Page 31 of Perfect

For the rest of that evening, when it was at last quiet outside, I managed to read my book. Considering it had been a weekend, the yard had been outrageously busy, with deliveries and tractors rolling in and out. I had found it difficult to concentrate on my Kindle.

On Sunday at supper, Anna joined us at the table for roast beef and the conversation flowed, even Connor made a rare appearance.

We all chipped in, speaking about a variety of general topics but discussions about our favourite movies was the highlight. To be honest, I was surprised by Connor’s knowledge of films, considering there were no TVs in the house. I mean, what family doesn’t have a TV? Part of me imagined it was probably in Connor’s room, but there was no way I was venturing into the lion’s den to check.

Whilst Connor was talking about the scene in Jaws when Quint dies, I was mesmerised, thoroughly enjoying the conversation. His voice was even more attractive when he wasn’t growling.

On Monday, I decided to break the ice even more. Having had a thoroughly normal conversation with him at dinner, I had assumed that Connor and I would now have come to some type of truce. However, when I shouted hello, a little bit too keenly to him, he walked across the yard and totally blanked me. I pursed my lips, once again feeling that muggy vibe. The damn boy blew hot and cold at the drop of a hat.

My time on the farm was still enjoyable, irrespective of the odd atmosphere with Connor. I now thoroughly had my bearings and the need for exploration had gradually fizzled away. I felt relaxed and content in my surroundings and so far, I had escaped from being dragged into any type of unappealing farm work.

One evening, when dad had come in from work looking utterly worn out; I started to feel guilty that I hadn’t offered to help.

On Wednesday morning, dad and Connor had already left for work so I spent most of the day annoying Anna. I helped bake bread which wasn’t a total disaster, although my version of a loaf didn’t appear to rise much.

I spent the rest of the day rattling around the house and playing Candy Crush on my phone. I had been stuck at level one hundred and forty-six for the last three months and was determined to get through it.

I made sure I kept myself busy most days, doing bits and bobs.

On the occasions I wanted to chat with my friends, I had to use the landline like I did when I called Mum. There was only one corner in my bedroom where a mobile signal was possible.

After decimating the ham sandwich which I made myself for lunch (purposefully out of Anna’s bread and not my own), I decided to walk off the calories and see if I could find my father.

As I left the house, I noticed there was a Sky dish on the side of the roof which was strange considering the lack of TVs. Maybe I was right and Connor had the only one? His room was the last place I hadn’t checked. What I wouldn’t give for a bit of Netflix.

Connor’s room was at the back of the house, two doors away from me; the sections in between us were the main bathroom and a large airing cupboard which explained the noise of the pipes which rattled every night.

I eyed the satellite dish moodily. Maybe there was a separate outhouse that they used as a TV room or something?

As I got to the back of the house, I bumped into Nigel, one of the older farmhands who had been working in one of the barns. He explained that dad had popped into the village but wouldn’t be long. I thanked him and moved away. He had one of those ‘pushed for time’ looks and I didn’t want to be the one to keep him from his duties.

I started to make my way back towards the house, but raised voices coming from the other side of the barn told me I had company.

I followed the noise and rounded the corner where I was met by a group of teenagers who immediately stopped talking and turned to face me. I instantly recognised Tom but not any of the others.

“Hi you,” Tom put in brightly, a huge smile plastered on his face. My goodness, he was a keen bean. He obviously didn’t know about the ‘treat them mean, keep them keen’ thing. Not that I cared, but it was refreshing that someone apart from my dad was pleased to see me. I had felt as if I was diseased or something and was definitely starting to suffer from a touch of cabin fever.

Tom was dressed in casual clothing, a pair of fitted black jeans and a green tee.

“Hi,” I replied, raising a hand in greeting.

There were four of them.

“Hi yourself,” a tall guy with jet black hair said with a dimpled grin. He was probably a similar height to Connor, but leaner and less intense from the expression he was wearing. His ear was pierced. It made me think of a pirate.

I approached the group whilst fanning out my hair, annoyed that I hadn’t brushed it.

The other two guys were similar in appearance with messy brown locks. You could tell they were related. Tom introduced them as Kyle and Max, twins but not identical. The other guy was called Nathan Lane. He was extremely cocksure and a practiced flirt, a definite player I guessed.

Tom, the pirate, and the twins all came to stand in a huddle around me. They were all from the village and seemed harmful enough. I surmised that these were ‘the guys’ whom Ella had said were ‘dying’ to meet me. And possibly the men Connor had warned me off.

As we completed our introductions in the usual way, I scanned the yard for a sign of Connor. It was strange as I was sure I’d heard his voice. It had been too long since we’d spoken and I didn’t like it. I felt irritated by the lack of attention.

I could feel Tom’s eyes drilling into me every time Nathan asked me a question. He definitely did the glancing back and forth thing, a hint of jealousy perhaps? I couldn’t blame him really, I wasn’t going out of my way to alienate anyone, but the banter between Nathan and I just flowed. It was less forced and quite fun and Nathan was certainly good-looking with his dark looks and swarthy skin. He also had a scar running through one eyebrow, it gave him that bad boy look. The special ingredient nice girls crave in their man, even though they know it will end in tears.

“What have you been doing with your time whilst Connor has been hiding you away here?” Nathan suddenly asked in his northern drawl.

“Not much, this and that. I only arrived the other day and why would Connor want tohideme?”

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