Page 37 of Daydreams at the Farm on Muddypuddle Lane
‘Mum…’
‘Just come, please. Show your support.’
Adam wanted to say no, as he had been hoping to see Maisie on Saturday because she had the day off, but although his mum and dad were often on his back about the way he lived and his career choice, they rarely asked him for anything, and although he wasn’t interested in the business per se, he knew how much it meant to his dad. His fatherlived and breathed it; it was what made him tick
‘I’ll be there,’ he promised reluctantly. He was disappointed not to be spending Saturday evening with Maisie, but maybe they could spend the day together instead. It would be better than not seeing her at all.
For the first time since she’d arrived at the farm, Maisie was at a loose end. She’d had a lovely morning with Adam, pottering around the shops in Thornbury and having a spot of lunch in a cafe in the town. Then they’d gone back to his flat and— She blushed when she thought about the way they had spent the afternoon.
‘I wish I didn’t have to go to this thing with my parents this evening,’ he said, as he dropped her off at the farm. ‘I would much rather be with you.’
‘Your family is important. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time.’
‘I’m sure I won’t. The only upside is that the food will be good. What are you going to do with yourself this evening?’
‘Watch telly, I expect. And listen to Mum grizzle that there’s nothing on.’
She would also have to listen to her mother going on about Adam, but her mum’s dislike of the man she had fallen in love with wasn’t something Maisie intended to share with him. There would be a showdown soon when Mum realised that Maisie had no intention of going back to Birmingham, and there would behell to pay. Although how Maisie was going to remain in Picklewick if her sister wanted her gone from the farm, was a problem Maisie had yet to solve. She had already started looking for rooms to rent, but unsurprisingly there wasn’t anything in the village. There were a couple in Thornbury, so one of those might have to do for the time being, and there were also more job opportunities in the town than there were in Picklewick.
None of them were what she wanted to do long term, but in the meantime she could gain more experience of working with animals by volunteering. There was a wildlife sanctuary a few miles outside Thornbury, and a rescue home for dogs.
She didn’t kid herself that this was going to be easy, but she was determined to give it her best shot. For the first time inher life, Maisie knew what she wanted to do, and she also knew who she wanted to spend it with. All she hoped was that Adam felt the same way – because if he didn’t, she didn’t know how she could deal with that.
Forcing the negative thoughts away, she brightened. ‘I could always go over Dulcie’s to-do list and see if there’s anything I can help with,’ she said. ‘Although I think we’ve got everything in hand.’ She clapped her hands. ‘Ooh! I can’t wait to see the chicks. Dulcie is picking them up on Wednesday. I’ve never held a baby chicken before.’
She glanced at the barn. It had already been set up in preparation for the Easter weekend, and currently housed three rather sweet bunnies who were getting used to their new home. The goats wouldshortly join them this evening because Dulcie didn’t like the thought of the goatlings being in the meadow all night.
As soon as Adam left, Maisie would fetch them in and round up the chickens so Mr Fox didn’t eat them.
‘I need a kiss,’ Adam declared, pulling her towards him, and Maisie settled into his embrace with a contented sigh. Being in his arms felt so right. It was where she belonged, and she couldn’t think of anywhere else she would rather be.
‘Change of plan, we’re eating out instead,’ Adam’s mother announced when he walked into his parents’ house later that evening. She was coming down the stairs and looked as elegant and expensive as usual. A cloud of perfumewafted over him as she reached the bottom step. ‘There was a problem with my usual caterers, so I’ve booked us into a lovely little restaurant. It’s quite new, but it’s had the most brilliant reviews.’
Adam had been wondering why there was only his mum and dad’s cars on the drive as he’d pulled up in the van.
Slipping a diamond stud into her ear as his dad emerged from the lounge with a glass in his hand, she said, ‘Ah, here’s your father. Martin, please don’t have any more, you’re driving.’
‘I thought Adam could be our chauffeur for the evening. You don’t mind, do you, Adam?’
‘Where are we going?’ he asked.
‘The Wild Side in Picklewick. You might have heard of it?’ His mum moved to the large mirror in the hall and leant towards it, turning her head from side to side.
‘You could have said; I would have met you there.’
‘Ah, but then I would have had to drive myself,’ his dad pointed out.
Adam raised his eyes to the ceiling and prayed for patience. If he had known his mother had booked The Wild Side, he wouldn’t have agreed to go, despite Maisie not working this evening. He ought to message her and tell her—
‘Adam, put your phone away. We’re ready to go.’
Reluctantly Adam slipped his mobile back into his trouser pocket. He was wearing asuit tonight, but no tie. He drew the line at ties, preferring to leave the top button of his shirt undone. He’d spotted his mum’s assessing look and her quick frown of displeasure when she’d noticed his tie-less state, but she hadn’t said anything. She knew when to pick her battles.
Adam also knew which battles to pick, and arguing over his phone wasn’t one of them. He would message Maisie when they got to the restaurant. He might even take a selfie of his bored face and send it to her. Next time he ate there – if therewasa next time because, let’s face it, The Wild Side wasn’t cheap and he was trying to save his pennies – he vowed that Maisie would be with him. Although, thinking about it, she mightn’t want to eat at the very place she worked, and if that was the case, he could fully understand.
The restaurant was busy when Adam and his parents arrived. At the far end of the room several tables had been pushed together to make one long one, and Adam spied Verity, Linda and Karl, along with three other couples. They all looked at Adam and his parents as they made their way to the table, and Adam noticed with annoyance that the seat next to Verity was vacant.
Verity beamed at him and patted the chair. ‘You’re next to me,’ she said, offering her face to be kissed. She pouted expectantly, but he avoided her lips, pecking at her cheek instead. The pout intensified.
