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Mitch rubbed his jaw. ‘They eventually found a manufacturing fault with the tractor’s brake.’
‘How dreadful.’
‘It was.’
Mitch turned back to the sink and a silence hung in the air.
‘I can’t imagine how that must have been for you and I think I’ve got problems.’
Mitch turned around. ‘I’m getting my life back now. I’ve had enough sympathy to last a lifetime. And I’m sorry about Sid’s behaviour too. He’s getting a bit cantankerous. I’m sure I’ll be a right old grumpy git when I reach eighty-four. If I’m lucky to get that old, that is.’
‘We both know he’s never been a fan of my family. I overstepped the mark and walked into it, trying to make friends. I shouldn’t have upset him like that, when he’s sick.’
Mitch walked over to the window and opened the curtains to a slither. ‘I noticed on the way up, that your staff are in the barn. What are they up to?’
Holly stroked Trixy’s head.‘We’re filling all available pots with plants. There are loads stacked to the rear of the building. We have indoor planters and outdoor which escaped the fire. We’re thinking of selling them at Wells market.’
‘Why at the market? You could sell them here?’
‘I don’t think health and safety would allow that. The buildings are subject to a public safety order.’
‘There’s plenty of land here though. You can cordon it off.’ Mitch pulled the curtains open and pointed. ‘Put up a shed over there for the cash till.’
‘Who’s going to come out here? Just to buy a pot?’
‘Trust me, lots of people love to look at disasters.’
‘Charming,’ Holly said with a laugh.
‘Not you. You’re not a disaster.’ Mitch turned and smiled at her.
Holly felt her cheeks heat up. She lowered her eyes to Trixy. ‘She seems happy. I wish I could feel that relaxed right now.’ Turning back to Mitch she stared into his familiar eyes as he leaned against the sink with his arms crossed.
‘You’re doing great, Holly. Anyway, are you tea or coffee?’
‘Tea, please.’
Mitch brought over two floral cups of tea and sat beside her. Holly told him about the insurance problems and he listened in silence as she off-loaded. After a while, she realised she was rambling. She also noticed that Mitch was not taking his eyes off her which made her feel nervous.
Mitch placed his empty cup on the table. ‘I was after a favour. I’m taking Sid to Essex for a big family event in a couple of weeks. Would you mind Trixy for me? Magda will be coming with us.’
Holly paused.
Mitch stared at her with his eyebrows raised as if searching for a reaction. He rubbed the back of his neck. ‘I know you’re busy. And have your zoo up here. I shouldn’t have asked.’
‘Of course I can look after her.’ Holly realised she’d paused for far too long. It was his eyes, she found it difficult to think when she gazed into them. Trixy woke up and licked Holly’s hand. ‘Trixy will be a nice distraction for me.’
‘There’s one other thing I wanted to ask.’
‘Yes?’
‘Last week you said you didn’t remember me.’
Holly blushed and bit her lip. She would have moved if Trixy had not been so happy on her lap.Stay cool, stay cool,she told herself.
‘We used to chat over the wall for hours, I can’t believe you don’t recall.’
Holly coughed and glanced downwards. ‘Maybe there is a distant memory.’
