That’s when Lena wished the floor would open up and swallow her. No, don’t go there, please. “Brad, um I really don’t think this is the time or place to discuss this. I haven’t even—” made up my mind, she was going to say but he brushed that aside as if she hadn’t spoken.
“And the man of the moment, who graciously gave his farm over for out little fundraiser tonight, Adam Chapman.”
Chapter 12
Adam stepped away from the safety of the shadows and walked over to stand beside Lena wondering how long she would be able to stand the spotlight. The look on her face was one he recognized from his animals. When he first had them delivered, they would look around desperate for an escape route, their huge big soul-filled eyes darting around the paddock as their hearts pounded in panic in their chests. He leaned down and whispered into her ear as he put an arm around her shoulders willing her to be brave. “Take a breath and don’t worry about it. It’ll all be over tomorrow and nobody will give it another thought.” Except me. I’ll worry you think I got carried away, said something, and you’ll never forgive me.
She looked up at him, eyes big in her face. He hadn’t noticed the flecks of brown surrounding her pupils before. For some strange reason she had inherited her father’s pale blue eyes instead of her mother’s warm rich brown ones. Genetics could play favorites some days and the effect of the two colors melding together was nothing short of stunning.
“It wasn’t me either, just in case you’re wondering, even though I’d love the idea. Your life, your call.” He squeezed her shoulder as the crowd still roared their approval. He noticed her friend Gail sitting in the front table with her husband Pete giving him the thumbs up, winking dramatically. Lena lifted a hand and wiped it over her brow, her fingers shaking as she broke out in a sweat.
Brad held his hand up for silence. “Adam, you’re fairly new to the town of Mudgee. Tell me, what made you move to the country and take up farming?” He held the microphone in front of Adam’s face.
You don’t want to know the real story. “Well, Sydney is a wonderful place, but I’ve always loved the country. I guess the timing was right when Mr. Helkins put this place on the market. It was pure chance I was driving around the country trying to find the place that felt like home when I spied it in the real estate office. As they say, it all fell together for me.” And it keeps getting better.
“So, what made you offer this delightful old building to our Lena here for a restaurant?”
Can’t tell you that either. Her shoulder quivered under his hand. “I don’t want you to get too excited folks, this was a once only offer to help out the school. Let’s focus on tonight and the fundraising at hand. Lena hasn’t mentioned the possibility of opening another restaurant to me. That will be her decision and in her own time.” And I’ll be doing everything I can to help move that decision along. He grinned and looked around the room. “Tell me, did you all enjoy the meal?”
Adam laughed when the applause turned thunderous. Of course they did. “I’ll take that as a yes then. Folks, I’m so glad you all enjoyed the food including meat from my own stock here on the farm. It’s been an absolute pleasure to have you all here and I look forward to meeting you all sooner or later and making some lasting friendships in my new home town. I think it’s time I gave this poor chef and her team a bit of quiet and a glass of something special to show our appreciation for all their hard work. Thank you all for coming.” And for making Lena get out and cook again.
Lena’s body drooped and she leaned into him, snaking a hand around his waist, exhaustion finally taking its toll.
“Photo first please.” There was a flash as a camera was pointed their way. “One more.” It flashed again and finally Adam could lead Lena to the bar where her father had a bottle of champagne open waiting for her.
“My girl, you’ve done a brilliant job.” He handed her a glass and gave one to Adam and Sofia before taking one for himself. Adam pulled over a couple of stools and insisted Lena and Sofia sit down.
“To the women in my life. Lena and my dear Sofia, you have done the town proud. Congratulations. My dear grandson, Kyle who is the best helper his mother could have. To Adam for his generosity in opening his farm up to the public and all of the hard work he’s put in too. ” Ben held up his glass and the others tipped theirs against his, clinking the glasses before taking a well-earned sip. They’d all worked hard for the evening and it wasn’t over yet. There was cleaning to do and rubbish to clear away.
“So, who told Brad I might open up again?” Lena held her glass in her hands and looked at them all in turn.
“I never said a word, scouts honor, as much as I wish you would start up again.” Adam held up his hand palm forward in the scouts salute.
“Me either.” Her mother patted her leg and took another sip of her champagne. “But bella, do not let it worry you. Tomorrow they will find something else to gossip about. If it all comes together for you and you want to go down that road again, fantastic, if not, so be it.” She waved her hand in the air pragmatically.
“It could have come from me. I’ve said a few times I’d
