A touch OF GLASS

The stranger was handsome and charming, but could Sophie trust him?

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I know if I can secure your investment, I will be able to take my glass-blowing workshop and gallery so much further.' Sophie felt as if she was pitching her business to the panel on Dragons' Den.

That wasn't far off the mark either. Sir Peter Filton was a multimillionaire who had invested in several local businesses in the coastal resort where Sophie had grown up.

Her workshop and gallery weren't exactly in a prime spot by the harbour, but up a winding lane in an old stone cottage, which had spent its life variously as a fisherman's dwelling, a forge and a cake shop. Sometimes Sophie imagined she could still smell traces of all three.

She looked at Sir Peter's face on her phone. 'I want to open a second shop - nearer the seafront to catch more of the tourist trade,' she explained enthusiastically.

'Producing all the pieces yourself, though, can you afford to spread your remaining time between two premises?' Sir Peter asked.

It was a fair question, which Sophie had been prepared for. 'I'm aiming to still spend most of my time producing glassware, but I also intend to be on hand in each gallery for one day a week.'

Sophie decided to be candid. 'I actually relish interacting with the customers anyway, so I don't plan to deprive myself of that pleasure.'

'It sounds as if you've thought things through very carefully,' Sir Peter commented.

'So can I send you my business plan?'

'Yes, I'd be interested to see how I might be able to help you in your ambitions, Sophie. After I've read the plan, if I could arrange a visit to your workshop and gallery, that would be ideal.'

'Brilliant! And thank you!' exclaimed Sophie, finishing the call buzzing with excitement.