Page 31 of The Village Inn of Secret Dream

‘You okay?’ asked Josh, as he ordered drinks for his family.

She nodded. ‘I’m good, thanks.’

It was a lie, of course, and she was pretty certain Josh knew it as well.

‘If Pete becomes a pain in the neck whilst he’s living here, just let me know,’ said Josh in an undertone. ‘I’ll sort him out for you.’

She smiled at Josh. He had clicked into big brother mode since Pete had returned. It made her wistful that she’d never had any siblings to look out for her like that. In a funny way, that was exactly what the brothers had been like. But since Pete had left, she had grown closer to Josh, whereas Pete felt more and more like a stranger. She was actually quite nervous of him moving in and working alongside her as she had no idea what they even had to say to each other any more.

‘I can sort him out for myself,’ Belle told Josh. ‘But thanks anyway. I’m sure you’ll be glad to get some space back in the apartment.’

Josh nodded. ‘Too right,’ he said, flicking a look over to Amber with a soft smile.

Belle turned away, also smiling to herself. How nice it would be if someday somebody could look like that at her. As if they could never get enough of her, wishing the world away from them so they could be alone.

Which was a ridiculous thought because she had always been alone and been absolutely fine, she reminded herself.

She turned back to place the gin and tonic on the counter when Dodgy Del appeared through the crush.

‘Not sure I like this,’ said Del, sitting down at one of the few vacant stools.

‘What, a packed inn?’ said Belle. ‘No, you’re right, Del. It should stay empty and riddled with debt just like all businesses.’

‘All right, all right,’ said Del, holding up a hand in defence. ‘You know I didn’t mean it like that. I just wasn’t in the mood for a party tonight.’

‘But you came anyway,’ said Josh, in a pointed tone.

Del shrugged his shoulders. ‘It’s Mick and Angie, innit? They’re the life and soul of the place. Won’t be the same without them.’

‘Gee, thanks,’ drawled Belle.

‘No, no, no,’ began Del, looking upset. ‘I didn’t mean it like that, Belle.’

‘I know,’ she told him. ‘I was only teasing you. Pint?’

Del nodded. ‘Please.’

She poured out his beer into a pint glass before handing it over to him. ‘So, what’s up with you tonight?’

‘My nephew again,’ said Del. ‘Getting into trouble because he’s bored with no work, no hope, nothing.’

‘Oh dear,’ said Belle. ‘Can’t you find him something to do on the coach?’

Del shook his head. ‘Tried that, but he says it’s boring. Anyway, you don’t want to hear about all this. I’m sure you’re already upset that your aunt and uncle are leaving.’

‘It’s not forever,’ said Belle, forcing the cheerful tone in her voice.

But as she said the words, she still wasn’t sure. What if they enjoyed a country so much that they decided to emigrate? What if they didn’t want to even live in the area any more and needed a change? And where would that leave her?

Everything was up in the air and she wasn’t quite sure where she fitted in any more.

She glanced over at Angie, who was hooting with laughter at something. Mick meanwhile was surrounded by a group of well-wishers, eager to find out details of their cruise.

Del was right. She was upset, truly upset. But she just didn’t show it, as usual.

Even the haven of her grandmother’s old bedroom had to be cleared of all the handmade clothes so that Mick and Angie could pile up all their personal possessions in there. Belle had moved the clothes and spare materials into her own bedroom to make space.

She had half expected her aunt and uncle to be upset about all the changes, but they just seemed excited. But she couldn’t join them in feeling the same way.