They sat in the snug, with Tegan curled up on the sofa, Brody in his father’s chair, thinking back on what Alan had told him. As far as Brody could recall, his father had never told him he ought to be a vet. They’d never discussed it. Perhaps he’d assumed Brody would take over the business and grow out of his own dreams … or perhaps his dad was afraid he wouldn’t.
The chair creaked under him and the springs dug into his backside. He thought of his mother’s offer to have it repaired. If he did, he would never feel the shape of it again; never feel the hollow worn by his dad and by him; never hear the springs creak as they groaned under their collective weight. Renovating the chair felt like betraying his father, and yet Brody knew he had to do something or the whole thing would collapse.
Both options were unthinkable and, right now, he wasn’t sure which was more unthinkable than the other.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
‘So how was Ye Olde Stratford-upon-Avon?’ Vee asked, after the waiter had delivered two Poinsettia cocktails to their table on 30 December.
They’d arranged to meet at Raffaelo’s Café Bar, after Sophie had returned from a flying visit to her parents. She’d been knackered after the holiday and had enjoyed two nights of being cooked for by her parents, and pub meals with Lyra and a couple of old friends who hadn’t gone over to the Dark Side with Ben and Naomi.
‘Still “Olde”,’ Sophie joked. ‘Boringly flat compared to here, and very busy with tourists.’
‘You didn’t have any awkward run-ins then?’ Vee said.
‘No, thank goodness. I didn’t really go to any of our old haunts. To be honest, I think even if I had seen Ben and Naomi, it wouldn’t have spoilt my trip back; and it’s good to be feeling like that’s ancient history at this point.’
‘Well, after the last few weeks, you’ve had other things to worry about,’ Vee sympathised, sipping her cocktail.
‘You could say that. It’s certainly been a rollercoaster.’
‘I know, but you can make a fresh start again from tomorrow. A new year awaits!’
‘I can’t wait,’ Sophie said. ‘One of my old mates hasinvited me to go to Gran Canaria at the end of January and I’ve said yes.’
‘Lucky you,’ Vee declared. ‘Some winter sun is exactly what you need. What I need too – can I stow away in your suitcase?’
Sophie laughed, and the reminder that she had friends – old and new – lifted her mood. She’d made her new life here and, whatever happened, this was her home now.
Vee sipped her cocktail. ‘Talking of the New Year,’ she said, ‘what are you doing tomorrow night?’
‘Tomorrow? Er, staying in with the cats,’ Sophie replied.
‘Sounds wild. How about you come to the Steamer Ball instead?’
Sophie had seen the event advertised and had heard people in the village talking about it. ‘Is that the one raising money for the mountain-rescue team? I thought it was sold out, though. I won’t be able to get a ticket at the last minute.’
‘Yes. It’s the biggest night of the year in Bannerdale.’ Vee smirked, ‘It is sold out, but I’ve got a spare ticket because Kev’s mate can’t make it, and he asked me to find someone who might like to go. It’s a shame to waste it. Plus, it’s free …’
‘Oh, but if I did come – and it’s a big “if” – I’d have to pay for the ticket,’ Sophie insisted.
‘Kev’s mate has already paid, and he doesn’t want any money because it’s in aid of the mountain-rescue team. Now come on, how many times will you get to spend New Year’s Eve at a posh do on a lake steamer?’
‘Isn’t it an annual event?’ Sophie asked.
‘Yup, but after the year you’ve had, you’ve got to take chances when they come along,’ Vee urged her.
Sophie caved in. ‘OK, you’ve persuaded me! But I’m still going to donate the cost of the ticket. I’m so grateful the team came up here in the snow to help Anna Nowak.’
‘Hurrah!’ Vee clapped her hands in delight. ‘It’ll be a blast. My mum is babysitting and it’s been ages since Kev and I had a proper night out. It will be even better with you coming along too.’
‘Thanks for asking me.’ Sophie smiled. ‘Mind you, I don’t know what I’m going to wear.’
‘Tell me about it. Kev isnotimpressed by having to wear black tie. I got him a suit from the online Oxfam. I’m sick of tatty jeans and a tabard, so I’m really looking forward to glamming up!’
Sophie had to smile. ‘You deserve it.’
‘So do you,’ Vee said and raised her glass. ‘To us! And to Sunnyside!’
