Read Meant To Be for Free Online Page A

that.’
    â€˜What’s rolling stubble?’ Jake asked.
    â€˜After harvest, we roll the stubble flat so it breaks down quicker for the next season – just like putting down a layer of mulch in a garden, really. We used to heap it up and burn it, but it’s all about putting it back into the soil now. But you need the weather to be hot enough for the stalks to snap and stay lying on the ground. Otherwise they just spring back up and you’ve just wasted your time and fuel.’
    â€˜Can I go with you and watch?’ Jake asked.
    â€˜Sure. Though it’s not very exciting; it’s just going round and round on a tractor.’
    â€˜Well, since I’ve never done that, it might be quite interesting to a city boy like me.’
    â€˜In that case, you’re on. I’m working at Emily’s tomorrow, so I’ll drop in and pick you up on the way past. Depending on how quickly it heats up, it probably won’t be until around lunchtime. You’ll want to pack a sandwich and a water bottle – in case you don’t get bored after the first two laps,’ David added with a laugh. ‘I won’t stop until evening when it comes in cooler.’
    â€˜Cool, I’m going to play farmer for a day,’ Jake said.
    â€˜Mate, I wouldn’t get too excited,’ David said. ‘Tractor driving can be as boring as bat shit.’
    While David and Jake discussed the various tractor-driving jobs involved in life on the land, Emily and Barbara quietly swapped the latest gossip they’d heard in town. It turned out they’d both been in that day without the other knowing.
    Barbara seemed a little quieter than usual, and looking harder at her friend, Emily thought she also looked a little pale. Hopefully she wasn’t coming down with something. Though, didn’t they say people often got sick when they slowed down after a busy time? David and Barbara had just had David’s father’s death and funeral, and a houseful of guests to deal with.
    With Jake off with David, tomorrow would be a perfect opportunity for the two of them to spend some quiet time together. If it was going to be hot, they wouldn’t want to be out and about. It was better to hibernate in that sort of weather.
    â€˜Hey, Barb,’ Emily said, suddenly. ‘Do you fancy hanging out tomorrow and watching a DVD or two while the boys are off?’
    â€˜Sounds very indulgent. Probably just what we both need after the last few months. I’ve got a couple of recent chick flicks.’
    â€˜Perfect.’ The only DVDs she had were action movies of John’s.
    â€˜Well, how do you like that? We menfolk will be hard at work and you’ll be inside with your feet up,’ David teased.
    â€˜We’ll be sure to pine for you. Will that help ease your burden?’ Barbara replied, batting her eyelashes.
    â€˜It certainly will.’
    Finally their pizza arrived with an apology for the delay. They oohed and aahed over it, and set about devouring the meal with little conversation.
    Afterwards, the men went up to the counter to settle the bill and then the four of them made their way outside.
    They spent a few moments admiring the bright orange and pink sunset before hugging and getting into their separate cars.
    â€˜Well, that was nice. Thank you,’ Emily said as they drove out of the car park.
    â€˜You’re welcome. But I guess it means we still haven’t officially had our first date. I don’t think a double date counts,’ Jake added with a laugh.
    â€˜I don’t mind. It wasn’t like you knew they’d be here.’
    â€˜No, but I still owe you one.’
    â€˜You saved me from my mother, remember? I think we can call it square.’ She smiled at him.
    â€˜I saved myself from your mother,’ Jake said.
    â€˜Hey, did you notice how cagey they got when you asked why they were there?’ Emily asked, deliberately changing the