Page 27 of The Fete of Summer (Tales of Crumbington #1)

“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.”

“No obligations,” said Arlene with a shrug.

“Meet with him, have a chat, and if you’re both happy, consider having him step in to help.

I get the impression he’s a little restless.

The work and a little bit of pocket money might be just what he needs.

And don’t you think it might be good to have someone as a backup in case, at the very least, you’re feeling under the weather?

” Once she had finished, she turned her attention elsewhere.

“Father Mulligan, can you show me where you store the extension leads? In case I need them again?”

Arlene trailed behind Father Mulligan in the direction of the small storeroom. As Nathan readied to leave, Jenny stopped him.

“I don’t want to interfere, Nathan, and I don’t always agree with Arlene, but she might be offering you a lifeline here,” said Jenny. “If this man’s got baking experience, why not at least meet him?”

One thing being with Jaymes had taught him was that he had to start living again, grabbing every scrap of life thrown his way.

What could be the harm in meeting Fingal?

Maybe he did need to look for solutions instead of constantly finding reasons for not doing something.

A long weekend with Jaymes in the countryside away from Crumbington sounded perfect.

Surely he was entitled to a bit of fun now and again?

He waited until Arlene returned to the room to collect her things.

“About your suggestion, Arlene. I’d like to meet this friend of your husband’s. Let me know his number and I’ll contact him.”

Tomorrow, in the cold light of day, he could always reconsider and not call. As though hearing his thoughts, Arlene plucked her phone from her bag.

“Better still, Nathan, I’ll call him now for you. Get him to come to the shop first thing. That way, you can let your friends know tomorrow whether you’re taking them up on their offer. Best not to leave these things until too late.”

When Nathan turned to Doris, she patted him on the arm as she went to leave with Father Mulligan.

Maybe they were all right.

Maybe the time had come to let go a little.