Page 22 of Always Be My Pumpkin

‘We all know Pat well enough to know that he wouldn’t do anything to harm Oakwood,’ I say in my most determined voice. ‘This is his home. He loves this place.’

‘Is that why he’s moving to Spain?’ someone shouts from down the back.

‘I don’t think that’s definite.’ I sigh. ‘But even if he is, he still offered to help with the festival. And that is why we’re here tonight. If we can make our Halloween festival a vibrant, welcoming event for everyone, we could build on that for next year, maybe even replicate that feeling for more festivals throughout the seasons. We have so many natural treasures on our doorstep, with the forest, and the lake, and all our beautiful woodland trails. And we have so much talent and community spirit in our town. I want us to tap into that and put Oakwood on the map for all the best reasons. So, please, if we could focus on what’s really important, and forget about rumours and scaremongering for now, until we can ask Pat for more information.’

I throw a stern glare in Jamie’s direction, and he takes a step towards me, but Flynn blocks him again.

‘Why don’t we ask him?’ Jamie pouts like a sulky child as he points at Flynn’s chest.

‘Because it’s not Flynn’s land. It’s Pat’s,’ I say firmly.

‘That’s okay.’ Flynn shrugs, and holds out his hand, and I pass him the mic.

‘I can’t say much at the moment,’ he says calmly as he faces the crowd. ‘There’s a lot to be signed off on, but one thing I can say is that Gracie’s right. You do all know Pat, and I want to reassure you that he loves this place. We both do. Whatever Pat decides to do, whatever happens, the best interests of Oakwood will be at the heart of any future plans.’

‘So, you haven’t a clue what his plans are,’ Jamie growls.

‘That’s the point, Jamie,’ I snap back. ‘None of us has. If you want to call a meeting of your own to discuss it, go ahead. But not on my time. Now, sit down, and let me wrap up this meeting.’

I feel proud of myself for standing up to Jamie, for insisting that my dreams, my priorities, are important, for me, and for Oakwood. But as I watch him retreat, his snide comments echo in my brain. I really don’t have a clue what Pat’s plans are. And I have even less of a clue about Flynn’s.

11

‘You’re a goddess.’ Flynn presses his hands together and gives me a bow as I close the door behind the last of the stragglers. Apart from Gertrude and Finbarr, still hovering by the lectern, watching us like hawks.

‘Don’t be daft,’ I say, laughing.

‘No, seriously, you handled that so well. It was good to see you standing up to Jamie.’

I blink in surprise. ‘I couldn’t let him blacken Pat’s name, or mess with our festival.’ My spirits lift as I think about what we could achieve. ‘I’m hoping if it goes well, we’ll get funding for more festivals throughout the year.’

‘That sounds great.’ Flynn gives me an encouraging smile.

‘Anyway, maybe Jamie thought he was helping. Probably heard a rumour and had to get his spoke in immediately.’ I shrug. ‘He tends to assume he knows best.’

Flynn keeps his eyes fixed on mine. ‘But he doesn’t. Especially when it comes to you. Only you know what’s best for you, Gracie.’ He swallows, eyes pleading. ‘Don’t let him convince you otherwise. Please.’

I jerk back, but I don’t respond. Because all I can think is you lost the right to give me relationship advice a long time ago. Then I look back and see Gertrude and Finbarr still hunched on their seats by the lectern, and still looking anxious and pale.

‘Right,’ I say, my voice flat. ‘Well, if you’re sure Pat’s not about to sell out to a plastics factory, we’d better go ease Gertrude’s worries before we leave.’

Finbarr frowns at Flynn a few minutes later, after he’s done his best to reassure them.

‘I’ve known Pat all his life, and I can’t believe he would do anything to harm Oakwood, but it sounds like you’re no wiser than we are as to what the future holds.’

‘I wouldn’t say that.’ Flynn looks at Finbarr and then over to Gertrude. ‘I can’t break Pat’s confidence, and there’s a lot to be worked out when he gets back from Spain. But I promise you both, my uncle cares about this village as much as you do. And so do I.’

‘Yes, but you’re not the one buying or selling,’ Gertrude snaps, then she turns to me and tilts her head. ‘Are you not with that Roche boy any more, Gracie?’

‘No, I’m not.’ I do a double take. I presumed she’d guessed that when I came home without him. And I was grateful she never mentioned him, as the thought of telling Gertrude, or anyone apart from Sarah, about Jamie and Olivia, made me feel like throwing up.

‘Good,’ she says firmly. She wipes her palms together as though she’s brushing away any trace of him. ‘Now why don’t you two head off and Finbarr and I will lock up.’

I think about asking her what she meant about plans for the library, but she looks wiped out, and she’s had more than enough upset – we all have – so I say thanks and tell her I’ll see her next week.

A wave of tiredness hits me when we get back to Hazel Cottage, and I pull off my boots and curl up on the couch, tugging the throw right up to my chin – the one Flynn’s been using as a blanket – and I almost moan at the sweet earthy smell. There’s a hint of citrus and I recognise that shower gel he uses. But it’s mixed with something woody, like Oakwood Forest, and pure Flynn. I want to inhale it like a drug and wrap it around me to keep me warm.

‘I asked if you want a glass of wine, Gracie?’ Flynn holds up a bottle of red, with an odd expression on his face.