Page 67 of Chasing Dreams in Eversley Village

‘You’re just sore because she fixed you up with her mate, when you fancy her.’

‘I don’t like being set up. Anyway, I’m still confused over that matter.’

‘You need to speak to her, then. Find out what it was all about.’

‘I don’t like people interfering with my life.’ He nodded towards Shona.

She laughed. ‘I’m not interfering. I’m just saying, if you like her, then you need to tell her. Good looks can only carry you so far, big bro.’

‘You seem to think you’re an expert on my private life.’

‘I’m just basing my thoughts on what you told me at my party.’

‘That was a strong brew. I should have known to steer clear of Steve’s homemade poison.’ Mitch laughed.

‘Being in here is making me peckish – shall we make lunch?’

Before he could answer, Mitch’s phone buzzed in his back pocket, he fished it out,Nina Calling.He puffed out and hesitated but realised if he ignored it she would only call back. ‘I’ll help after I’ve dealt with this call.’ He stepped outside his parent’s property through French windows. ‘Hi, Nina.’

‘Mitch, how’s it going?’

‘Not that great. My uncle is ill. Unfortunately, I’m stuck here until he’s well enough to travel.’

‘Oh, I see. It’s the first Rural Business Meeting the day after tomorrow.’

‘I doubt I’ll be back by then,’ he said, thinking that every cloud has a silver lining.

‘I understand you wanted to talk about the farmers’ market. I was getting excited to hear all about it.’

Mitch noted the disappointment in her voice. ‘You could ask Holly, with her being my business partner.’ Although Mitch imagined the request to Holly would be better coming from him. ‘I’ll call her and ask, then get back to you. Is that okay?’

‘Yes, of course it is.’ Her voice softened. ‘When do you think you’ll be back in Eversley?’

‘Hopefully within a week.’

‘Maybe we can catch up then?’

It had felt awkward back in Eversley when he had told Nina he wasn’t interested in a relationship. He thought he had made it clear and hoped he would not have to be blunt with her.‘I’ve got a few busy weeks ahead. Make sure you pop over to the farmers’ market, if I don’t see you before.’

‘Okay, I’ll wait to hear from you then.’

Mitch ended the call and put his phone away. He took a small stroll around the garden, which was mostly laid to lawn with a few flower beds. It was flat, unlike the Booth land in Somerset, with its tufty, grassy slopes. This garden was prettier, with a wide range of flowers but way too twee for him. He guessed his mother would love the nursery.She’d probably bring a van load of plants back with her, he thought.Mitch breathed out a long, slow breath, realising he would have to phone Holly.He had been thinking of her constantly. So why was he putting it off?

‘Mitch,’ Shona called. ‘I thought you were going to help with lunch?’

I’ll wait until this afternoon,he thought.

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