‘Right I’m here. What do you need?’
Ava jumped and turned; she had never been happier to see Mary.
‘Oh, and here’s my offering. Ultimate, vegan, chocolate fudge cake.’
Ava looked at the large chocolate cake Mary proffered on a plate.
‘That looks amazing! Did you bake it?’
‘Of course, didn’t you know baking is one of my many talents?’
‘No!’ Ava took the cake, the sight and smell making her mouth water. ‘Why did I not know this about you before now?’
‘Because I’m lying! Of course I didn’t bake it, you dozy mare. I got the café to knock it up for me.’
‘Really? I didn’t know they did that. It looks and smells delicious! And it puts my lemon drizzle from a packet to shame.’
‘I’m sure it’s great. What else have you got?’ Mary looked at the tins spread over the sorting table.
‘Two Victoria sponges, a carrot cake, a fruit cake, a coffee and walnut, and Flo’s tomato soup cake. Don’t ask, apparently it’s a hit at funerals.’
‘Of course!’
They both giggled.
While Ava made tea, Mary sliced the cakes into doorstop wedges and put them under glass cloches with a cake slice. No matter what she tried in terms of additional fundraising in theshop, nothing beat a cake stall when it came to achieving the optimum ratio of time, effort and profit.
After delivering Flo’s tea, Ava looked at Mary who was scraping the chocolate frosting from the knife she’d used to cut up the cake she’d donated.
‘I’ve got to see a man about the music and check everyone is sorted. Can you help?’
‘Sure, do you want me to deal with Mr Music?’
‘No, thank you. But maybe you could start at The Brown Dog and work your way up that side of the street, just checking everyone is in place and all sorted, while I take this side?’ Ava was sure Gino would be dressed in his cowboy outfit, a fact that might help him register on Mary’s radar. ‘And then it should be time for you to set up the dog show on the green. Are you still OK to do that?’
‘Of course, and while I remember, Henry said he’d see you at twelve o’clock in the square unless there are any changes, in which case let him know.’
Ava felt heat flush in her cheeks as her stomach did a nervous flip. She had avoided Henry and the grounds of Dapplebury House, and successfully managed to coordinate everything related to the move via Mary, so far, but today she was going to have to face him. She’d known she’d have to at some point, especially with the lodge moving to Dapplebury House. It was only now that she realised putting it off meant she would be facing him, for the first time since the revelations about their parents, in public. Would that make it harder or easier? She didn’t know but a glance at her watch told her she’d find out in a few short hours.
Having checked in with Dave the DJ and ensured that everyone was ready on her side of the street, Ava realised it was almost time to declare the festival officially open. Dave had assured her he’d be all set for her to give a brief speech before helaunched into his summer tunes set. Deciding, while she waited, to switch her phone to aeroplane mode for fear of it ringing or giving feedback Ava saw a message from Mary. Taking in the sight of the photograph she had sent of Gino, with Luna in his arms, Ava smiled.Who can resist the charms of a muscled Italian man, dressed as a cowboy, holding a Springador puppy?Ava really hoped, not Mary. Looking at the mischievous dog, Ava was pleased she’d arranged a pet sitter for Myrtle and Blossom. Knowing they were sorted and happy meant one less thing to worry about.
When at last Dave had sorted the sound system, Ava made her way to the microphone. She’d attempted to prepare a speech, but it seemed silly saying too much when the only people currently listening were Dave and a few stallholders who’d managed to set up because the breeze didn’t hamper their wares. Instead of going on too much, she thanked everyone for their amazing efforts, said some things about making this a festival to remember and, for some reason known only to her brain, shouted, ‘Let the games begin.’ At which point a somewhat confused Dave read the event sheet, reminding people of all that was on offer to see and do. Something she should have done.
Feeling a fool, Ava walked towards The Brown Dog. Looking up to the sky she could see the sun struggling to come out from behind the clouds. In the distance, over the top of Dapplebury House, there was even a hint of blue sky. The sight lifted her spirits. Though looking in that direction meant she couldn’t help but think of Henry and the fact she would be face-to-face with him soon. Her pulse quickened at the prospect, as her pace hastened towards the pub in search of a fortifying drink to settle her nerves.
Walking around the central block of shops, Ava was taken aback. Outside the pub was an array of colour with bright bunting, hay bales and a few customers dressed appropriately ascowboys, including Gino, looking every bit as handsome as his picture in his jeans, red checked shirt, Stetson and chaps. Mary came out of the pub holding Luna in her arms and laughing as the puppy attempted to lick her face.
‘You’re still here!’ Ava felt a sense of panic as she wondered if she should have gone to check the other stalls herself.
‘Don’t worry, I’ve been up and down this side of the street. I even took Luna with me. Everyone is all sorted. I just had to come back here to return this one to Magic Mike there.’
Ava burst out giggling. ‘He does look a little bit—’
‘Who looks what?’ Gino walked towards them, and Luna wriggled with excitement.
‘You have to admit you look a bit Magic Mike.’
‘A bit what? You don’t think I look like a cowboy?’ Gino looked crestfallen.
