‘Sounds very enchanting,’ replied Isla.
‘Just one problem, I don’t actually own a dress of that description.’ She laughed, glancing down at her beloved jeans that she’d worn nearly every day since they were purchased.
‘I’m sure we can find you a dress,’ replied Isla. Hearing Florrie’s name being mentioned they both looked up. ‘Someone is looking for you,’ Isla said as she nodded towards the bar.
Florrie looked over and met the grin of Aidy Redfern, the local journalist, who was hurrying over towards them.
‘Florrie! Please tell me I’m the first.’ His enthusiastic question caused Florrie to look at Isla in amusement.
‘The first for what? What’s going on? You seem a little—’
Before Florrie could finish her question Aidy had pulled up a chair and sat between them clutching his notepad in one hand and his pen in the other.
‘Has any other journalist got hold of you before me?’
‘No, why?’ Florrie kept her voice low; she didn’t want to draw attention to herself, mainly from Tom, and hoped that Aidy would follow suit.
‘Believe me, you’re going to be in demand tomorrow. I just have a little advantage as I knew where to find you.’
‘In demand? Tell me more.’
‘The story about your great-grandfather has hit the headlines. The Vintage Flower Van has become famous, your social media post activity is off the scale, the radio channels are talking about it and the national press have contacted our office as they’re wanting to run the story. This is going to be brilliant for your business. My guess is that vintage flower van of yours will be inundated with customers tomorrow and you’ll be invited to appear on national TV.’
‘Are you serious?’ Florrie’s excited voice rose an octave and the couple at the next table looked over in her direction. Florrie leaned towards Aidy and lowered her voice. ‘Are you actually serious?’
‘More than serious. This story has everything – history, romance, feel-good appeal – and the fact that you have taken over a business that has been a part of your family for generations. Did you know Ada and The Vintage Flower Van were featured in the local newspaper on their very first day of trading?’
‘No, I didn’t know that. Do you have a photo?’
‘I do, I’ll bring it first thing in the morning.’
‘Morning?’
‘Yes, morning. I’ll be at Rose Cottage first thing. If it’s okay with you, I want to interview you before all the press descend on your doorstep. My gut feeling is the way this story is snowballing, everyone is going to know who you are by the morning.’
Florrie’s eyes widened. ‘In that case, I’ll see you at six a.m.’
‘And please don’t talk to any other journalists tonight.’ Aidy stood up. ‘I’ll be at your meeting on Wednesday. This attention is really going to increase the profile of The Vintage Flower Van and Rose Cottage. I hope you’re ready!’
They watched Aidy leave the pub before Florrie gave a tiny squeal. ‘National TV, can you imagine? That’ll set the cat amongst the pigeons.’ Florrie briefly looked over in Tom’s direction but he was no longer at the table on the other side of the pub. He must have slipped out whilst she was talking to Aidy.
‘Icanimagine,’ replied Isla. ‘And I’m going to be over at yours first thing in the morning as I want to be there the moment you become famous.’
‘I think famous is a little over the top, but if Aidy is right, this is huge. I bet W. Houston Property Developers never banked on me being on national morning TV! And if that’s the case, I can tell the world what’s going on right here in the village of Heartcross.’
Isla picked up her glass and chinked it against Florrie’s. ‘Here’s to tomorrow.’
ChapterThirteen
The weather the next morning couldn’t have been further from the forecast. As Florrie pulled back the curtains, she was met by a clear sky and the sun rising above Heartcross Mountain. Excellent! She took a moment to take in the view, pushed open the window to welcome the light breeze … and then nearly jumped out of her skin when she was greeted with the sight of Isla staring back at her. Bringing her hand up to calm her beating heart, she choked out, ‘Blooming heck, you’re up with the larks!’
Isla had a beaming smile as she flung open her arms. ‘More like up with the cows. They’re milked, all the animals fed and the children are still sleeping. It’s a beautiful day and, as Aidy predicted, you’re indeed famous. Come on, let me in.’
Florrie smiled. ‘On my way.’ Hotfooting it down the stairs, she opened the back door.
Isla breezed past her into the kitchen waggling her mobile phone in her hand. ‘You’re everywhere. I’ve heard your great-grandfather’s story on the radio and your TikTok has been mentioned on national TV. My guess is you haven’t been online this morning?’
‘I’ve not had time.’
