Page 61 of Welcome to Pennycress Inn

‘How are you settling into village life, Laura?’ Jane smiled as she poured the gravy.

‘Good, thanks. I guess there’s been a few hiccups here and there and some people are quite close-knit…’ She glanced at her mum, who gave her a worried look. ‘But I’ve joined the local darts team at the pub Jackson works at.’

‘That didn’t take you long, sis. Good for you.’ Richie picked up a Yorkshire pudding and tore a piece off before shoving it into his mouth.

‘Use your fork, Richie,’ their mum reprimanded him.

‘Sorry, I forgot I was here.’ Richie chuckled before catching Jane’s eye. ‘Not that I eat like that at home. Nothing of the sort.’

‘And you, Jackson? Richie tells us you’re a property developer now?’ Her dad reached for the salt shaker.

‘Oh, I wouldn’t say that, but I’ve bought a few properties to renovate, yes. I’m onto my fourth one now, but I still work as a chef at the local pub alongside.’

Her dad nodded. ‘I’m impressed. Well done, lad.’

‘Thank you.’ Jackson nodded towards Laura. ‘Laura is doing an amazing job with Pennycress.’

Laura kicked him under the table, unable to utter the words, ‘thanks very much.’

Much to Laura’s dismay, her dad turned his attention to her. ‘Yes, yes. Richie and I visited last week. You seem to be taking to life as an innkeeper, Laura.’

‘I’m enjoying it.’ Laura nodded. The less she could say about the stack of disasters she’d encountered at Pennycress, the better, but hopefully things were finally turning a corner. ‘I’ve arranged for a gardener to start soon too.’

‘That’s a bit premature, isn’t it, sweetheart? Shouldn’t you open up first and start bringing in some money before you employ people?’ Her mum frowned.

‘She’s not starting for another couple of months yet. It’s perfect timing actually; she has to wait until her son settles into nursery, which will be after I open.’

‘Well, as long as you’ve explored all the costings and know you can afford it.’ Her dad looked at her over his glasses.

‘Yep, all costed out.’ Laura nodded. She hated lying to her parents, but it would be fine. Besides, she and Jill hadn’t even discussed payment yet.

‘Is it someone local to you?’ Jenny asked.

‘Yes, her name’s Jill and she seems really nice. She was telling me that she’s always loved Vivienne’s garden and used to think it was magical as a child, so she’s really excited to make a start.’

‘Vivienne’s garden? I thought you said she’d be working on yours?’ Her dad frowned.

‘Sorry, yes. Vivienne used to run Pennycress before me.’

‘Ah, so you’ve met the previous owner then? I hope you managed to get some good tips from her.’ Her mum stood upand picked up a water jug from the middle of the table. ‘Anyone for water?’

‘Yes, I did. She’s been really helpful, actually.’ Laura held up her empty glass for her mum to fill, trying desperately not to catch Jackson’s eye. She really didn’t want to get into any details about just how helpful Vivienne had been and she was worried that if she met Jackson’s gaze, she’d end up telling the whole sorry story. ‘You’ll all have to come down for the opening.’

28

‘That was delicious, as always. Thank you, Ruth and Phil.’ Jackson placed his knife and fork together on his empty plate and leaned back in his chair.

‘Maybe you’ll bless us with your presence a little more often now then.’ Richie chuckled as he stood up and began collecting the plates.

‘I’ll help you.’ Pushing her chair back, Laura piled Jenny’s plate onto hers.

‘I certainly will.’ Standing, Jackson nodded to Richie. ‘Sit down, mate. I’ll help Laura. You’ve probably been up all night with the little ones.’

‘Now this I could get used to. Someone who appreciates how difficult it can be raising kids.’ Richie slumped back in his chair.

‘Oi! We’re not difficult!’ Tammy shouted across the room at her uncle.

‘He means babies. Not children your age.’ Rob lowered his voice. ‘Although I can assure you, Richie, mate, just because they get older it doesn’t mean they automatically start to sleep through the night.’

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