Page 31 of Flowers Go Flying in Crumbleton

‘When did you last have something to eat?’

‘Eat?’ he echoed, looking confused, as though the concept of food was completely alien.

‘Yeah – you know… breakfast? Or lunch?’ said Milly.

‘I… actually, I have no idea,’ said Murray. ‘Maybe… teatime.’

‘Teatime?’ gasped Milly. ‘You mean you haven’t eaten anything since yesterday?’

‘Maybe?’ said Murray, rubbing his eyes.

‘Okay, well… that’s probably part of the problem,’ she said, heading for the doorway.

‘Are you going?’ said Murray, looking confused as he started to rise from his chair.

‘You wish,’ she chuckled. ‘I’m just going to grab my bag, and then I’m making you some food.’

‘But… you don’t have to…’

‘Sit!’ she said as he wobbled again.

Changing direction, Milly dashed over to him and placed her hands on his shoulders. Gently but firmly, she forced him back down into his chair. She knew it wasn’t her place to order him around in his own home, but it was either that or end up with an unconscious heap of Murray Eddington to deal with – and there was no way she was about to risk it!

‘Stay put a sec,’ she commanded, then darted from the room.

It took a couple of seconds to locate her shopping bag on the floor next to the sofa. It was mercifully mud-free, and the knot she’d tied in the handles had kept everything safe and sound during her rescue from the marshes.

‘Mind if I see what you’ve got in the fridge?’ she said, striding back through to the kitchen and breathing a sigh of relief to find Murray still slumped in his chair. He’d rested his elbows on the table, and his face was in his hands.

Milly dumped her bag onto the counter and then opened the fridge before Murray had the chance to formulate a reply. It was remarkably well-stocked. There were plenty of veggies, fresh mushrooms, a box of eggs, milk…

‘I don’t have any bread,’ said Murray. ‘I was going to make some later… but…’

‘No need – I dashed into the bakery on my way down the hill,’ said Milly, feeling triumphant that at least one of the decisions she’d made today had been the right one. ‘I wasn’t sure if you’d have the basics when you got back from the hospital, and I didn’t think you’d want the hassle of heading back into town again…’

Milly trailed off. Just the fact that she was there meant that he had no choice in the matter. If he wanted to get rid of her, he’d have to head out again. Milly’s boat was stuck in the mud, and she wouldn’t be able to get back to Crumbleton without Murray’s help. Looking at the state of him right now, though, he wouldn’t be going anywhere any time soon.

‘You brought me bread?’ he said, blinking at her and looking adorably befuddled and sleepy.

‘Yeah,’ she said. ‘And a small bottle of milk, a couple of slices of cake-’

‘Cake?’ he said, perking up.

Milly smiled. ‘Lemon drizzle, chocolate rice crispy and a cherry flapjack.’

‘My favourite!’ said Murray.

‘Which one?’ said Milly.

‘All of them,’ said Murray.

‘Well… that’s good,’ she laughed. ‘That can be pudding. And how do you feel about cheese toasties?’

‘Strongly pro,’ said Murray, his face serious.

‘Or I can make you an omelette?’ said Milly.

‘You had me at cheese toasties,’ said Murray. ‘I’ll help—’

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