Page 52 of Snug in Iceland
“That’s such a shame but it’s just another reason to come back again.”
“There are so many reasons to come back again.” But Jonas was right at the top of her list.
26
SEVEN-THIRTY THE next morning felt far too early as Rachel wearily got dressed for the last day of titivating the store before the London contingent arrived the next day.
As she walked the short distance from the hotel to the shop, the streets were pretty much deserted and the shop was in darkness as the window lights hadn’t been switched on yet. She opened the door and fumbled for the light switch, feeling an immense sense of satisfaction as she surveyed the stocked shelves; it looked almost ready to go.
Gudrun was not far behind her and had bought a very welcome coffee for them both. They strolled around talking about what needed doing that morning before the new staff arrived. The main things on their list were to dress the window sofa with cushions, dress the kitchen island and choose lampshades to display overhead. Gudrun had a lot of colour arranging that she wanted to do as well, but that was only if there was time.
“Right,” said Rachel. “Why don’t you pick out some cushions for the window sofa. You need to make sure they all go together, obviously, and try to avoid choosing all of your absolute favourites. Basically, anything that you put in the window will sell more so we need to choose some things which we think won’t be naturally strong sellers.”
Gudrun began picking out cushions while Rachel chose a selection of lampshades making sure she had different shapes and sizes but in colours that would complement each other.
By the time they stopped for lunch, they both felt that it looked good enough to be the opening day. It was ready. Gudrun went to Te & Kaffi to pick up some coffee and lunch while Rachel made sure the till was on and connected to the network ready for the training that afternoon.
There was a knock at the door and Rachel went across to open it wondering why Gudrun was knocking. Perhaps she couldn’t manage to open the door while she was carrying lunch.
She flung the door open, “Sorry, I should have come with you…Adam!”
He was stood there. At the door of the shop. In Iceland.
“Hi Rachel,” he said with a tight-lipped smile.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, standing aside to let him into the shop. She crossed her arms, feeling awkward, wondering whether they should hug or something. But no, better not to.
“I felt really bad about how everything happened and I just thought it would be better to talk face-to-face.”
“But…I’m coming home in a few days. There was no need.”
He was looking around the shop as she spoke.
“It looks like you’ve done a great job, Rach. It’s just about ready then?”
“Yes, everyone’s flying in tomorrow.”
Gudrun came back with her hands full, opening the door with her bottom and walking in backwards.
“I got extra shots in our coffees ready for…oh, hello.” She stopped talking and looked at Rachel, her eyebrows raised, waiting for an introduction.
“Oh, Gudrun, this is Adam. Adam, Gudrun, our store manager.”
They shook hands and Rachel thought Gudrun was going to burst with curiosity. She could just imagine the grilling she was going to get when Adam left.
“Nice to meet you Gudrun.”
“Yes, great to meet you, Adam. What brings you to Reykjavik?”
Rachel glared at Gudrun.
“Anyway, I must pop downstairs for some plates,” she said, walking off, backwards again, mouthing silent ‘Oh my Gods’ to Rachel who tried not to look at her.
“Are you free for coffee later? Or dinner?” he asked. He looked good, smart as usual and despite everything, Rachel couldn’t help feeling pleased to see him.
“It’s bad timing. We’re training new staff this afternoon and I’m going out tonight.”
Rachel could feel herself blush as she tried to be vague over her date with Jonas later. Although she wasn’t the one who had cheated, from Adam’s point of view she could imagine it would look a bit suspect for her to be going out with someone else so soon.
