‘We were talking about Ken and Barbie,’ explained Cameron, looking embarrassed. ‘Nice to see you, Barry. Drink?’
‘No, I’m not stopping. Amanda is downstairs with Gazza.’ He pulled a face.
‘Is she still here?’ asked Ros.
‘Yes, your mum’s still here. But she’s leaving soon. I’d really like you to sit down with her before she goes. Please.’
‘I’ll need to check my diary,’ said Ros.
Cameron cleared his throat and gave her a look. ‘I’m sure we can sort something out.’
‘Great,’ said Barry brightly. ‘Anyway, the thing I came round to tell you was I’m having a party!’ He waved his hands in the air and grinned at them all.
There was no response for a beat too long so Darla felt she should say something. ‘Who doesn’t love a party? Great idea, Barry. What’s the occasion?’
‘No reason other than I am happy to be alive and I thought you only get all your family and friends together when there’s either a wedding or a funeral and if it’s the latter I’ll miss it so I thought, sod it let’s just have a party. You’re invited, Darla.’
‘Ace. Thanks, Barry. Do I need to RSVP or can I say yes now?’
‘No formal reply needed. So that’s one definite. How about you two?’ He looked at Cameron and Ros.
‘When is it?’ asked Ros.
‘I still need to finalise a few things but it’s next Saturday and I’m hiring one of those fancy floating gin palaces for the night. I’m really going to push the boat out. Get it?’
‘No,’ said Ros.
‘That sounds like a great night,’ said Cameron, with a glance at Ros. ‘I just need to see if I can get the time off work.’
‘Oh.’ Barry had a look of disappointment on his face. ‘Of course. Fingers crossed. It wouldn’t be the same without you.’
‘Thanks,’ said Cameron, appearing touched.
‘Anyway. I’d better dash before someone gets bitten.’ Barry pointed down the stairs.
‘Most likely Gazza,’ muttered Ros. ‘Bye, Dad. Take care.’ She gave him a kiss and he left looking at least ten years younger than he had done only weeks before. The door closed behind him.
‘I guess we need to split up before the party,’ said Cameron, looking disappointed.
‘No, you saw Dad’s face. He wants you there. You’re like family now. We’ll have to wait until afterwards.’
‘Cool,’ said Cameron, instantly brightening up. ‘Because I’d hate to miss it.’
‘And I might be able to get some leads for my new business from whoever owns the boat,’ said Darla and she put up her hand for a high five, but there were no takers.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Darla stood back to admire her handiwork. Ever since she’d brought the escapee hen back from Elliott’s farm in a string bag, she’d been toying with an idea and thanks to a few spare bits of timber, some dowelling and a length of rope it was now a reality.
‘What is that exactly?’ asked Elliott, surprising her by wrapping her in a hug.
‘It’s a swing,’ she said proudly, leaning back against him.
‘For the chickens?’
‘Duh! It’s in the chicken coop.’
‘But they’re poultry. There’s a reason for the phrase “bird brain” you know. How will they ever work out how to— Well knock me down with a feather.’
They both watched as the most dominant of the hens flapped her wings and hopped onto the swing. Admittedly it only swung once before she came straight off looking more than a little startled by the experience. But she had definitely been interested enough to give it a go.
‘I figured it’s not the most exciting life being a chicken so I made them a swing. Ooh look – The Captain is having a go.’ The cockerel pecked at the bar of the swing until it swung back and bumped him on the head, making him squawk his frustration and stalk off.
‘It’s inspired.’
‘I know,’ said Darla happily. ‘I’m making a slide for the goats next. She held her cordless screwdriver aloft and revved it while pretending to roar like a lion.
‘Steady on, you’ll be taking over from Nick Knowles on DIY SOS.’
Darla stuck her tongue out. ‘How’s little Darla?’
‘She’s thriving but she still races to the gate when she sees me just in case I’ve got a bottle for her.’
‘Aww I think she likes to snuggle with you. I mean who wouldn’t?’ She leaned back into his embrace as they watched the chickens stalking cautiously around their new swing. ‘How’s everything else?’
That was the moment it looked like a barn had landed on his shoulders and his whole demeanour changed. ‘Manic. I don’t really have time to come up here, but you, Big Darla, are irresistible.’
Darla pouted. ‘Not sure about the Big Darla thing.’
