Page 42 of Common People

The influencers were all filming, Robbie did a couple of interviews, and the shop was slowly filling up. Sandwiches were handed out and cans of drinks opened. Max and Robbie watched from behind the counter as first bites were taken, and they seemed to be going down well. Heads were nodding, people were smiling and talking animatedly, and all the influencers were being filmed or filming themselves eating, and giving reviews on the spot. Eventually, just before twelve o’clock CommonPeopleall appeared together, with Joe coming along with his wifeDawn. Max was so happy to see them all, especially Bethan, who looked gorgeous in a pair of pale blue wide-leg jeans, a gorgeous blue and white striped long-sleeved top, and a pair of green Adidas Samba trainers. Her hair fell around her face in twists, and as soon as Max saw her, his heart leapt in excitement before he had to remind himself that they were just friends, and he had to serve them all sandwiches.

‘Thanks so much for coming,’ said Max excitedly.

‘Aye, it’s brilliant, youse all here,’ said Robbie, and then Eve walked up to Robbie, and they kissed, before having their own private conversation. Things had been gently simmering between Robbie and Eve, but with Eve’s book launch and Robbie’s sandwich shop opening, it had been a difficult time for them to start a proper relationship. Clearly though, something was happening between them that was more than just a casual fling.

‘Joe, good to see you, mate. How are you?’ asked Max.

‘Yeah, not bad, mate. I’m on a bunch of drugs, and a new diet, so unfortunately, I can’t eat much at the moment, including most of your delicious looking sandwiches. It’s all rabbit food.’

‘It’s not that bad,’ said Dawn. ‘It’s just all heart healthy food, that’s all.’

‘My days of fry-ups are over, and heaven forbid I even look at a bacon sarnie.’

‘But you’ll live a long and happy life!’ said Dawn.

‘Not sure about the happy bit,’ said Joe with a smile.

‘Cheeky bugger!’ replied Dawn, before Robbie called them over to show him the sandwiches. Hope, Anita and Charlie all said hello, before they walked across to the counter, while Bethan slowly walked up to Max.

‘Hi,’ said Max. ‘You look fantastic.’

‘Oh, thanks. You too,’ she replied with a tentative smile.

‘So glad you could come.’

‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I know how hard you’ve both been working on it. It looks amazing.’

‘Yeah, Robbie has spent countless hours getting it ready, and Hope did a great job on the signage out front.’

‘It’s busy, that’s good.’

‘Yeah, I just hope that everyone loves it, its all-over social media, and blows up. At least that’s the plan. How are you? I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.’

‘It was Thursday at run club, Max.’

‘I know, but we’ve barely spoken since …’ he let his words trail off, and Bethan immediately blushed, and that small amount of awkwardness that had crept into their relationship since the Buddy’sDeli conversations was back. Any mention of them, the kiss, or their feelings towards each other, and it had them scampering to talk about anything else.

‘Sandwiches!’ said Bethan, after another uncomfortable silence.

‘Yes, let me show you what we have,’ said Max, leading Bethan across to the counter where Robbie was showing everyone else from the run club the sandwiches on today's soft launch menu. They didn’t have the full menu, but just a selection of four of the best, including The Scotsman, which was proving to be the most popular.

‘They all look amazing,’ said Hope.

‘They really do. Well done!’ said Anita. ‘Although I hope on the final menu, you have Coronation Chicken.’

‘I’ve a version of it,’ said Robbie. ‘I’ll be happy to show youse later, if youse still around.’

‘I'll be here,’ replied Anita.

‘Proper good-looking sandwiches, and I love the branding. This sort of thing would rock in the city. The suits are always looking for the best lunch spots,’ said Charlie. ‘If it does well, and you need capital to expand, I’d be interested.’

‘Let’s just see how this location goes,’ said Max. ‘We aren’t getting ahead of ourselves.’

‘Good thing too. Don’t listen to this one,’ said Eve, looking towards Charlie. ‘This isn’t about money, it’s about the food, the love of doing something well.’

‘But at the end of the day,’ replied Charlie. ‘It’s all about the end goal, right? Profit. They’re in it to make money. Right boys?’

Max looked at Robbie, who looked a little uneasy with the question. Robbie looked at Eve, and then at Charlie.