‘So am I,’ Patsy added. ‘Although I don’t think I’ll be much use moving equipment.’
Zac was relieved to hear her say so. ‘I’m sure my sister will find enough work to keep us all busy,’ he teased.
Melody seemed cheerful but Zac had spotted a sadness in her eyes. Come to think of it, he mused as he waited for his sister to lead them back outside, there seemed a sense of mystery about the pretty girl with the pink-dyed hair. Zac wondered what could have happened to her to put that hint of sadness in her pale blue eyes. He wondered if he would get to know her well enough for her to trust him and open up about her life. He hoped so.
‘Shall we take a walk around the fields now?’ he asked, checking his watch. ‘I’ve got about forty minutes before I need to take Mum and Dad to the airport and I’d love to be there when Lettie introduces you both to the animals we still have here. We can also show you the crops.’
‘Good idea,’ Lettie agreed. ‘We can talk through some ideas for the wellness festival while we’re at it. I’ve got a few ideas for utilising areas around the farm for some of the classes.’
‘Such as?’ Zac asked, intrigued.
‘Well, I thought the yoga classes could be held in one of the fields and maybe the sound bath and some of the other therapies in the lower meadow near the stream.’
‘Sounds wonderful,’ Patsy said, straightening the straw hat on her head.
‘It does,’ Melody agreed, reaching down to pet Spud who had joined them.
Lettie fanned her face. ‘It’s still very warm out here. Why don’t I show you around the farm and take you to meet some ofthe animals. Afterwards we can go inside, pour ourselves some drinks and brainstorm more ideas.’
‘Now that is a good idea.’ Zac laughed.
They were crossing the yard when a vehicle drew up and parked.
‘Callum?’ Lettie said, looking at Zac. ‘Maybe he could offer some help,’ she whispered to Zac. ‘See what you can do.’
Zac felt a pang of jealousy when he noticed Melody’s eyes widen as Callum got out of his pristine Golf GTI. He wasn’t surprised. His friend had started modelling at a young age to earn money to help pay his way through university, while most of them, Zac included, earned a pittance working shifts in bars or restaurants. Despite Callum seeming oblivious to his effect on women, Zac was used to the way women in the village reacted to this friendly, chisel-jawed man who looked as if he had stepped out of a glossy commercial.
‘Hi, everyone,’ Callum said. ‘I hope I’m not interrupting anything.’
‘Of course you’re not,’ Lettie said, introducing Melody and Patsy. ‘This is Zac’s friend and these are Patsy and Melody. They’ve come to help us on the farm for a few weeks.’
Zac saw Callum smile at Patsy before his gaze settled on Melody. Zac waited to see if she blushed like girls usually tended to when Callum turned his attention on them but she didn’t. He hid his relief. He might have only known Melody for a few hours but there was something about her he found magnetic. She was very pretty and obviously kind but it was something else. Maybe it was the sorrow he saw in her eyes that piqued his interest. Was it that he wanted to find out more about her and what had caused her to be sad so he could find a way to make her happier again? He had no idea, but whatever it was he knew he wanted to get to know her better.
‘Hello there, Torels and guests,’ Callum cheered.
Always so confident, Zac mused, unable to help smiling at his friend’s exuberance. ‘I hadn’t expected to see you here this evening?’ Zac said. ‘We’re about to show the ladies around the farm.’
‘You’re welcome to join us,’ Lettie said. ‘Although you’ve seen it all before many times.’
‘Lead the way,’ Callum said, falling into step next to Zac. ‘I thought you were going to let me know if you could join the lads for a couple of drinks tonight.’
Zac realised he had forgotten. ‘Sorry, must have slipped my mind.’
They followed behind the three women as Lettie led the way, explaining to Patsy and Melody about the different fields and what animals were kept where.
Callum stopped. ‘Nothing’s wrong, I hope.’
Zac explained about the issue with the insurance claim and Patsy’s suggestion about the festival. ‘I’ve no idea where to start but our guests seem confident they can come up with suggestions. We’re going to have to hold it soonish though so that the work can be paid for before the weather turns.’
‘I’m sorry you’re all having to deal with this,’ Callum said, continuing to walk once again. ‘If there’s anything I can do to help promote the festival on my radio show, you must let me know.’
‘Thanks, mate.’ Zac slapped his friend lightly on his back. ‘I appreciate the offer.’
‘No worries.’ They caught up with the others.
They reached the alpacas and Lettie began introducing them to Patsy and Melody. ‘This one is Gideon and this is Tinker Bell and Thumbelina.’
Patsy and Melody reached out to stroke the soft fur that had begun to grow a little since the alpacas had been shorn weeks before, and Zac spotted Melody glance across at Callum –probably doubly impressed by him now she had spent time with him.
