Sam opened his mouth wide in mock horror. ‘Are you saying my pumpkins aren’t enough for you?’
Blythe snorted. ‘They speak volumes of a misspent youth but very little about being fun.’
‘Right. Give me two minutes. I’ll show you fun.’ A little ripple of excitement shuddered through her at the prospect but she felt that was jumping the gun. He was coming to the buffet not taking her to bed.
Where on earth had that idea come from?she thought, as Sam grabbed his coat.
*
Whilst it wasn’t a particularly cold night Blythe was still grateful for the welcome warmth of the Highway Inn. The pub was busy but Vicky had saved them seats. She waved them over. ‘Grab a plate quick. Sarvan has just put out a new batch of samosas,’ said Vicky, stopping Sam from pulling out a chair and shooing him towards the buffet.
‘But I need to pay someone,’ said Sam, pulling out his wallet.
‘You can do that later. The samosas won’t last.’ Vicky pointed forcefully at the buffet table.
‘She scares me,’ he whispered to Blythe.
‘Vicky’s lovely. Almost as nice as me,’ she said with a wink.
‘You scare me too,’ he said picking up a plate and a serviette festooned with ghosts.
Blythe leaned into his ear. ‘Good!’ she snapped, making him jolt.
‘You’re mean,’ he said.
‘I prefer unpredictable,’ said Blythe, warming to the mild flirtation.
‘Wind is unpredictable. You’re just mean.’ And he stepped in front of her to grab a samosa. They chatted as they made their way around the buffet table and Blythe was pleased at how much more relaxed Sam seemed. This was the breakthrough she’d been hoping for. Above everything she wanted Sam to be happy in Holly Cross and it looked like maybe this could be the start.
They took their plates back to the table and Vicky moved Eden’s sweet pile to one side to make room. ‘They’ve set up a tent in the garden for the kids. Arthur is out there telling them ghost stories.’
‘Won’t they freeze?’ asked Sam.
‘They’re fine. They’ve got piles of blankets and they’re high on sugar.’
‘I was thinking more about Arthur.’
‘He’s a tough cookie,’ said Vicky. ‘Great with the kids. I think he sees them like substitute grandchildren.’
Sarvan appeared and Sam looked relieved to be able to pay for his meal. ‘You’re Turpin’s new owner then?’ asked Sarvan.
‘Err… not really… he kind of…’
‘Turpin was in here earlier. Made straight for the chimney. It’s the first time I’ve had to put him out since Murray took him on. You two getting on okay?’
‘We’re a bit like housemates on different shifts. We don’t see much of each other.’
‘He’s a funny little chap,’ said Sarvan.
‘I’m sure he is. We’re just not in each other’s faces. Although he has clawed my back,’ said Sam.
‘I’d like to—’ started Vicky but Blythe willed her to stop with her eyes. Vicky shrugged and went back to demolishing a naan bread.
‘Everything okay with the food?’ asked Sarvan, scanning the plates.
‘Fabulous as always,’ said Blythe.
‘Top banana,’ said Vicky.
