Free The Second Chance Shoe Shop by Marcie Steele Page B

try it with the dishy Ethan.’
    ‘I might just do that.’
    ‘Ooh, what time is he picking you up?’ It was Ash’s turn to tease. Riley had texted her earlier to tell her the news.
    Riley looked at her watch. ‘Just under an hour! Better get a wriggle on.’
    ‘Text me later?’ said Ash, as she rushed off.
    ‘Yes, we can compare notes,’ Riley said sarcastically.
    When she came back out of the building an hour later, Ethan was waiting for her at the door. She smiled, her senses on full alert as he dipped his head to kiss her cheek.
    ‘That’s my car.’ He pointed to a black Land Rover Discovery. Inside, Riley found it to be immaculate. She breathed in the smell of leather mixed with polish and air freshener.
    ‘It’s my one vice,’ Ethan said, catching her glancing around in admiration. ‘It’s the most expensive thing I own but as I do a lot of miles around the town, it’s good to travel in style.’
    ‘As long as you don’t tell me to listen to the engine purring, we’ll be fine,’ Riley mocked.
    Ethan looked disappointed, then grinned. ‘I thought we might go to The Caramel Leaf?’
    Riley smiled. ‘Perfect.’
    The car park at The Caramel Leaf wasn’t too busy as Ethan glided into a space. Riley pulled in the collar of her jacket as she rounded a corner and a gust of wind nearly took them off their feet.
    ‘Roll on warmer days,’ said Ethan, laughing as he took hold of her hand.
    They went inside the restaurant, ordered drinks and sat down at a table in the window.
    ‘I love it in here,’ she said. ‘Their seats are so comfortable. The thing about being on your feet all day is how much you welcome getting off them at the end of it,’ Riley sighed as she settled more.
    ‘Remind me how long you’ve worked at Chandler’s?’ Ethan asked as they studied their menus.
    ‘Eight years. It’s the first job I’ve had as a manager.’
    ‘Are you worried about trade?’
    ‘What makes you say that?’ Riley wondered if anyone had overheard her talking.
    ‘You seem disappointed about the sale. I’m sorry that the article didn’t bring in more customers for you.’
    ‘I’m sure it did! Really, thank you so much for covering it.’
    ‘There seem to be more and more businesses closing down every week, especially on the high streets of small towns like this one. Aren’t you worried that yours might not survive?’
    ‘I’m absolutely terrified,’ Riley admitted. ‘If Chandler’s closed, I don’t know what else I’d do.’ She decided to change the subject. ‘How about you? Have you always been a photographer?’
    ‘Yes, since I left school.’ Ethan’s face broke into a smile. ‘If I ever feel the need to move from Hedworth, I know the experience I’m getting by working on the paper will be useful. I’m building up a portfolio.’
    ‘At least there’s no backstabbing and bitching at Chandler’s, not like there was when I was at school.’
    Ethan tipped his head to one side. ‘You don’t get that?’
    ‘Not at all.’
    ‘Well, you must be one hell of a boss. I’ve never worked in a place that hasn’t had some kind of office politics going on. Don’t any of the staff hate your guts and talk about you continually behind your back yet smile sweetly to your face?’
    ‘I hope not!’ Riley laughed. ‘Actually, I’m sure they don’t. I’ve been very fortunate to have Dan and Sadie on board. Do you live locally, Ethan? Or do you commute to Hedworth?’
    ‘I live in Somerley.’
    ‘Ah, the land of the Coffee Stop.’ Riley knew Somerley well. ‘That place is a gold mine. I love to visit whenever I have a day off or a free afternoon. They do some fabulous cakes there, too.’
    ‘Yes, it’s done remarkably well since reopening.’
    ‘You’re very lucky to have it on your doorstep. I’d never be out of there.’
    ‘I hardly ever visit because it’s so near. That’s the thing, isn’t it?’
    ‘Well, the next time you fancy a muffin, I’ll come with you.’
    Riley