‘Much as I’d really love to, I think I’d struggle to get Judge Hoskinson to adjourn the trial while I race over here from York. I’ll be with you in spirit, though.’
‘Thanks, lasses,’ said Florrie.
‘Oh, Jazz, that looks gorgeous!’ Lark exclaimed, looking over at the mug Jasmine had in front of her, clearly sensitive to the dip in Florrie’s mood.
‘It’s really pretty, Jazz, you’re so creative.’ Florrie took in the bold-coloured poppies Jasmine had painted onto the mug, grateful to have attention directed away from her and the chance of a change of subject.
‘Come on then, Stells, let’s see your efforts.’ Maggie peered over the table and let out a loud guffaw. ‘Oh, wow!’
‘What the bloomin’ ’eck is it?’ asked Jasmine, who was sitting beside Stella.
‘I don’t mean to be unkind, but I’m not sure.’ Lark stretched her neck, her brows drawn together. ‘Is it meant to be a face?’
Stella held up the plate she’d been painting, showing it around for them all to see. It was met with much squinting and head tilting as the friends tried to work out what it was.
‘Oh no! Stella’s portraits strike again,’ said Florrie.
‘If you close one eye and squint, it has an almost Daliesque quality to it.’ The corners of Maggie’s mouth twitched with amusement.
‘You think?’ asked Lark, not sounding quite so sure.
‘Lark’s right, it’s a person – slightly offended you can’t tell who, though. Thought the bright red hair would give it away,’ said Stella, perusing her handiwork. ‘Thought I’d have another go at painting Jazz, see if my artistic skills have improved over the last twenty or so years.’
‘No way! This is victimisation! My feelings are in tatters.’ Jazz feigned outrage.
‘And if you’re comparing me to a creative genius like Salvador Dali, then I guess I have my answer.’ Stella treated them to a wide grin. ‘Good to know if my career fails at the bar, then I can always fall back onto my art.’
‘I suggest you do all you can to make sure your legal career never fails,’ Florrie joked.
‘I’ll second that,’ quipped Jasmine, as the group fell into more hilarity.
‘It sounds like you were all enjoying yourselves earlier,’ said Pippa, smiling. The friends were standing at the counter of Pippa’s Paint Pots, settling up for their session.
‘We were, it was brilliant. And the hot chocolates are to die for,’ said Florrie.
‘That’s good to hear, thank you. I hope to see you again.’
Out on the street, the chilly air, nipping at their cheeks, stood in stark contrast to the warmth of Pippa’s shop.
‘Thanks for organising such a fab evening, lasses.I’ve loved every minute.’ Florrie beamed round at them, her eyes shining with happiness.
‘And the good news is, it’s not over yet,’ said Jasmine, her hair glowing red under the vintage streetlight. ‘We’re heading back to Stells’ place where we’re going to stuff our faces with pizza and cheesy garlic bread from Pepe and Chiara’s.’
‘Really?’ Florrie was delighted to hear this.
‘Really,’ said Stella. ‘I’m going to drive us all back to my apartment where we’ll order the pizzas and garlic bread and get it delivered. And, best of all, Jazz has made one of her wickedly indulgent chocolate cakes for pudding.’
‘Mm-hm. To steal the title of Jenna’s latest book, you had me at chocolate cake.’ Florrie grinned.
NINETEEN
THURSDAY 16TH APRIL
It was approaching lunchtime, and Florrie had barely seen Ed all morning; he’d devoted the bulk of his time to the window display since they’d arrived first thing, which had been an hour earlier than normal to allow them enough time to prepare for Jack and Jenna’s reading and the official window unveiling later that day. She’d pleaded with him again, asking to let her take a peek behind the curtain, but his answer was still a disappointing no, followed up with an amused smile. ‘You don’t have long to wait now,’ he’d said. ‘So what’s a few hours more?’
‘It’s agony, that’s what it is!’ she’d declared.
There’d been a steady flow of customers throughout the morning and though Florrie was glad of her mum’s help, she’d been worried about her dad being left on his own in case he took a tumble. ‘He’ll be fine, lovey, he says he’s feeling a bit brighter this morning; I wouldn’t have come otherwise,’ Paula had said as she’d bustled in ready to help. ‘He’s got his phone beside him, and I managed to get a parking space right outside the shop so I can whizz straight back home if he needs me. Ruth from next door said she was going to pop in and check he’s okay, make him a cup of tea. And besides, I think he’ll be glad to have a bit of time on his own without me fussing over him. Your dad has a long fuse, but I thinkhis patience is starting to wear a bit thin,’ she’d added with a chuckle. ‘Mind, he’s looking forward to helping out with Jack this evening, which is why he’s agreed to take it easy for the rest of the day.’ Paula’s words had gone a considerable way to easing Florrie’s concerns.
