Page 120 of Meet me at the Seaside Cottages

‘Sure,’ says Essie.

Shelby is kissing the dog all over its little black nose. It is the only pretty one of the litter. But Bute is still the best, thinks Essie, stoutly.

‘Well, then, I am calling you Peggy-Sue,’ says Shelby, and Essie smiles.

‘That’s a great name for a dog.’

Shelby nods, to indicate she already knows.

‘So,’ she says, holding the door open, and depositing another kiss on Peggy-Sue’s head. ‘Seems you’re going to be hanging out here for a while.’

‘Seems like it,’ says Essie.

‘You’d better get a pair of knitting needles, then,’ says Shelby, nodding towards a circle of women drinking coffee, who hail Essie. ‘There’s a lot of new dogs out there need winter coats.’

‘It’s halfway through May.’

‘Yeah, don’t forget how chilly August can get.’

‘Plus you need to tell us all about how long you and Dwight have been carrying on,’ says Gertie. ‘Most of the money’s on since April, and Marion reckons you’re pregnant already’.

Essie’s mouth gapes open.

‘Also, Shelby has a police detective in love with her – he’s been flying back to see her.’

Essie turns to look at Shelby, who betrays nothing, but sticks a large cup of tea in her hand.

‘Come in yourself; sit down, you’re very welcome.’

49

‘Ididn’t know you turned down the job interview,’ says Janey. They are walking, the two of them, the heads of spiral curls similar in the beautiful June light. The evenings are endless, and they have decided to walk along the beachfront, shoes off, jeans turned up. Essie shrugs.

‘What changed your mind? Apart from me, obviously.’

They both laugh.

‘I’m not even going to tell you,’ replies Essie.

Janey laughs and shakes her head. ‘Wee Dwight McFlynn?’ she asks.

‘Don’t say I told you so.’

‘I never ever did! I didn’t see that coming in a million achy-breaky years.’

Janey is still slightly nervous, and so happy to see Essie smile.

‘I think there’s a lot of opportunity here,’ says Essie. ‘You know, Lowell’s firm is doing really great work.’

It’s true: Lowell took Essie on – not remotely as a favour – and she is thriving in the busy architectural practice.

‘They’re talking about sending me on an overseas conference,’ she says proudly. ‘I mean, mostly taking minutes and stuff, but even so.’

‘That’s wonderful!’ says Janey, beaming with pride. ‘Whereabouts?’

Essie shakes her head. ‘Zurich.’

And Janey bursts out laughing.

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