As Elvis wasn’t allowed in the main restaurant, they did a relay with him at breakfast. Regan took him for a walk while Cleo had her granola, and then Cleo sat with him in the lounge while Regan ate hers, although she spent considerably longer at the buffet than Cleo had. Afterwards, Regan joined them, flopped into a nearby chair and rubbed her full stomach. ‘Everyone should start the day with a five-course breakfast,’ she said, checking her watch. Cleo didn’t comment. ‘I need to get going and set up the stall.’
‘Great. I’ll come,’ said Cleo, getting to her feet.
Regan chuckled. ‘Nah, you don’t want to do that.’
‘I do. I’m interested … and I’ve missed you.’
‘I’ve missed you too, but I don’t want to come to work with you.’ Regan thought the world of Cleo, but she simply couldn’t imagine her behind a market stall. It would be like the Queen working in McDonald’s.
‘But I can help … work the stall? Is that what you say? It’s been a while since I’ve watchedEastEnders.’
‘And that’s your only experience of markets?’
‘Pretty much.’ Cleo shrugged, looking apologetic.
‘I don’t have any customers, so there is literally nothing to do there. But I am working on that.’
Cleo put on her best hurt face. ‘Then I’ll mope around the studio all day. Alone. Being lonely.’
‘Look. The studio is … let’s just say it’s not quite how you left it. After work I’ll go round and tidy it up and move out.’
Cleo looked concerned. ‘Move where?’
Regan pointed a finger emphatically. ‘That is a bloody good question. I have no idea. But I’m still moving out.’
‘Move in here.’ Cleo splayed out her arms in a sweeping gesture. ‘It would be almost like a holiday.’
Regan laughed, and then seeing that Cleo was serious, she stopped and leaned forward. ‘Cleo, you are the sweetest person, but I can’t afford to stay—’
‘But I can.’
‘And that’s kind of you, but I need to do this on my own.’ Regan wobbled her head. ‘Well, as much as I can. Okay?’
Cleo pouted. ‘Okay. But I still want to see the stall, and I would really like to help. Please let me?’ Her voice was pleading, but that frequently worked on Regan’s stubborn streak.
‘I think you’ll be bored, but if you really want to …’
‘I do. And if I get in the way, you can tell me to butt out. Deal?’
Regan smiled. ‘Yeah. Deal.’ And Elvis barked his approval.
It was lovely to have Cleo back for many reasons, but especially because she was majorly enthusiastic about themarket stall. Cleo was like a mother hen and waxed lyrical about virtually every stall in the market; it buoyed Regan a little, which she very much needed. With the lack of sales and the numerous disasters, her excitement had waned considerably.
She did have one reason to feel more positive. Malcolm had fully embraced the discount scheme she’d dreamed up and was highlighting it to his customers. Whilst she hadn’t been swamped by people, there had been a few who had come over to try some jams. She’d even sold two jars, which felt like a huge achievement.
Regan and Malcolm covered each other’s stalls for breaks, so she was able to sneak away with Cleo to the café for a quick sandwich, as long as they sat outside with Elvis and he didn’t wee on anything.
Penny brought their lunch out on a tray so she could join them, and Regan did the introductions. She was still quite full from her mammoth breakfast, but that didn’t stop her having lunch.
‘Are you vegetarian?’ asked Penny, passing Cleo the Mexican bean wrap.
‘Yeah, I’d like to be vegan but I can’t seem to give up cheese.’
‘Nor me,’ said Penny, sliding into the seat next to Cleo.
There followed a lot of veggie chatter while Regan tucked in to her sausage and bacon baguette. Penny and Cleo nattered like old friends, and it was nice to see – but Regan was keen to tap into Cleo’s talents now she was home.
‘Cleo …’ She began, and Cleo twisted to look at her as if she’d completely forgotten she was there. ‘Are you still up for helping me with the business?’
