I take a moment to breathe. It’s days like this when I realise that I need more than two other staff members. We make do with the two of us when Janine or Bobby are on holiday, and they both get two days off a week. The shop’s closed on Thursday, and then Janine takes Monday off, and Bobby takes Tuesday. The trouble is, we don’t need more than three of us in the shop very often, so an extra person would end up being on only two days a week, and I’d need them to be flexible enough to cover holidays and crazy days. It’s why I haven’t hired someone. Not many people want so few hours while also being flexible with their time.
I sigh and get everything together to make the next batch of buttercream. Janine hurries in and out, making lunch, putting afternoon tea together, and grabbing cupcakes to sell. I feel bad that I can’t get the orders ready for her like I usually do, but the cakes are flying out the door as fast as I can bake, cool, and ice them. Bobby is working the till and doing the drinks, which is a full-time job in itself when it’s busy.
“Need a hand?”
I look up, momentarily confused about why someone who doesn’t work here has just stepped foot inmykitchen. I relax when I see it’s Max. He worked in cafes to fund himself through university.
“Really?” I ask. “I’ll pay you.”
He waves his hand. “No need. You all look run off your feet. Besides, you're Joe’s little brother. Isn’t it my duty as his husband to help you out?”
I give him a relieved smile.
“What do you need me to do?”
“Can you wait tables and take orders while Janine concentrates on fulfilling them?”
“Can do.”
He washes his hands thoroughly, and I give him a spare apron to wear so it’s clear he’s staff. Our aprons are white with mint-green polka dots and the A Spot of Tea logo on the front. Max smiles at me and then leaves. A moment later, Janine joins me in the kitchen.
“Your brother-in-law is a lifesaver,” she says.
“Do you need to take a break?”
She shakes her head. “Keep icing cupcakes. I’m good.”
By four, things are starting to die down. Both Bobby and Janine have managed to take a break, and I’ve just made the final batch of cakes. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
“Have you sat down at all today?” Max asks. He’s with me in the kitchen, washing up.
“No time.”
“You’ve got time now. Sit down. We can handle the shop for half an hour or so.”
“We’re normally shutting around now.”
I peek through the glass window in the door. Half the tables are still full. It’s mostly younger couples, some in their mid-to-late teens. We probably won’t get any more sit-down customers now, though. It’s almost too late for afternoon tea.
I leave the kitchen, go into our tiny staff room, and sit. It feels wonderful to be off my feet. I quickly realise sitting is dangerous because I start to nod off. I’m so tired. I could probably go home and sleep. I won’t because I promised Addy a romantic meal for two, but maybe I could take a short nap before I start to cook.
By five, we’re able to flip the sign on the door to Closed. Two tables are still occupied, but they don’t seem at all bothered when Bobby and Janine start to clean up around them. There are barely any cakes left, but I box up what there is and offer them to Max.
“There’s no need,” he assures me. “I’m happy to help.”
“I insist,” I say. “If you won’t accept payment, at least accept cake.”
He laughs. “Okay, fine. I do love your cakes.”
“Didn’t you have anything better to do today?” I ask.
He shrugs. “I’ve got lots of holiday time, and my boss is making me take a day off a week, so I use it up. I was at a loose end and just ambling around town when I saw how packed you were in here.” He squeezes my shoulder. “It’s great that the shop is doing so well, Fitz. I’m proud of you. Joe is too, you know.”
I smile. “I know, thank you.” Joe. Fuck. “Wait. Aren’t you supposed to be going away with Joe today?”
“Away might be stretching it a bit. We’re spending the night at a hotel about half an hour away. My bag’s already packed, and our dinner reservation isn’t until eight. Don’t worry. I’ve got time.”
“I think we’re good now, but thanks. You were a big help. I don’t suppose you want a few casual hours a week?”
