Page 72 of The Little Island Flower Stall
‘Of course I will. I’ll do it now.’
‘Have your lunch first. There’s no hurry.’
Bella grabbed her handbag. ‘If you’re sure because there’s no rush for me to eat either.’
‘Didn’t you just say you were hungry?’
‘I did, but this is more important.’
‘Go and get your sandwich,’ Celestine insisted. ‘Half an hour won’t make a lot of difference.’
‘Shall I ask if we can go over when we’ve closed the stall?’
‘Perhaps it will be too late for Violette then; she might be tired. We’ll go?—’
‘No you don’t!’ Bella said. ‘Let’s close up as quickly as we can and get a taxi straight to the home – that way you won’t have time to change your mind.’
‘What about…weren’t you going to phone your gentleman friend?’
‘Rory? I’m sure he can wait. I doubt we’ll be long at the home – not if Violette is as frail as Rory says.’
‘All right then – if you think that’s best.’
‘I don’t mean to tell you what to do, but it’s what I’d do.’
‘Then we’ll go as soon as we’ve closed.’
‘What do you want from the shack for lunch?’
Celestine folded her hands together in her lap. ‘I don’t think I’m very hungry now.’
Bella could understand why that would be – Celestine was probably nervous now they’d made their decision to see Violette. But Bella also firmly believed it was the best course of action, regardless of how it might or might not affect Rory. She decided to buy a sandwich for her great-aunt anyway, just in case she changed her mind, and when she got back, she’d call the retirement home and arrange their visit.
Bella looked up from where she was counting the cash in the till ready to pack up the stall for the day to see Kelvin the fisherman jogging over.
‘You’ve not closed up yet?’ he panted.
‘You’ve just about caught us,’ Celestine said. ‘What can I do for you?’
‘It’s Mum’s birthday; I’ve only just remembered.’
‘That won’t do,’ Celestine said. ‘And I suppose you want me to come to your rescue so you don’t look like a terrible son?’
‘Something like that,’ he said sheepishly. ‘I could go and get her some chocolates or something, but I think flowers are more her thing.’
‘Fewer calories too. How about some tiger lilies? Or some nice orchids? In fact, I have a potted one I think she’d like.’
‘Brilliant, I’ll take that. How much?’
‘That’ll be eighteen pounds. Is that all right?’
‘Yes, let me…’
While Kelvin dug in his pockets, Bella heard a faint ringing from her handbag. She went over to get her phone out and noted an unknown number. She often ignored those but this time decided she ought to get it in case it was something to do with the divorce.
‘Yes, hello?’
‘Who’s that?’
