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Chapter 20
Holly cleaned the pens in the petting zoo as Trixy sat patiently watching her from the gate. She did not even bark when Holly set out Charlie’s food as the goat bleated. She rubbed Charlie’s back, realising that she had not spent as much time as usual with the animals since Trixy had been with her. Although Anne, who usually focussed on the retail side, had taken on full responsibility for the petting zoo, while Holly was managing the reopening. Holly had enjoyed training Trixy and was surprised at what she had achieved in a week.
Her mobile phone rang. After quickly washing her hands at the outdoor sink, she answered it. It was Mitch.
‘Hi, Mitch. How’s it going?’
‘I’m fine. But Sid’s unwell.’
‘Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that.’
‘I can’t really leave him here, in case it’s the end.’
‘I fully understand. It must be hard for you.’
‘The doctor is hopeful he’ll be able to travel, in about three days’ time. I’d rather not risk it before then.’
‘Don’t worry about Trixy, she’s fine. I love having her with me.’ Trixy yapped at the sound of her name. Holly realised it must be a difficult time for Mitch, especially in Essex, with the memories of his wife.
‘And there was something else.’
‘Yes?’
‘Nina called me.I was supposed to be attending the Rural Business Committee meeting on Thursday. But I’m not going to be able to make it. They were interested in hearing about the farmers’ market.’
‘Do you want me to go?’
‘If you don’t mind? I feel really bad dumping it on you like this.’
Holly realised she could not say no. After all, Mitch was only on the committee because the Council agreed to accept her painting as a late entry. ‘That’s fine. Leave it with me.’
After a quick exchange about the weather, Holly hung up. She was used to committee meetings and realised it would be a good opportunity to talk, not only about the farmers’ market, but also about the hub. Not seeing Mitch for a few days longer was also a bonus because she was feeling a lot more herself, without the silly schoolgirl-type crush clouding her thoughts. She had convinced herself that it must have been the stress of the fire. She looked over at Trixy who sniffed at the ground. After spending so much time training her, she was starting to feel as if the dog was her own.
Surveying her land, she could see things taking shape fast. George was great at getting things done.At least something’s going well,she thought.They were going to open the following week for the sale of current stock and to promote the farmers’ market. The initial works were near completion and she and her staff would soon be able to set up the retail sheds. It was only two weeks until they planned the trial market. She hoped Mitch would be back by then.
Holly’s mobile phone rang again. It was Jill.
‘Hi. Any update?’ Holly crossed her fingers.
‘Yes. Not good, I’m afraid. Tom’s refused mediation. He says he’ll see us in court.’
‘I thought you said …’
‘I’m pretty certain it’s a scare tactic. He’s trying to wear you down.’
‘Well, it’s working. What about the counter-claim for the money he owes me?’
‘You’ll have better chance of success if we wait. We’ll surprise him, kick him when he’s down.’
‘What if he spends it? Or does a disappearing act?’
‘It’s possible, but I doubt he’ll move on. Not when he thinks he’s on to a winner. Delay is a good thing.’ It was alright for Jill saying delay was good, but Holly had plans. She had an Arts Council application in the pipeline and workers on site. What if she was forced to sell the land? Her stomach burned with the pain of nervous indigestion, the way it always did when she thought of the divorce.
‘I’ll call you next week, unless there are any major developments.’ Jill sounded matter of fact; Holly wished she could be just as calm about it.
After thanking Jill, Holly dragged her thoughts away from Tom. She had not seen him since the outburst at the Eversley Arms – she hoped that meant David Bunning was working him like a dog. She guessed he was travelling the country shows, which were well under way. She wondered whether Tom and Grace were modelling the motorhomes as a happy couple.
Holly left the petting area and Trixy fell in line, trotting at Holly’s side. Holly was surprised to find she had a natural gift for dog training, especially as she had never owned one before.Interesting, the tips you can pick up on YouTube,she thought.She toyed with the theory that Trixy loved her so much she would do anything for her. She had taught Trixy how to walk to heel, to sit and stay, and even to put out a paw for a treat.
