Page 88 of He's the One

“Not yet.”

“Do you need lunch?”

“I’ve brought it with me.”

“Okay. I’ll make myself something and meet you at the hut in ten minutes.”

“See you.”

Theo slapped peanut butter between two slices of bread, grabbed an apple, filled a bottle with water and ran to the hut, leapfrogging the puddles. At least the rain had stopped.

James and Col were the only ones in there and there was no longer a pool of water on the floor.

“Hallelujah! It’s a miracle!” Theo said.

James rolled his eyes and nodded at the sandwich in Theo’s hand. “You didn’t have time to wrap it?”

“No.” Theo took a bite.

“Mission accomplished?”

“Partly. Thanks for helping out.”

“I don’t want to know what you’ve been up to so don’t tell me, then I won’t have to lie.” James pushed to his feet. “I’m assuming since you’re out of your suit that you’re free of Darnley for the rest of the day.”

“And tomorrow. He’s out. I have to go debt collecting with him on Thursday.”

James narrowed his eyes. “Kaleb?”

Theo nodded.

“Shit.” James hissed. “Show Col around the estate this afternoon. Then if any visitors need directions, he’s not going to send them to Narnia. And he might as well see what needs doing to the folly. I asked Darnley if he’d change the rules so Col could be paid more for the stonemasonry days. He said no.”

“He’s a mean—” Theo pressed his lips together.

“Make a good start on it, Col, and I’ll talk to Lord Wetherby. That folly would make a great addition for weddings. I’ve been thinking about tidying up the whole area and adding seating, along with an outdoor kitchen. In fact, start work there tomorrow. Let me have a list of the things you’ll need and I’ll order them if we don’t already have them.”

“Thank you.”

James left the hut.

As Theo took another bite of his sandwich. Col lifted aBob the Builderplastic lunch box out of his backpack.

“Don’t say a word.” Col opened the box.

“I am so jealous. I was never allowed one of those lunch boxes.” He scooted closer to Col. Along with wrapped sandwiches, there was a packet of crisps, a piece of cheese, an apple and a chocolate biscuit.

“Mum packed it,” Col said. “The box was a joke but…”

“It’s lovely. Look how neatly she’s arranged everything. Oh God, she’s cut your sandwiches into triangles!”

“But not taken the crusts off this time.” Col laughed. “I once opened up my sandwiches at school and they were cut into the shape of Daleks.”

“I’m not sure my mother even knows how to make a sandwich.”

“I’m not sure you do.”

Theo looked at what he was holding, peanut butter bulging from the sides and he groaned. “I was in a hurry.”

---