A Shot at Love
Page 29
Eugenie met Harriet’s eye with a look that said, “Can’t you control your wife?” before Eugenie sought refuge in the pub’s kitchen, her favorite hiding place.
The simple answer was no. And why would Harriet want to. She trusted Josie and her vision.
At first when Josie proposed the idea of Harriet recording her weekly episode at The Golden Fleece, Harriet responded by laughing. But Josie had come prepared with a presentation. Photos of radio programs that broadcasted from public spaces, like a coffee shop in Boston. How some podcasts were recorded among the so-called masses, like Fortunately… with Fi and Jane.
Josie had argued a pub wouldn’t be that different.
It was Josie’s point that they’d met at the pub, via the bridge, which didn’t allow for Harriet’s laptop and microphone, that had sealed the deal for Harriet right when the words had left Josie’s mouth. Where else would Harriet record a podcast about love beating the odds? She and Josie were as much a part of the story as all of Harriet’s guests over the past couple of years.
Besides, if Harriet was honest with herself, she’d practically do anything her wife asked of her. The usually no-nonsense Harriet was that much in love with Josie, even more so since they’d married the previous year.
“How do you put up with her?” Clive asked, his massive hand gripping his son’s tiny hand.
“Love.” Harriet hunched down. “How are you, Oliver?”
“Hungee.” His wide green eyes implored Harriet to fix the problem right then and there.
Harriet rubbed the top of his ginger head. “I’m hungry as well. Let’s get some lunch.” She waved for Josie to come over. “Oliver is insisting on lunch. You’re joining us.”
“You and Oliver are very bossy.” Josie grinned.
“Yes, we’re the bossy ones,” Harriet said in her dry way that made Josie smile more broadly.
The four of them trooped into the pub’s kitchen, where Eugenie was already in the process of prepping lunch. “Is Camilla joining us?” she asked Clive.
“Not today. The missus had to head to London for a meeting.” Clive placed Oliver on his lap at the table in the corner, where the family ate an early meal together most days before the pub became flooded with the lunch crowd.
Josie took a seat, one hand on her belly. She took Harriet’s hand and placed it on the baby bump. “She’s kicking.”
“She’s taking after her American mother for sure.” Harriet smiled at Josie.
“Will she be bossier, then?” Clive asked with honesty.
“I hope so. Only seems fair.” Eugenie set the large ploughman’s platter in the center of the table for everyone to fix whatever they wanted and then grabbed Josie’s meal.
“I’m getting the feeling I’m not appreciated.” Josie tucked into the chicken and spinach salad.
“Not true. I’d be lost without you,” Harriet said, boosting Josie’s hand to her lips.
“I can vouch for that. She was when you ran off to America.” Clive handed Oliver a slice of cheese.
“What about me?” Eugenie compiled ham and Stilton onto a chunk of crusty bread. “You left days before Christmas.”
“You’re never going to forget that.” Josie speared a piece of chicken.
“Oh, no. It’s too good to pass up.” Eugenie wore a conniving smile. “I can’t wait to teach your little one all the ways guilt works on you. It’s the best revenge of any mum.”
“Careful. Or I’ll dock your pay.” Josie pointed her fork at Eugenie.
“You’re the manager. I own the place,” Eugenie countered.
“Are you sure about that? I’m in charge of all the accounts and paperwork. How do you know I haven’t done anything nefarious and taken your name off things?”
“Because you take after your father: honorable to the core.” Eugenie spoke like a woman who knew she was correct.
“Whatever.” Josie ground her teeth.
“Don’t worry. I know you can be dirty in some situations,” Harriet whispered into Josie’s ear, much to Josie’s delight if the sparkle in those emerald eyes was any indication.
“Winnn.” Oliver jabbed his chubby fingers at the bulldog, who was giving his best begging face.
Eugenie slipped Winston some ham.
“You’re getting soft in your old age,” Josie said.
“I’m just happy.” Eugenie looked around the table.
Harriet squeezed Josie’s thigh.
Josie stared into Harriet’s eyes.
Alfred, the roly-poly ginger cat, chased his scrawny brother, but gave up after a few seconds.
“It’s always chaos here,” Clive remarked, not seeming put out by everything.
“That’s what happens when you run a thriving pub and podcast with family.” Josie motioned to the food. “Speaking of. Eat up and get back to work. Time’s wasting.”
“You know I went into business with Clive so I could whack him without worrying about being sued. Now, you’re bossing me around.” Eugenie crossed her arms playfully.
“You can keep whacking Clive if it makes you more productive.”
Clive ducked. “Watch out for my boy.”
“I’d never hit an innocent child,” Eugenie protested.
“Is this how families operate in America?” Harriet asked, her mouth slightly agape.
“It’s how ours does, and I wouldn’t trade any of it for anything.” Josie kissed Harriet on the cheek.
The front of the pub got louder.
The pub is officially open for lunch.” Josie rose. “Let’s get to it, folks. Back to work.”
“I prefer it when you say I love you.”
“That is how I say I love you,” Josie joked. She leaned in and whispered, “I’ll show you how much later tonight and every night.”
“Then let’s get to work so I can get my reward.” Harriet popped up off the bench.
Josie laughed.
A HUGE THANK YOU!
First, thanks so much for reading A Shot at Love. I’ve published more than a dozen novels, and I still find it simply amazing people read my stories. When I hit publish on my first book back in 2013, I had no idea what would happen. It’s been a wonderful journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support.
If you enjoyed the story, I would really appreciate a review. Even short reviews help immensely.
Finally, don’t forget if you want to stay in touch, sign up for my newsletter. I’ll send you a free copy of A Woman Lost, book 1 in the A Woman Lost series, plus the bonus chapters that are exclusive to subscribers. And, you’ll be able to enter monthly giveaways to win one of my books. Here’s the link to join: http://eepurl.com/dtzNv1
Also By T.B. Markinson
A WOMAN LOST SERIES
A Clueless Woman (Prequel)
A Woman Lost
A Woman Ignored
A Family Woman
A Conflicted Woman
A Woman Loved
A Woman Undone
CONFESSIONS SERIES
Confessions from the Heart (Prequel)
Confessions from a Coffee Shop
Confessions from the Dark
THE CHOSEN ONE SERIES
The Chosen One
The Hidden One
THE MIRACLE GIRL SERIES
The Miracle Girl
The Fall Girl
GIRL LOVE HAPPENS
Girl Love Happens (Prequel)
Girl Love Happens: Season One
Girl Love Happens: Season Two
STANDALONE NOVELS
Marionette
Claudia Must Die
Life in Bits
About the Author
TB Markinson is an American who’s recently returned to the US after a seven-year stint in the UK and Ireland. When she isn’t writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in New England, or reading. Not necessarily in that order.
Her novels have hit Amazon bestseller lists for lesbian fiction and lesbian romance. F
or a full listing of TB’s novels, please visit her Amazon page.
Feel free to visit TB’s website to say hello. On the Lesbians Who Write weekly podcast, she and Clare Lydon dish about the good, the bad, and the ugly of writing. TB also runs I Heart Lesfic, a place for authors and fans of lesfic to come together to celebrate and chat about lesbian fiction.
Want to learn more about TB. Hop over to her About page on her website for the juicy bits. Okay, it won’t be all that titillating, but you’ll find out more.