Page 45 of Daydreams at the Farm on Muddypuddle Lane
But that didn’t hurt nearly as much as his broken heart. Adam had never known pain like it and he hoped he never would again.
Wordlessly, he held his hand out for the keys to the van, and with a shrug his father dropped them into his open palm.
It looked like his dad was sticking to his guns, but that was okay, because Adamintended to stick to his too. Dad had to learn that he couldn’t bully him. All Adam had left now was his business, and there was no way he was giving it up. It was the only light in what was a very long and dark tunnel ahead.
When a sleek black SUV pulled up alongside the van, Adam barely noticed, too wrapped up in his misery.
But he did a double-take when Otto got out of it.
‘Mr Haines, Mrs Haines, good morning.’ Otto waved at Adam’s mum, who was still in the car. ‘I hope the meal was to your satisfaction.’
Martin’s reply was stiff. ‘It was. Eventually.’
‘Excellent.’
Adam’s mum emerged from the car. ‘I hope you’re here to apologise to my son.’
‘Not at all. I’m here to tell him that Maisie and her mother won’t be going anywhere for a while. Car trouble.’ Otto had a gleam in his eye. ‘They’ll need someone to take a look.’
‘Phone a garage.’ Adam’s tone was wooden.
‘Beth did. No joy.’
‘Breakdown cover?’
‘She hasn’t got any.’
‘Am I being set up?’
‘Maybe.’
‘What good will it do? Maisie is determined to go home.’ Adam noticedthat his parents were following the exchange closely.
‘She’ll regret it. Anyway, her home is here, in Picklewick.’
‘Dulcie mightn’t agree with you.’
‘Dulcie is a romantic at heart.’
‘What about Beth?’
‘So is she. That’s where Dulcie gets it from.’
‘You could have fooled me.’
‘Ultimately, she wants Maisie to be happy.’
‘As do I,’ Adam said.
‘What aboutyourhappiness?’
‘Mine doesn’t matter.’
‘I think it does. Don’t you agree, Mr Haines?’
‘Yes, but—’
‘What about you, Mrs Haines? Don’t you think Adam’s happiness is important?’
