Page 60 of Autumn in Sycamore Park
‘You’re cheerful,’ she said.
Pete shrugged. ‘I just got a new commission,’ he said.
‘A commission?’
‘To design a mosaic.’
‘Oh, I remember Tom telling me. You’re a part time artist, aren’t you?’
Pete nodded. ‘This one’s a little bigger than anything I’ve been asked to do before,’ he said. ‘Should be fun.’
‘I’m looking forward to seeing it,’ Jennifer said.
It was looking like a beautiful evening, even though the chill was quickly closing in. Jennifer stared at the sky, the only cloud being the knowledge that Matthew Bridges’ mother was going in for her operation tonight. They would know by Monday morning whether or not she would make it.
At eleven o’clockon Sunday morning, Jennifer headed around to meet Tom, who had wanted to check a few things at his shack before the picnic started. She found him leaning over one of the hedgehog boxes, a wide grin on his face.
‘Come over here,’ he said. ‘Listen. You can hear him shuffling about in there.’
Jennifer put her head to the wood and heard a rustling sound from inside the box. ‘What’s he doing?’ she asked.
‘Getting ready to hibernate,’ Tom said.
‘Isn’t it a bit early?’
‘Yeah, he won’t go into full hibernation for a few weeks. He’s just getting his bed ready.’
‘I fancy the idea of hibernation,’ Jennifer said.
‘Ah, but you’d miss Christmas,’ Tom said. ‘We have a spectacular tree. And I’m thinking to ask my new best friend Regina Clover if we can have a Christmas festival.’
‘I’m sure she’d agree if you serenade her again.’
Tom grimaced. ‘Maybe. Are you ready for the picnic?’
Jennifer lifted a bag. ‘Ham sandwiches, coffee, and a cake from Tesco. I’m hoping Angela will do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to food.’
‘Good work. I’ve got corn soup in a flask, an apple pie I floundered through yesterday, and a box of sausages on sticks.’
Jennifer smiled. ‘Then we’re sorted. Let’s go.’
Before she realised she was even doing it, Jennifer linked an arm through Tom’s. He looked down, lifting an eyebrow. Jennifer just shrugged. Then together, they headed up the hill.
They found Angela already there, laying out a patchwork blanket behind the large rock feature at the top, a basket holding down one corner, a large cooler another, and stones placed on the other two. ‘I figured we’d need a windbreak,’ she said as they arrived, nodding at the rock feature. ‘It’s not quite as warm as I was hoping, but I think we’ll get a good couple of hours. I brought a mixture of hot and cold food, so we’re covered for all eventualities. Oh, look at that!’ She began to laugh as the wind gusted suddenly, showering them with golden leaves. ‘Catch one, quick! It’s good luck.’
Jennifer snatched ungainly at a couple of fluttering leaves, before plucking one that had got stuck to Tom’s coat. She held it up with a look of triumph.
‘There you go,’ Angela said. ‘Everything will work out now.’
‘You should have given me a shout,’ Tom said. ‘I’d have helped you carry your stuff.’
‘Oh, it wasn’t so far,’ Angela said. ‘And that cooler’s just for the pies and cakes. My friend is bringing the wine.’
‘Where is she?’ Tom asked.
‘Uh, he,’ Angela said, giving a little chuckle.
Jennifer felt a sudden sinking feeling in her stomach. ‘Um, please don’t tell me it’s—’
