'Yep, I'll be there. Have a good afternoon.' Leaning forward, he pecked her quickly on the lips.
'You too.' She watched as he walked back through the bakery and the second the bakery door had closed, she could feel Tilly and Brooke's eyes on her. Turning to face the coffee machine, she grinned.
'Oi! Don’t think you can turn your backs on us without an explanation!' Tilly called across the bakery.
Turning back, Merri scrunched her nose up. She most definitely had not got away with them not noticing that kiss.
'Things are going well with you and Felix then?' Tilly asked.
Merri nodded, her grin widening. 'Yes, you could say that.'
'Aw, that's so lovely. You'll have to bring him to the pub quiz tomorrow evening.' Brooke stepped forward to the counter as a customer entered.
After everything was in order at the coffee and cake counter, Merri walked across to the bakery counter. 'Oh, I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it for the quiz. I'm going to be teaching willow weaving at the farm although I'm not sure when my classes will be, but if I can't make it for the quiz, then I'll pop into the pub after.'
'Ooh that sounds exciting! You'll be fab at that. the basket you made for Elsie is gorgeous.' Brooke glanced towards Merri as her customer peered at the treats behind the glass, deciding on what to buy.
'Thanks. I'm actually looking forward to it.' Retreating to the coffee and cake counter, Merri picked up the cloth to begin wiping down the vacated tables. She could do this, couldn’t she? Elsie had said Carrie taught pottery. Glancing behind her, she looked up at the clock. She probably wouldn’t have time between finishing here and getting over to the farm for six to ring Carrie to ask for advice, but she could definitely take a walk up to herworkshop during her lunch hour tomorrow. Tonight, she'd just have to wing it and hope for the best.
Chapter Eleven
Pullingthe handbrake up on the bakery van, Merri jumped out and locked the doors, beforerealisingshe'd left her bag inside, andretrievingit.Shewas late. And she'd have been even later if Elsie hadn’t practically pushed her outof thebakery door. Merri had just felt so guiltyleavingbefore thetidyingandcleaningfor the night had beenfinished, she hadn’t wanted to leave. Plus, possibly there might be a huge part of her who was ready to self-sabotage this opportunity and not turn up at all.
As she ran down the path towardsthe courtyard of the Christmas tree farm, she could feel the nerves multiplying in the pit of her stomach, not helped by the fact she hadn’t had a bite to eat since her lunch break. After reaching the courtyard, she picked up her pace as she weaved between stalls and visitors towards the stone barns at the back of the courtyard where Felix had told her the lesson would be taking place.
Pausing just outside,sheleaned herhandson her knees and took deepsteadyingbreaths. The last thing she wanted to do was to turn up in front of however many strangers looking and feeling as though she'd just run a marathon. With her breathing slowing, she straightened her back again and rolled her shoulders back. She could do this. And if she couldn’t, she'd soon find out and she wouldn’t have to step a foot inside a classroom again. Ever.
Merri hurried inside the large barn. Three large woodendoors led offto therightand twomoreto the left. Whichroomwas she supposed to be going to?
'Merri.' Peering out of the last door to the right, Felix waved at her. 'You're in here.'
'I'm so sorryI'mlate. I didn’t get out of the bakery untillateand then there was traffic on the way over.' She grimaced as she raced towards him.
'Noproblem. I explained you'd likely be a few minutes late.' Stepping into the corridor, he closed the door quietly. 'You're okay though? You're sure you're happy to do this?'
'Yep. I am.' Shenoddedfurtively unsure whether she wastryingtoconvince himor herself more. 'Absolutelyterrified, ifcourse, but, hey, you conquered your fear of heights so...'
Felixchuckled. 'Hardly. I kept my eyesclosedfor most of the time andI'mnot sure you can adopt the same survival skills in this scenario. You'll likely end up in A & Elikepoor Fiona with a length of willowstickingout of your side.'
'I'll keep my eyes open. I promise.'Takinga deep breath, she grippedholdof the door handle. 'Wish me luck.'
'Good luck. not that you'll need it.'
As she stepped forward, ready to push the door open he took her hand in his,turningher to face him beforebringing his lips towards hers and kissing her.
'You've got this.' Stepping back, Felix nodded.
'I hope so.' Closing her eyes, Merri steadied her breathing again, before opening them, forcing herself to push the door open and stepping into the room. The large stone flagged room was filled with four long table and on each table six people were sitting waiting expectantly. Placing her handbag on the floor by the wall, Merri cleared her throat and wait for the gentle hubbub of people taking to quieten. 'Hi, everyone. I'm Merri and I'll be teaching you how to create an angel by using the technique of willow weaving.'
'Hi, Merri.' The class welcomed her.
'This is my first lesson teaching willow weaving. In fact, it's the first time I've taught anything or spoken in front of such a large group of people so please forgive me if I make a mistake or lose my train of thought.' She laughed nervously.
'Merri!'
Turning, Merri grinned as Evie ran towards her and hugged her around the middle. 'Evie! You've come back to make another angel?'
'Yep.' Evie nodded.
