‘That’s her. Well, she has a flat down the front she wants to rent out, and the timing would be perfect for both of you. It’s a lovely place, looks right out over the estuary. She’s sorting a wedding over at Crowsbridge Hall at the moment. Would you like her number?’
‘Yes, that sounds like a great idea. No harm in getting the details and having a look maybe?’
‘Exactly. What’s your name? Sorry, I didn’t think to ask yesterday. I’ll tell her you’re interested and to expect a call.’
‘Wow, maybe this lucky crystal lark is a thing.’ Sabrina grinned. ‘I’m Jilly, and yes please.’
‘Oh, it’s a thing alright.’ Just as Star finished reciting Kara’s number for Sabrina to put straight into her phone, Storm started to wail from the confines of his cosy papoose as a strong odour began to fill the air. ‘Bugger. I better go in and change him. Oh, and Big Frank does the best fry up in town, perfect hangover fodder. Good luck with it all!’
Lowen had his back to her filling out details on a clipboard when Sabrina walked into the unit and shut the door behind her. She walked quietly up to him, put her hands over his eyes and whispered in his ear. ‘I didn’t recognise you with your clothes on.’
He whipped around. ‘You scared the bloody life out of me.’ He grinned. ‘Well, that was fun, wasn’t it? I blame you, of course, for my thumping headache this morning.’
‘Of course.’ Sabrina grinned. ‘It’s called a casting couch in my profession. What is it in yours? A leasing couch, maybe? ’Cos it certainly worked.’
‘I don’t think anyone has EVER made you do anything you didn’t want to do in your life before, Jilly Dickens.’
She laughed. ‘You’re right there, and no, I want this, just like I wanted you last night.’ She squeezed his bum.
‘You are a very naughty girl.’
‘Don’t tell Santa or he won’t be coming to visit my Christmas shop. Actually, what a good idea that is to get the kids in! A real-life grotto at the back of the unit on market days.’
‘Don’t be looking at me with Santa Claus in your eyes. I’m far too young, even if you throw a white beard on me.’
They both laughed.
‘Joking aside. I’m excited, this will be good for me and to be honest I want access as soon as possible so I can start getting stock in.’ Sabrina started to mentally add up how many fixed shelves there were. ‘Do you think people will buy stuff for Christmas in October?’
‘Yeah, definitely, plus, the stallholders will love it as they decorate all their stalls in November too.’
‘Ooh, I hadn’t thought about that. Thank you.’
‘Also maybe get some Cornish themed bits and pieces for the tourists to take home.’
‘Like Father Christmas eating a pastie or a seagull with a Santa’s hat with “Hartmouth” written on it?’ Sabrina joked.
Lowen was completely serious. ‘Exactly that!’
Sabrina rearranged her face to reflect his sincerity. ‘Oh. OK. I best get to know my customer demographic, hadn’t I?’
‘You’ll be fine. The footfall up and down Ferry Lane is heavy, you can’t go wrong. I’ve got the paperwork, so shall I put this Monday as a start date?’
‘No time like the present.’ Sabrina took a glug from her reusable water bottle. ‘Actually, can we make it a week Monday please. I need to sort a few things out.’
‘As I said, there’s a pro-rata amount added on to what I originally quoted. I will need a five-hundred-pound cash deposit today please and the remainder by next Friday latest.’
‘Pro-rata? Come on Lowen. You can’t really expect me to pay a whole week extra now, can you?’ She looked over her glasses at him.
‘You are what is known in the trade as a… little minx. OK. OK, just the three months and one week it is then.’
‘Thank you, my love.’ Sabrina smirked. ‘I’m happy to pay Brian or the council directly if that’s easier.’
Lowen didn’t make eye contact. ‘Makes it tidier to do it this way.’
‘Actually, to save me carrying all this cash around with me, take this, please. I got it out the other day and it will stop me keep buying bits from the market.’ She handed him an envelope full of notes. ‘Will that do for the deposit? There’s three hundred in there?’
‘As it’s you and if you’re sure. Do you want a receipt?’
