Page 54 of A Cosy Christmas with the Village Vet

‘Yep.’ Nick nodded. ‘There were nine in total.’

‘Bloody hell!’ said Jimby. ‘I bet poor old Charlie had one heck of a belly ache.’

‘Oh, I should think the poor fella did.’ Nick pulled a wry face. ‘However, I’m very pleased to say, he went on to make a full recovery. And his owner promised to walk him well away from the local golf course.’

‘Makes you wonder what possesses some dogs to eat what they do. I mean a golf ball would hardly be appetising,’ Camm said.

‘Oh, you wouldn’t believe it. I removed three marbles, a rubber glove and a pair of crotchless knickers from another Lab.’ Nick’s mouth twitched.

‘Aye, aye. Interesting combo,’ said Jimby, a cheeky glint in his eye.

‘It was a bit awkward actually, since I subsequently discovered that the knickers didn’t belong to the owner’s wife,’ Nick said.

‘Ey up,’ said Camm.

‘And how did you find that out?’ asked Ollie.

‘Well, owners are usually interested to see what I find after this sort of operation, so I always keep the items I’ve removed in a bowl for when they come to collect their pet. This particular lady was looking very puzzled and spent a long time scrutinizing the knickers, which I remember thinking was a little odd, until she announced that they weren’t hers.’

‘Uh-oh. I think I can see where this is going,’ said Jimby.

‘Oops,’ said Camm.

‘Her husband’s face just drained of colour and he started spluttering some cringingly feeble explanation while his wife stood there, glaring at him. I didn’t know where to look, or what to say. The next thing I knew, she’d given him a hell of a wallop across the face and stormed out.’

‘Shit,’ said Jimby.

‘But the good news is, the Labrador made a full recovery. Unlike its owners’ marriage; I heard they divorced soon after.’

‘No surprises there,’ said Camm, taking a slug of his ginger beer. Like Nick, he was driving, so was on soft drinks. At this time of year, Camm had to be prepared to go out with the plough at the dop of a hat; the capricious nature of the moorland climate meant the weather could change without warning and he’d never risk having an alcoholic drink if there was the slightest hint of snow in the air.

‘And the moral of that story is, don’t take a Labrador with you if you’re getting your leg-over with someone you shouldn’t,’ said Jimby. A round of hearty laughter followed.

Nick hadn’t expected to enjoy the evening quite as much as he had. Everyone had been welcoming and friendly and he couldn’t remember feeling more at home with a group of people. He couldn’t actually believe he’d been chatting to Gabe Dublin. The singer exuded an easy-going air and proved to be every bit as down-to-earth and affable as Brogan had said he was. It was easy to forget his status as an internationally famous rock star.

People had migrated around the kitchen, talking in different groups, music playing in the background. Nick noticed Molly was now standing beside him, chatting enthusiastically to Kitty. On the other side of them were Brogan and Anoushka. He watched Anoushka whisper something into Brogan’s ear that made her eyes grow wide and two dots of colour bloom in her cheeks as she shook her head vehemently. He was prevented from observing any further by Molly saying, ‘So, when are you going to give us a song, Gabe?’

‘Whenever folks think they’re ready to put up with me,’ he said in his warm, Southern Irish accent. ‘Care to join me, Brogan?’

Nick glanced back to her before turning quickly to the others. ‘Brogan can sing?’ he asked.

‘She sure can,’ said Jimby.

‘Oh, she’s got the voice of an angel,’ said Kitty.

Nick looked on as Gabe retrieved his guitar while Jimby busied himself, setting out a couple of bar stools at the back of the room for them to sit on. Brogan hoisted herself up onto her seat and Gabe leaned in. She nodded in response to something he said to her sotto voce. Seconds later he counted them in and they launched into a rousing, feel-good song Nick remembered as being one of the singer’s early hits.

Soon, everyone had joined in, singing along with unbridled enthusiasm, tapping their feet and clapping their hands in time to the music. Nick couldn’t take his eyes off Brogan. So transfixed was he, he was only half aware of the excited buzz in the room. His heart surged as he took in her rich auburn hair, a stunning contrast to the emerald colour of her dress, and her green eyes that were sparkling with happiness. He was utterly captivated.

Brogan was clearly oblivious to his thoughts as she threw herself wholeheartedly into the song; her voice, strong and pure, complemented Gabe’s as she harmonised with his smoky vocals.

As Nick watched, it dawned on him right there, right then, he couldn’t go another day without telling her exactly how he felt. How she’d captured his heart.

He only hoped his feelings wouldn’t send her running for the hills.

34

NICK

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