Page 91 of Just Say Yes
‘Thank you. I’d really appreciate that.’
* * *
Lorcan was sitting on the wall of the pub as I swung in, a beanie hat pulled low over his ears and a green and black striped scarf wrapped around his neck. At his feet, Bod pootled around on a slack lead, exploring a host of interesting sniffs.
‘Did they not have anything smaller?’ he asked, opening the car door for me, his nose red from the cold.
‘Don’t start. And actually, this is perfect, I may be in love,’ I said, hopping out of the Smart car the hire company had swapped the tank for.
‘Is that so?’
‘Absolutely. You wouldn’t believe what they gave me first.’
He cocked an eyebrow that disappeared up under his hat.
‘Let’s just say you could probably have got about four of these in it.’
‘Is that the one Peyton booked?’
‘Yes, bless her. But it just wasn’t practical. I’ll explain tactfully when I see her,’ I said, opening the boot to retrieve my case, pausing first to scoop up Bod into my arms and give him the fuss he was demanding.
‘He’s missed you.’
‘Is that so?’ I said, talking to the dog rather than his owner. ‘Did you miss me?’ Bod was currently doing his best to snuggle down into my coat, pressing his little snout against my neck, his curly fur tickling my ear as he did so, and I felt the tension in my body melting away. When I looked up, Lorcan was resting on the car and had shut the boot.
‘I need to get my case out,’ I said, putting the dog back on the ground reluctantly.
‘I know.’
‘OK… so why did you just shut the boot again with aforementioned luggage still inside?’
‘Slight change of plan.’
‘No,’ I said, holding up my finger. ‘No, no, no. No change of plan. Everything is set and in place. There are no changes of plan allowed now.’
‘It’s nothing major. There’s just been a tiny hitch with your accommodation.’
I inhaled a long, cold breath attempting to find my centre of calm – or whatever it was I was supposed to find. Right now, I’d likely need a map, compass and Ray Mears.
‘Explain tiny hitch.’
‘Don’t get mad.’
‘Not helping.’
‘There was a last-minute guest request from one of Peyton’s oldest friends. She’d already rsvp’d that she couldn’t come but I guess things changed and now she’s coming but the rest of the guests have taken over all the accommodation in the local area. Patrick did suggest her friend stay somewhere further out, but it would be a bit of a trek and it seemed important to Peyton this girl was closer as she doesn’t get to see her much.’
‘No, I understand. I mean, of course. But… what I’m picking up from what you’renotsaying is that the upshot is I don’t have anywhere to stay.’
‘No.’
I slumped against the car, wishing now I hadn’t changed it. At least I could have lived in the tank and I was sure Brighid would have let me use a shower.
Lorcan scooped an arm around me and stood me back up straight, his hypnotic gaze drawing mine.
‘I seem to be explaining this badly. Yes, your room at the pub has been signed over to Peyton’s friend, but no, you’re not homeless for the duration.’
‘So where am I staying?’
