Page 38 of Daydreams at the Farm on Muddypuddle Lane
After the introductions were made (Adam biting his tongue when he was referred to as the ‘heir apparent’ to his dad’s firm)he took out his phone once more, only to feel a sharp kick on his ankle.
His mum, who was sitting opposite, glared at him. Adam put it away again.
‘So,’ one of Karl’s directors said to him, ‘You’ll be taking over your father’s company one day? He tells me you’re exploring other avenues and gaining business experience beforehand. It’s good to have firsthand experience of how businesses operate, don’t you think?’
And so it begins, Adam thought, as he tried to formulate a reply that wasn’t a deliberate lie, but wouldn’t contradict the image of him that his parents wanted to portray. It was going to be a very long evening.
The money would come in handy and Maisie had nothing better to do, so she hastily changed into tailored black trousers and a crisp white blouse, her uniform for The Wild Side.
At least Otto had calledherfirst to ask whether she could cover for the member of staff who had phoned in sick, rather than contacting one of the others. He must think she was good at her job, which boosted her confidence that he hadn’t given her the job out of pity or a sense of obligation because she was Dulcie’s sister.
The other upside, besides the money, was being able to escape from her mum for a few hours, because as soon as Maisie had walked into the farmhouse after Adam had dropped her off, Mum had started moaning, and all because everyone hadbeen too busy to entertain her. Maisie had been out all day, Otto had been finalising his accounts and had set up camp in the smallest of the four bedrooms, Dulcie had been making more soap, and Nikki and Sammy had spent the day with Gio, as they had promised to visit his parents. Therefore, Beth had been on her own for the most part, and hadn’t been happy.
The situation was made worse when Walter, her arch-enemy, had turned up with Amos to make some additions to the goats’ play area in the meadow. This time, they were installing a seesaw.
The speed with which Dulcie had offered to drive Maisie into the village for her shift at the restaurant, had led Maisie to believe that Dulcie couldn’t wait to get out of the house either.
‘What does she expect?’ Dulcie moaned as her little car bounced down the pitted lane. ‘That I would be able to drop everything to keep her amused? Here to help, indeed! She’s here because she’s bored. Can’t you persuade her to do some voluntary work?’
‘Since when did she ever listen to me? I’m the daughter who can’t hold down a job, remember? She still thinks of me as a kid.’
Dulcie made a noise and Maisie sent her a sharp look.
‘I know,’ Maisie acknowledged. ‘I deserve it. But I’m doing my best to behave like an adult.’
‘I must say I’m impressed with how hard you work and what you’re willing to do.Cleaning out the chicken coop isn’t pleasant, yet you’ve done it.’
‘Three times,’ Maisie said proudly.
‘So why can’t you keep a job?’
‘Because they all involve people.’ Maisie’s reply came from the heart. She hadn’t had to think about it.
Dulcie manoeuvred the car out of Muddypuddle Lane and onto the main road. ‘Yet you’re doing okay in the restaurant.’
That’s because I have to,Maisie thought; being able to stay on the farm depended on it.
Two minutes later the car came to a halt near the restaurant and Maisie got out. ‘Thanks for the lift. Enjoy your evening.’
‘Wanna swap?’
‘No chance!’
‘Maybe I’ll go for a drive – a long one,’ Dulcie grumbled. ‘See you later.’
Maisie gave her a wave, then darted up the side street leading to the rear of the restaurant and the staff entrance.
Otto smiled with relief when he saw her. ‘It’s busy out there. We’ve got a party of twelve, and every table except for one is booked. Can you do tables one to eight?’
‘Sure can,’ she said, tying an apron around her waist and stowing her bag in the small back room that also served as an office. She grabbed a pad and pen as Otto told her what was on the specials, finishing with, ‘Check with Fleur as towhere we are with orders. I don’t think table four has ordered yet.’
Table four hadn’t, Fleur confirmed when Maisie went into the restaurant area to ask, and she quickly scanned the tables she had been allocated, checking on their drinks status and making sure no one needed her immediate attention.
Satisfied, she was just about to return to the kitchen to see whether any of the starters were ready, when a burst of laughter drew her attention to the large party of diners.
Pleased they were having a good time, her gaze slid away, then snapped back with a jolt.
She could have sworn that was— Yes!It was!Adamwas a member of the party.
