Page 28 of The Big Dip in Crumbleton
‘Is it really that unusual for him to be cheerful?’ said Scarlett, grabbing a toastie. The melted cheese oozed out as she took a bite, and she made an appreciative noise.
‘It is lately,’ said Libby, her expression turning more serious. ‘Anyway… he’s probably gone off to see if he can scrounge a tux from one of his mates. I think he burned the last one!’
Scarlett swallowed her mouthful, her eyes wide. She wasn’t sure which part of that statement to react to first.
A tux?
‘He… burned it?’
‘Long story,’ said Libby with a little eye roll. ‘Anyway, what are you going to wear?’
‘I’ve got jeans… and a tee shirt?’ said Scarlett, vaguely pointing at her skinny black jeans with the ripped knees where they lay on the bed. ‘But if Pete’s going to be wearing a tux?—’
‘All the guys will,’ said Libby with a little shrug. ‘Let’s just say this isn’t a jeans kind of dance.’
‘I’d better call your brother,’ said Scarlett, heading for her mobile.
‘Why?’ said Libby, narrowing her eyes.
‘To let him know I can’t go,’ said Scarlett, her heart sinking.
‘Oh no you don’t,’ said Libby, blocking her path. ‘I like seeing him smile.’
‘But… I haven’t got anything to wear!’
‘Never fear!’ she said with a broad grin. ‘I’ll be finished in the café in about an hour. Meet me there, and I’ll take you to our place.’
‘But… why?’ said Scarlett, completely confused.
‘Just call me Fairy Godmother!’
* * *
‘So, the hot water can be a bit temperamental?’
David Trant’s expectant face peered at Scarlett across the kitchen table, pen hovering over his notepad. He’d waylaid her the minute Libby led her inside the gorgeous cottage overlooking the dunes, and was busily pumping her for feedback on the shepherd’s hut.
‘It’s fine now,’ Scarlett reassured him. ‘Pete sorted it out for me last night. Really, Mr Trant, the hut is practically perfect in every way. I couldn’t have asked for somewhere nicer to stay.’
David’s eyes narrowed slightly. ‘You can be honest, you know. Constructive feedback is how we improve.’
‘You’d better give him something else. Otherwise, he’ll hold you hostage all afternoon,’ chuckled Libby.
‘The… um… the shelf above the sink is maybe a tiny bit high?’ Scarlett quickly invented. ‘For someone my height, I mean.’
David’s face lit up, and he scribbled a note on his pad. ‘Adjustable shelving? Perfect! What a great idea.’
‘You really don’t need to change a thing,’ said Scarlett.
‘No, no, it’s a valid point,’ David insisted, still writing. ‘Accessibility is key in the hospitality business.’
From the doorway, Libby cleared her throat pointedly. ‘Dad, if you’re quite finished interrogating our guest?! We’ve got more important things to deal with. Fashion emergency. Wardrobe crisis. Dance preparations.’
‘Yes, yes, of course,’ said David, smiling at Scarlett. ‘Pete told me you’re going to the dance with him. Maybe tomorrow, you can tell me what you think of our set-up compared to the Dolphin and Anchor. Some visitors prefer to stay in town, but I’ve always said you can’t beat our location for?—’
‘Dad!’ Libby’s exasperation was palpable.
‘Alright, alright.’ David held up his hands in surrender, though he still managed to slide the notepad closer to Scarlett with a meaningful look. ‘If you think of anything else, jot it down.’
