Page 104 of Barging In

“I understand I’m helping you for the day, Max,” Clem’s dad said, picking up a bottle from the table and casting an eye over it.

Max nodded. “If you don’t mind. That would be great, thanks. It’s mainly handing out samples with Graham.”

“I promise not to drink them all. Although this stuff looks good,” he replied, admiring the translucent amber liquid in the clear bottle.

“It is,” Graham confirmed.

“That’s our strong vintage cider, The Bodice Ripper. And this is our traditional cider, Hard Pressed,” Max said, showing him another. “Then we have our medium-sweet, Juicy Squeeze, and our light, refreshing A Little Tart.”

Clem picked one up and admired the clear and concise label, noting it was a more reasonable five per cent alcohol now that it was no longer a home-brewed scrumpy. They’d done a fantastic job with the branding, combining clever corset terminology, thanks to Jasper’s suggestion.

Right on cue, Jasper waltzed in carrying a large, brown box.

“Don’t fear, I’m here,” he announced, setting the box down and tearing off the tape.

He patted Graham on the shoulder and kissed Helen on the cheek.

“I was beginning to worry,” Max said, looking at his watch.

“These look great,” Clem said, pulling a leaflet from the box as it sprang open.

“My love insisted on changing his mind a dozen times before finalising the design, didn’t you?” Jasper said, kissing Max on the head as he clocked Clem’s parents.

“Oh! Jasper, these are my parents, Tom and Barbara.”

He shook their hands. “Congratulations on producing one of the best — if notthebest — marketing guru in the world. Not to mention baker!”

“Oh, shush, Jasper.” Clem smirked. “Shall we get some work done?”

Everyone muttered their agreement.

“Dad, I’ll leave you with Max. Helen, do you want to come with me? You are on leaflet duty with Mum.”

“Of course. Do you live locally, Barbara?” Helen askedas they followed Clem out of the barn and across the courtyard.

“Yes, we moved in a few weeks ago. We were having some renovations done, but it’s all finished now.”

“And are you from around here originally?”

“I grew up here,” Clem’s mum replied, “but drifted away — as you do.”

“Oh, I know. I was the same. Then you eventually drift back. We returned to look after my mum. If you’re interested, I’ve started a women’s group. We meet once a week and do something in the local area. It could be something like a nature walk, a litter pick, or even a drawing class. You should join us.”

Clem smiled, pleased her mum might have made a new friend.

“I’d like that, thanks,” she replied.

“Clem, Max suggested I talk to you about using the café as a meeting place,” Helen said.

“Of course. I can reserve some tables for you or cordon off an area if you prefer a bit more privacy. Ask Max for my number and let me know in advance.”

Helen beamed. “Thanks.”

“Jasper and Max make a cute couple,” Clem’s mum said to Helen.

“Don’t they just?” Helen replied. “We’re so pleased he found someone like him.”

“It’s a shame you can’t find love here yourself, Clem,” her mum said pointedly.