Page 73 of Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge

‘A bit?’ murmured Lily.

Frankie grinned. ‘Yeah, but it was fun, wasn’t it?’ She laughed. ‘But listen, I get that this is a business so of course I’m not going to make them strong and use up all our lovely alcohol.’

‘OK,’ said Lily slowly.

‘Look, if you don’t believe me, here’s the cocktail menu for tonight.’

Frankie held out a card onto which Lily could see Dotty’s beautiful calligraphy had written about six different cocktails.

Lily took the card and skimmed the words. ‘Half of these are non-alcoholic,’ she said, in surprise.

Frankie folded her arms in front of her in a defensive manner. ‘Yeah, well, sometimes I drink water, you know. Just to surprise my liver and keep it on its toes, obviously.’

‘Obviously,’ repeated Lily.

‘And besides, quite a few of the locals will be driving and not everyone wants alcohol, the mad fools.’ Frankie smiled at Lily before it faded into concern. ‘You think it’s going to be a success tonight?’

Lily held up her crossed fingers. ‘Let’s hope so.’

Frankie nodded. ‘Too early for a drink, I suppose?’ she said, with a grin. ‘Just to settle the nerves, that is!’

‘Think I’ll stick to coffee just for now,’ said Lily, giving her a wink.

She left Frankie in the snug to join the throng in the kitchen.

Jake had been staying with them for a few nights to organise the buffet whereas Alex, Beth and Ella had only arrived the evening before. It had been Ella’s first time meeting Jake and suffice to say they hadn’t exactly hit it off.

His smooth playboy charm had instantly rubbed Ella’s cool control up the wrong way and when Lily joined them in the kitchen they appeared to be carrying on from the previous evening’s bickering.

‘I’m not arguing with you, Jake,’ Ella was saying with her hands on her hips in front of the breakfast bar. ‘I’m merely explaining why I’m right and you’re wrong.’

‘Good morning,’ said Lily in a bright tone of voice. ‘How is everyone?’

‘Loud,’ muttered Alex as he poured himself a coffee. He held out a mug for Lily and offered her a drink as well.

‘Yes, please,’ she replied.

‘Listen, it would take too long for me to explain to your dim little brain about how influencers work,’ carried on Ella to Jake.

‘The translation being that you have no idea how they work,’ said Jake, before looking down at the tomatoes he had been chopping. ‘All I know is that they seem lacking in substance.’

‘Something you would know all about,’ Ella told him in a triumphant tone before walking over to the table.

Lily joined her and the rest of the family who were all chatting excitedly about the evening ahead. Only Ben seemed quiet and she looked at him with raised eyebrows. He merely gave her a shrug and held up two crossed fingers. She nodded, feeling his nerves across the table.

After a quick breakfast, Lily headed into the dining room to start preparing the tables, helped by Hannah, Beth and Ella.

‘What was all that about with Jake?’ asked Lily.

Ella rolled her eyes. ‘He overheard me saying that I was considering becoming a social influencer and it all went downhill from there.’

‘You’re serious then?’ asked Hannah.

Ella nodded. ‘I think I’ve had enough of working for other people. Anyway, I think I’d be really good at it.’

‘Of course you would,’ said Beth, ever positive. ‘I think it’s an amazing idea.’

Ella broke into a smile. ‘Well, I’ll need my besties’ support when I get started, so thanks.’