Page 26 of A Fresh Start on Crumcarey
‘That explains it,’ said Mr Harris, looking impressed.
‘Not really,’ said Maggie, shifting her weight uncomfortably.
‘Why not?’ said Luke, shooting her a curious glance.
‘Because I was the office cleaner,’ she said with a small smile.
‘Well,’ said Mr Harris, ‘I’d say they missed a trick, there!’
Maggie felt her treacherous cheeks turn pink under the implied praise. She wasn’t used to it… but she had to admit, it was nice to have someone look through her drawings without turning their noses up at them!
‘I know they’re not exactly practical,’ she said.
‘Oh… I don’t know…’ said Luke slowly. ‘Looks like you plan on making the most of what’s already available on the island, rather than having to get tons of expensive materials delivered from down south?’
Maggie nodded.
‘Good thinking,’ murmured Mr Harris, handing another sketch to Luke.
Maggie shifted her weight again, suddenly uncomfortable with the praise. She was ready to get going. She needed to get away from everything to do with the cottage for a while and lose herself in some hard work!
McGregor clearly agreed with her as he gave an impatientwooffrom inside the truck. The poor lad was clearly not used to being held captive while the others had all the fun.
‘I like them,’ said Luke, completely ignoring McGregor’s less-than-subtle hints. ‘It’s like… now I can seewhyyou want to live here.’
‘I… erm… thank you,’ said Maggie. ‘First things first, I guess – I need to get those tarpaulins back on the roof.’ She felt her shoulders sag at the thought of the amount of work that lay ahead of her just to make the cottage inhabitable again.
‘Not slates?’ said Mr Harris.
‘You know, right now I don’t really care what goes up there!’ she shrugged, giving him a small smile. ‘If I can figure out how to get a roof up there that keeps the weather out before the winter arrives, I’ll be thrilled.’ She paused and let out a huge sigh. ‘I’ll figure it out. Somehow.’
‘Of course you will,’ said Luke stoutly.
‘Look, I’m really sorry to be a pain,’ she said, ‘but I think I’d better head over to The Tallyaff before Olive sends out a search party!’
Luke glanced at his watch and swore.
‘Shit, you’re right – sorry Maggie,’ he said, carefully laying her drawings back inside the box. ‘Connor’s going to be wondering where on earth I am, too!’
‘Drop us both off on your way, lad,’ said Mr Harris. ‘I could do with a coffee and some breakfast after all the excitement. You can take the truck - I’m sure I can grab a lift back from someone.’
‘Thanks for the ride… and the rescue… and everything!’ said Maggie, scrambling down from the truck and shifting out of the way as McGregor made his own break for freedom.
It had been a weird drive. Mr Harris had spent the entire journey complaining about the non-existent traffic, and Luke had just nodded along, sending her sidelong glances that kept making her want to giggle despite the fact that she’d just left her home in tatters behind her.
‘No worries, Mags,’ said Luke with a grin. ‘Catch up very soon, okay?’
‘I’d like that,’ she said quietly.
‘Oh… would you mind if I keep your drawings for a bit and have another look through them?’ he said, already putting the truck in gear.
‘Yeah, of course!’ said Maggie in surprise.
‘See ya!’
Maggie stared at the truck as it pulled away from her, feeling strangely bereft.
‘Idiot,’ she muttered.
