Page 40 of A Cosy Christmas with the Village Vet

‘I like the sound of that,’ said Ollie, nodding.

‘Me too,’ said Molly. ‘But we’re going to need a mini bus and that won’t come cheap. And we’ll need a rota of folk to drive it, which means we’ll need to sort out proper insurance and the like.’

‘We could maybe look into getting a grant. I’m sure there’ll be something available,’ said Brogan.

‘Good idea,’ said Jimby. ‘Every penny counts, and we’ll need to crank up the fund raising, but I still think it’s doable.’ He glanced around the table, a twinkle appearing in his eye. ‘It got me thinking just how successful our calendar was, fellas.’ A grin spread across his face.

A series of groans followed. ‘Oh, you’ve got to be bloody kidding me,’ said Ollie, throwing his head back and closing his eyes, making them all laugh. ‘There is no way I’m getting my kit off for a calendar again, Jimby. No way!’

‘What’s this?’ asked, Nick, grinning. ‘Are you saying you posed naked for a calendar, Ollie?’

Ollie clapped his hands over his eyes and groaned again, while everyone hooted with laughter. ‘It’s not how it sounds, but for some reason we can’t seem to have a committee meeting without Jimby dredging up the bloody calendar,’ he said, making Kitty giggle.

Brogan was tickled by Nick’s bemused expression. ‘It was to raise funds for a defibrillator. Jimby organised a calendar with volunteers having their photo taken, posing naked with a strategically positioned item that referenced their line of work.’

‘There wasn’t much volunteering as I recall,’ said Ollie. ‘In fact, I don’t remember being given a choice.’ He flashed Jimby a look, making everyone laugh again. ‘We’re not all exhibitionists like you, you know, mate.’

‘Hey, I’m a finely tuned specimen of manhood. The least I can do is share what I have with the world.’ Jimby grinned again.

‘Purlease,’ said Molly, curling her top lip.

‘No one wants to know about your manhood, Jimby, thanks very much,’ said Vi, rolling her eyes and snorting a giggle.

Brogan caught Nick’s eye and they shared a laugh together.

‘It was hilarious on the day of the shoot,’ said Molly. ‘It’s destined to become the stuff of Lytell Stangdale legend.’

‘Great, that’s all I need; can’t say I’m overjoyed at being remembered for that!’ Ollie shook his head good-naturedly.

‘Yeah, I can just imagine the stories. “Oliver Cartwright, local carpenter, well-remembered for getting his chopper out for charity,’ said Molly, her words triggering a raucous bout of laughter.

‘Warghh! Molly, please! That’s my dad you’re talking about. I don’t want to hear any more stuff like that!’ Laughing, Anoushka put her hands over her ears.

‘Sorry, flower,’ said Molly, chuckling.

‘You’re outrageous, Moll.’ Ollie shook his head, laughing despite himself. ‘And I wasn’t holding a chopper, it was a wood-plane.’

‘That’s splitting hairs, Oll,’ she said.

‘It’s not the only thing it’d split by the sound of things,’ said Nick, which raised yet more giggles.

Brogan glanced across at him. He looked relaxed, as if he’d always been part of the group. She noted the tension that had dulled his eyes earlier that day had gone. Just then, as if sensing her watching him, he turned, catching her eye. His smile widened, making her pulse rate zoom. She couldn’t help smiling back. From the corner of her eye she spotted Kristy give Anoushka a nudge with her elbow. She knew they’d be quizzing her when they were next on their own together, but for some reason, she didn’t mind.

‘Anyroad, I’m deadly serious about doing another calendar next year,’ said Jimby, bringing proceedings back in order. ‘We’re too late to get one organised for the coming year, and we need to maximise sales, so I suggest we get one ready for sale by early next September. Gives you fellas time to get yourselves into shape.’

‘Something to look forward to, Oll,’ said Camm, flashing him a grin.

‘Can’t wait.’ Ollie rolled his eyes.

‘You could make other merchandise, you know, like coasters of your favourite man of the month, notebooks with their photo on the front, or book marks even,’ said Molly, giving a dirty cackle.

Ollie gave Molly a pointed look and shook his head. Nick roared with laughter.

‘I reckon your cousin’s doing a grand job of winding your husband up,’ he said to Kitty.

‘I reckon you’re right,’ she said, chuckling.

‘So, forgetting about the calendar for now,’ said Jimby.

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