‘That highland cow has terrific hair,’ joked Florrie.
Isla appeared on the screen again and grinned. ‘As you might have gathered, it’s milking time. You okay? I heard from Gran that it’s been an incredibly busy day at the van. What a brilliant article by Aidy, by the way. This sets up your TV appearance tomorrow perfectly.’
‘Isla, I’m worried.’ The smile dropped from Florrie’s face. ‘I’ve got this feeling in the pit of my stomach that I’m going to get myself tied up in knots and it might come back to bite me on my bum.’
‘What do you mean?’
All Florrie could think about was the fact that she would have to come face to face with Tom at some point and it was highly likely to become confrontational. How was he going to react when he discovered she’d been on national TV and made sure his company was exposed in not so good a light? What if the whole thing somehow backfired and she ended up looking stupid?
‘They’re a huge company and I’ve just got me.’
‘Us,’ corrected Isla. ‘And how will it bite you on your bum? You aren’t going out to destroy someone’s character, you’re giving facts, and the facts are that they’re unfairly taking away the business and planning to destroy the land. Just stick to the facts and try and keep your emotions in check and you’ll be fine. The key is, don’t get personal.’
‘The more I think of Tom, the more I want to get personal,’ Florrie admitted, feeling the familiar hurt twisting in her stomach, old wounds resurfacing.
‘I’m not surprised, but just remember to stay calm, focused and on track. The public will fall in love with the warm, kind Florrie we all know and already love.’
‘You’re right. It won’t do me any good to get personal.’
Isla nodded. ‘There’s one more important question you’ll need to consider before tomorrow, which is: what are you going to wear?’
Florrie had been putting off thinking about that dilemma. She was all about comfort and the majority of her clothes were very unconventional and unsuitable for a TV appearance.
‘I honestly have no clue.’ Florrie began to panic a little. She thought about all the celebrities that had been interviewed on the same sofa. They wore the latest designer brands but the only smart suit she had in her wardrobe was the one she’d worn for Ada’s funeral.
She glanced in the mirror. Her eyebrows had a mind of their own and were sticking up in every direction. ‘I also need some grooming.’
Isla laughed. ‘You sound like you’re one of my alpacas.’
‘Look at me though. My clothes are the colour of a rainbow, I wear fingerless gloves every day of the week including summer, my trainers are falling apart, my jeans are embroidered with flowers and my hair…’
‘All of that is what makes you Florrie Appleton and we love you being you. Don’t go pretending you’re someone you’re not. Your followers follow you because you’re authentic, genuine, kind, warm … the list is endless. They aren’t interested in how you dress; they’re interested in your story.’
‘You make it sound so simple.’
‘You’ll be a natural. I will see you tomorrow night at the meeting. It’s going to be a busy day. Good luck!’ Isla hung up the call.
Sitting in the kitchen with the back door wide open Florrie opened up her social media accounts on her phone. Her followers were still increasing in droves and she decided to get them involved in her debut TV appearance. Heading upstairs to her wardrobe, she slid the clothes back and forth on the rail. She definitely had her own style going on. Pulling out two outfits she began to make a set of stories, the first of which she captioned. ‘Tomorrow I have my debut TV appearance. I need your help choosing an outfit!’ Florrie filmed herself in two outfits, the first trousers and a shirt, the second her usual style, and of course her signature fingerless gloves. She gave a twirl in each and then posted both clips and finished with a voting poll and a selfie with the caption ‘Tune in to Today’s Scotland tomorrow at 8am. to see which outfit I’ve chosen!’
The votes started coming in almost immediately but deep down Florrie already knew exactly what she was going to wear. Because just like Isla suggested, she needed to be herself.
ChapterFifteen
Florrie pushed the key into the ignition of the van. After quickly punching the postcode of the TV studio into Google Maps, she placed her phone in the holder on the dashboard. The response to her outfit poll had been outstanding. Thousands of followers had voted and – thankfully – the outfit that had received the most votes was the one she was wearing today – her usual attire. Smiling at her fingerless gloves, she turned the key a second time and on the third attempt Rose’s engine started. There were times when Florrie thought of trading Rose in for a newer model but they’d created such a bond over the years and had shared so much; Florrie wasn’t ready for the break-up just yet. Putting Rose into first gear Florrie made her way slowly up the lane. As she drove past The Old Bakehouse, she spotted Martha walking across the green. Florrie pulled up at the side of the road and wound down the window.
‘Morning, Martha, I’m just off. The nerves are kicking in!’ Florrie screwed up her face.
‘You’ll be brilliant but I must warn you: there won’t be any sales while you’re on TV.’ Martha held up a makeshift sign that read:The Vintage Flower Van is closed for twenty minutes whilst I watch the owner on Today’s Scotland!
Florrie laughed. ‘I think I can live with missing a few sales.’
‘Am I okay to watch on the TV inside Rose Cottage?’
‘Martha, you don’t need to ask. Now wish me luck!’
‘Good luck! The whole village is behind you, literally.’ Martha winked then touched Florrie’s arm through the open window before she walked away.
Florrie was puzzled – what was with the wink? She carried on driving towards the high street and as soon as she turned the corner she got her answer.
