Could it be Magic

Chapter 6

The week flew by and in no time at all the weekend had nearly arrived. Walking across the field as he had done every day, he noticed two cars arriving as he made it back to the house. Climbing out of the cars he saw mark and Howard wave as he watched them lift theirs bags out of their boots.

Reaching them, they hugged him and he opened the door to let them in. Leaving their bags in the hallway he walked them through to the kitchen, pouring them cool drink to quench their thirst after driving the long distance.

Taking them on a guided tour, he showed them room by room, talking through his design ideas for each. Heading upstairs he showed them their rooms and left them to settle in as he headed back down the stairs. looking out the window at the top he saw the usual figure walking across the darkening field, dog trailing behind as she tried to find the perfect stick to be thrown.

He had made it in to town a few times this last week to check out the local shops and find the best place to get his supplies. everything was so small town and quaint he had felt like he was in a movie at times. The fresh produce was amazing and he looked forward to spending his down time trying out some new recipes.

Sitting on the sofa he picked up the remaining letters to be organized and read the first one. The usual request for an appearance at a charity event, this one he had never heard of, but he made a note on the top to do some research in case he decided he would like to attend.

Mark came bounding into the front room, his usual ball of energy always made him smile.

"what we eating tonight Gaz? I'm starving mate" he said taking a seat opposite him.

"there's a pub just down the road i thought we might check out?" he replied placing the letter back on top of the pile from before.

"Did I hear the word pub?" Howard asked as he walked through the door. " i love a good pub meal" he said rubbing his stomach in circles a grin on his face.

"great" Gary said "grab your coats, we can head down now"

Leaving the house, they headed towards the lane that would take them into the small village. The street lamps lit up the way and small pumpkins lit the windows sills of each house they passed.

Halloween decorations had been put up outside each shop and in their windows, green lights seemed to glow from every direction, making everything look eerie.

As they approached the pub they opened the door, feeling the warm air hit their faces as they walked through, closing the door behind them to keep the draft out.

Heading to the bar the landlady turned around a big grin on her face, welcoming them in. On her head she wore a small witches hat on a band that wobbled each time she moved.

"What can I get you lovely gentlemen" she said in a strong Gloucestershire accent.

"Can I please get an orange juice, a glass of red and a pint of lager please" Gary said resting his arms on the bar.

"no problem" she said reaching up to the top shelf for a pint glass and started to pour the lager "you visiting?" she asked looking back up at him

"No" he replied smiling " I moved here a few months back, just getting to know the area"

"lovely place we have here, I recon you'll like it here" she said passing over the remaining drinks. Taking the money he had passed over, she quickly got him his change and watched as they made their way to the table tucked away in the corner. Being an avid fan, she knew exactly who they were, who knew Gary Barlow of all people had moved into their little village. Smiling to herself she moved on to the next patron reaching for a glass knowing their orders off by heart.

Sitting at the table Howard picked up the nearest menu. Making their decisions he headed to the bar to place their order, grabbing another round of drinks and a bag of crisps to curb his hunger.