Calling All Customers (Calling All... Book 3)

by Tara Ford

  “And Aaron now, by the sound of it.” Dayna moved closer to her friend. “Do you want a hug?”

  Tears seeped into Jenny’s eyes. “No – you’ll make me cry.”

  “Cry then. You probably need a good cry, Jen.”

  Shaking her head, Jenny left the counter and walked off down the aisle. Lips quivering, she was not going to give in. Things had to change. Somehow.

  The week was flying by. Things were pretty much back to normal. The shop was barely ticking over. Barely making enough to cover all of the overheads. Just normal.

  Jenny hadn’t seen Aaron at all. He’d text her once, to let her know that his brother was coming over from somewhere in Germany, for the funeral and that he hadn’t seen his brother for a long time. Well she hadn’t seen Aaron for what felt like a long time too. A selfish thought, she knew.

  However much she tried, Jenny couldn’t shake off the negative feelings she had about practically everything – including Aaron.

  “I don’t see the point in trying to have a relationship,” she said, stubbornly. “I don’t have time to mess around and on the one day a week that I might see Aaron… I’m worn out. So what’s the point?”

  “Jen, you’ve got a right negative head on just lately. What’s up with you?” Dayna stared, anxiously. “You’re a fighter – not a loser. Come on, get a grip.”

  “I’m ok… I just can’t do both.”

  “Both?”

  “Shop… and boyfriend. One’s got to go.”

  Dayna shook her head in despair. “Sounds like you’re quitting, Jen. You like Aaron a lot. Don’t give up on him.”

  “I can’t give up on the shop, Day – not yet.”

  “No, of course not. Stick it out Jenny Fartor. You could end up having it all. This does not sound like the girl I once knew.”

  Sorry haven’t been in touch much. Lots going on at home. Funeral on the 7th Jan. Great start to the New Year – not! On the upside, can I take you out New Year’s Eve? A meal? See the New Year in together, somewhere? How about going up the hill? Great views of the harbour and the fireworks up there. Missing you, Jen. Aaron xx

  Sounds good, would love to. I finish at six o’clock… and best bit, I get a lie-in on New Year’s Day! Hooray! Meet you somewhere or are you coming to mine? Jen x

  I’ll pick you up. 7.30pm ok? Xx

  Fine. Looking forward to seeing you again, feels like ages. Missed you too. J x

  Jenny’s sombre mood of late had lifted. Aaron’s text message had melted away the hopelessness. She was going out to celebrate the New Year and she was going to celebrate, in style.

  Pulling her ruby red shift dress over her head, Jenny stood back and peered in the mirror. Sexy, she thought and smiled at herself. This was going to be a wonderful evening, more so, because she didn’t have to worry about getting up in the morning.

  “Wow – you look amazing,” said Aaron as Jenny clambered into the car, in her tight-fitting dress and dangerously high heels.

  “Thanks,” she replied, coyly. “You look pretty good yourself.”

  Dressed in black trousers, a lemon shirt and a thin black tie, Aaron leant over the gearstick and kissed her softly. “I’ve missed you.”

  Jenny’s face flushed as a raging heat raced around her body. “Me too.” Smiling nervously, she gripped her glittery, red clutch bag with both hands.

  “Come on then, let’s go. The Sea View restaurant has a live band in the bar tonight. Thought we might have a look, after our meal.” Aaron glanced across and smiled before pulling away. “If it’s no good, we could go to the hill. What do you think?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Although Aaron hadn’t been able to drink all evening, he held no resentment and actively encouraged Jenny to have several. Straight to her head, it went. Straight to her head, the fatigue came. Struggling to keep her eyes open past eleven o’clock, Jenny suggested they go to the hill. At least she would get some fresh air there and the wind whipping across her face, would hopefully keep her awake. The fact that they would have to stand to see the fireworks, would help too. She couldn’t fall asleep standing upright, could she?

  It was totally romantic. Dizzy with drink, Jenny stood watching the fireworks, wrapped in Aaron’s arms. They’d kissed, briefly, during the midnight celebrations and then joined in the well-wishing with the many other couples and families, spectating on the hill.

  “That was so nice,” said Jenny, dreamily, as the finale came to an end. “I’d heard that people came up here on New Year’s Eve but I didn’t know it was this good. Thank you, Aaron.”

  Aaron gazed down at her. “Used to come up here when we were kids… with Mum and Dad… and… well… grandparents too.”

  “Ah… I’m sorry. It must have been hard for you to come up here.”

  “I’m ok.” Aaron gazed out across the harbour, “Going to miss him…”

  Jenny squeezed her arms around his waist. “I bet you will. You’ll always have your memories of him, tucked away safely in your heart – no one can take those away.”

  Aaron pulled her in closer. “A nice thing to say –thanks.”

  “Shall we go? Coffee? Lie-in?” Jenny’s head was spinning round and round. The cold air had increased her alcohol-addled mind.

  Aaron looked back and smiled. “Yes, lie-in. Let’s do it.”

  Weightless. Floating through the air. Dreamily wafting towards her big, cosy bed. Lowered onto the firm mattress, Jenny felt the gentle tug of her shoes being removed. Then the quilt covered her clothed body. Lips dampened her cheek, momentarily. Darkness. Dizzy. Sleep.

  “Do you want that coffee now?” said a voice, next to her.

  Turning her aching head, Jenny squinted at Aaron. “Please…”

  “You’ve had your lie-in. It’s almost eleven.”

  Turning back, Jenny peeped open one eye at the clock. “Oh God. I fell asleep. Oh dear, sorry, Aaron – I can’t believe I’ve slept so long.”

  “I can. You needed it.” Jumping off the bed, dressed only in his trousers, Aaron headed towards the door.

  “I don’t remember coming home.” Peering under the cover, Jenny could see her scrunched up dress gathered around her waist.

  “I thought it best to leave it on you,” said Aaron. “You were practically unconscious by the time we arrived here. I carried you up the stairs and into bed.”

  “Oh no – I am sorry about that.”

  “Don’t be sorry. I’ll get that coffee.”

  Two coffees, an hour of talking and a lot of smooching later, Aaron removed his trousers and climbed back into bed.

  It would be almost four o’clock before he got out of bed again.

  Chapter 37

  “I spent practically the whole day in bed,” said Jenny, grinning widely. “He left at nine… he was going to stay the night but he was worried that I or we, wouldn’t get up this morning.”

  “It’s nice to see you with a smile on your face again.” Dayna gave Jenny a quick hug and headed off to the staffroom to put her coat and bag away.

  Following behind her, Jenny arrived at the door just as Dayna switched the kettle on. “Did you have a good New Year?”

  “Hmm… Ok, I suppose.” Hurriedly, Dayna found two cups in the cupboard and went about preparing coffee. “Didn’t do anything… sat round Mum’s… with Xaylan, New Year’s Eve. Then he fell asleep so me and Mum watched the TV.”

  “Family time – that’s nice.”

  “Yeah… suppose.”

  Jenny leant on the doorframe and folded her arms. “Are you ok? Seems like we’ve switched roles.”

  “Yeah… fine.” Dayna grabbed the milk from the fridge and slammed the door shut with her hip. “Been thinking about Will. Saw him for a couple of hours last night”

  “That’s nice.”

  “I’m not sure about him, Jen.”

  “Oh, why do you say that?”

  “All he wants to do is play games.” Dayna plonked herself down on a stool and stared at the
kettle, absent-mindedly.

  “Thought you liked it…”

  “Once in a while is ok but not every time I see him. Said he’s going to transfer Xaylan over to the other dentist, Andrew Clift, as well. Now he’s even tastier than Will.” Dayna smirked.

  Jenny rolled her eyes and tutted. “You’re a nightmare, Day. So, why isn’t he going to finish the treatment?”

  “Says it would be awkward now that we’re seeing each other. He thinks it will be better if he goes across to his colleague.”

  “Fair enough.” Jenny picked up the boiled kettle and poured water into the cups. “I think that’s a sensible idea and very professional too.”

  “Hmm… I’m not bothered by it. I just can’t make my mind up about him though.”

  “Are you having fun?”

  Dayna nodded, half-heartedly. “Suppose so – don’t want to play games all the time though.”

  “He won’t be around for long, Day. Make the most of it while you can.”

  “Yeah… I know.” Dayna shrugged her shoulders and looked up. “Suppose I could always work my magic on the other dentist. He is like a Greek God.”

  “You’re insatiable,” Jenny giggled.

  By the first Sunday of the New Year, the girls were back on track. Dayna and Tasha had been true to their word and delivered leaflets every day for weeks, apart from over the Christmas period. The printer printed flyers continuously and Jenny had now bulk-ordered black and coloured ink. The street map, on the wall in the office, was beginning to look artistic, with its coloured-in streets and roads, in various fluorescent marker pen hues.

  Yet still, there was no apparent increase in the footfall or sales, apart from the prospects of the nursery’s daily orders, which would start again next week. Even Dayna and Tasha were telling customers to ‘use it or lose it’ and to pass the message around.

  Dolly’s only comment to Jenny was, ‘Well, dear… if only you got up early enough and opened on time, you would be able to serve your customers with their early morning papers – that would help, wouldn’t it’?

  Smiling sarcastically, Jenny had muttered a few expletives under her breath, as Dolly walked out of the door.

  Jenny sighed. Although it was the shortest day of her week and Sundays had become her favourite, spending time with Aaron all evening, it was not going to happen today. He hadn’t helped out in the shop last night, either. His grandad’s funeral was tomorrow and his brother had arrived from Germany, hence, it seemed, that there was a lot of family time going on in his life. And understandably too. Yet Jenny couldn’t help feeling neglected, feeling selfishly irked, feeling totally fed-up again. With everything.

  Hi Jen. Hope everything is going ok. Miss you. Can we do lunch during the week? Obviously, not tomorrow. Aaron xx

  Yes, sounds good. I look forward to seeing you. I’ll be thinking of you all tomorrow. Send your mum my condolences. Miss you too J x

  Will do. I’ll bring lunch then – let’s say Thursday? Xx

  Thursday’s good for me. Take care, love Jen x

  You too, love Aaron xx

  “Should I clear these shelves off, ready for the new stuff, tomorrow?” asked Tasha, tentatively.

  Jenny realised that her mood was having a negative effect on her colleagues but she tried her best to be upbeat about things. Dayna could handle it but Tasha was timid, worried and an anxious employee.

  “Good idea, Tasha. You’re certainly more on the ball than me. I should get those things returned. I’m sure that no one will be wanting packs of Christmas cards or wrapping paper now.” Jenny smiled, guiltily, she’d hardly said two words to Tasha all day. Wrapped up in her own muddle, Jenny’s insular existence was no good for anybody. Especially not her.

  Glancing at the clock, Tasha replied, “I should just get it done before I finish. I can box it up, if you like.”

  “Yes, please do. And Tasha…”

  “Yes?”

  “Please don’t feel worried about things. I’ll get around all of the problems – somehow. I usually do.”

  In an attempt to keep her mind focused and her gremlins away, Jenny caught up with a few things on her ‘to do’ list. She recalled Mr Johnson’s complaint, when she’d delivered his newspaper to him. Upon inspection, Jenny found that the phone number on the header of her newspaper bills, did indeed, have a digit missing from the end. Puzzled by this careless mistake, Jenny wondered how the other concerned customers, who had waited for their deliveries that day, had managed to phone the shop.

  Done, she told herself.

  The printer continued to print, relentlessly.

  Done… or at least, doing.

  Invoices filed, bills paid, orders made, stock wastage recorded, overdue pay-slips created and printed…

  Done, done, done, done, done…

  And when it was all done… Jenny felt just as empty and miserable as she had before.

  Chapter 38

  January jolted by in irregular bursts of activity. Good days. Bad days. Leaflet drops were the only consistent system that gave Jenny any hope for the future. It had to work. It had to make a difference. Even Jenny’s so called relationship had jumped into January in a very itsy-bitsy way. There was never enough time to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed way. The whole affair was governed by how quickly they could eat a meal, move on to the amorous stuff and then fall asleep before the alarm clock woke them, far too early, the next morning.

  “Jen – there’s a woman waiting to see you,” whispered Dayna, as Jenny walked back into the shop, having nipped down to the bank, in her lunch break. “She’s down there.” Dayna pointed a finger towards the second aisle. “Alex – her name’s Alex.” Dayna lowered her voice further. “Is she the Alex? Aaron’s mum?”

  A fearful expression swept across Jenny’s face as she nodded. “Yes. Oh God. Didn’t know she was coming in… Aaron never said.” Inhaling a deep breath, Jenny thrust her shoulders back and held her head high as she tentatively walked towards the aisle.

  A middle-aged woman with reddish brown hair, wearing black trousers and a pale pink raincoat, was scanning the products, along the shelves, at the end of the shop. She looked up and smiled as Jenny approached.

  “Hello, Alex.” Jenny stretched out a hand. “Lovely to see you again.”

  Grasping Jenny’s hand in her two, Alex shook it enthusiastically. “Jenny. Good to see you too. I’ve heard all about you – from Aaron – you know what he’s like, chatter, chatter.”

  Jenny laughed, nervously. “I’m so surprised to see you here. He didn’t mention that you were coming. Maybe it’s only you who he chatters to.”

  “He’s a sod,” she whispered. “I told him I would pop in to see you today. He said you might need some advice.”

  Jenny nodded her head, fervently. “Yes, that would be really helpful and no, he didn’t tell me. He’s probably too wrapped up in his own businesses, isn’t he?”

  “Hmm…” Alex rolled her eyes and tutted. “I keep telling him… there’s more to life than working every hour of the day, every day of the week.”

  “I know how it feels though, I have to admit…” Jenny paused and met Alex’s eye briefly, “I didn’t think it would be this hard.”

  Alex nodded and shook her head, respectively, while holding a hand up, under her chin. “I know, honey. It’s really tough when you first start out.”

  “Would you like a tea or coffee while you’re here?”

  “I’d love a cup of tea… and no sugar – thank you.”

  “Oh…” said Jenny, “And…err… can I just say how sorry I was to… err… hear of your loss. I hope that Aaron passed that message on to you, a few weeks ago.”

  “He did. Thank you.” Alex peered down at the floor momentarily and then looked back up, with a beaming smile. “Ok, let’s have that cup of tea and then I can do a walk around the shop with you, if that sounds all right?”

  “Thank you for giving me your time. I really do appreciate it.” Jenny beckoned to Alex
to follow her to the staffroom. A quick glance behind her and Jenny smirked at Dayna, who was watching from the counter. “I’ll bring you a coffee… in a minute,” she called back to her friend.

  “Seems like a nice girl.”

  “Yes, she is. She’s my best friend actually – we go back a long way, Dayna and I.”

  “That’s good. So it’s just the two of you?” Alex appeared to be showing a genuine interest.

  “No, I have a younger girl, Tasha. She works alternate shifts with Dayna.” Jenny prepared the cups and offered a stool to Alex.

  “Thanks,” said Alex, lifting herself up, onto the high stool. “And I suppose you work all of the time – every hour God sends?”

  Jenny nodded, “Yes. I knew that I would have to, when I first thought about having a shop. Was it the same for you?”

  “Oh yes…” Alex said, thoughtfully. “Years ago… well, I never thought that I would have a life ever again.” Gazing into the middle distance, Alex paused. “Unless folk experienced it for themselves, they would never really know how extremely hard it can be. Bringing up the kids and juggling a work/life balance. It feels impossible. At the start.”

  Jenny acknowledged every single word, agreeably. “Don’t know how you did it, Alex. I’m really struggling now and I don’t have any kids.”

  “I had a husband – that helped. Well, most of the time anyway.” Alex laughed. “Don’t get yourself one of them too soon though, they can be a help – but they can also be a big hindrance.”

  Jenny giggled, nervously. She was unsure of how much Alex knew about her relationship (of sorts… or was it just classed as a part-time fling?) with Aaron. “I’m in no rush – I wouldn’t get time to have a real relationship anyway.”

  “So, tell me about your shop. Have you had a steady increase in numbers of customers and takings?”