Page 84 of Animal Instincts
Declan looked down at him, his eyes keen and searching. Joss made himself not squirm away, but Declan didn’t believe his words just as much as Joss didn’t.
“Liar. Upping sticks isn’t what you want. Or not anymore. Don’t make any knee jerk decisions. Take your time to think about your next steps.”
Joss shook his head. “Warning me against the grass being greener, again? Thing is, the grass feels pretty much scorched and burnt here. I reckon going is the best thing for me, but not for the lame reasons Oliver gave me. If I stay here, all I’ll have at best are a couple of part time jobs in the service industry. No offence.”
“None taken. And I see your point. Just…” Declan scowled, the inner tips of his dark brows drawing down and forming a V. “Just don’t think you have to tough it out, if leaving’s not what you thought it’d be, or you don’t like it. Don’t be too proud to come home.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence. You make it sound like I’ve failed before I’ve even begun. And anyway, I haven’t got the job yet.”
“You’ll get it. How could they resist a cutie like you?”
Joss tutted. “I told you before, five-year-olds are cute, not—”
“Twenty-two-year-olds. Yeah, yeah, yeah.”
Declan grinned at him, and Joss couldn’t help laughing. It felt like the first time he’d laughed in forever.
“So who told you? Charles, I guess?”
“Hmm. Mitch also mentioned it. And Ryan. And Vince.”
“Jesus.” Joss shuddered. “Is there anybody who doesn’t know?”
“That’s Love’s Harbour for you.”
“S’pose. Anyway, where have you been for the last few days? And more to the point, why did you come back, because I was able to work your hours?”
“Thank you for that warm welcome home. London.”
Joss’ brow scrunched in thought. “Wasn’t Charles there yesterday? He left me and Mitch to run the café.”
“Hmm.”
“Yes or nohmm?”
“Just hmm. Anyway, we’re not talking about me, we’re talking about you. Are you coming to the Open Mic Night at the Arms? Ryan’s promised not to let Vince anywhere near the stage, with or without Celia on the accordion.”
“If there was a reason not to go, that would be it. Thanks but no, I’m not really in the mood.”
“It’s very unlikely Oliver will be there, if that’s what you’re worried about. Hasn’t been seen anywhere other than in the practice from what I hear. You won’t run into him.”
“Why should I be worried about seeing him? I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. I just don’t feel very sociable. I’ll stay home and keep Gran company.” And watch another dreary cosy mystery featuring an intrepid sub-postmistress and her comical cat. Joss’ shoulders sagged.
“Your gran’s duetting with Eva.”
“Ryan’s nan?” How didn’t he know about it? A spasm of guilt shot through Joss. He’d been so wrapped up in himself he’d hardly heard a word Gran had said to him.
“Yep. Apparently they’re singing something called Kinky Boots.”
Joss groaned.
“Yeah. So you’ve got to come even if it’s just to keep your gran in order. You know what she can be like after a couple of barley wines.”
Declan pushed himself to standing, and planted his fists on his hips as he stared down at Joss.
“Don’t think about not turning up because there’s a seat with your name on it. It starts at eight. If you’re not at the Arms by seven-thirty, I’ll come and drag your sorry arse all the way there.”
FORTY-FOUR
