Page 115 of Love Letters on Hazel Lane

‘No, you’re just being nice, and that makes me feel even worse about it. I feel terrible about Caroline’s job too. It should have been yours. I think we both know that.’

‘It doesn’t matter. I want to move on in any case. Make a fresh start somewhere else.’

Jo was surprised at her own words. She hadn’t known that was what she wanted but as soon as she said it, she realised it was true. It was time to move on from Pop! Productions, to remove herself from what had become a toxic environment, and find herself a job where she’d feel appreciated. Because she was good at her job. She was good at organising, and, she’d realised recently, she was creative too. And someone somewhere would value those skills.

43

After work, Jo decided to try the pubs in the hope of finding a new venue for the Scrabble club. It was pointless, really; there was no way that they’d want to commit one of their function rooms every Friday night for a few families, a group of teetotal pensioners and a man who only drank halves of shandy. But she donned a pair of trainers, planned the most expedient route and set off for her own little pub crawl.

The Fox and Hounds said no immediately. A flat no. Didn’t even give a reason. The landlord of the George apologised, but said he had to keep his function room free for more lucrative events.

She almost didn’t go to the Packhorse Inn. She knew it would be futile. And it was.

‘Sorry,’ said the landlady. ‘I’d love to be able to accommodate you. My grandson went along to your event at the school. He had a wonderful time. We bought him his own Scrabble set for his birthday and he’s always pestering us to play. But Friday’s one of our busiest nights. If you could switch it to a Monday…’

Jo thought for a minute. Monday wouldn’t be a disaster, would it? It was better than nothing. But Razz had been adamant that he wanted the group to continue on a Friday.

She shook her head.

‘Have a drink whilst you’re here,’ the landlady said. ‘On the house.’

Jo hesitated. Drinking alone in a pub didn’t appeal, but her feet were aching and her heart was heavy with disappointment. A glass of wine might perk her up.

‘Go on, then,’ she said. ‘A small Pinot Grigio, please.’

‘Coming right up.’

She poured Jo’s wine then turned to serve another customer. Jo perched on a bar stool, feeling a bit out of place. She’d drink this then head home. See if Razz was online and fancied playing on WordPals.

‘Jo?’

She looked across the bar and saw Mr Morgan.

‘Hi,’ she said.

‘Are you by yourself?’ he said. ‘Or waiting for someone?’

‘By myself.’

‘In that case, would you join me? I wouldn’t normally come for a drink after school but I’ve… oh, I might as well be honest. I’ve had a terrible day. Can I get you another?’

A drink with Mr Morgan wasn’t exactly her idea of a fun evening but since he had let them use the school for the festival, she felt she couldn’t say no. She would have one more glass of wine and listen to his problems, should he care to share them.

They took their drinks to the quietest corner of the bar, Mr Morgan looking round anxiously to make sure there were no parents around.

‘So, why’s your day been bad?’ Jo asked.

‘The school manager – she’s been off sick for a while – but now she’s decided she isn’t coming back. She’s taking early retirement.’

‘Good for her. I mean, if she doesn’t feel up to it…’

‘Yes, I can see it’s the right thing for her, but it’s not so good for the school. I don’t know how we’ll manage – how I’ll manage – without her. I interviewed six people today and none of them were suitable. The governors are putting pressure on me to appoint, but I want to re-advertise. See if there’s anyone else out there.’

‘I’m sure you’ll find someone.’

He picked up his glass, swirling the honey-coloured liquid around, then putting it back down on the table without taking a sip. ‘I’m not the most organised person. I want to focus on the children’s well-being and their education so I need a manager who’ll get on with the rest of it, without running to me every five minutes for a decision on the service contract for the photocopier or how many teabags to order for the staffroom. Someone who’ll sort out all the admin and the paperwork. Keep on top of everything.’

‘And none of the applicants fitted the bill?’