips twitched with a smile. ‘Shall I bring a bottle?’
‘Sounds like an excellent plan.’
As soon as the door to the deli closed behind Guy, Nell felt a warm fuzzy feeling inside. She folded her arms, leant on the counter and stared around the room. She could remember how excited Bea had been when she’d opened up The Melting Pot for the very first time. She’d worked so hard transforming the place and Nell had been with her every step of the way. Working here for the past two years had given Nell the confidence and experience she needed to run her own business: everything from stock-taking, working the till and customer service. Nell knew if she was successful in winning the auction, she would make the Old Picture House a success.