Later that day,
Josie from The Golden Fleece walked in. She gave Natalie a smile. “Have you done this up since I was last here?” Her American accent bounced around the shop, as her eyes swept the tasting bench, then the full shelves.
It did look good. She gave Josie a nod. “We got new stools for the tasting bench. They make people relax. They’re far more likely to buy when they’re relaxed.”
Josie put her index finger to her temple. “Smart. I should remind Mum of that.”
“Definitely tell Clive.” Natalie was referring to Josie’s uncle and fellow publican, who was a bit of a liability behind the bar. “So, are you here for a gin tasting? Some gin-scented candles? Gin-flavoured chocolates?”
Josie picked up the candle from the shelf, and gave it a sniff. “Does it really smell like gin?” She flipped it over. “£19.99? Do people really pay that much for a candle?”
“Happily,” Nat replied.
“I’m in the wrong business.” Josie put the candle down. “Anyway, I’m here on summer festival business. Also to get an ice cream from next door for me and Harry. She’s in there choosing right now, so I can’t stay long.” Josie hopped from foot to foot, a blush rising in her cheeks. From what Natalie could gather, Josie and Harry were finally giving it a go after many false starts. Her own Blind Date evening had been the catalyst. Natalie was glad somebody had got lucky from it.
“How’s it going with Harry?”
Josie dropped her gaze, but a goofy smile spread across her face. “It’s going great. She’s pretty amazing.” Josie put a hand to her chest. “This American is glad she came home. Anyway, Mum says to tell you we’re happy to host a music stage in the beer garden, plus the dog show on the Sunday, too.”
“Excellent.”
“So long as Winston wins, naturally.”
Natalie laughed. “He might have to duke it out with Rocky. Can you sort out an outdoor bar and BBQ, too? If the weather’s good, we’re going to need it.”
Josie nodded. “No problem. Mum’s coming to the meeting, but she wanted me to tell you we’re on-board.” She turned to leave, opening the door before turning back. “See you in the pub soon?”
Natalie gave her a nod.
Moments later, the bell on the door tinkled. When she looked up, Yolanda was in front of her, busy chomping on an ice cream. It was dark pink and green, almost the colours of Wimbledon.
“Have you tried these?” Yolanda’s hair was the colour of the pineapple Natalie had cut her finger slicing up this morning. Yolanda had dyed her hair again since they last saw each other four days ago.
Natalie nodded. “I was on the tasting panel. They’re pretty good, aren’t they?”
“They’re delicious. I got the pistachio and cherry, and it’s like they’re a perfect match. Ellie’s a flavour genius.”
“You should try her bourbon ice cream with maple syrup crust. It’s to die for.”
Yolanda raised an eyebrow. “We should make bourbon, then she could use ours.” She got out her phone and noted it down. “Have you told her to make gin ice cream?” She took another bite and swooned.
“She’s doing a gin and tonic sorbet.”
“Using our gin?”
“She hasn’t said.”
Yolanda rolled her eyes. “Give her some free sample bottles of all of our booze. Let’s see if we can work out a deal. You’re in charge. And you’re friends, so it’s a no-brainer. Turn on the legendary Hill charm. Got it?”
Natalie thought back to Ellie’s face when she’d tried their gin. How Ellie had tried to be enthusiastic about it, but Natalie had known she was lying. Still, she’d found it sweet that Ellie had tried to spare her feelings. She’d have done the same even if she hated Ellie’s ice cream. When you liked someone, you wanted to like everything about them. She realised too late she was grinning like a loon.
Yolanda had spotted it. “You’ve got a goofy grin on your face like I’ve never seen before.” She tilted her head. “Was Keith right? Is he more insightful than I give him credit for?”
“Nothing was going on when Dad saw us together.” Fuck it! That wasn’t what she’d meant to say.
“But there is now?” She frowned. “Why the secrecy? The whole village wants you to be happy.”
“I haven’t said anything yet because nothing’s really
gone on yet. We’ve kissed—”
“—Oh I love a first kiss!” Yolanda threw her free hand in the air, sucking more ice cream into her mouth with excitement.
“But that’s it. I don’t want everyone else in our business before we even know what it is. We live in a small town, I’d like some privacy for the time being.”
Her aunt nodded. “I get that. But I’m thrilled for you.” She leaned over and squeezed Natalie’s hand. “She seems lovely.”
Natalie’s insides warmed. “She is. I just wish Dad would be happy for me. For us
.” She glanced up at Yolanda. “Could you talk to him? See if there’s anything I can do to reassure him?”
Something crossed Yolanda’s face that Natalie couldn’t quite pin down. “Why don’t you talk to him?”
Natalie’s face crumpled. “I’ve tried.”
Her aunt shook her head. “Not hard enough.” She pinned Natalie with her stare, before pulling back her shoulders. “Anyway, is Ellie selling these ice creams at the summer festival?”
“Of course.”
“Good, that’ll bring in the crowds. Has she put some money into the summer festival fund, too?” Yolanda’s finger was pointing towards The Ultimate Scoop.
Natalie nodded. “Time, money and advice. Plus, she’s coming to check out some bands with me this weekend, too.”
“Excellent.” She walked back to Natalie, pinching her cheek between her thumb and index finger. “She’s a catch, Nat. Don’t fuck this one up.”