‘Oh, yes, they came… and went,’ said Leo, waving a hand in the general direction of the flood.‘And this is what they left behind.’
‘Right.I guess they weren’t an unmitigated success then?’said Alex.
‘I could have told you that for nothing,’ said Edward.‘That pair are a disaster waiting to happen.You should have come to me.I’d have put you in touch with someone for your plumbing jobs.’
‘Come to you?’said Leo.‘Can you just tell me why we would do that?After you threatened us, and hurled abuse at us, and… and…’ He looked at Mab and looked away again swiftly before she could try to transmit her love and support, ‘and you think we should have popped round and said, “Hey, Eddie, I know we’ve had our differences lately, but could you just recommend a good plumber for us?”Yeah, right!’
Edward smiled rather sadly.‘Yes, you’ve got a point.Could we talk, do you think?Either at my flat – it’s only just up the road – or at the pub?There are a few things I want to say.’
Everyone’s eyes were on Leo, and he shrugged resignedly.‘OK, nothing to lose, I suppose.Let’s go upstairs.Jess has made scones and I need hot, strong coffee, and fast.’
Ten minutes later, a scene of cosy hospitality met Harry’s eyes as he and Nina came into the sitting room, bursting with questions about the scene of devastation that they’d just found downstairs.He looked around in amazement.
‘Come and sit down, Dad, we’re having a meeting,’ said Alex, pulling up two chairs.
‘So I see,’ said Harry, accepting a mug of tea and a scone.‘So, what’s brought this on?’
Edward Crabtree cleared his throat.‘I’m glad that you two have arrived, because the proposition I’m going to make affects you all.’
He paused, and Alex said reassuringly, ‘Go on, don’t stop now, Ed.’
‘Ed?’Leo frowned.‘How do you two know each other?’
‘That’s not important right now,’ said Alex, ‘just listen to what Ed… Edward’s got to say.You won’t regret it… I hope.’
‘OK – here goes,’ said Edward, standing up and facing the assembled company.He towered over them imposingly.‘Right, it’s like this.You’ (he pointed at Leo) ‘are the owner of a bookshop that hopes to have a disgustingly indulgent café inside it.’
‘Oh, cheers for reminding me of that, man,’ said Leo, bitterly.‘I was beginning to forget I was going to open a shop.’
‘Don’t interrupt, Leo.’Alex waved Edward on.
‘Well, this is my idea.If we both have cafés, we’ll be in direct competition, whichever way you look at it.No, let me finish.So, I’ve been thinking.What about if we joined forces?The wall between our two places would be easy to knock down or make an archway or an opening partition in.You would have an alternative to all your sticky chocolate stuff and I’d have a whole new clientele.I’d concentrate solely on hearty soups, vegetarian dishes and wholefood main courses, and you’d do puddings and cake.The customers would have a choice then.’
There was a stunned silence as everyone digested this idea.Then Leo spoke.
‘Where the hell has this crazy scheme come from?’
Alex flushed.‘Originally from me, but Edward came on board really quickly after I outlined my plan.It solves all the problems.No conflict of interest, because Ed is only really only interested in the savoury side of the business, and he wants to expand the vegetarian and maybe vegan ideas too.With the best will in the world, Leo, your chocolate theme is a great idea on paper, but people can’t just eat sweet stuff all the time.They’d be sick.’
‘Would they?’He looked across at Mab and held her gaze for the first time since the baby revelation.Mab shrugged.She didn’t thinkshewould be sick, if she wasn’t having such a problem with food.It was hard to imagine anything more wonderful than a constant supply of cake, pudding and chocolate.Mab supposed it helped that Leo never seemed to put on weight.Perhaps not everyone would appreciate the calorie-fest he’d planned?But what was all this about Edward joining forces with The Chocolate Cake Bookstore She turned to peer at their neighbour, who looked back steadily, and even smiled tentatively at her.
‘So, any thoughts on the idea?Could you see us in business together, Leo?’Edward asked hopefully.Alex came to stand beside Edward and they both seemed to be willing Leo to say ‘Yes’.
‘Well, this time last week, my answer would have either been, “In your dreams, mate,” or “When hell freezes over,”’ said Leo, ‘but today everything’s gone so pear-shaped that I’m willing to at least give it some thought.I can see all sorts of problems though.’
‘Like what, for instance?’said Alex.
‘Well, like the fact that this whole place is a disaster area and we’ll never be in a position to open if things keep going wrong for us like this.’
‘Ah, well, maybe I can help with that one,’ said Edward, brightening.‘I know a great plumber.’
Leo groaned.‘No!Not another recommendation for a mate.Look what happened last time.I can’t take any more risks.’
‘It’s OK, this one’s kosher.He’s my brother.He’s got his own business in Granton.“Bill’s U-Bends”.You must have seen his jazzy vehicles around, Mab?Jess?Lime green with silver toilets on the side?’
‘Bloody hell, I always wondered who had the bad taste to have such bilious-coloured vans.They’re hideous!’said Jess.
Mab shook her head.‘No, they’re great, and I’ve heard good things about Bill too.You might give it a go, Leo.I bet Edward could get things moving quickly for us?’She smiled up at Edward, and then saw the look on Leo’s face.After a moment, Leo turned to Edward.
