She knew she shouldn’t be completely honest on this occasion. “Really well. We’ve got everything we need, and I’m so grateful for the job—it’s saved us all.” Though that was all true, she left out the hostility she felt from some locals. Could a place where you weren’t welcome ever feel like home?
“You’re a very conscientious worker, I’m very pleased to have you with us.” Tuula thought she detected a warm undertone, as if he was hinting at something more, but no doubt it was her imagination. The idea that he might mean something else was out of the question.
“Thanks.” She smiled.
“And those people who treated you so badly—don’t worry about them.”
“I’ll try not to.”
“I will never allow anyone to treat you or your children that way.” His tone was serious, and those lovely eyes were fixed on her; she believed him. She mustn’t let her imagination run away with her, but she couldn’t help dreaming.
9
When the line of customers had dwindled, Henrik watched as Nora began to arrange the small rolls in the wicker baskets on the bench behind her, occasionally stopping to assist a customer. She had seemed tense at first, as all the participants did when filming first started, but then she appeared to forget about the cameras and the crew circling around her.
The door opened and Don slipped in, carrying a large cardboard cup from Espresso House. Henrik hadn’t realized he was going to be here today. His presence suggested that TV24 was taking the production very seriously. Unless there was another reason, of course.
Henrik had wanted to ignore his father’s comment about the viewer ratings. He had enough to think about now that his plans for the bakery were probably doomed, but could those numbers be the reason Don was here on the very first day of filming? Looking back on it, the production team had seemed more stressed during the planning meetings than they had in the past—but why hadn’t anyone said anything to him?
Don went behind the cameras, held up a hand to greet Henrik, and joined Ted in the corner. They spoke quietly, presumably discussing the filming.Something needs to happen.That was how Don had put it when they were talking about the Christmas special.More reality.
Nora continued to work beneath Henrik’s watchful gaze.
“I think we’ll do the scene where Henrik comes in and introduces himself,” Elnaz said after a little while.
Henrik nodded. “No problem.”
“Introduces himself?” Nora was confused.
“Yes, it’s for the viewers really. Henrik comes in and introduces himself, as if you’ve never met before,” Elnaz clarified.
“But we have met. Are we supposed to pretend?”
Henrik allowed himself an eye roll. “I really don’t have time for this.”
“Time? I have to understand what we’re supposed to be filming.”
“We’re already behind,” Henrik snapped.
“I wasn’t the one who arrived late.” Nora turned her attention back to the rolls.
“The viewers have to feel as if they’re with you on the whole journey,” Elnaz said, putting an end to their bickering.
“Okay—what do you want me to do?”
“A simple way of greeting someone is to hold out your hand, then shake my hand,” Henrik said. Jesus, how stupid was she? “And you say your name. And maybenice to meet you.”
Nora narrowed her eyes.
Henrik put on his coat and went outside, leaving Nora by the counter.
How was he going to get through today? He had been awake all night, thinking about the disastrous meeting with his father. Eventually he had gotten up and made dough using the sourdough starter he kept at home. Because he was leaving early in the morning, he had left the proofed loaves for his neighbors, a very nice family whose children loved Henrik’s bread. They would be able to bake them for breakfast.
Baking and kneading was the most effective way he knew of relieving frustration, but the benefit had been temporary. His anxiety had come surging back once he was on the train.
He had decided he wasn’t simply going to give up on the bakery idea. He had emailed the external chair of the board, stating that hehad an agenda item for the next meeting: the opening of a bakery to be known as Eklunds. If the other shareholders took his side, then his father couldn’t stop it from happening. He was also concerned about the viewer ratings, however much he tried to push the thought aside. He would have to speak to Elnaz as soon as he had a chance.
A chilly sea breeze made him shiver. Winter down south really was colder.
