Page 57 of The Merry Christmas Project

‘My tip for selling at school events is low prices,’ said Astrid.

A warm feeling swirled in my stomach, remembering the banter Cole and I had had yesterday as we’d negotiated the price of his candles.

‘Children like to buy presents for their parents and grandparents at these things, so make sure you carry some stock for them.’

‘I will,’ I said softly, ‘that’s a lovely idea.’

I remembered the year I’d had two pounds to spend on a present for Mum. There’d been a special children’s stall at the Christmas Fair for exactly that purpose. I’d chosen a little bottle of perfume for her because she didn’t have any of her own. I’d wrapped it up for her and kept it under my pillow until Christmas morning. She’d cried when she opened it and said it was the best present she’d ever had. I’d forgotten what it was called but occasionally I caught a whiff of it when I was in a crowded place and it always took me right back to that happy Christmas Day.

‘And what about Merry and Bright orders ?’ Astrid asked, pulling me back to the present. ‘How are they ?’

‘I deal with those as they come in.’ I pulled a face, ‘Usually. I’m a bit behind at the moment but now I’ve got this huge space, it will make it easier to scale up.’

Astrid shook her head sternly and tutted. ‘Merry and Bright is your brand, your reputation rides on not just excellent candles but excellent customer service too. This should be your priority until you are big enough to employ a team to help you.’

‘I hear you, but right now this Christmas Project is my priority,’ I said, tapping the bottom of the pen against my cheek. ‘I’m determined for this to be the best one Wetherley has ever seen. All I have to do is promote it so that community groups sign up for a tree, order and pay for the trees, fill in all the right forms with the council, liaise with Tasha at school about the children’s choir and … what are you chuckling at ?’

‘All I have to do,’ Astrid mimicked me. ‘You have a lot on your plate, I’d say the first job is to delegate.’

I scratched my head. ‘I know you’re right, but I’ve never delegated before; I don’t really know how to go about it.’

‘Telling people what you need help with is a skill.’ Otto stood up just then and nudged Astrid’s leg with his nose. The two women laughed. Astrid scratched his head fondly. ‘As you can see it’s something he has mastered easily.’

She dropped a few crumbs of mince pie, Otto hoovered them up and flopped back down again. ‘The important thing is confidence. You go into the committee meeting tonight prepared with a list of tasks you need volunteers for. You start by reminding everyone why you are all there.’

‘To make sure Wetherley’s festivities are the best ever in memory of Benny Dunford.’ I definitely needed to get hold of a clipboard before then.

‘Good,’ she nodded. ‘And then you go through your list of jobs and ask for volunteers to fulfil each one, and don’t move on to the next one until you can put a name next to a job.’

‘What about if no one volunteers ?’

Astrid gave a half-laugh. ‘That will definitely happen. In my experience, during the many years I spent on the board of school governors, most people were there simply to be seen to be doing good. If this happens, say something like “Daniel, I notice you don’t have a job yet, would you like to be in charge of …” etcetera, etcetera.’

‘Brilliant,’ I said, beaming at her. ‘I should be able to manage that.’

I stood up to check the temperature of the cooling wax. One hundred and sixty degrees ; ready for the next stage. I picked up the metal jug and began slowly pouring the hot wax into the waiting glass jars.

‘What about the Christmas lights switch-on ?’ Astrid asked when I paused for a rest.

‘Fingers crossed, I might have that sorted,’ I said. ‘Almost. Cole’s sister is hopefully going to be our celebrity; the council will organise the main tree and the big button for her to press and all the shops are staying open until seven p.m.’

‘I’m looking forward to meeting Hester,’ said Astrid, ‘Fred has told me all about her.’

I looked at her in surprise. ‘I didn’t realise you knew him well ?’

‘Not well.’ She went pink. ‘He is a lovely man and lonely I think. Since he moved into Rosebridge, he has spent a lot of time on his own. I’m trying to encourage him out of his flat.’

This was the first time I had ever seen Astrid blush.

‘Does he like mince pies by any chance ?’

My phone rang before I could get anything else out of her.

‘Hold that thought,’ I said, reaching for the phone on the table, ‘I need to know all about you and Fred.’

‘Hey, I thought we had a lunch date ?’ said Nell when I answered her call.

‘Sorry !’ I said, noticing the time. ‘I’ve been so busy.’