A Secret Schemer (4 page)

‘Ok let’s have a cuppa and then
we can take a look.’

‘Surely it doesn’t happen that
quickly?’ Kate asks.

‘With your looks Hun I wouldn’t
be surprised if you have a message already.’ I declare. ‘I was
amazed how quickly they reply it’s like putting a guy in a sweet
shop, he’s totally spoilt for choice.’

While drinking our tea Jena
once again logs on to the dating site, Kate is amazed as she’s
already had an email and two winks.

‘Do these guys actually sit at
their computers waiting to pounce?

‘Some of them probably do.’
Jena agrees. ‘What type of guy do you usually go for Kate?’

‘Obviously the wrong ones, bad
boys, bit of rough.’

‘I call them tart blokes.’ Jena
advises. ‘Time you changed maybe.’

‘I’ve always gone for humour,
and Tim has already shown his with his ridiculous dream theory.’ I
offer.

‘Mm I must say it sounds a tad
crazy, my trouble is I’m so gullible I have to toughen up.’ Kate
adds.

‘We’ll soon toughen you up
Kate, how about trying one date before we open?

‘I’ll tell you what Jena you
choose someone for me; it’s what I need as all my choices have led
to failure.’

‘OK Hun I’ll leave it until
later and select someone special. ’Jena replies hastily as her
mobile bursts into action.

After taking her call Jena was
grinning from ear to ear, clearly good news from Andy.

‘Lucy he’s been relocated to
work in London, how amazing is that.’ Jena says bursting with
excitement. ‘There’s a lot of work around Victoria station and
they’ve found him lodgings, how cool is that?’

‘I’m so happy for you Hun, when
is he coming?’

‘Sunday, as he has a few loose
ends to sort out before he moves.’

‘That’s great news for you Jena
and he’ll be able to come to the opening evening.’ Kate offers.

‘I never dreamed he’d be
re-located this quickly, will somebody pinch me so I know it’s for
real.’

‘Hey maybe your luck is
changing, you know what they say about new homes and all that.’ I
tease.

‘Yes I know what they say new
home new baby, well Lucy Ross I don’t want any of that.’ She
giggles.

‘I’m convinced this dating site
is working, so come on Jena find me a man.’ Kate declares.

After copious amounts of wine
and laughter Jena selects a date for Kate on Sunday evening. I have
a happy warm feeling inside of me, excitement about the opening,
meeting a new guy and being surrounded by lovely people, what else
could I wish for….

Chapter 6

Monday, at last the day before
the grand opening, I’d asked all the staff to meet me at lunch time
in the restaurant. Over the last few days we’d all worked hard to
check everything was ready. The fitters had installed CCTV over the
weekend and an alarm system for the bar. Kate was going to prepare
a finger buffet today; I didn’t want food being displayed all day,
so we decided to advertise the buffet for four o’clock. Me and Jena
had managed to nip out on Saturday afternoon to buy a new outfit.
No time for the hairdressers for me so I’m hoping for a long soak
in the bath tonight and a hearty attempt to straighten my hair.
(I’ll be lucky). I received a text message from Tim thanking me for
a delightful evening and he’s looking forward to calling into the
pub during the week. Today I’d also received a good luck card from
my parents along with a pile of others from my friends. Almost time
for the gang to arrive, so quick shower and change before I head
down to the bar for my first staff meeting.

‘OK guys let’s sit in the
restaurant, there are refreshments on the table so help yourselves,
and thanks for coming in. Tomorrow’s a very important day for us
all and I just want to go through a few details with you. As you
know Jena is my assistant manager and Kate is the cook who is also
in charge of the kitchen. Lucas is Bar/Cellar man and therefore
deals with all drinks. I have a couple of rules that we all abide
by. Mobile phones are to be switched off while working; you’ll have
plenty of time to check them during your breaks and strictly no
alcohol to be drunk while you’re behind the bar. Punctuality is
paramount as the bar is open for twelve hours everyday and shift
times need to blend together. If for any reason you cannot make
your shift or you’re going to be late please let me or Jena know in
plenty of time. Jena has all the rotas and she’ll arrange your
breaks and speak to you about tips. Let’s make this pub a happy
one, tomorrow will be busy, and don’t worry you’ll all be fed. We
open at eleven in the morning and there will be a lot of people
from the brewery arriving at that time. Any questions fire
away.’

‘What do we do if someone
offers to buy us a drink?’ Emma asks.

‘Basically if you want an
alcoholic drink you can take the money and place a chit in the till
with the amount written on, Jena will show you how we work
that.’

‘Do we have to wear uniform
Lucy?’ Archie asks.

‘Black and white is great,
however smart casual is fine.’

‘If you’re not in a rush have
another coffee and get to know each other and again thanks for
coming in.’

‘Shall I come in a bit earlier
in the morning Lucy to make sure everywhere is sparkling?’ Mary
asks.

‘If you like Mary, I’ll get you
a set of keys and show you how to turn off the alarm, if you have a
problem just ring my mobile.’

I thought the meeting went OK
all though I felt a tad bossy; nevertheless it had to be said. Jena
has a contract for them all to sign, anyway, you need to be covered
these days for all eventualities, I’ve discovered that since I’ve
been in this trade.

‘I’ve attached the rotas and a
copy of the rules on a message board in the staff area?’ Jena
assures.

‘Do you think the meeting was
OK?’ I ask Jena.

‘Absolutely fine Lucy, now time
to relax as tomorrow will be manic.’

I slowly stir and make an
effort to open my eyes; glancing at the radio clock I could see it
was only six o’clock. My thoughts are instantly switched onto my
special day, at last it’s Tuesday and I’m about to open my new
tenancy, all of a sudden my tummy is filled with butterflies….I
smile to myself as I bounce out of bed, I feel like a child on
Christmas morning and I don’t want this feeling to abate. After a
shower I don an old pair of jeans and a baggy t-shirt and run
quietly down to the kitchen, first a coffee to wake me up and yet
another check that everything is ready for the opening. As I put
the kettle on I detect I’m not alone, with a quick backward glimpse
I see an extremely sleepy Jena hovering in the doorway.

‘Good morning Hun are you awake
or possibly sleep walking?’ I ask with a grin.

‘Mm I’m getting there.’ She
answers with a series of yawns.

‘Come and sit down and have
coffee.’

‘I intended to bring you coffee
in bed, I should have known you’d be awake early.’ Jena yawns
again.

‘Far too excited Hun, I think
we should both have a scrumptious breakfast as we have a long day
ahead.’

‘Can I just start with coffee
please?’

‘No problems.’ I add as I place
a mug of steaming coffee under Jena’s nose. ‘What’s that noise, it
sounds like someone’s in the bar.’

‘Calm down Lucy it’ll be Mary
turning the alarm off.’

‘Another early bird I’m sure
she’s going to be a treasure.’

‘Good morning girls I thought
you might both be up.’ Mary greets us as she comes into the
kitchen.

‘Good morning Mary we say in
unison.’

‘Come and have a coffee before
you start.’ I offer.

‘Lucy could I have tea darling
I prefer a cuppa.’

‘Of course have a seat, the
kettle’s already boiling.’

Following our first cuppa the
three of us started to clean the bar, which I hasten to add was
already clean, nerves had taken over I’m afraid. Without warning
the back door bell burst into sound and Jena shot through to see
who was there. She returned with a huge bouquet of gorgeous flowers
and handed them to me.

‘Come on.’ She urged. ‘Who are
they from?’

‘Tim, what a surprise, they are
beautiful.’

‘Somebody’s smitten.’ She
laughs.

Within seconds the door bell
pealed once again, this time it was Lucas.

‘Someone else can’t sleep?’ I
ask.

‘I just wanted to double check
everything was OK.’ He offered.

‘Well as we all seem to be hell
bent on double checking that the entire pub is clean and in working
order, that’s lock, stock and beer barrels, I’m going to cook us
all a full English breakfast.’ I declare.

Subsequently when breakfast had
been gratefully savoured, and no less than three further bouquets
had been delivered, it was at last time Jena and me took the time
to embellish ourselves for the grand opening. As we headed upstairs
to our respective rooms Jena gave me a big hug and whispered. ‘Good
luck Lucy I know how much this means to you.’

‘I couldn’t do it without you
honey, this is for both of us.’

As I slip into my new dress, I
hope by the end of the evening I will still feel the same
enthusiasm that I’m feeling now….

Chapter 7

Eleven o’clock on the dot I
open the doors to The Frog and Toad for the first time, with all
the staff in place we’re ready to warmly receive guests and
customers alike. Within minutes there’s a steady flow of people
heading towards the bar.

‘Good morning Lucy and many
congratulations.’ Charles Emerson shakes my hand.

Charles is the area manager for
City Ales Brewery, and my main contact with the company.

‘Thank you Charles, can I get
you a drink?’ I offer.

‘A pint of your best ale will
be fine Lucy; there are several other members of the company on
their way.’

And so the day had started, and
within a couple of hours I’d been introduced to so many people from
the brewery and other businesses my mind was buzzing with names.
Emma turned up at one o’clock in time to give the guys a break from
the bar, and Jena was mingling with the crowds. I slipped into the
kitchen to have a quick word with Kate and much needed glass of
water. As arranged at 4 o’clock the buffet was laid out in the
restaurant and immediately a queue extended back into the bar.
There was a mish mash of customers of varying ages; possibly some
had just come to suss the new bar out, where others may be punters
from the old pub. I guess only time will tell on that score. I
could see an elderly man making his way through the crowd towards
me.

‘Hello darling are you the new
landlady?’

‘Yes I’m Lucy Ross.’ I replied
shaking his hand.

‘I’m Harry Miles love and I
think I should have a word in your shell like.’

‘OK Harry fire away.’

‘There’s a woman you need to
watch out for, she was well in with the last people, her name’s Vie
Butler, and you can’t miss her ‘cos she always has a scruffy little
terrier dog at her heels. That little lass you’ve got behind the
bar is her niece and she’s been planted here to see what’s going
on. Be on your guard love cos the whole family is trouble. I’ll
tell you more when I can love.’ With that Harry toddled off towards
the buffet queue.

I’m speechless, what’s all that
about? When I get a chance to catch up with Jena I’ll see what her
opinion is. Meanwhile I must keep circulating, they say there’s
always a fly in the ointment and seems I found mine on the first
day, thanks to the communicative Harry Miles. What sort of trouble
could she cause? My mind is already working overtime….

‘Lucy is it OK if Jodie
collects glasses for you, she’s just called in from school and
eager to give a hand.’ Kate asks.

‘Certainly Kate of course she
can, it’ll save the guys having to jostle around in the crowd.’

I was soon enveloped in more
conversation, and for the time being the thought of impending
trouble was temporarily shelved.

‘Hi Lucy you are looking
absolutely stunning.’ Tim caught me totally unawares.

‘Hello Tim, thank you so much
for my gorgeous flowers, let me get you a drink.’

‘You’re busy I’ll get a drink
and have a look around, we can catch up later when the crowd
subsides.’ He squeezes my hand as another customer starts to
chat.

I can see Jena behind the bar
and I really need to talk to her, however my duty today is to
mingle with my new customers, so with renewed energy I continue to
shake hands fervently.

By the end of a rather unusual,
though interesting day the gang (apart from Emma and Grace, who had
left much earlier) relaxed in the bar. Andy by now had joined Jena
and Tim had stayed, so I hastily introduced them. I had made a firm
decision not to mention Vie Butler to anyone but Jena at this
stage, as I didn’t want to have a dark cloud looming over what had
otherwise been a successful day. So with no further ado I went
behind the bar to treat the troops to a well earned night cap.

‘So come on guys what’s your
tipple?’ I ask with fervour.

The girls including the super
diligent Mary settled for wine, whereby the guys favoured a pint.
‘Thanks guys cheers, you’ve all been amazing.’ We all chinked
glasses.

Following a good half an hour
of general chit chat about the events of the day everyone started
to stifle yawns, and so the day was brought to a close. Andy and
Tim decided to share a cab, with Tim saying he would ring me
tomorrow. So once again it was me and Jena, still propping up the
bar I hasten to add.