Twenty-Five
Flora drove slowly up the road towards the farm. Her dad had warned her that despite the interim fixes made to it, it was still quite rough. Given how much she was bouncing about, she dreaded to think what it had been like previously.
She came to the fork and took the left-hand option, following it down to the five-bar gate. When her dad had been discussing the job with her the previous night, he’d told her this would be Sally’s private entrance once all the work was done and the track would be extended past the back of the old stable block where a small car park area was being put in for the vet surgery.
She parked up, grabbed her laptop bag from behind her seat and slipped through the quaint little kissing gate, coming to a standstill as she rounded the corner into the courtyard.
‘Oh, my!’ she muttered.
When her father had been talking about this job over the last month or so, she hadn’t really appreciated the scale of it. Until now! Seeing it for herself brought home how big a task this was. She looked to her right, at the main house, and saw her dad through the open barn doors, half hidden behind what looked like kitchen units. She walked over and stuck her head inside.
‘Hey, Dad.’
‘Hi, sweetie, are you here for your appointment with Sally already?’ He looked at his watch as he stood and walked over towards her.
‘Yes, I am. Guessing you’ve had a busy morning, then…’
‘I have! I totally didn’t realise that was the time. So, are you all set?’
‘As much as I can be. It all depends if Sally has something in mind or if she’s a blank canvas, wanting me to do all the creating.’
‘Well, she hasn’t said much to me on the branding side of things so I’m afraid I can’t help, although she is pretty on the ball with everything else so I’d be surprised if she doesn’t have a couple of ideas to throw in the pot for you.’
‘Blimey! Now I’m nervous… she sounds hyper-organised!’
‘She’s lovely and I’m sure you’ll both work together very well.’
‘Then I had better get on with it. I don’t want to ruin my chances by being late for our first appointment. Where do I go?’
‘Across to the old barn, through the wicket gate there on the far right. There’s no need to knock, just go in and head over towards the motorhome.’
Her dad pointed the way and gave her a smile of reassurance as she walked off.
Flora felt her heartbeat quicken as she approached the barn. This had the potential to be a lucrative consignment with there being three businesses on the same site. She was here to pitch for the B&B initially but if it went well…
She pushed the wicket gate open and stepped inside. Having expected the barn to be dark and gloomy, she was surprised to find it quite bright and sunny due to the large doors on the opposite side being wide open.
She made her way towards the motorhome but slowed her step when she heard voices floating over the top of it towards her.
‘Look, Darren, I appreciate you asking, I really do, but I don’t want to go out to dinner with you. I’m just not in the right place for that at the moment.’
The woman’s voice held a note of exasperation.
‘It’s only dinner I’m asking you for, not your hand in marriage. What’s the big deal?’
Hmmm, she didn’t like the aggressive tone that was said in. She drew closer to the large vehicle and came to a halt just out of sight around the side.
‘The big deal is that it wouldn’t feel right. You’re a nice man, Darren, but it would be wrong for me to accept. I’ve already said this to you twice before. Please, stop asking me, it’s not fair to keep doing so.’
‘Then just say “yes” and we’re all good. It’s not that difficult.’
Flora decided that this was as good a moment as any to make her presence known. She stepped out and marched quickly towards Sally, practically barging Darren out of the way, stuck her hand out and said, ‘Hi, Sally, I’m Flora. I’m here for our meeting. Oh,’ she donned an innocent expression as she looked at Darren, ‘I hope I’m not interrupting… I was worried about being late. Didn’t want to create a bad impression, you know.’
‘No, no, you’re not interrupting anything. Thank you for coming over. Darren, I think Matt is probably looking for you.’
Flora watched both Sally and Darren carefully as he turned and strode towards the door back to the yard. There was no mistaking Sally’s relief at seeing him leave but Darren’s body language screamed that he was annoyed by the interruption.
‘Can I get you a drink, Flora? Tea, coffee, something cold?’
When the wicket gate closed behind Darren, Flora held up her hand to say “wait”, placed her laptop bag on one of the garden chairs by the van, and stealthily made her way back to the main barn door. As she’d suspected, the small door hadn’t been closed fully and when she yanked it open, Darren was hunched up with his ear pressed against the small gap.
‘Seriously, Darren… I think you’d better report back in at the farmhouse PDQ before there’s trouble!’
‘Pah!’ he spat out before moving away. She watched until he’d disappeared up the side of the main house before closing the door behind her. As a precaution, she dropped the latch to ensure they wouldn’t be disturbed.
‘He’s definitely gone now although he was trying to earwig at the door.’
‘You are kidding me… seriously?’
Several emotions passed over Sally’s face – annoyance, exasperation, and fear. It was the latter which prompted Flora to ask, ‘Are you having a problem with him? I wasn’t eavesdropping,’ well, she had a little bit, ‘but I couldn’t help but overhear some of the conversation as I was walking over from the door. It would appear the word “no” doesn’t sit within his vocabulary.’
‘You would be right, Flora,’ Sally sighed. ‘That’s now the third time he’s asked me out and just won’t accept my refusal. I’ve tried to be polite about it and let him down gently but his persistence is wearing me out. The thing is, I can’t risk being rude or blunt to him because I’m a bit isolated in here and well… some blokes… you know…’
‘I do. You should tell my dad – he’ll get it sorted for you.’
‘I don’t want to get anyone into trouble. I just want him to do his job and leave me alone. Anyway, do you mind if we drop the subject and move on? Let me start again – it’s lovely to meet you, Flora, and can I offer you a drink?’
‘It’s very nice to meet you, Sally, and something cold would be lovely. It’s a warm one today.’
‘How about a St Clements – deliciously refreshing when feeling a bit parched.’
‘That sounds good to me.’
‘Please, take a seat and I’ll be right back.’ Sally gestured towards the garden table and chairs she had set up outside the motorhome.
By the time she returned with a tray of ice-filled glasses and a jug full of orange juice, bitter lemon, ice and slices of fruit, Flora had her laptop set up and some folders open which show-pieced her abilities to maybe provide Sally with a few ideas if she didn’t have any of her own.
‘I like this little setup you have here, Sally. What a good idea to put your garden table and chairs outside the motorhome like this, to give you more space.’
‘Thank you. I’ve also got a set out in the run so I can enjoy the sun when it’s not too hot, sit in here in the shade when it is or, if it’s cold, I stay in the van. It’s great to have options.’
The smile she gave Flora was so bright and sunny, it was easy to see why Darren Connors was infatuated with her. A little part of her wondered if her father was too but she pushed that thought away – this was not the time or place to be thinking such things – pulled her laptop towards her and began finding out what Sally was looking for.
Two hours later, after the jug had been refilled twice and the filled rolls Sally made for lunch had been devoured, they sat back, satisfied they’d come up with something that did what Sally needed it to do.
‘And you’re sure the website will be easy to navigate? I’ve been on some which were horrific and had you jumping through all sorts of hoops before you got to the end of your booking.’
‘I promise you, Sally, this one will be straightforward. With only three bedrooms, there shouldn’t be too many issues. And you’re quite sure you’re happy with the name?’
‘Yes. I think “Bramblebush B&B” is perfect. Putting “farm” in there made it a bit of a mouthful. Plus, it’s not a farm anymore and could be misleading. I don’t want people turning up expecting to see cows and sheep in the fields. Equally, I don’t want people looking elsewhere because they think it’ll smell of cows and sheep!’
‘Indeed! I quite agree. So, I will get on with that and once the interior is finished, we’ll get photographs taken and loaded up so your future guests can see what you have to offer.’
‘I’m hoping it won’t be too long now. Your dad said that when the new windows have all been installed, they’d be able to crack on with the inside.’
‘You’re having your own small apartment built, aren’t you? Dad mentioned something…’
‘Yes. What used to be the byre under the house is being transformed.’
‘How’s it looking?’
‘I don’t know! Your dad has told me I’m not allowed to see it until it’s completed. I am allowed to visit before it’s decorated though so I can decide what colours I want and where.’
‘Blimey! That’s kind of him, the bossy old sod!’
Sally laughed along with her before going into the van and coming back with another tray of juice and a few bowls of nibbles.
‘Oh, Sally, you don’t need to keep feeding me. I’ll be getting on now and let you get back to sorting things out here – you must be so busy.’
‘Oh, do you have to go? Sorry, that must sound strange but… well… it’s rather nice to have some female company. As nice as your dad is, he’s the only person I’ve spoken to for ages. Darren doesn’t count and I don’t know anyone else around here yet. While I’ve “met” Jenny and Sukie, I’ve not been in a position to sit with them for a natter. Essie is the only person I’d say I sort of know but she’s been away in Italy for the last few weeks and only got back two days ago.’
Flora placed her laptop bag by the side of her chair, picked up some crisps and gave Sally a big smile.
‘Well, as I have nowhere else to be right now and this is a lovely spot to sit and chill,’ she waved her hand towards the field outside the barn door, ‘I’d be delighted to chew the fat with you for a while.’
Sally refilled their glasses and as she handed one to Flora, asked, ‘What made you choose to be a graphic designer?’
Flora gave a small shrug. ‘I kind of fell into it. I love art and all things that are arty but I’m not an artist. Not in the traditional sense. I’m no Picasso or Danny Delaney but I seem to have an eye for design and colour. I think “putting things together” is a good way of describing what I do and enjoy most. I also dabble with interior design – my uncle went travelling last year and I redecorated his house while he was away. At his request, I should add. I didn’t break in and just do it!’
Sally giggled at that.
‘So, you do interior design too… that’s interesting to know.’
‘It is?’
‘Yes. You see, I have several ideas for the B&B but I don’t know which way to go – do I keep it traditional to give the full-on, English country cottage experience or is that a bit twee and overdone, in which case should I go all out modern instead? Or, do I try to find a way of fusing the two together?’
‘Have you checked out what the opposition are doing?’
‘I’ve been on the websites for the nearest establishments and it seems to be a fifty-fifty split. The Inn on the Green in the village is totally traditional while the Dog & Duck at the other end is full-on modern.’
‘And looking further afield?’
‘The same – half traditional and half modern.’
‘Then you go for the fusion option. This will enhance your USP.’
‘My what?’
‘Unique selling point. So, for example, if your bathrooms can accommodate it, have a walk-in shower area but also a traditional free-standing bath which could be a spa bath and thus providing your modern twist.’
‘Oh! I like the sound of that…’
‘Yeah, me too! Unfortunately, Dad won’t put one in at home. Boring or what?’
‘I’m sure he has his reasons.’
‘Yeah! He’s boring!’
‘Maybe when you get your own place…’
‘Hah! That won’t be happening anytime soon. Properties around here come up once in a blue moon and even if something did come along, I’d never be able to afford it. No, I’m stuck at home for the foreseeable.’
‘I’m sure your dad likes having you there.’
‘Oh, we get along fine. It’s just been the two of us for the last couple of decades – we’ve got it pretty much sussed by now.’
‘It must have been difficult at times though, for you both.’
‘We’ve had our moments and I do know it’s been hard for him to be both mum and dad to me. I’ve been hoping since forever that he’ll meet someone but he’s never shown the slightest bit of interest in getting back in the saddle. I thought he might get his act together when I went off to art college but nope, I came home three years later and nothing had changed.’
‘He’s clearly happy as he is or was so in love with your mum that he feels it would be wrong to be with anyone else.’
‘Maybe. I just think it would be nice for him to have someone special again. He’s an amazing bloke and it’s a shame to think of him going to waste.’
‘I’ve got a meeting with your Uncle Craig at the end of the week, is he an uncle on your mum or dad’s side.’
‘Oh, he’s on my mum’s side and currently “Persona-non-Grata” with my dad these days.’
‘Oh?’
‘Yeah. Basically, my dad blames my maternal grandmother for my mum’s death. Uncle Craig didn’t have much to do with my grandmother for many years – she lives in Scotland, you see – which was fine with my dad. Last year, however, Uncle Craig reconnected with her and they’ve grown closer over the months since. My dad sees this as a betrayal by Uncle Craig and now won’t talk to him either. However, I am very fond of my uncle and Essie so visit them often. My dad doesn’t like it but he accepts it as I’m old enough to make my own decisions. It's probably best that you know this because if they cross paths when Uncle Craig is here, it could be interesting.’
‘It would seem so.’
‘Anyway, enough about my crazy family, if I’m going to be helping out with your interior designing, is there any chance I could get a sneak peek at what we’ll be working with so I can begin to do some research and put ideas together. After all, if you’re going down the lines of posh spa baths, you’ll need to ensure Dad knows ASAP so that the plumbing is all in the right places.’
‘Good point.’ Sally looked at her watch. ‘Tell you what, they should have finished working in the house for today – would you like to go over for a look round?’
‘I thought you weren’t allowed?’
‘Oh, that’s only for my new apartment – nothing was said about the rest of the house.’
Flora stood up and grabbed her laptop.
‘Lead the way! This I really want to see.’