Page 46 of Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood
‘Evening!’ Callum says as he arrives outside the pub. As usual he sports casual clothes – a long-sleeved T-shirt, navy gilet and jeans – now he’s away from Church duties. ‘Glad you decided to come.’
Jemima hadn’t been able to stop and talk after her surprise announcement; parents, teachers and children were all clamouring for her attention. So we’d agreed to meet at the pub tonight. She’d very quickly thrown open her invitation to Callum as well, and Callum being Callum had accepted.
‘Of course, I said I would, didn’t I?’ I reply, smiling.
‘I know, but I could see how shocked you were when Jemima asked you to become a part of the school.’
‘I was surprised; I can’t deny it. But I thought it would be polite to at least hear what she has to say.’
Callum nods approvingly.
‘I’m not really sure why she askedmeto come, though,’ he says, looking perplexed. ‘It’s nothing to do with me, is it?’
‘Moral support?’ I suggest.
‘For you or for her?’ Callum asks, raising his eyebrows.
‘For both of us,’ I reply diplomatically. Although I was beginning to get the feeling that I wasn’t the only female in Bluebell Wood to find Callum attractive.
‘I am pretty good at moral support,’ Callum says, winking. ‘All part of the job! Now, can I get you another drink?’
I look at my glass. ‘Why not? Another Diet Coke will be great, thanks.’
‘Nothing stronger?’
I shake my head. ‘Nope, that will be absolutely fine.’
I had to keep my wits about me, otherwise goodness knows what I might agree to and later regret.
Callum heads into the pub, while Merlin and I wait outside for Jemima.
‘Hello!’ she soon calls as she arrives through the pub gate. ‘I’m so glad you’ve chosen to sit out here, it’s a lovely evening.’ She glances at her watch. ‘Not late, am I?’
‘No, I just got here a little early. Merlin and I took our evening walk before we came.’
Jemima crouches down to pat a sleeping Merlin. ‘Here’s the star of the show. Is Callum here yet?’ she asks, looking up at me.
‘Yes, he’s just gone in to get some drinks.’
‘Great!’ she says, springing to her feet. ‘I’ll go and find him. Back in a mo.’
I watch Jemima as she heads into the pub. She seems very keen to be with our local vicar . . .
Is Jemima keen on Callum? I suddenly wonder. The last thing I want is to get in her way if she is. Things are just beginning to run smoothly for me here, I don’t want to rock the boat.
But is the feeling mutual? I haven’t noticed Callum showing the slightest bit of interest in Jemima. He was simply polite and friendly around her when I saw them together. Maybe I’m reading this all wrong? Callum is quite a bit older than Jemima, too – not that it should matter of course, but—
‘Here you go!’ Callum says, jolting me from my thoughts. He puts two glasses down on the table in front of me and swings his leg over one side of the seat so he’s now on the same side as me, straddling the wooden slats.
‘You looked completely lost in your thoughts then,’ he says. ‘Everything all right?’
‘Yes . . . everything is fine. Did you see Jemima?’ I ask, testing the water. ‘She went in a little after you did.’
‘Yes, I’d already paid for our drinks, though, and I was heading back to you when I got stopped by one of our bell ringers – Bran. Jemima passed me on her way to the bar and I said I’d see her outside in a minute.’
‘Ah, okay,’ I say, taking a sip from my new drink. That doesn’t tell me much.
‘What are you going to say to Jemima when she comes out?’ Callum asks, lifting his own pint.
