Page 23 of All Wrapped Up
Knowing what a difference moving house, and indeed area, had made to me, I had every hope that my former in-laws would find the change as helpful and cathartic as I had.
‘Totally the right thing to do,’ I firmly said. ‘And I’m sorry, Mum, but I really must go now.’
‘Of course,’ she said, waving my apology away. ‘You get ready, my love. And let me know tomorrow what’s going on.’
‘Will do. Love you.’
‘Love you, too.’
My phone went off again during the drive into town, but obviously I didn’t check it until I had parked. A flurry of nerves had forced their way in as I had got dressed and, for the hundredth time at least, gone through my list of ideas back at the cottage. As a result of the jitters, I had set off earlier than planned in case they got the better of me and I was tempted to bail and retreat back into my previously reclusive habit.
I wasn’t impressed that my earlier confidence had for some reason headed for the hills, no mean feat in the flat Fens, and was even less impressed when I listened to the voicemail Ash had left while I had been driving.
‘Clemmie, I’m so sorry,’ he apologised, even before I had a chance to say hello when I immediately called him back.
‘You’re absolutely certain you won’t make it?’
His voicemail had explained that he was at a farm in the middle of nowhere and for some reason his truck wouldn’t start. The farmer and his mechanically-minded daughter had both had a look at it, but it still wouldn’t turn over.
‘I’ve got to wait for recovery,’ he told me, sounding genuinely upset. ‘And the call centre said it could be at least a couple of hours until someone gets to me.’
‘Could one of the farmers not drive you into town?’ I suggested. ‘And then I’ll take you back for the truck later.’
‘They can’t leave the farm and I’m miles from Wynbridge, so you wouldn’t make it back in time yourself if you came out to get me either,’ he said, before I suggested the idea. ‘I’m so sorry to let you down.’
I was sorry about that, too, but it wasn’t his fault.
‘It’s okay.’
‘It isn’t though, is it?’
‘Well, no, but these things happen and it can’t be helped. I’m sure I’ll manage, so don’t stress about it. You’re already having a bad enough day. But what about Pixie?’ I then gasped. ‘Is she with you?’
‘No,’ said Ash. ‘She’s at the barn and Will is going to check on her when he’s finished at the practice.’
‘But will that not upset her?’ I frowned. ‘Having someone other than you go in to see to her…’
‘I love that you’re so concerned,’ said Ash, capitalising on my worry for the little dog. ‘You are going to take her, aren’t you?’
‘Like I told you before,’ I evasively said, ‘I’ll decide about that after the meeting tonight.’
‘The meeting which is already off to a bad start,’ Ash then sighed. ‘I hope my absence won’t influence your feelings about the festival or Pixie because I promise you, Clemmie, I’m committed to helping support both. And no, don’t worry, she won’t mind Will going in. She’s used to him. He was her vet before I came along.’
‘Thank you for saying that and I’m pleased Pixie will be okay. Now,’ I said, taking a big breath, ‘I’d better go and get set up before everyone arrives.’
I’d kept an eye on The Mermaid door and there hadn’t been a stampede of early meeting attendees clamouring to get in yet. In my current state of depleted confidence, I wasn’t sure if that was something I should feel relieved about or not.
‘All right,’ said Ash. ‘And like I said before, I really am sorry not to be there.’
‘I’ll put you down for double duty next time,’ I said sardonically. ‘Let’s catch up later.’
‘Yes, let’s do that. Good luck, Clemmie. Not that you’re going to need it. You’re going to do Moses and the town proud.’
‘Thanks.’ I tried to smile. ‘I’ll hopefully see you soon.’
As it turned out, I was going to need a miracle rather than a dose of luck to make the meeting a success.
‘Where is everyone?’ I heard Jemma hiss to Lizzie as the three of us stood and looked around the almost empty pub as the meeting start time ticked closer.
