‘So, she’s making a stand against Tom?’
‘I think it’s mostly against his father Edward, whom she didn’t seem to like at all, but as Tom is the midst of taking over the company he may as well start with a bang. We can put a solid plan in place on Wednesday at the meeting.’
Florrie glanced back at Tom, who had stood up. He had his back to them now and was looking out of the window while he continued his conversation. He raked a hand through his hair, a quirk Florrie recognised because it was something she did herself when she was stressed.
‘Let’s get a couple of menus and a bottle of wine,’ suggested Isla.
After ordering, they grabbed a table on the opposite side of the pub to Tom. Florrie opened up one of her social media profile pages and passed the phone to Isla. ‘The interactions regarding my great-grandfather’s story are off the scale.’
‘This is remarkable,’ Isla said as she began to scroll. ‘So many comments saying they’ve fallen in love with your great-grandfather’s story and The Vintage Flower Van.’
‘It is amazing, isn’t it?’
‘Now it’s been confirmed The Vintage Flower Van is non-negotiable, when are you going to shout that from the rooftops?’
‘I thought at the meeting we could maybe organise a protest, make placards, get as many villagers to stand in front of the van as possible – and then we can blast it all over social media and invite the local paper so that the story grows.’
‘I’m sure it will spread like wildfire. Never underestimate the power of Heartcross.’
The waitress placed their food down on the table and topped up their wine before disappearing back into the kitchen.
‘Flynn has asked me to organise flowers for a charity event he’s holding at Heartcross.’
‘I’ve heard about it. He’s donating a considerable amount of money to several charities. It’ll give them all a huge financial boost.’
‘One of those charities is the William Houston Foundation.’
Isla raised an eyebrow. ‘Has Flynn linked the Houston name to what’s going on at Rose Cottage?’
‘If he has, he hasn’t said anything, but I don’t think so. I looked into the charity and Sophia Henley works for them.’
‘The girl who married the lawyer after stealing your man?’
‘I wouldn’t quite put it like that.’
‘But that’s what happened. So they’re still in touch then?’
‘It appears that way. Why hasn’t he got someone? He’s good-looking, successful…’
‘But look how he treated you.’
‘I’ve been playing it over in my head. What if I got it all wrong?’ The Instagram photos had cut her deep. They’d been so close over those two weeks, she didn’t know why he wouldn’t have mentioned Sophia or any kind of pre-existing promise he’d made.
‘Then you have to talk to him about it.’
Florrie did want answers and was annoyed that he’d never tried to get in touch after she blocked him. The sensible part of her pointed out that he couldn’t have, given that she’d blocked him, but he was a rich and powerful man. Surely if he’d really wanted to reach her, he could have easily tracked her down and come to Heartcross. She looked across at him. No, there were more important things than her getting answers at the moment. ‘I’m sure our paths are going to cross many times before the end of the month.’
They finished their food and placed their knives and forks across their empty plates.
‘I needed that,’ said Florrie, resting her hands on her stomach. ‘I’m that full I don’t think I can manage a dessert.’
‘I know exactly what you mean.’
The waitress took away the empty plates and Isla crossed her arms and leaned on the table.
‘What’s the plan for the next reel?’ she asked. ‘I believe we’re in for light drizzle tomorrow. Maybe you could use it to your advantage?’
‘Can you imagine, me wandering around the gardens in the light rain, wearing a beautiful dress that flows behind me as I walk, carrying the garden trug of freshly picked roses.’
