Page 2 of An Ill Wind in Seabury
‘Cheers,’ she said, raising it and taking a sip. ‘Ooh, you do make one of the best cuppas out there.’
‘Only because I’ve had years of training!’ laughed George.
‘What I want to know is why you’re still single?’ tutted Doris.
George rolled his eyes. This topic of conversation came up at least three times a week!
‘Come on, Doris – you know I’m married to the job!’ he said, his smile suddenly feeling a bit strained.
‘But it’s such a waste,’ she sighed. ‘I mean, a lovely looking chap like you? You’d make someone very happy. I bet you’d spoil them rotten, too!’
‘I like my life just as it is, thanks,’ George shrugged. ‘If the right woman happens to stroll into town and doesn’t mind a postie with zero ambition and a love of small-town life, I’ll be there with bells on!’
Doris shook her head. ‘You always list those things like they’re bad. You’re a hard worker, you have a lovely home, a wonderful bunch of friends and a community that adores you.’
‘Thanks, Doris.’
‘It’s true. Being happy with the life you’ve made for yourself is something to be proud of, not embarrassed about.’
‘Oh, I’m not embarrassed,’ said George, scratching his nose and wishing this particular conversation was over already. ‘ButI’m not going to kid myself. My love of alittle lifedoesn’t suit everyone.’
‘How is being happy “little”?’ tutted Doris. ‘Whoever said that to you sounds like an idiot who didn’t deserve you in the first place.’
‘You might be right,’ said George with a shrug. ‘Either way, she’s ancient history. Anyway, I’d better get on with more important things. You know… van to load… parcels to deliver.’
‘Hop to it then, boy,’ said Doris. ‘But just you keep your eyes open for a lovely lady you can wait on hand and foot while you’re at it.’
‘Why bother?’ said George. ‘I’ve got you!’
That brought a grin to Doris’s face, which had to be something of a record, considering she was only three sips into her mug of tea.
‘Yes, you do,’ said Doris. ‘But grumpy-morning-banter is all you’re going to get out of me, George Slatter!’
George closed the back door of his van and gave it a gentle pat. It was going to be a busy round today! First things first, he needed to stop at the allotments. He had a parcel for Charlie. Trouble was, Charlie didn’t want Ethel catching wind of it… and keeping anything secret from Charlie’s wife required a near-military operation!
Hopping in behind the wheel, George got himself comfortable and then headed slowly through the middle of town past the hotel before continuing on towards West Beach.
It was turning into a beautiful day, and there were already a few people out and about. He waved to Kate, who was strolling along the golden stretch of sand opposite The Sardine. Stanley,her massive Bernese Mountain Dog, was bounding along the beach in front of her, his fluffy ears flying with every bounce.
George took the hill out of town slowly. The sun was beaming, low and golden, and he dropped his visor to shield his eyes. He wasn’t in any rush… he’d just pull in next to the allotments and then…
‘Oh. Damn!’
A large, black SUV was blocking the front entrance to the allotments. George usually just pulled up next to the gates for the few minutes he was there rather than heading all the way into the little carpark, but right now it looked like both options were out.
Craning his neck to get a better look, George could just make out Charlie standing at the front of the vehicle, his arms crossed, and a grumpy expression creasing his usually kind and smiling face.
Indicating, George mounted the grassy verge and squeezed the van in behind the SUV. As long as nothing large wanted to get past, he should be fine for a few minutes.
He opened the door and clambered out into the long grass, taking tentative steps as he went. The last thing he wanted to do was put his foot down a concealed rabbit hole and twist his ankle. That wouldn’t do his running any good at all!
‘Morning, George,’ said Charlie. ‘What a to do, eh?’
‘Got an early visitor?’ said George, reaching the safety of the front of the van and coming to stand by his friend.
‘No visitor of mine!’ huffed Charlie. ‘Blooming idiot. I saw her go past the gates a few times, driving too fast. Then, the next thing I know, she’s pulled in, parked up, and wandered off! I was just putting my kettle on, otherwise I’d have been out here to tell her to hop it! She’s completely blocked the carpark!’
‘You could always call Bill up at Hillside Farm?’ said George. ‘I bet he’d be more than happy to drag it out of the way with his tractor.’
