'I'm fine. Fiona, one of the ladies who runs the arts and crafts sessions at the Christmas tree farm took a tumble and she's broken her wrist. I've left her at A & E with husband waiting with her.'
'Oh, that’s awful. How did it happen? Did she just trip?' Relief flooded through her. At least Felix was okay and althoughawful, a broken wrist would heal soon enough. No one was irreparably hurt.
'She's pregnant and she fainted. just like that.' He clicked his fingers to signal how quick everything had unfolded. 'She hadn’t even mentioned the pregnancy or the fact she'd been getting light-headed to any of us.'
'Bless her. At least it was just her wrist she hurt.' Merri frowned.
'Yes, definitely. The doctors gave her the all clear on everything else.' Felix tapped his fingers against the surface of the counter. 'Which brings me the reason why I'm here.'
'Sorry, do you mind if I just run this tray over?' Picking up the tray, Merri glanced over her shoulder at him as she headed towards Mrs Peters and her granddaughter. 'Sorry about the wait.'
'No problem, dear.' Mrs Peters helped Merri unload the tray. 'There you go.'
'Thanks. Enjoy your chai lattes and cake.' Hugging the tray to her chest, Merri headed back to the counter and Felix. 'Sorry, what was it you were going to say?'
'No worries. I've just dropped in here and I knew you'd probably be busy.' He glanced around the bakery as if noticing for the first time it was relatively quiet. 'I don’t think I've seen it so quiet in here since I arrived at the farm.'
'I know. I haven’t either. It's weird but apparently there's a few things going on over in trestle today, Some big market and Christmas thing. I’m not really sure what, I've only heard bits from customers.' Merri shrugged. 'It feels odd.'
'I bet it does.' Felix nodded.
'Anyway, do you want a coffee or something? I dread to think how long you've been waiting at the hospital for.' Picking up a mug, she held it aloft.
'No, I'd better not. Thank you though, but I had to take Nick's truck to the hospital. I couldn’t very well take Fiona on the back of my motorbike with a suspected broken wrist.' he grimaced. 'And he needs it back.'
'Okay.' Lowering the mug, she nodded.
'Apart from wanting to see you, of course, there is another reason I’ve popped by.'
'Oh, yes?' What could he want? Coffee and cake? Yep, she was the go-to person for that, but she knew between nothing and very little about Christmas trees or anything in his line of work.
'Fiona had, has a class today and I thought I'd check with you whether you wanted to take it before we ring and cancel everyone from coming?' He held his hands up, palms forward. 'There's absolutely no pressure so if you don’t want to, for whatever reason, then just say so, but you'll get paid and it could potentially lead to something a bit more regular. Fiona will be unavailable for the rest of the season for sure.'
'I can’t teach.' She shook her head. 'I know nothing about Christmas trees or making wreaths or anything like that. However good the pay or the potential opportunity. Plus, I have this place. I can’t leave Elsie in the lurch. Not after she's done so much for me.'
'You do know about willow weaving though, which is what she teaches. And it's part of the evening schedule which doesn't start until six.'
'Oh.'
'Like I said, there's no pressure. If you'd rather not, that's not a problem. And if you need more time then we can cancel tonight's class now and you can think about it and let us know when you decide?'
'Willow weaving? Is it a class to make those angels little Evie had made?' She missed willow weaving. she'd enjoyed the course she'd taken and had a stash of willow back in her bedroom atthe flat to practice with. Although she'd contemplated bringing some here, she'd soon shelved the idea when she'd realised how many transfers she'd needed to make from bus to train to coach to bus - too many potential opportunities to stab people in the eye! 'And it doesn't start until six? When we've closed?'
'Yes, and yes.' And if you are interested in taking the class, we can always push the time back by half an hour so you have more time to get something to eat before getting over to the farm.'
'Okay. Okay.' Merri took a deep breath. this was her season of firsts, and this opportunity was showing up to her, she couldn’t every well turn it down, could she? Not only would she be helping Nick and Felix and the Christmas tree farm, but it might also be a step towards doing something different, just like Elsie had suggested. Yes, she'd gain experience teaching willow weaving and that experience she could take back home with her in the hope of perhaps working towards starting her own business. 'Yes, I'll do it.'
'Are you sure? Please don’t say yes if you feel as thoughI'mpressurising you. That's not any intention.' Felix ran the palm of his hand across his face.
Grinning, she reached out and tookhis hand in hers. 'I'm not. I’m saying yes for me.'
Nodding, Felix let out a sigh of relief and gave her hand a squeeze. 'Great. Then welcome to the team.'
'I’mactuallylookingforward to it.' And she was. If anyone had asked her toteacha class a fewweeksago, she'd have run forthehills but now, after volunteering here for a second time and enjoying all thecustomerscompany, she was thrilled by the idea.
'Great.' Pulling his coat sleeve back, Felix glanced at his watch before grimacing. 'Right, I'm sorry to rush off but Nick is going to need his truck in a few minutes.'
'No worries. I guess I'll see you later?'
