Nell: David is oversharing again.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: He was telling Tony all about Sally and how much he misses her. He is lucky to have Tony as a friend.
Me: He really is.
Nell: David was fine when he was dancing. Did you see the way he threw Gladys in the air and caught her in his hat?
Me: Yes. So listen, I was talking to Poppy and Mutley and we think we might have come up with an interesting idea.
Nell: That’s always a worry.
Me: No, this is a good one. It keeps Dave busy and brings in revenue.
Nell: Revenue? Are you auditioning for The Apprentice?
Me: What do you think of tea and tap dancing?
Nell: I think there would be tea everywhere.
Me: No. People come to tea and they are also entertained by Dave and company tap dancing.
Nell: By David and company I presume you mean Gladys, Rita and The Cat.
Me: Yes. Poppy can provide sandwiches, cakes and scones.
Nell: It could work. But where?
Me: John the Doberman knows a friendly beagle with a cafe to rent on the high street and Mutley is willing to invest.
Nell: Mortimer Mountjoy? Yes, I know him from Bridge. Quite a skilled player.
Me: Mutley even came up with a name.
Nell: Go on.
Me: Tea on Tap.
Nell: Very apt. Who is going to run it?
Me: We thought Harriet would be perfect. She is sensible and very organised and she has winning ways.
Nell: She does and David and The Cat could wait on tables when they aren’t dancing. We might have to hire in staff at peak times but in my experience there are plenty of young animals looking for a holiday job.
Me: What do you think?
Nell: I think we should take Mortimer Mountjoy up on his offer.
Me: Actually we thought you would pay him a visit.
Nell: Me?
Me: Well, someone has to do the negotiating and you would be perfect.
Nell: Ask James to bring the car round and get Gladys out of my handbag. Don’t dawdle. I need to see a beagle about a cafe.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
