Page 28 of Coming Home to Wishington Bay
I smiled up at him. ‘I do, I promise. And I’m sorry I worried you. Like I said, I’m used to just getting on with things.’
‘Nothing wrong with that.’
‘Just with the right equipment.’
‘Now you’re talking.’
‘And so are you, instead of getting ready to go and throw yourself in the water for no good reason. Now go away and have a good time.’ I bent and gave Bryan a quick scratch, before they both hurried off next door.
Ten minutes later I was back upstairs when I heard a vehicle pull up outside, laughter and the closing of car doors. Thereafter, the silence returned and I sat at the door to the guest room, thinking. After a few moments, I got up, grabbed the keys to my F-Type and headed out.
Chapter 6
‘What’s all this then?’ Gabe said, back from his surfing trip, resting one bare foot on the steps as Bryan hurtled up them and launched himself at my lap. ‘Oi, Bryan, mate. Have some manners.’ He took another step towards me. ‘Come on, now. Get off Holly. You can’t just go jumping around on women, however cute you are.’
I tried not to smile at the serious tone in Gabe’s voice. And failed.
‘He’s fine. Really,’ I said, loving the feel of the warm little body sat on my lap, his paws up on the table, sniffing at the pile of papers I had in front of me.’
‘Sorry. I have tried to teach him some manners. Honestly. But, as you witness, being cute means you tend to get away with a lot more.’
I bet it does …
‘And I’m not really helping you, am I? Sorry.’
‘It’s all right. You look relaxed with him sat there so that’s a point in his favour.’
Gabe was right. The little dog’s presence did make me feel calmer. I’d always thought that having a pet would be nice, but I knew that with my life in London, it just wasn’t possible or fair on an animal. Right now though, I was more than happy to borrow my neighbour’s.
‘So what are you up to?’ he asked again, craning his neck to see. ‘That’s a whole lot of paint charts!’
‘Yeah … I went into the city and got a bit carried away.’
‘Good to have a choice.’
‘Yes. There is that. I’ve had a couple of other ideas too, so I’m just looking into it all at the moment.’
Gabe smiled. ‘Sounds intriguing. I look forward to hearing more.’
Gathering up the charts, having made a few marks next to some possible choices, I sat back and gave Bryan a cuddle.
‘Don’t get too excited,’ I said, laughing as the dog snuggled himself into my shoulder. ‘I’d hate to disappoint you.’
‘Look at that dog. Told you you were a sucker.’ Ned’s voice teased as he and Carrie entered the little gate that separated the private beach of mine and Gabe’s house from the rest of the bay. I hugged them both and set about getting them tea and a slice of the most delicious malted chocolate cake, which I’d seen in the window of the village bakery on my last wander.
‘To what do I owe this pleasure?’ I asked, handing out slices to everyone as Gabe helped wrangle Bryan away from the cake. ‘Thanks,’ I said, and dropped a couple of dog biscuits down on the ground by the edge of our chairs to keep him amused for a moment and ensure he didn’t feel left out.
Gabe gave me a look. ‘Do you always carry dog biscuits in your pocket?’
‘It’s something new I’m trying. I admit that.’
‘Sucker,’ Ned said again, around a mouthful of cake but I could see the sparkle in his eyes. ‘At least now we know why he’s all over you.’
‘Hey! I only started it this morning and he liked me before that.’
He shrugged.
‘I’m guessing you won’t want any more of this cake then?’ I asked, moving the plate away from him.
