‘Ah, I see,’ Emma smiled. ‘And I’d be sure to make a hash of it too. I know my limits. The bench seating area chairs would probably fall apart within the week. No, we need a professional. But I had a real job finding Ron at short notice, and I’ve tried everyone else locally.’

‘Mark Gilbert from Alnwick? He does some joinery work.’ Pete tried to help.

‘Tried him before I found Ron.’

‘Handyman Dave?

‘Yep. He’s busy in another job.’

‘Carpenter Carl?’

‘Away for the weekend. All phoned. All booked up.’

‘It’s not looking good,’ Pete commented.

She could maybe ring her brother, but he’d already given a lot of time and was primed to pick up the tables and chairs for her over this weekend. The window seats might need more of a craftsman too; James was more of a home DIYer. But maybe he’d know of another contact.

‘What a bloody shame,’ Bev chipped in. ‘Shall we take the chocolates back out of the boot? Shall I put the kettle on, hun? Or are you feeling a glass of wine coming on?’ she asked kindly.

‘You know, Bev, I think I’ll just get started with the painting anyhow. I feel like I need to do something. I can freshen up this place at the least. Maybe open up on Sunday again. Get a bit of trade at least.’

‘Well, I’ll make a cuppa before you start, okay?’

‘Okay, that sounds good. I’ve got a couple of brownies I made last night in a tin on the side too. I was testing out my chocolate-baking skills ready for the café.’ The café that was now not going to happen. She felt gutted.

‘Oh yes. Count me in.’

‘Me too,’ Pete chanted. ‘Always partial to a slice of brownie.’

Setbacks happened, it was just one of those things. She had her friends, thank goodness, and her family. She’d have to give James and Chloe a ring now, let them know she wouldn’t be needing the cushions just yet. And Adam’s gran about the seat pads – and Holly too; she was going to come in late Sunday afternoon with Adam and help set everything up. Oh well, it’d just be herself and her paintbrush for now, then. Emma had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

Her back was aching from perching up the ladder and leaning with a paintbrush in awkward positions. But one wall was finished and she was quite pleased with the colour – a warm honey-cream. She glanced at her now paint-spattered wristwatch. Ten to ten – where did those hours go?