Chapter 27

27

In the dining room, Laura sat down next to Jenny as Rob balanced a tray of mugs on the edge of the table and began passing them around.

‘Sorry, got a little distracted, but better late than never. Even if it does mean having a coffee with your roast.’

‘Thanks.’ Taking her mug, Laura sipped it before grimacing. He’d forgotten the sugar.

‘Oh yuck. Did you put sugar in this, Rob?’ Jenny pulled a face too.

‘Oops. Umm, sorry, that one’s Jenny’s and that one’s yours, Laura.’ Rob swapped the mugs over.

‘Thanks, much better.’ Laura grinned as she took another sip of coffee. Yep, this one was hers.

‘Here, Jackson. No need to be polite. Come and take a seat.’ Richie pointed to the empty chair next to Laura.

‘Thanks, mate.’ Sitting down, Jackson smiled at Laura before accepting his own mug from Rob.

As her parents brought in the serving dishes, Laura looked around the table. It felt like such a long time since all of them had managed to get together for one of her parents’ roasts. Of course, with the exception of Jackson, it had actually only been a few weeks. The last one had been the week before she’d moved into Pennycress, but as she wasn’t seeing them every day now that she lived so far away, it felt like longer.

‘To Laura and her move to Pennycress Inn.’ Her dad stood up and held his coffee cup aloft, waiting until everyone else had copied him. ‘And to Jackson. Good to have you back with us.’

‘To Laura and Jackson.’ The chorus of voices filled the room and Laura stifled a laugh. If they only knew.

‘To Auntie Laura and Jackson.’ Tammy stood up from the small plastic children’s table her parents had set up next to the dining table to make room for everyone. ‘Can we eat now?’

‘Yes, yes. Dig in, everyone.’ Her mum laughed as Tammy plonked herself back down and picked up a roast potato.

‘How are you settling into village life, Laura?’ Jane smiled as she poured the gravy.

‘Good, thanks. I guess there’s been a few hiccups here and there and some people are quite close-knit…’ She glanced at her mum, who gave her a worried look. ‘But I’ve joined the local darts team at the pub Jackson works at.’

‘That didn’t take you long, sis. Good for you.’ Richie picked up a Yorkshire pudding and tore a piece off before shoving it into his mouth.

‘Use your fork, Richie,’ their mum reprimanded him.

‘Sorry, I forgot I was here.’ Richie chuckled before catching Jane’s eye. ‘Not that I eat like that at home. Nothing of the sort.’

‘And you, Jackson? Richie tells us you’re a property developer now?’ Her dad reached for the salt shaker.

‘Oh, I wouldn’t say that, but I’ve bought a few properties to renovate, yes. I’m onto my fourth one now, but I still work as a chef at the local pub alongside.’

Her dad nodded. ‘I’m impressed. Well done, lad.’

‘Thank you.’ Jackson nodded towards Laura. ‘Laura is doing an amazing job with Pennycress.’

Laura kicked him under the table, unable to utter the words, ‘thanks very much.’

Much to Laura’s dismay, her dad turned his attention to her. ‘Yes, yes. Richie and I visited last week. You seem to be taking to life as an innkeeper, Laura.’

‘I’m enjoying it.’ Laura nodded. The less she could say about the stack of disasters she’d encountered at Pennycress, the better, but hopefully things were finally turning a corner. ‘I’ve arranged for a gardener to start soon too.’

‘That’s a bit premature, isn’t it, sweetheart? Shouldn’t you open up first and start bringing in some money before you employ people?’ Her mum frowned.

‘She’s not starting for another couple of months yet. It’s perfect timing actually; she has to wait until her son settles into nursery, which will be after I open.’

‘Well, as long as you’ve explored all the costings and know you can afford it.’ Her dad looked at her over his glasses.

‘Yep, all costed out.’ Laura nodded. She hated lying to her parents, but it would be fine. Besides, she and Jill hadn’t even discussed payment yet.

‘Is it someone local to you?’ Jenny asked.

‘Yes, her name’s Jill and she seems really nice. She was telling me that she’s always loved Vivienne’s garden and used to think it was magical as a child, so she’s really excited to make a start.’

‘Vivienne’s garden? I thought you said she’d be working on yours?’ Her dad frowned.

‘Sorry, yes. Vivienne used to run Pennycress before me.’

‘Ah, so you’ve met the previous owner then? I hope you managed to get some good tips from her.’ Her mum stood up and picked up a water jug from the middle of the table. ‘Anyone for water?’

‘Yes, I did. She’s been really helpful, actually.’ Laura held up her empty glass for her mum to fill, trying desperately not to catch Jackson’s eye. She really didn’t want to get into any details about just how helpful Vivienne had been and she was worried that if she met Jackson’s gaze, she’d end up telling the whole sorry story. ‘You’ll all have to come down for the opening.’