Page 6 of Happy Days Ahead in the Cornish Village

‘I’ll help you with those.’

Megan frowned. That wasn’t Flora. That was a man’s voice.

Looking up, she realised it was one of the others who had attended the volunteer induction morning. She shuffled along as he knelt down to help. ‘Thank you.’

‘I think we’ve got them all.’ With a handful of receipts, the man straightened his back.

Megan stood up and let the receipts fall from her hands into a heap on the counter.

‘Shall I?’ The man nodded downwards.

‘Oh, yes please, and thank you.’ She held out her hands for the receipts.

‘It’s my first day here,’ he said. ‘By the looks of things you’ve been here a while? I’m sure I saw you at the volunteer induction morning?’

The man smiled, a slight dimple showing beneath his dark stubble.

She looked up from the mound of untidy paperwork. ‘Yes, I was there, and this is my first morning of volunteering too.’

The man looked down at the receipts, open notebooks and scattered papers on the countertop as confusion swept across his features.

Megan smiled. ‘I know it looks as though I’ve been here ages with all this lot, doesn’t it? I’ve volunteered to get the books in order.’

‘Ah, I see.’ The man chuckled. ‘Well, I definitely don’t envy you.’

‘Umm.’ Megan tilted her head, focusing on the mess in front of her, and smiled. This was just what she needed. Something to keep her mind busy and to test her accountancy skills. She looked up at the man. ‘If I’m honest – and I know this probably sounds terrible – but I’m actually looking forward to figuring it all out.’

‘It doesn’t sound terrible. Well, to me it does because anything complicated to do with numbers brings me out in a cold sweat, but everyone’s different.’ He held his hand out towards her. ‘I’m Jay.’

Taking his hand, she replied, ‘Megan.’

‘Pleased to meet you, Megan.’ Jay shook her hand, his grip firm and strong.

‘And you.’ She nodded before taking her hand back. ‘What are you helping out with?’

‘Oh, I’m guessing walking the dogs, but I’m not fussy. I can turn my hand to most things.’ He looked down at the countertop and grimaced. ‘Apart from accountancy, of course.’

Megan laughed. ‘Don’t worry, I won’t force you to help me.’

‘That’s a relief!’ Taking a slight step back, Jay glanced out towards the courtyard. ‘I’m not really sure what I’m meant to do now. I know Flora told us all there’d be a checklist of dogs to walk, but do I just go and fetch one or should I go find her?’

‘She popped out to pick up a dog, I think,’ Megan said. ‘Although she’s been over an hour, so I’m sure she’ll be back soon. You’ve just missed Ginny, she’s taken one of the dogs out on a walk. Sally and Alex should be about, though. They’ll likely be up in the paddocks.’

‘Maybe I’ll take a wander up there. I’d feel more comfortable checking with someone. Unless, of course, you know what I should do?’

‘No, sorry. I’ve no idea.’ She shrugged.

‘Right, I’ll do that then.’ Jay walked towards the door before turning and holding his hand up. ‘I’ll likely see you in a few minutes.’

They both looked towards the window as a vehicle drove down the lane before turning into the courtyard.

‘Hang on, that’s Flora in the van, turning in now.’ Megan indicated out into the courtyard as the Wagging Tails’ van drove in, pulling up just outside the door.

‘Ah, perfect timing.’ Jay grinned before stepping outside.

Back to her task, Megan began sorting through the receipts, discarding any from previous years into a separate pile.

Yes, this was just what she needed. She knew Flora was embarrassed by the state of the home’s finance records, but all Megan saw was something to focus on and the more complicated it was, the more likely it would keep her mind from straying to the conversation she’d had with the solicitor that morning.

---