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Chapter 35
Holly jumped out of bed and went to the kitchen area of the caravan. Pulling open the curtains, she smiled. Today was the official opening of Eversley Arts Hub. The artwork displayed in the new nursery building had already attracted attention. She had picked up a couple of commissions. A wedding gift for a couple over in Glastonbury and the other for a marketing business in Street. Not short of work, Holly had taken on new members of staff. The local sixth-form college had agreed to partner with her, so their students could be involved, both in the day-to-day jobs at the nursery, and also gaining experience with teaching younger kids and displaying their own work in the arts hub. Everything had fallen neatly into place.
Trixy yapped at her for her breakfast food. Holly watched her nose the dog bowl over the caravan’s kitchen area. Whilst she loved her pet to bits, she was a constant reminder of Mitch. She opened the cupboard containing Trixy’s food and filled the bowl.
Tom was now completely off the scene. He had eventually returned her money. Having split with Grace, he had tried to move himself back into the village circle but the gossips had made life difficult for him. She had mentioned nothing but had a pretty good idea that Jaz had spread the word. Holly had not gone too far out of her way to dispute any rumours about him, discovering that sometimes the Eversley grapevine could work in her favour. Taking on the role of village villain and being known as ‘Arsonist Tom’ had been too much for him and he had soon disappeared. Holly presumed he was back in Newquay with his parents. She knew the fire was an accident and was sure Tom regretted it. But that did not soften her thoughts towards him – he deserved the banishment.
There was a rap at the caravan door. Holly looked down at the pyjamas she was still wearing and squinted through the mottled glass to see who it was. Realising it was Jaz, she opened it.
Jaz beamed. ‘I can’t flippin’ believe it, who’d have thought it would all be ready so quick?’
‘I’ve been lucky to have such great people behind me. Such as you, Julian, the college, the Council, The Arts Council, the –’
‘Cool it, chick. You’re not picking up your local entrepreneur award just yet.’
Holly laughed, digging Jaz in the arm. ‘Cheeky. Come inside.’
Once in the caravan, Jaz hugged Holly as a jealous Trixy jumped up at their legs.
‘I’m so proud of you, hun.’ Jaz leaned back. ‘What time is everyone getting here?’
‘The staff are due to arrive at nine. The gates are opening at eleven and the Mayor cuts the tape at noon.’
‘Okay, I’ll text Julian. He wants to be here. He’s bringing Noah.’
‘I’ve seen you doing the family thing, Jaz. It suits you.’
Jaz pulled a face. ‘I don’t think I’m mum material.’
‘Rubbish, Noah is always laughing when you’re around. You don’t have to be his mum.’
Jaz shook her head.
Holly chose not to press her on the subject. ‘Anyway, you’ve both been so good, helping me out.’
‘Thanks for allowing us to.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Not being funny, chick, but you used to want to do everything yourself. Sometimes it’s nice for us to feel we can do something for you. You know – be useful.’
‘You’ve always been there for me, since I was four.’
‘I know, but it’s nice to help organise things, to help in other ways. Other than being your bodyguard.’
Holly laughed. ‘You still are that. But yes, I see what you mean. I guess I might have been a little bit of a control freak.’
Jaz raised her eyebrows. ‘A little?’
Holly laughed. ‘Okay, a lot. I think I must be mellowing in my old age.’
‘Maybe with the hub ready, you can think about a social life.’
‘With all this networking I’ve been doing, I feel like a social butterfly already.’
‘I mean letting your hair down. Maybe a date or two?’
‘Oh no, not that again.’
