Page 80 of Happy Days Ahead in the Cornish Village

She threw the cold half-eaten slice of pizza back in the box and pulled a cushion onto her lap, hugging it to her. She’d watch something on TV, forget about Lyle and Hayley, and distract herself from worrying about Jay.

29

Megan pulled the laptop back towards her and began entering the details from the receipts. She looked at the pile of paperwork, invoices, and receipts she had left. She was over halfway through sorting the accounts although it would still take her a long time to finish, longer than it had to get to this point now she had her job at the ice-cream parlour to focus on too.

She glanced up when the kitchen door opened and in came Flora.

‘Morning, lovely.’ She grinned as she came in and flicked the kettle on. ‘You were out of the cottage early today.’

‘Yes, I just wanted to get cracking on this before I start my first shift at the ice-cream parlour.’ Megan shook her head when Flora held up a mug, offering her a coffee.

‘Of course, that’s exciting.’ Flora grinned.

Megan turned her mobile over, so the screen was flat against the tabletop. All she’d done since getting here was to check her mobile for messages from Jay. She knew he was busy, what with settling Mia and Leanne in the house as well as preparing for his job interview today. She wasn’t expecting him to contact her. Not yet. Well, maybe he could have texted her last night after running out on their celebration meal, or this morning… No, he was busy. She understood that.

‘How was your date with Percy last night?’ she asked, trying to turn her thoughts to brighter things.

Sitting down, Flora ignored the click of the kettle behind her and smiled. ‘It was everything I imagined it would be.’

‘So you think you and Percy will go on another date?’

‘Oh yes. Absolutely.’ Flora nodded. ‘Honestly? It felt right.’

‘That’s great then.’ Megan smiled. She could see how happy Flora was.

‘I sound like a teenager, don’t I?’ Flora chuckled. ‘But really, it felt normal. It felt as though I’ve been with Percy for years. And I suppose we have been in a funny sort of way. Been together, I mean. We’ve been the closest of friends for years now, so I suppose this is just the icing on the cake, so to speak.’

‘I’m really pleased for you. For you and Percy. You’re perfect together.’

‘Thanks, lovely.’ Flora patted Megan’s hand. ‘How are things going between you and Jay?’

‘Good. I think.’ Megan nodded, unsure if she was trying to quell her own doubts rather than answering Flora’s question. ‘His ex-wife split from her partner last night, so she and their daughter have moved in with him until she gets back on her feet.’

‘That’s kind of him.’

‘Yes, it is.’ She nodded. It was. He was a kind man, a good man. Of course he’d let his ex-wife move back in. He wouldn’t question it.

‘Oh, shouldn’t you be getting a wriggle on now? You’re starting at ten, aren’t you?’ Flora pointed towards the clock on the wall.

Megan double-checked the time on her phone and stood up. ‘Yes, I’d better.’

She began to tidy the paperwork.

‘You get going, lovely. I’ll do that for you. You don’t want to be late on your first day.’

‘Thank you.’

‘No problem. Good luck with your first shift.’

‘Thanks.’

As soon as Megan had moved and headed towards the door, Cindy had stood up from her spot under the table. Megan fussed over her before pulling open the reception door and stepping outside.

Percy and Susan were guiding the construction workers who were building the new kennels, and she could just about see Sally and Ginny in the bottom paddock. It felt strange walking away from this place during the working day. It would likely take her a while to get used to working somewhere else. She just hoped the ice-cream parlour would be as friendly and welcoming as Wagging Tails.

‘Fantastic. You’ve got it.’ Primrose smiled as Megan closed the till.

‘Thanks. Sorry, I mixed up the order, though.’ Megan watched as the young family made their way out of the door, ice creams in hand.

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