Page 50 of The Fete of Summer

Nathan: Top notch. Just got to see myself naked.

Jay: If you’re trying to impress, don’t bother. I get to see you naked every morning and night. When can I get my hands on this calendar?

While others around him began to clear things away, Nathan halted for a moment. By the first week of June, the official calendar launch date, Jaymes would already be on the other side of the world in Malaysia. He shook his head quickly to suppress the twinge of sadness seeping into him.

Nathan: Don’t worry. I’ll get you an advanced copy

Jay: Magic. Are you done there?

Nathan: Almost. Give me ten

Jay: I’ll order the usual. Tell Poll and Mikey I’ll get theirs, too.

Polly and Mikey left first, while Nathan stayed behind. He wanted to have a word with Jenny. When he approached and went to shake her hand, she pulled him into a hug.

“You’re naturally photogenic, Nathan. My journalist friend’s name is Franz Kingston. He’ll most likely contact you by telephone and ask a few questions about the fête, the calendar and your shop. Hope that’s going to be okay?”

“Perfectly fine. I’ll make sure to pay tribute to the brilliant photographer.”

Jenny smiled almost coyly and shrugged.

“Believe it or not, this shoot could do wonders for my studio. And if you and your boyfriend ever consider coming in for a couple’s session, just let me know.”

Nathan turned to check that Polly had left, then lowered his voice.

“Officially, Jaymes and I aren’t boyfriends, although we are intimate, if you know what I mean. We haven’t told anyone yet, especially Polly. She’s Jaymes’ cousin. Could you keep that under your hat?”

“Your secret’s safe with me. How delicious!”

Nathan nodded in relief. One time in front of the camera was enough for a lifetime, but he looked forward to telling Jaymes about her suggestion. As he helped Jenny pack away chairs, his phone buzzed once again. Almost sure he would see another text from Jaymes appear on his phone, he was surprised to read somebody else’s name.

Martin: Gallagher mentioned to Jaymes that we’re renovating our place in the Cotswolds. It’s a work in progress but habitable if you and he wanted some time alone. The builders are away until early April if you fancy a long weekend this month. Jaymes said I should ask you. I’ve texted him, too. Let me know if you’d be interested.

Stood now in the middle of the church hall, Nathan chuckled at the words. Lost in thought, he puffed out a sigh and gently shook his head.

“Problem?” asked Jenny.

“Not really. I met these chaps when Jaymes and I went to Clifton’s dinner party. They’re offering us their Cotswold holiday let for a long weekend.” Nathan stuffed the phone into his pocket and began to help with the tidying. “Obviously, I can’t go.”

“Obviously?” asked Arlene as she packed her bag. “Why, obviously?”

“When was the last time you had a holiday?” asked Jenny.

Nathan said nothing, continuing to fold one of the chairs from around the small table.

“Wasn’t that when your grandfather was still alive?” asked Doris, raising her eyebrows at Arlene.

“Heavens, have you been speaking to Polly? You have your niece working alongside you who is more than capable of running the show when you’re away, Doris,” said Nathan as he carried a couple of chairs to the storeroom and continued as he returned. “Since Dad died, I have nobody. Halina can look after things on a quiet afternoon if I need time off, but I am never more than a half-hour’s drive away. Heaven knows what she’d do if one of the ovens packed up or something worse.”

“Doesn’t Arthur take care of the ovens?” asked Doris.

“He starts early at two and finishes at midday. I could hardly expect him to work a sixteen-hour day.”

“No harm in asking, dear. And the Cotswolds is hardly on another continent. Remember what I told you about never ignoring signs,” said Doris, heading towards the kitchen. Nathan glared after her until he noticed Arlene’s gaze assessing him.

“My husband’s friend, Fingal, used to run a professional baking outfit in Dublin for the best part of thirty years,” said Arlene, in the process of tidying away her laptop. “He’s retired now—has been for over five years—and lives with his wife just outside Mosswold. Would you like me to put you in touch?”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

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