Page 27 of Falling in Love at Pennycress Inn

‘Oh, that’s wonderful news.’ Vivienne walked around to hug Jackson. ‘Congratulations, you two.’

‘Thank you, Vivienne. Are you joining us? I can get you another plate.’ Standing up, Jackson turned, ready to go to the bar.

‘No, no, I’m fine. Thank you, dear. I have my book club over there.’ Vivienne pointed to the table she’d come from. ‘In fact, I’d better get back and finish discussing the importance of the setting in the novel.’

‘Okay, well, lovely to see you.’ Laura grinned.

‘You too, dear. And congratulations again.’ Vivienne squeezed her daughter’s shoulder before retreating back to her book club.

‘Right, I’d better get back to work, too.’ Jackson watched as a new group of customers filtered through the door before leaning across and kissing Laura. ‘Catch you later.’

‘See you.’ Laura turned to Nicola and Jill. ‘I’ve been dying to tell you our news all week, but I really wanted Jackson to be here when I did.’

‘It’s really lovely news.’ Jill smiled. ‘And an important step in a relationship. Just make sure you set down the rules for him putting his dirty washing in the basket right away or you’ll end up like me, following Gerald around picking up shirt, trousers, socks and all sorts as he makes his way to the shower.’

‘Haha, I think we all know that Jackson is the tidy one out of the two of us,’ Laura laughed. ‘The most organised too, so I’m hoping some of that will rub off on me.’

‘Yes, well. He might just surprise you when he’s got comfortable.’ Jill grinned and picked up another sandwich. ‘Although, I must admit, I am rather jealous of the fact you’ll have a live-in chef. I might have to bring Gerald to work for a few weeks so Jackson can teach him!’

Nicola took another bite of her sandwich and reminded herself of the positives of living alone in an attempt to push away the feelings of loneliness gnawing at her – no unexpected washing appearing on the floors, she could cook and eat what she wanted when she wanted and, not to forget, she had full control of the TV remote. Yes, it had been a difficult transition to make after Nathan had left, but he had never been the easiest person to live with, and she needed to remember that. She needed to make the effort not to look back at their time together with rose-tinted glasses. She was better off now.

14

Stacking the plates at the side of the table, Nicola stood up. ‘Are you sure you’re happy with me going back home for a bit?’

‘Yes, absolutely. I’m going to hang around here for an hour or so anyway. Besides, we’ve got everything ready for our new guests tonight and we haven’t got any group bookings for tea or anything. Go and take a bit of time for yourself.’

‘Okay, thanks.’ Nicola yawned. She knew exactly what she’d be doing after Trixie’s unwelcome wake-up call this morning: taking a nap. She turned to Jill. ‘Have a nice time at the choir’s show.’

‘Thanks.’ Jill checked her watch before standing up quickly. ‘Oops, I’d best be on my way before I miss the opening song.’

‘Bye.’ Laura waved before heading towards the bar.

Pulling open the heavy wooden door, Nicola stood back and let Jill through first before stepping out into the humid afternoon heat.

‘See you.’

‘Bye.’ Nicola watched as Jill hurried in the direction of the village hall before pulling her handbag up higher on her shoulder. She loved the summer. Memories of long summer days past at Pennycress Inn drifted to the forefront of her mind. The barbecues her mum would make for the guests as they enjoyed a lazy afternoon soaking up the sun’s rays in the garden and watching their children play on the rope swing hanging from the willow tree or chasing each other around the lawn. She grinned. They were good memories.

The shrill tune of her mobile sang through the street, and she pulled it from her handbag. Pausing, she frowned as she read Nathan’s name illuminating the screen. She didn’t really have anything to say to him. Not anything she hadn’t said before when she’d learned he’d defaulted on the car payments, anyway. She stared at it as it rang.

‘Aren’t you going to answer that?’

Jumping, Nicola spun around, almost dropping her phone as she came face to face with the last person she’d hoped to see – Farmer Grumpy. And, yes, she’d reverted to calling him that again after last night’s disastrous visit to the farm. ‘Charlie.’

‘Afternoon.’ He gave a small half-smile as he hitched the bundle of paperwork higher beneath his arm. ‘Can I walk with you?’

Nicola watched as Nathan’s name disappeared. He must have hung up. ‘Yes, I guess so.’

Charlie nodded as they began walking again. ‘The food is good in the pub.’

‘Yes, it is.’ Was that why he wanted to walk with her? To discuss the pub food? Yes, his farm was past her house, so they’d be walking in the same direction, but why hadn’t he just waited a few minutes? At least that way they wouldn’t be forced to make small talk about the lunch they’d just eaten. She was surprised he even wanted to walk with her, after the mood he was in last night. She slumped her shoulders as her mobile lit up again, Nathan’s name once more dancing across the screen.

‘Ouch. Still not going to answer?’ He nodded to the phone.

‘No.’ She hit the End Call button this time. Hopefully that would make it crystal clear to Nathan that she had nothing more to say to him. Without a second’s pause, she dropped it back into her handbag. Glancing across at Charlie, she caught him looking at her. She needed to say something about what had happened yesterday, to clear the air if she could. She certainly didn’t want to be walking in an awkward silence with him all the way home. ‘I really am sorry about what happened at the farm yesterday. It was inexcusable. I should have made sure no one walked off.’

He rubbed his palm across his face. ‘That was hardly your fault.’

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