She nods. “Whatever you say, sis, whatever you say.”
12
On Monday morning, before I even get out of bed, I ring my boss and tell him that I’m happy for my colleague Freddie to take over the Beale house. I’ll tackle the tender drawings for the primary school. Graham is thrilled to hear it. Throwing caution to the wind, I ask if he might let me work remotely.
“I don’t see why not,” he replies. “Why, are you thinking of staying over there longer?”
“I’m not sure yet, but I’d love to have the option.”
“It’s a great idea. I can email you everything you’ll need.”
“Thank you so much.”
“I’m glad it’s all worked out.”
I don’t mention the call at breakfast, but after Saturday night’s conversation with Bailey and the cozy evening that followed with all four of us staying up and chatting until late, I feel a bit more inclined to ask Sheryl if she’d mind me extending my stay. I decide to bring it up tonight if Dad doesn’t broach the subject in the meantime.
I’m in Bambithat afternoon when Sheryl hunts me out.
“Did I miss a customer?” I ask.
I’ve been taking turns with Dad and Sheryl to serve people. I’m not expected to help, but I quite enjoy playing shop. We can hear when cars come down the track, and failing that, customers can ring a bell that sounds in the house, so no one needs to spend hours in the barn alone.
“No, no.” She shakes her head.
She’s wearing blue denim overalls over a red T-shirt. It’s an outfit I hadn’t seen before this summer, but one she’s worn every other day since I arrived. There’s a dusting of flour on the fabric and flecks of batter in her short gray bob. She was making a cake earlier.
“I was wondering what you were up to.” She places her hands on her hips and surveys all the junk I’ve pulled away from the Airstream.
“Sorry about the mess. It’s a work in progress. I want to move some of this stuff to the back of the barn, out of sight, but a lot of it is too heavy.”
“I can give you a hand if you like?”
“Really?”
“Of course. We can get your dad out here too. In fact, maybe Jonas could bring over his tractor for those pieces.” She nods at the rusty farm equipment. “He might have a use for some of it.”
I wouldn’t want to burden him with it right now, knowing what I do.
“You really must love Airstreams if you’re willing to put in all this effort,” Sheryl muses.
“I do. It feels like such a travesty to see this one hidden away under a tarp. I doubt I’ll get much done in the next few days, though.”Hint, hint.“Everything okay with you?” I ask. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
She looks momentarily uncomfortable and I get the feeling she has something to say.
Oh no, what have I done wrong?
“Ralph mentioned you might like to stay a bit longer.”
Here we go...
I shrug indifferently, but my heart squeezes at the pained look on her face.
“I don’t have to.”
“No, I’dlikeyou to.We’dlike you to.”
I glance at her with surprise.
