AllFreeNovel
Share Us
That was the understatement of the century. I was socially awkward, and that was putting it mildly. Planning this thing was my worst nightmare. And I had a feeling my aunt was doing this to bring me out of my shell. I was much better suited to hiding in said shell like a hermit crab. Okay, so I’d gotten comfortable with a few people at the lottie. Sally, who also worked at the lottie shop, Toby, Luke, Vi and Reg. But I was still pretty nervous around most people.
“I can design an invitation. That’s what usually happens. Then we pop one in the shed and send to others. It’s a big allotment, so we usually stick to this side. Not everyone comes, mind you. Some like to keep to themselves,” Luke said.
“I can help with that, if you like. I have some amazing design software packages on my laptop,” I offered.
Luke’s eyes lit up. “That would be cool. I usually use the same template, but it’ll be good to make something a little better.”
I blushed under his gaze. My eyes slid to where Toby stood. Was there mirth in his expression? My cheeks almost set on fire at this point. I coughed to hide my embarrassment.
“Let’s go and sit inside my shed and we can thrash out what needs to be done. Everyone will muck in and help.”
We followed Toby up the path to his main shed, more like a huge summerhouse, where he grabbed three mugs and filled them with coffee. We sat at the table and began our plan of action. By the time we’d finished, we had a sizeable list of people who’d be only too happy to help. Toby insisted he write it all down in his A4 notebook. Bless him, he loved his old school ways.
“Do you think you could bring your laptop here tomorrow?” Luke asked. “Then we can get going on the design.”
“Why don’t you come over to my aunt’s? We can do it there. I’m sure she’ll be glad to see you.”
Lady, what the bloody hell are you thinking?
Luke raised his brows until they almost met. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah. She’s been asking after you.” I looked over his shoulder at Toby. “After both of you.” I smiled at the older man.
“Okay, when?”
“Tonight? Say seven? I could cook.”
My cooking wasn’t too bad, and I knew, especially as it was allotment business, that my aunt wouldn’t mind more company.
A huge grin covered his face. He was kinda cute.
Back away from those thoughts.
“Great.”
We all returned to our digging and gardening. I thought I’d better call my aunt. There’d been a look of disappointment on Toby’s face when I hadn’t invited him. After a quick call, she was more than happy for Toby to come over too. If she’d had her way, the whole lottie would’ve been invited.
