Chapter 7 #2
“Yeah, your aunt never picked up her pheasants that she wanted. They’ve been in the freezer at the shop all week.”
Of course, not about you, Harri! I feel silly and let out a small laugh. “Oh, right. Yes, of course, the pheasants. Want me to get them?”
“Nah, it’s OK. I’ll just bring them round tonight, if that’s OK? Once we’ve cleared this lot.”
I chew my bottom lip. “Sure, that’ll be fine.”
“So, Harri, wasn’t it? Are you staying here long?” he asks, still staring at me with his enchanting eyes.
“I’m not sure of that yet. I’m taking a break from city life, having some time with my aunt and granny and, well, just getting to know the place.”
“It’s a good place,” he says, looking around at the busy mini market.
“Yeah, I’m getting the vibe that it is.” I look around too. The gentle hustle and bustle of the villagers is just soul warming.
He rubs his neck with his hand. I admire him for a moment. In a pair of ripped jeans covered in mud and a black hoodie. Not a luxury label in sight. But he looks cute. We stand there smiling at each other when a small voice from behind his table speaks out.
“You look like a princess,” it squeaks. The little girl from the cafe pops her head up and looks at me with her big, animated eyes and flutters her little lashes.
“Ah, thank you! So do you, Lola, wasn’t it?” I ask softly.
“I’m not a princess. I’m a witch.” She cackles.
“You’re a grub.” Sam ruffles her hair and laughs.
“My brother has been asking everyone in the village about you,” she sings in a teasing tone.
“Oh, he has, has he?” I lean down to her.
Sam speaks up. “Yeah, not in a creepy way, about the pheasants, and I guess, just I’ve never seen you round here so didn’t know if you were just visiting or staying or moving.” He is rambling nervously, shuffling his feet in his trainers.
“Well, wonderful service if you go that far to make sure a delivery is made.” I wink at him, making him feel OK again.
His dimples are back, his smile climbing up his face.
“So I’ll drop them round this afternoon? Without the witchy sidekick.” He shoots a look at Lola who sticks her tongue out.
“Great, see you then.” I wave.
As I walk away, I can hear him telling Lola to keep quiet but she’s giggling too much to care. I make it back to Aradia who is now packing up.
“Sold the lot,” she exclaims.
“That’s amazing. Well done!”
“Did you find anything?”
“I got that blanket from Hannah’s stall. Oh, and I bumped into Sam.” I blush a little.
“Oh, did you now?” The Cheshire cat grin is back.
“Yes.” I look at her sternly and she laughs. “He’s bringing the pheasants you ordered around tonight.”
She places her hands on either side of her face in shock. “Oh God, the pheasants! I forgot about that! Thanks for sorting it.”
I help my aunt pack away into her car and we head back to the cottage.
As we get into the kitchen my granny is sat at the table on the phone. Aradia whispers she’s going to put the crates back in the greenhouse and I slip in the kitchen and put the kettle on. Granny turns to look at me.
“I need to go, Cassandra. I’ll talk later,” she says calmly before ending the call.
“Was that my mother?” I ask.
“Yes, dear. She said your phone’s been off for days and just wanted to check in.” There’s a slight truth in her words, but I feel more was said than me just not picking up the phone.
Being here has made me forget the outside world. I haven’t charged my phone in days.
“I’ll go up and sort it,” I say, not wanting to rock the boat by asking Granny if that’s all that was said. Besides, I’m enjoying the no drama life at the moment.
I head upstairs and power up my phone while plugging it in. It takes a moment as it’s been off for the longest it’s ever been off.
Ten missed calls from Mother.
Two missed calls from Lauren.
Seventy-seven missed calls from Greg.
Firstly, Lauren can go fuck herself. Not a chance I’ll be calling that hag back.
Next, I open one of the many texts from Greg rather than calling him back. I don’t have the energy for a full-blown conversation with him.
Harri, please can we just talk? I’ve been a right ass. I’ve really fucked it all up so badly. Please pick up and talk to me. My family are so angry with me. Your mother said she can’t get hold of you. Please, Harri. Just talk to me. I’m sorry!
I send a quick reply just to stop him sending any more begging texts.
Greg, I’m fine.
I told you I needed space so let me have it.
I call my mum next to let her know I’m fine.
She lectures me about making her call her mother to ask if I’m alive.
Also she lets me know she’s booked us to attend a meal on Saturday with Greg and his family as both our fathers are going into business together and they thought it would be nice. Nice? Is she serious?
“I’m not going, Mother. I’ll probably still be here on Saturday. In fact I’m actually enjoying it here so it might be a while,” I lecture back.
She gets annoyed with my answer, and I can hear it in her tone.
“Well, don’t think we’re going to fund you, Harriet.
I’m all for holidays and what not but this…
this silly little episode is just ridiculous now.
You’ve met them. You’ve had more than a week there.
It’s time to come home before this goes too far. ”
“How will it go too far?”
“Cerci and Aradia will get attached and you’ll end up being odd and weird.
And poor Greg, you know he’s been beside himself.
You really think he’s going to want to fix it if you turn all hippy dippy and smell of cow pats.
Let alone the business deal between us and the Belfours.
You know Gregory managed to get a deal with a bank in Switzerland.
Think of the money, darling. And the Montgomerys and Belfours taking over London together…
” She speaks like I’ve started doing hard drugs instead of visiting family because my fiancé cheated on me while I was very much having a mental breakdown, which actually could just be me realising I am different and want to be different.
“Mother, Greg and I… there isn’t anything to talk about.” I sigh.
“Harriet Montgomery, you will marry Gregory and that’s it. Just stop it and come home.”
I put the phone down and throw it on the bed. Why is she so obsessed with me and Greg being together? Is her image that important to her that she’s willing to risk what’s left of our toxic relationship?
And do I smell of cow pats? I go and take a quick shower before a certain village butcher brings over some frozen pheasants. How romantic.