‘No, I’ve found nothing.’ Amy took the longer of the two chains, screwed up one eye and threaded it through the coin.
‘Do you want me to help do it up?’
‘Thanks, yes.’ Amy unwound a fringed cotton scarf from around her neck. She tentatively pressed a finger against the pink flaky patch on her shoulder.
‘That looks painful.’
‘I stupidly didn’t realise quite how hot it was. Fernanda’s insisted on lending me this scarf.’
‘That’s kind.’
‘I know some think she’s a bit odd but she’s been nice to me and I like hearing her old stories. She’s cooking for me tonight, just the two of us. Leo’s out with a friend.’
‘I’m sure she’ll make something good. Now, turn around, let’s fasten this then you can check you definitely want the longer length.’ Stella came out from behind the counter. ‘There you go, all done.’
‘Thanks.’ Amy slipped the coin under her shirt. Near her heart, Stella thought.
‘Is that all?’
‘Almost. I’m looking for an apron or an overall.’
‘Fourth aisle, bottom shelf.’
Amy rooted in a box, retrieving a navy apron big enough to swamp someone twice her size.
Stella suppressed a smile. ‘Has Gino got you helping with the DIY at Leo’s house? I know he’s managed to fix the shower but he said he’s got quite a list of jobs.’
‘Nothing like that; I’d be hopeless. I’m making ceramic tiles, decorating them before they’re fired.’
‘That’s a bit random.’
‘Leo’s had the tiles knocking around for ages. When he was starting out he didn’t know how his stone masonry business was going to go. He thought he might have to have a sideline making decorative panels to go above a basin or a cooker, that sort of thing. But orders took off and now this memorial plaque may lead to other commissions, so he doesn’t think he’ll ever use them. I’ve been making pots for years, in my grandpa’s shed. I miss doing something creative, so Leo suggested I have a go at this.’
‘Decorative tiles, mmm.’ Stella’s brain began to whirl. ‘And you make pots. Small ones or big ones like great urns?’
‘Little things. Decorative objects, the sort you might put on the mantelpiece.’
‘Interesting. Well…’ Stella stopped herself saying any more. She was already racing three steps ahead. Amy might not want to stay in the village much longer. But Stella couldn’t help noticing how the girl’s face lit up when she spoke about Leo.
35
Stella reached into her bag for the shop key. A ringtone burst from her phone. She snatched it up. Carol. She couldn’t put off talking to her friend forever. She pressed the green symbol.
‘Hi, Stella, it’s me!’
‘Carol! I’m glad you’ve rung, I’ve been meaning to catch you…’
‘The heck you have! You’ve been avoiding me, Stella Ferrando. And now I know why.’
‘Oh.’ Stella tucked the phone under her chin and unlocked the shop door.
‘I bumped into your Lauren at the shopping centre. Says you’re holding the fort at your uncle’s shop and that Joe’s gone for good. And there’s me with my new outfit hanging in the wardrobe. I’ve even got a hat, one with a big brim, fuchsia and black it is, cost an arm and a leg. I did worry about black being unlucky but it’s only a bow and a trim. I guess it doesn’t matter now…’ Her voice trailed off.
‘Oh,’ Stella said again, placing her bag on the counter. She’d expected a rollicking the moment she’d seen who the caller was but the feeling she’d let her friend down was so much worse.
‘Gone off with some rich blonde, so she said. I hope you’re going to keep that stonking great ring.’
‘No, that wouldn’t be right.’
