Page 102 of Barging In

“Great. Max was hoping your dad would help him in the cider barn since Jasper will be tied up with the museum.”

“I’m sure he’ll be eager to,” Clem said, wondering if her parents would last the day.

Guilt crept in that she’d roped them in at all. With all staffing costs funnelled towards the café for the day, she needed as much free labour as she could get.

“It’s going to be tough for them being on their feet all day, though.” She sighed with worry.

Victoria quirked a brow. “Aren’t they used to that?”

“Yes, but…” Clem twisted her lips.

“They’re not children, and theyarevolunteering,” Victoria reassured her. “I’m sure if — or when — they’ve had enough, they’ll let us know.”

Having her parents around more was going to take some getting used to, but Victoria was right. They were adults and more than capable of looking after themselves, even if her mum hadn’t stopped asking for her help with this or that since they moved into the house.

Clem nodded and crossed her arms. Her mind had already jumped to the next task, mentally sorting through everything that she needed to do and in what order.

Victoria rubbed her forearm briefly. “What else is troubling you?” she said gently.

“A few nerves,” Clem admitted. “I hope everything comes together and brings the results we need.”

This wasn’t just the culmination of months of work. It reflected her ability, her performance. It would show Victoria whether she could trust Clem to deliver.

“It will, I’m sure. You’ve worked so hard. It won’t be for nothing.”

“I hope you’re right,” Clem said, letting out a breath. She was nervous, but underlying her performance anxiety,she was mostly excited. “And just think: When today is over, we get to start all over again with Christmas.” She chuckled at herself. “If we’re making a weekend of it, it’s going to be harder work than this. At least Max won’t need so much of my time. He’s really starting to grasp the whole marketing thing now.”

“Good for him.” Victoria frowned at her with friendly concern. “Have you thought any more about your schedule? The offer’s always open to work full-time or increase your hours. You’re more than paying for yourself. You’ve already made a difference, and today’s going to prove that.”

Clem sighed. She had thought about it. In fact, it was all she’d been thinking about, sweating through coffee orders and cake slices in the sauna Florence had become during the summer months. She opened her mouth to reply, then shut it again.

“Be honest,” Victoria chided. “We agreed on open communication, remember?”

Clem did remember.

“I think… I want to give up the business.”

“Oh. Okay.” Victoria nodded.

“I’m just…”

“Having a bit of trouble letting go?” Victoria finished for her.

Clem nodded, knowing she would understand.

“The weather is already beginning to change,” Victoria observed, glancing up at the sky. “The air’s crisper, and the leaves are turning yellow. Transition at your own pace; it doesn’t have to happen overnight. Give yourself time to adjust.”

Clem nodded again. She knew it made sense. She really did.

“Florence will always be your home, and you’ll still be supplying cakes for the café.”

That was true, and baking was something she never wanted to give up.

“If I’m not trading, though, I can’t moor up in Florence. There’s a clause in the agreement.”

Victoria shrugged. “Use the kitchen here. Walk to work — or I can give you a lift.”

Clem gave her a tentative smile. “That would be great. Thanks.”