Page 94 of Best Summer Ever

‘Yes,’ he said irritably. ‘I was just taking a moment to absorb what you were saying.’

‘I’m sorry,’ I apologised, feeling hot. He’d never snapped at me before. ‘I’m just so excited, I—’

‘So do you really think there’s some merit in the idea and that it could become a successful project?’ he interrupted.

‘I certainly do, especially with me at the helm,’ I said, smiling. ‘I’m loving it, Algy. It’s exactly what my heart desires. I’m so happy—’

‘Okay,’ he cut in again, before I got completely carried away. ‘Let’s see what the weekend brings then, shall we?’

He wandered off and I was left feeling bewildered. It was a completely out of character and blunt dismissal, causing my heart to feel unsettlingly heavy.

‘Earth to Daisy,’ said Josh, in a robotic voice as he waved a hand in front of my face. ‘Do you read me?’

‘Oh god,’ I said, plunging my hands into my hair. ‘I’m sorry. I’ve been so keen to see you all day and now we’re finally together, I’ve turned into a total zombie.’

It was Friday evening and we were sitting in the pub with a drink, waiting to eat.

‘I take it you’ve had a busy week.’ He smiled. ‘Marguerite said the walled garden is stunning.’

I had been thrilled when Marguerite had turned up to buy some flowers to put into the pub vases and she told me about her trip out with Josh. She had ended the retelling with the words: ‘Boys have their uses and they’re all right if you like that kind of thing, but as you know, Daisy, I don’t.’

I had known that, of course, and it made my pang of jealousy about her and Josh spending time together feel all the more unreasonable.

‘Such a busy week,’ I said to Josh, stifling a yawn. ‘And Marguerite’s right – the garden is beautiful. I’m hoping you’ll see it for yourself soon.’ Josh nodded at that. ‘And I’m loving the work, but I’d forgotten how tiring gardening can be, even if sometimes the work only entails snipping blooms to make beautiful bunches and posies.’

The job sounded idyllic, and the Insta account I’d set up,which was gaining followers, made it look extremely attractive, but it was still challenging. I hadn’t factored in talking to the increasing number of visitors when I’d taken the role on and it was taking some getting used to.

‘Your boss must be thrilled about how well it’s going.’ Josh smiled. ‘From what you’ve said, you’ve already had quite a lot of customers coming through and made loads of sales.’

‘Um,’ I said, wondering how best to answer about Algy. ‘If he is thrilled, he’s keeping his excitement pretty well hidden.’

‘What do you mean?’

I didn’t want to talk out of turn, but I needed to confide in someone, and both Penny and Nick had been unsurprisingly unavailable of late. They were either working or together, which was absolutely fine. More than fine, given that I had been desperate for so long for them to get together. And of course, I didn’t want to further worry Mum and Dad, who I knew were already wondering what was up with Algy.

‘I’m not really sure,’ I said tentatively. ‘I can’t put my finger on what’s going on with him, but something is. And Mum and Dad have picked up on it too.’

‘You look worried.’ Josh frowned.

‘I am worried,’ I confessed. ‘I don’t know what’s behind Algy’s fluctuating moods, but I’ve never known him to have them before. For as long as I can remember, he’s always been the best fun. I know there’s some family sadness in his past, but—’

‘Hold that thought,’ said Josh, gathering up our empty glasses. ‘I’m going to get us another drink and then you can tell me all about it before we eat.’

‘I’m not sure if I should…’

‘Well, it sounds to me like you really need to get it off your chest, Daisy.’

I looked up at his kind face and thought, what harm could come from sharing? I might even find the unburdening cathartic…

‘All right,’ I caved. ‘Just a half for me though, because I need to drive back.’

‘Oh no, not tonight,’ Josh insisted. ‘Please stay with me, Daisy. It feels like ages since I woke up with you.’

How could I resist a request like that, especially as he’d already forgiven my unreasonable waspishness from the weekend before? I didn’t have to be back at Wynbrook much before ten when I opened the garden and waking up with Josh was always wonderful. Every bit as wonderful as waking up in the summerhouse. I longed for the day when I could put the two together.

‘All right,’ I willingly relented and Josh looked thrilled.

By the time we made it through the door of Crow’s Nest Cottage and up the stairs to the bedroom, I felt like I’d had the longest talking therapy session. I’d chattered on for what felt like hours about growing up at Wynbrook, the details I knew about Algy’s family rift, my hopes for the new floral enterprise and of course, my current concerns for the man I loved like a grandad and was striving to make happy.

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