Page 63 of Autumn at the Willow River Guesthouse
‘Come on, let’s go,’ she said as they started back along the cycle path, leaving Steve floundering in the water behind them. ‘I need to explain these broken plates to Aunt Gert.’
‘Just tell her it was windy,’ Michael said.
‘Windy enough to blow someone into the river? I was worried you were going to hit him there.’
‘I’ve never hit anyone in my life, and I’m not about to start now, but a little swim never hurt anyone. In fact, I’ve heard a swim in cold water is good for you.’ As the wind gusted, showering them with leaves, he added, ‘Perhaps we should try sometime?’
Lily laughed. ‘Sometime, maybe. But not today. Come on, let’s get going, shall we? I’ve heard that the village museum is so boring that sometimes it just falls asleep and closes itself.’
‘Sounds like an interesting place. I can’t wait to go. Is your season ticket still valid?’
‘What?’
Michael just chuckled. Then, somehow managing to hook the entire hamper under his left arm, he put his right around Lily’s shoulders. Despite the wind that was turning colder with each gust, Lily didn’t think she’d ever felt so warm.
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Last Orders
As Lily opened the café door, Mary glanced up and smiled. ‘Hello, stranger. Thought you’d come to keep me company on this blustery old day? Honestly, I can’t believe it’ll be advent calendars next week. Where does the time go?’
Lily smiled, and stepped aside to allow Victoria to come in after her. ‘I brought someone for you to meet,’ she said, as Victoria pulled off her hat, picked a leaf out of the plastic flowers fed through the ribbon, then gently placed it back on her head.
‘Yeah?’
‘Mary, this is Victoria,’ Lily said, as Victoria looked up and gave a shy smile.
‘Hello, dear,’ she said.
‘Nice to meet you, Vic—’ Mary’s jaw dropped, and her eyes widened. ‘Oh my god. You’re not…?’
‘I am,’ Victoria said, looking a little sheepish.
‘She is,’ Lily added.
‘No way,’ Mary said. ‘I absolutely love your books. And Trainspotter’ Guide—’ She patted her heavily pregnant belly. ‘—me and the soon-to-be watch it all the time.’
‘Well, thank you….’
Victoria still looked awkward, but Lily took her arm and guided her forward. ‘Don’t worry, it’ll get easier with practice,’ she whispered. Then, to Mary she said, ‘Victoria’s just bought Sycamore Cottage. You know, where Christina used to live.’
‘No way,’ Mary said again. ‘We’re practically neighbours.’
‘I just thought I’d bring Victoria out to meet a few of the locals,’ Lily said, as Victoria sat down at a table and picked up a menu card.
‘And I … have a request,’ Victoria said.
‘Oh, sure, what can I get you?’
‘Ah, an autumn special, if you’re still serving them.’
‘December’s not until next week. With maple and whipped cream? And walnuts on top?’
Victoria gave a nervous chuckle. ‘Sounds perfect.’
‘Two,’ Lily said.
Mary laughed. ‘To hell with it. Three. If you don’t mind me joining you? I mean, I don’t want to be like a weird fangirl or anything….’
