Page 58 of Falling in Love at Pennycress Inn

‘Thank you,’ Nicola mumbled as they made their way towards the bar. She instantly relaxed as she spotted Laura and Jackson sitting at the end of the bar and, taking Charlie’s hand, they walked across to meet them.

‘Hey, you two. Congrats on being the local heroes.’ Jackson stood up and drew Charlie in for a hug, whilst Laura did the same to Nicola.

‘Haha, if that’s the reception someone gets when they help fix the chaos the runaway sheep has created, then I’d love to see what will happen when someone eventually catches up with her.’ Charlie pulled out a barstool for Nicola before sitting down himself.

‘Claudette did that?’ Jackson widened his eyes.

‘She seems to have taken a liking to the farm and broke into the barn Jill was storing the carnival stuff in.’ Charlie wiped his palm across his face. ‘I’m sounding like a real villager now, aren’t I? Attributing break-in skills to that damn sheep.’

‘Haha, to be fair, she does seem particularly clever, but, yes, you are, mate.’

‘Cheers.’ Charlie turned to the bartender as she slid a pint towards him.

‘Thank you.’ Taking the glass of wine she was handed, Nicola took a sip, unsure where this conversation was going but interested in hearing Charlie’s response.

‘So, have you thought any more about staying then? Taking on your uncle’s farm full-time? You must know it inside out by now, anyway.’ Jackson clinked glasses with Charlie and Nicola.

‘Er, no.’ Charlie shifted on the stool as he took a sip from his drink. ‘Village life is sweet and all, but not for me, I’m afraid.’

Nicola gripped her glass between her fingers as all the joy she’d felt from the events of the day quickly dissipated, leaving her feeling empty. She should have known what his answer to Jackson’s question would have been but after he’d admitted he was warming to village life she’d stupidly got her hopes up that there might just be a miniscule chance he’d change his mind and stay on in Meadowfield. How could she have been so naïve?

‘Oh, that’s a shame. Especially as the farmer’s uniform suits you so well.’ Jackson used his glass to indicate the checked flannel shirt Charlie was sporting.

‘Ha, yes, maybe I’ll take some back to the city with me, start a new fashion trend there.’ Charlie glanced down at his shirt.

‘Well, in all seriousness, I, for one, will be sad to see you go.’

‘Thanks, I’ll…’

As Jackson and Charlie’s conversation continued, Laura nudged Nicola and mouthed, ‘You okay?’

Nicola nodded, keeping one ear open to the conversation Jackson was having with Charlie. There had been no big change of heart for him then, despite the fact he’d worked so hard to help the forest school carnival creation finish the possession in one piece – or mostly one piece anyway. ‘Yep, all good.’

Laura nodded slowly, seemingly being able to read her mind.

Nicola glanced across at Charlie, who was busy describing to Jackson the state they’d found the float in when they’d discovered Claudette had been up to her old tricks again. Looking back at Laura, she tried to think of something to say – anything which didn’t involve Charlie moving back to London. They’d had such a great day at the carnival. She wasn’t ready to think about how she was going to feel when he left. ‘So, what with the Landownes’ wedding all over and now the carnival too, I wonder what will be next?’

‘I think we can just enjoy a few weeks of relative normality at the inn.’ Laura smiled.

‘I’ll drink to that.’ Holding her drink up, Nicola clinked glasses with her.

‘I can’t believe how quickly this year has flown by so far. I suppose we have only been open a few months really, but it definitely feels longer!’

‘It does. Oh, I guess we need to start thinking about what we’ll do at Christmas soon.’

‘Haha, yes, I noticed just the other day that a couple of hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon have already opened their books for Christmas dinner and Christmas work parties.’ Laura shook her head. ‘Let’s enjoy the rest of the summer first, though. Get through the craziness of the school holidays and then begin to make clear decisions when bookings have calmed down a little.’

‘I like the sound of that.’ Nicola grinned before tuning into Charlie and Jackson’s conversation again, the words ‘estate agent’ sounding alarm bells in her head.

‘Yep, hoping for a first viewing of the farm by the end of the week, all being well. Miss Taunton has promised me she’s already been in contact with a prospective buyer who’s been looking for a similar property and farm in the area for a while now.’ Charlie caught Nicola’s eye and reached out, placing his hand on the leg of her jeans.

‘That does sound promising, then.’ Jackson nodded.

‘It sure does.’

She had to get out of here. She had to get away from the conversation. She could feel the future she was beginning to picture with Charlie disappearing in front of her. Pulling her mobile from the back pocket of her jeans, Nicola placed her wine glass on the bar and holding her phone up, she nodded towards the door and mouthed, ‘Won’t be a minute.’

Charlie frowned ever so slightly as he pushed her glass further onto the bar. ‘Everything okay?’

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