Page 65 of Cooking Up a Christmas Storm
‘It would be nice to use it for something joyful?’ She directed the question at Veronica, who simply nodded silently.
‘So?’ Jodie looked from Nina to Anna.
Nina nodded. ‘I think that sounds charming. A real community event.’
Anna was less convinced. ‘If the shop’s first not many people will see us switch on. If they’re all joining along the way. Last year we did the whole thing in front of the shop. That’s where the big tree goes.’
‘I thought this year we might put the big tree up by the pub,’ Nina shot back.
‘The big tree has been in front of the shop ever since we opened.’
‘Which was only four years ago.’
‘Four years is a tradition.’
‘It is not. Tell her, Gemma.’
‘I… er…’ She glanced up and caught Veronica’s gaze. The older woman gave a tiny shake of the head. ‘I mean, I think that could go either way.’
‘I believe many people set their lights on a timer,’ Veronica cut in. ‘So if the timings were worked out, it wouldn’t necessarily have to stop them joining the parade from the beginning.’
Jodie noted her slow walk had been upgraded to a parade, but she did appreciate Veronica’s attempt to defuse the situation. Was that twice in one conversation that she’d helped Jodie out now?
‘It won’t be the same without the tree.’
Jodie felt Nina’s shoulders slump slightly next to her. ‘I suppose if we’re starting at the shop, having the main tree there would make for a nice start to the big parade.’
It was a big parade now? Great.
‘We’d be the grand opening then?’ Anna asked.
‘Yes.’ Nina clearly knew when she was beaten. ‘Fine. But white lights on the tree.’
‘Of course.’ Anna smiled. ‘Never let it be said I’m not a team player.’
If Nina was going to take issue with that claim she was robbed of the opportunity by the rest of Bella’s council of war arriving. Darcy, Adam, Flinty and Bella squashed themselves into the available space.
Nina glanced at Adam. ‘The laird’s joining us?’
‘Yep.’ He nodded.
Jodie could feel the look Nina and Anna were trying to exchange around her. ‘We’ve never had a gentleman at one of these before,’ Anna noted.
‘Well, it’s his house and he wants to come,’ Bella pointed out. ‘And it’s his estate we’re trying to save.’
‘Yes, but…’ Nina shook her head. ‘Normally we get on with things and tellthemwhat they’re supposed to be doing later.’
Flinty nodded in agreement. ‘You don’t want them getting ideas that they’re actually in charge.’ She glanced at Adam. ‘Sorry, lad.’
‘What if I promise to just sit quietly? You can treat me like Bella’s assistant,’ Adam suggested.
The women nodded as if to acknowledge that that was exactly how they viewed the laird of the manor whether he was in the room or not.
‘So why have you got us all here?’ Anna asked. ‘It’s not Ladies’ Group until…’ She paused, and muttered to herself, ‘Meat delivery yesterday, book club last week, Netty’s nail appointment tomorrow… Thursday.’
‘This couldn’t wait. I think the McKenzie estate are trying to sabotage us.’
‘What?’
