Page 10 of Sunny Sundays at Primrose Hall

‘Sorry, I’ve been boring you. Don’t let me keep you if you need to get away.’ He turned his arm over to look at his watch. ‘I should probably make tracks soon anyway.’

‘Oh…’ Sophie copied his gesture, glancing at her own watch, and Tom had to wonder if that was a flicker of disappointment he saw spread over her features. ‘I was hoping to make a night of it, but perhaps next time people will stay for longer. I’m new to the village so it’s nice to get out. This is a lovely pub to haveon my doorstep.’ She looked around her, taking in the old oak beams, the bar with its wide range of optics and ornate beer pumps, the flowers in the hearth of the fireplace, as she listened to the sounds of chatter and laughter ringing out around her. ‘You haven’t been boring at all,’ she said, genuinely.

‘Good, I’m pleased to hear that,’ said Tom, his laughter filled with relief. ‘In that case, are you hungry? I might grab some food. I didn’t have a chance to eat before I came out tonight.’

‘I’ve already eaten,’ said Sophie, ‘but I can always be tempted by a pudding. I’ve got such a sweet tooth.’

They spent some minutes poring over the menus and Tom was pleased that any earlier awkwardness seemed to be only imagined on his part, although he was glad that he’d managed to steer the conversation away from his personal life. He hadn’t really opened up to anyone about what had happened, only to his new family, Rex, Ronnie, Jackson and Pia, but he’d found talking to Sophie easy and cathartic, like speaking to an old friend.

With their food order placed – Tom plumped for fish and chips, while Sophie opted for a slice of honeycomb cheesecake – they picked up their conversation where they’d left off, chatting about the stables, the local area and what they both liked to do in their free time.

‘You know what we haven’t done yet?’ Tom picked up his glass, looking at Sophie expectantly.

‘What?’

‘We haven’t made a toast to Pia and Jackson’s good news.’

‘You’re right. And we said we would.’ Sophie lifted her glass, clinking it against Tom’s. ‘To Jackson and Pia, wishing them a very long and happy marriage together.’

‘I’ll drink to that,’ said Tom, with that same wide smile as his brother. ‘I think they make a great couple, don’t you? They seem to complement each other very well. Jackson is impulsive, go-getting and single-minded. I suppose you’d have to be to achieve what he’s done in his career and up at the hall. And Pia, well, she’s an absolute sweetheart. She’s caring, kind and has a quiet competence. She definitely smooths out Jackson’s rough edges too.’

‘Yes, well, I’ve only met Jackson once, on Christmas Day, and he was very friendly and welcoming to me. As for Pia, she took me under her wing on that day I turned up at the stables. To be honest with you, I wasn’t in the best state of mind. It was my first time and I was so worried that no one would like my jewellery. I had real imposter syndrome, and I was on the verge of walking out before I’d even set up my stall, but Pia talked me round. She was so kind to me. She made me a cup of tea, gave me a hug and a rallying talk. She even bought some of my pieces, and she assured me she didn’t do it because she felt sorry for me.’

Sophie’s laughter tinkled out around them.

‘From what I’ve seen of your products, they look great, and are affordable too. I don’t think you should have any worries on that front. I must say I’m blown away by the talent of all you guys at the stables.’

‘Me too. I feel so lucky to be a part of such a creative group. It’s a brilliant community. And of course it’s such a beautiful and amazing venue too. I must admit in those quiet lulls at the stables, I spend my time just gazing out of the window, drinking in the scenery.’

‘Yep. You can see why Pia wants to have the wedding there. I’m sure Jackson would be happy to go off somewhere, just the two of them, and tie the knot, but I think Pia’s put her foot down over this one. She wants to have all her family and friends around her when she takes her vows and I can’t say I blame her.’

‘Me neither,’ said Sophie wistfully, her thoughts lost for a moment, as she imagined the bride and groom in all their fineryagainst the backdrop of the magnificent Primrose Hall. ‘I’m really happy for them.’

‘Have you been married?’ Tom asked. The question popped into his head and trotted off his tongue before he had chance to consider whether it was appropriate or not.

‘No.’ She shook her head. ‘I was with Kyle for about eight years and with us living and working together, in some ways it felt like a marriage, but now I’m very happy being single. I feel as though I’ve got my life back. That I’ve rediscovered the person I was supposed to be. Does that make sense?’

‘It does. I feel exactly the same way. I’m enjoying being on my own, not having to consider anyone else. Like tonight. I can come out and not have to worry about getting home to someone. It’s the freedom I’m appreciating the most.’

Tom couldn’t help noticing the similarities between himself and Sophie. Perhaps that’s why they’d bonded so easily. Being at similar points in their lives, having recently come out of long-term relationships, they’d found a connection and understanding that went beyond their working connection. He liked Sophie, he found her easy company and their conversation flowed naturally. It was as though he could talk to her about anything. Although, after offloading all his problems onto her earlier in the evening, he probably needed to remember that he shouldn’t overload her with all his inner thoughts and feelings. She was a nice girl, but he didn’t want to take advantage of her sweet nature.

The pub was beginning to empty out, with customers saying their goodbyes and leaving for the evening, while the bar staff were collecting the finished glasses from the tables. Sophie shuffled in her seat and stretched her arms out in front of her.

‘I suppose I ought to make a move, but thank you for tonight. I’ve had a great time. It’s been nice to get out and forget about everything else.’

‘Well, thank you for coming and staying the course.’ Tom gave a low chuckle. ‘Next time there’ll be a few more of us so you won’t get stuck with me all night, I promise.’

Sophie laughed, and their gazes locked for the briefest moment.

‘Honestly, it’s been great, and no hardship whatsoever. I’ve enjoyed myself.’

They stood up and wandered out the front door into the cool night air.

‘Do you want a lift home?’

‘Thanks, Tom, but you can literally see my cottage from here, so I’ll be fine.’

‘Great.’ There was a moment of awkwardness where Tom wondered if he should hug Sophie. It certainly seemed the most natural thing to do, but he didn’t want to overstep the mark or make Sophie feel uncomfortable, so he decided against it. ‘See you next Sunday.’

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