Page 10 of Welcome to Pennycress Inn

Yep, that was solid. It wasn’t going anywhere. She looked up. It was still a long way up to be able to reach the guttering. Twelve rungs of the ladder, at least.

She shook her head. That wasn’t high. Heck, it had always been her job to go up into the loft because Harry had been absolutely petrified of the enclosed space and, of course, his claustrophobia had trumped her fear of heights every single time. She could do this. She needed to so she could show herself she could at least do something.

Looking down at the grease covering the front of her T-shirt, she sighed. After getting back from her walk into the village centre, she’d attempted to fix the washing machine, but even after scrolling through hundreds of YouTube videos and following at least a dozen strong men demonstrating how easy and simple it was to change a belt, she still hadn’t been able to succeed. After two and a half hours of stretching the thing and placing it in what looked to be the correct position, each andevery time she’d turned the machine on again, the damn belt had sprung straight back off. She’d tried both. And both belts had been a complete waste of money.

Just as she began to climb the ladder, her mobile rang out and she jumped down and pulled it from her pocket. ‘Hello?’

‘Afternoon, this is Washing Machine Repairs Limited. I’m returning your call.’ A gravelly voice filled her ear.

‘Oh great! Thanks for ringing back. The belt on my washing machine has broken and needs replacing. I’ve given it a go, but to be honest, I don’t have a clue what I’m doing and could really do with some help.’ Her knight in shining armour had returned her call! After her dismal failure at attempting to fix the thing, she’d given in and rung for professional help.

‘No problem. Should be an easy fix.’

‘Fantastic. Thank you! I don’t suppose you have any time free today, do you? I could really do with getting it up and running.’

‘Absolutely, not an issue. In fact, I have an hour late afternoon I could fit you in. What’s your address and I’ll pop by?’

‘Amazing.’ Laura grinned. She might just be able to get a good night’s sleep tonight after all. ‘It’s Pennycress Inn, down Wisteria Lane in Meadowfield.’

‘Pennycress Inn, you say?’

‘Yes, that’s right. Thank you so much for fitting me in so quickly. I really appreciate it.’ Laura looked at the ladder, feeling all the more determined to fix that gutter so she could have a night of peace cocooned in a clean bed.

‘I’m so sorry, but I’m not going to be able to help you.’

‘What? Why? Sorry, I mean, I thought you just said you could.’ Her heart sank.

‘No, I’ve been looking at the wrong day. Fully booked today, I’m afraid.’ Was it her imagination or had his tone changed? Gone was the friendly voice who had rung her, instead he sounded distant, dismissive and a little curt.

‘Oh, what about tomorrow? That will be fine.’ It would have to be.

‘Nope, not tomorrow either. In fact, I’m pretty much booked up for the time being. Sorry.’

‘But…’ It was no good. The line was silent. He’d hung up. Great.

Turning around, she perched on the third rung of the ladder and pulled up the internet, scrolling through to another local plumber’s number. The company wasn’t based in Meadowfield but was still only a few miles down the road.

‘Hello, Utility Services. How can I help you?’ The woman on the other end of the phone sounded cheery.

‘Hi, do you fix washing machines please?’

‘We certainly do. Can I ask what the problem seems to be?’

Phew, the day wasn’t over yet. ‘Yes, it’s the belt. It’s snapped.’

‘Great, that’s half the battle knowing what the issue is. If you give me your address, I can get someone out to you by this evening.’

‘Thank you. It’s Pennycress Inn, Wisteria…’ Laura paused and listened to a series of mumbles. It sounded as though the woman was having a conversation with someone else. ‘Hello?’

‘I’m sorry. There are no appointments left.’

‘Okay…’ Shaking her head, Laura ended the call before ringing the next repair company on the internet search list. Something wasn’t right here.

‘Afternoon, Village and Town Repairs and Services.’

‘Hi, can I book for a washing machine belt to be fixed at Pennycress Inn, Meadowfield?—’

‘Sorry, we’ve no appointments available.’

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