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‘How do you know my daughter?’ David pulled out a seat for Holly to sit down.
‘Oh, I don’t know her as such, we met briefly. I know her er – Tom.’
‘Pretty dog you have there.’ David sat down. ‘You know Tom, then? Great guy – shame about his hot tub business. We met him on the road, when I was showing my motorhomes.’
So at least that was the truth – he did have a hot tub business,Holly thought. She was surprised that she felt relieved, not wanting to be seen as a total mug.
‘I was a bit worried about Grace, getting involved with a guy with a failed business. But I’ve given him a job at the showroom and he’s doing great, a natural salesman, has the gift of the gab.
Don’t I know it,she thought.
‘He’s hoping to buy into the business, which will be great if things work out. I’m going to want to take a back seat in a year or so. It’s ideal.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes, he’s got a bit put by. I like that in a man, no-one saves these days. It’s all fast cars, smart TV’s and gym memberships.’
‘That’s a surprise.’ Holly’s hands shook and her face coloured up.Maybe Tom’s ripping David off?she thought. Wondering whether she should warn him.
‘He’s got quite a sizeable sum stashed away already. Sensible idea to sell up before he lost the lot.’
Holly felt the anger rise inside and her face flushed. Trixy barked so she bent down to pacify her, hoping to mask her reaction.
‘He’s going to put part of it down on a home for the pair of them. I’ve told them not to rush into marriage, you can make awful mistakes. Fools rush in.’
Holly gave a nervous laugh, realising she was that fool. She wanted to know more about the money Tom appeared to have. ‘Lucky him being able to save enough for a deposit. Property is so expensive these days.’
‘I’ve checked his bank account. He showed me, he’s got eighty thousand.’
Holly opened her mouth to speak, then shut it as her heart raced.
‘And apparently, he’s got a share in land which is up for sale. Says he hopes that it’ll go through within the next month or so. Not sure of the details, but it’s over your way somewhere.’
‘Interesting,’ Holly said through gritted teeth.
‘How exactly do you know Tom then?’
Luckily, Trixy jumped up, barking.
‘I won’t be able to stay long, she’s restless.’ Holly took a deep breath, looked up and moved some hair which had fallen over her face. ‘Will I need to do a presentation at the next Council meeting?’
‘Oh no. No need for that, your application has already been circulated and it’s very clear. I can assure you, young lady, I’ll argue your case. I think it’s far superior to the others awaiting consideration. Indeed, the most professional I’ve seen for a while. I don’t see anything getting in the way of Council support. It’s ambitious, I’ll give you that – but exciting. It’s bound to bring more employment, more people in and ultimately, more money to the area. Well done.’
Holly smiled but guessed that as soon as David spoke to Grace, AKAPoppet, Holly would no longer be receiving his support.
Their discussion turned to the state of the high street and its future as a concept in a changing society. Ten minutes later, she bade David farewell and headed straight to Dawkins and Co.There was no way she would allow Tom to buy a new house, or invest in a business, with her money.
