Second Chances at Hollyhock Farm (Hollyhock Farm #2)

Chapter 5

5

ZAC

When Lettie arrived for their meal, Zac listened to her talking to Patsy and Melody, explaining how she had only recently taken over the farm. He couldn’t help thinking that even though she had decided to hold a wellness festival and had a smile on her face, she was worried. What else was she concerned about? he wondered. He decided to speak to her privately once they had finished eating.

‘You seem a little distracted,’ his mother said when there was a break in the conversation.

He wasn’t surprised she’d said something – their mother didn’t miss much and never shied away from facing things head on.

Lettie paused, her fork halfway to her mouth, and looked across the table at her mother. Zac watched as his sister seemed to consider something, then lowered her knife and fork and rested them on her plate. ‘I wasn’t going to mention anything because I didn’t want you to worry while you were away.’

‘What is it?’ Gareth frowned. ‘Is it one of the animals? They all seemed fine when I checked them earlier.’

Lettie shook her head. ‘No, Dad. The animals are all fine. And anyway, I have Brodie minutes away if anything does happen while you’re gone, don’t forget.’

‘Then what is it?’ Lindy asked.

Lettie sat back in her chair and sighed. ‘It’s the barn roof.’

Zac sensed his sister’s concern about sharing the insurer’s decision with their father.

‘The damage to the roof is covered, isn’t it?’ Gareth frowned.

‘That’s just it.’ Lettie grimaced. ‘Only partly.’

Their father went to stand, then thinking better of it sat again. ‘What’s that supposed to mean? I’m never late paying their premiums. Is it because the damage was caused by an act of God, or some other reason they’ve come up with? Is that it?’

Lettie shook her head. ‘No. It turns out that our policy hadn’t been pro-rata’d each year to keep in line with inflation.’

‘What? But I paid what they quoted me. How can it be wrong?’

Lettie grimaced. ‘I called them earlier and asked them the same question. Apparently, it’s up to us to ensure the value of everything is covered correctly.’

He shook his head and Zac knew that he would have shown his frustration loudly if they didn’t have guests. ‘Go on. What else did they say?’

‘Only that they’re willing to cover seventy per cent of the total cost to sort out the roof.’

Zac looked from Lettie’s concerned expression to his father’s cheeks reddening in fury.

‘But that means we must find a way to cover the rest.’ He closed his eyes and Zac saw the muscle working in his father’s jaw as he tried to remain calm. ‘How much do we need to find to cover the rest of the repairs?’

‘Five and a half thousand pounds, or thereabouts.’ Lettie gave Patsy and Melody an apologetic smile. ‘Sorry. I hadn’t meant to discuss this in front of you both.’

‘Please don’t worry about us,’ Patsy said. ‘We’re here to help you all in whatever way we can.’

‘Thank you,’ Lindy said. ‘We appreciate your offer.’

‘Lindy,’ Gareth said, putting his cutlery together, clearly having lost his appetite for his food. His father never left anything on the plate and Zac knew he must be very upset to have done so now. ‘I’m not sure us going away tomorrow is the sensible thing to do.’

Zac caught Lettie’s shock and knew he needed to say something. ‘You’re only away for a couple of weeks, Dad,’ he said. ‘I’m sure this can wait until you get back.’

‘I agree,’ Lettie said. ‘Anyway, I’ve already discussed with Zac a way we might be able to raise funds quickly to cover the cost of the repairs.’

‘You have?’ Gareth looked askance at Lettie, then Zac. ‘And what idea was that?’

‘A festival,’ she announced triumphantly.

‘Melody and I will help in any way we can,’ Patsy offered. ‘Won’t we, love?’

‘We’d be happy to,’ Melody assured her.

Zac saw his father scowl. ‘If you’re thinking of holding one of those noisy music festivals, you can think again. I’m not having my animals frightened by loud music,’ Gareth said. Lindy coughed and he seemed to remember they had guests. ‘But I think the idea of an event might be something to consider.’

‘Actually, Dad,’ Lettie said. ‘I was thinking about holding a wellness festival?’

‘I’m not sure we have many of those over here,’ Lindy said thoughtfully. ‘I used to go to Pilates and loved it but stopped after a while. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a wellness festival though.’

‘A what?’ Zac saw the bemusement on his father’s face and struggled to hide his own amusement.

Lindy shrugged and smiled at Gareth. ‘Well, at least it wouldn’t be noisy, Gareth.’ Something occurred to her. ‘Although I’m not sure any of us have much experience with wellness events. Can you explain what they are?’

Wanting to keep positive for his sister’s sake, Zac thought quickly. ‘You said you teach yoga, Melody,’ he said recalling their earlier conversation. ‘And know something about different therapies. Isn’t that right?’ He saw his father continuing to look bemused.

‘That’s right,’ Melody said. ‘I’d be more than happy to help come up with a programme for the event and Gran would help too, wouldn’t you, Gran.’

‘Happily.’

‘You see, Dad,’ Zac said, relieved. ‘I think with Melody and Patsy’s help, we should be OK.’

‘That’s a relief, because I wouldn’t know where to start arranging something like this.’

Neither would he, Zac realised.

‘I could round up my Book Club Girls and ask them to pop round tomorrow. I’m sure some of them will be able to help, or even suggest people they know who might want to be involved in something like this.’

‘Thank you,’ Lettie said. ‘I was also thinking of bringing in local alternative therapists and suppliers of health foods, supplements, people who hold classes in things like sound baths, even meditations, that sort of thing.’

‘Sounds good to me,’ Zac said, noticing the relief on his sister’s face that they had the beginnings of some sort of plan to raise money for the roof damage to be fixed.

‘It sounds amazing,’ Lindy said. ‘When were you thinking of holding it and for how long? A day, a week?’

‘Not a week,’ Gareth snapped. ‘I don’t think I could stand having loads of people wandering around the farm for that length of time.’

Zac struggled not to laugh. His father could be so unsociable sometimes.

‘I was thinking over a couple of days. A weekend, probably.’

‘And now we have Patsy and Melody’s support there are enough of us to ensure people keep well away from the fields and the animals.’

‘You see, Gareth? Lettie has everything under control. Or soon will have by the sounds of things.’ She pursed her lips thoughtfully. ‘Maybe some of The Book Club Girls could offer to keep an eye on attendees, or takings, or something?’

‘I like that idea.’ Lettie smiled. ‘Those who can’t contribute in any other way but wish to be a part of things could do some of the smaller jobs while we’re busy elsewhere.’

Lindy rested an arm on Lettie’s shoulder. ‘Well done, Lettie. What a clever solution. Don’t you think, Gareth?’

‘I do,’ he said, picking up his cutlery and continuing to eat his food.

‘I’m pleased you all like it.’ Lettie smiled at each of them. ‘And grateful to the pair of you for offering to help so soon after arriving here.’

‘I think it’s the very least we can do after you’ve all kindly welcomed Melody and I into your beautiful home.’

‘Gran’s right,’ Melody agreed. ‘We’re going to be there with you every step of the way.’

Zac half listened to the conversations around the table as everyone continued eating their early supper. He noticed his father finish off the food on his plate. It was a relief. He hated to think of his parents’ well-earned holiday being marred by worry about the barn roof. It seemed like Patsy and Melody had arrived at Hollyhock Farm just when they needed them most.

Once the table was cleared and his parents had gone upstairs to freshen up before leaving for the airport, Zac accompanied his sister as she showed Patsy and Melody around the farm.

‘These are the two barns,’ she said. ‘If the weather’s bad maybe we could hold the festival in the larger one. The smaller one has the damaged roof. It was hit by lightning during a storm earlier this year. We’ve been using it for as long as possible and covering the opening with tarpaulin. Some of the animals were housed in here until recently, but I don’t want to risk them getting hurt, so I moved them out to the larger barn. Others who have shelters in the paddocks have spent their time outside.’

‘Shall we have a look inside to see if we can use it for the event?’ Zac suggested, leading the way.

Once inside, he could clearly see that this barn was out of action until the roof was professionally repaired. ‘What a shame.’ He felt sorry for his sister. Ever since she had taken over the farm she’d had to deal with so many issues. ‘Never mind, Letts. I’m sure we can work this out.’

Lettie bent to pick up a tile. ‘It’s getting dangerous if the tiles are falling off,’ she said, looking up briefly. ‘Come along. We should get outside.’

She pointed to the unusable barn. ‘We need to bring the animal feed and any tools and equipment stored in there that I’ll need to use over the next couple of months,’ she said sounding as forlorn as she looked.

‘I’m happy to help you bring anything out and store it elsewhere,’ Melody said.

‘Me too.’ Zac had a thought. ‘We’ll need hard hats, just in case any more tiles fall, but I can source a few of those from somewhere.’

‘Thanks, both of you,’ Lettie said, cheering slightly. ‘I appreciate your help.’

‘Just tell me what you need me to do,’ Melody said. ‘I’m here to help in any way I can.’

‘So am I,’ Patsy added. ‘Although I don’t think I’ll be much use moving equipment.’

Zac was relieved to hear her say so. ‘I’m sure my sister will find enough work to keep us all busy,’ he teased.

Melody seemed cheerful but Zac had spotted a sadness in her eyes. Come to think of it, he mused as he waited for his sister to lead them back outside, there seemed a sense of mystery about the pretty girl with the pink-dyed hair. Zac wondered what could have happened to her to put that hint of sadness in her pale blue eyes. He wondered if he would get to know her well enough for her to trust him and open up about her life. He hoped so.

‘Shall we take a walk around the fields now?’ he asked, checking his watch. ‘I’ve got about forty minutes before I need to take Mum and Dad to the airport and I’d love to be there when Lettie introduces you both to the animals we still have here. We can also show you the crops.’

‘Good idea,’ Lettie agreed. ‘We can talk through some ideas for the wellness festival while we’re at it. I’ve got a few ideas for utilising areas around the farm for some of the classes.’

‘Such as?’ Zac asked, intrigued.

‘Well, I thought the yoga classes could be held in one of the fields and maybe the sound bath and some of the other therapies in the lower meadow near the stream.’

‘Sounds wonderful,’ Patsy said, straightening the straw hat on her head.

‘It does,’ Melody agreed, reaching down to pet Spud who had joined them.

Lettie fanned her face. ‘It’s still very warm out here. Why don’t I show you around the farm and take you to meet some of the animals. Afterwards we can go inside, pour ourselves some drinks and brainstorm more ideas.’

‘Now that is a good idea.’ Zac laughed.

They were crossing the yard when a vehicle drew up and parked.

‘Callum?’ Lettie said, looking at Zac. ‘Maybe he could offer some help,’ she whispered to Zac. ‘See what you can do.’

Zac felt a pang of jealousy when he noticed Melody’s eyes widen as Callum got out of his pristine Golf GTI. He wasn’t surprised. His friend had started modelling at a young age to earn money to help pay his way through university, while most of them, Zac included, earned a pittance working shifts in bars or restaurants. Despite Callum seeming oblivious to his effect on women, Zac was used to the way women in the village reacted to this friendly, chisel-jawed man who looked as if he had stepped out of a glossy commercial.

‘Hi, everyone,’ Callum said. ‘I hope I’m not interrupting anything.’

‘Of course you’re not,’ Lettie said, introducing Melody and Patsy. ‘This is Zac’s friend and these are Patsy and Melody. They’ve come to help us on the farm for a few weeks.’

Zac saw Callum smile at Patsy before his gaze settled on Melody. Zac waited to see if she blushed like girls usually tended to when Callum turned his attention on them but she didn’t. He hid his relief. He might have only known Melody for a few hours but there was something about her he found magnetic. She was very pretty and obviously kind but it was something else. Maybe it was the sorrow he saw in her eyes that piqued his interest. Was it that he wanted to find out more about her and what had caused her to be sad so he could find a way to make her happier again? He had no idea, but whatever it was he knew he wanted to get to know her better.

‘Hello there, Torels and guests,’ Callum cheered.

Always so confident, Zac mused, unable to help smiling at his friend’s exuberance. ‘I hadn’t expected to see you here this evening?’ Zac said. ‘We’re about to show the ladies around the farm.’

‘You’re welcome to join us,’ Lettie said. ‘Although you’ve seen it all before many times.’

‘Lead the way,’ Callum said, falling into step next to Zac. ‘I thought you were going to let me know if you could join the lads for a couple of drinks tonight.’

Zac realised he had forgotten. ‘Sorry, must have slipped my mind.’

They followed behind the three women as Lettie led the way, explaining to Patsy and Melody about the different fields and what animals were kept where.

Callum stopped. ‘Nothing’s wrong, I hope.’

Zac explained about the issue with the insurance claim and Patsy’s suggestion about the festival. ‘I’ve no idea where to start but our guests seem confident they can come up with suggestions. We’re going to have to hold it soonish though so that the work can be paid for before the weather turns.’

‘I’m sorry you’re all having to deal with this,’ Callum said, continuing to walk once again. ‘If there’s anything I can do to help promote the festival on my radio show, you must let me know.’

‘Thanks, mate.’ Zac slapped his friend lightly on his back. ‘I appreciate the offer.’

‘No worries.’ They caught up with the others.

They reached the alpacas and Lettie began introducing them to Patsy and Melody. ‘This one is Gideon and this is Tinker Bell and Thumbelina.’

Patsy and Melody reached out to stroke the soft fur that had begun to grow a little since the alpacas had been shorn weeks before, and Zac spotted Melody glance across at Callum – probably doubly impressed by him now she had spent time with him.

He suppressed an envious groan. It would have been far easier if his friend wasn’t such a decent man, but he was. They had grown up together, having fun and getting into all sorts of scrapes. Being friends with Callum had always been fun and, he reasoned, it was hardly Callum’s fault he had been born with both good looks and character.

Callum smiled at Patsy and Melody. ‘We’re going to have to show you both how we entertain ourselves here on the island, aren’t we, Zac?’

Lettie smiled at her guests. ‘He means we can go to the pub and sample their menu over a couple of drinks.’

‘Not necessarily,’ he argued, laughing. ‘Although that might be a good place to start.’

Zac heard his father bellow from the front door. He looked at his watch. ‘Damn, I need to get Mum and Dad to the airport.’ He smiled at them all. ‘I’ll catch you later, Callum. I’ll see you ladies when I get back.’

‘I should get going too,’ Callum said. ‘I’ll walk back with you but maybe we could all go for that evening out sometime soon.’