Page 45 of Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses

‘Well, I’m sorry to say it is. And according to Alan Moss, they’re completely turning their back on Lytell Stangdale and what he said Rosie had referred to as her “unhappy memories”. They both want a completely fresh start.’

‘What a shame,’ Kitty said sadly.

‘It is,’ said Molly, her expression grave.

‘So it’s been more than Robbie’s mum being poorly that’s kept them away,’ said Vi. ‘Just goes to show, you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.’

‘True. Maybe that’s the reason for the radio silence from them. Lils hasn’t heard from Abbie for ages – poor lass, I wonder how she’s doing. They’ve been having quite a time of it.’

‘Aye, Kitts, they have that,’ said Ollie.

‘I think I’ll message Rosie later, just to let her know we’re thinking of her.’ Kitty glanced up at her husband who nodded his agreement.

‘You’ll have a job. According to Alan Moss, she’s got rid of all her social media, and she’s apparently changed her phone number too.’ Jimby gave his sister a regretful look.

‘Well, they’ll be a real loss to the village, and to us as friends. I wish them all the best, whatever their future holds,’ said Camm. They all made sounds of agreement.

* * *

With the mealover and done with and sunblock slathered over bare skin, the adults sat back in their seats while Lottie, Emmie and Pippin scurried off to splash about in the small paddling pool Lucas and Ollie had filled earlier. Lily was happy to keep a watchful eye on them, videoing their antics on her mobile phone. Their squeals of delight made everyone laugh while little Pippin’s deliciously chubby legs earned lots of “ahhs” as she kicked them about in the water.

A phone pinged on the table next to Kitty. ‘Ooh, is this yours, Moll?’ she asked, picking the phone up.

Molly was busy unravelling a knot in her necklace. ‘Aye, it is. I wondered where I’d put it. It’s probably a text from our Ben giving us an update on the goat situation over in Arkleby. Would you mind reading it out for me, Kitts?’

‘No probs.’ Kitty tapped in the password Molly gave her and looked at the screen, frowning.

‘Ey up, something wrong?’ asked Camm.

‘It’s from Granny Aggie.’

‘Uh-oh,’ said Ollie.

‘Bloody hell, this’ll be good.’ Molly rolled her eyes theatrically. ‘What does she say?’

‘Fart,’ said Kitty.

Gabe caught Anoushka’s eye, his expression making her laugh.

‘You what?’ Molly asked, perplexed.

‘I’ve heard worse from Granny Aggie,’ Jimby said, chuckling.

‘Tell me again, Kitts,’ said Molly.

‘Fart.’ Kitty repeated the message.

‘Fart?’ Molly said. ‘Is that an order? I can’t just rustle them up on demand, you know.’

‘Oh, I think we know you can,’ said Vi, arching a sculpted eyebrow.

‘Cheeky.’ Molly poked her tongue out at her friend.

‘No,I’mnot telling you to do that,’ Kitty said between her giggles. ‘It’s what Granny Aggie’s message says.’

‘And that’s it? She doesn’t say anything else?’ asked Molly.

‘Nope, that’s it. Look.’ She took the phone over to her cousin.

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