‘Oh, I can’t wait to hear this.’
‘You help keep me grounded.’
‘God, you’re arrogant.’ I laughed, taking a mouthful of roast.
‘Maybe you can work on that for me too, along with the house.’
‘Sorry. Some things are beyond even my help.’
‘Ouch. And after I’d rescued you from all the fussing too?’
‘Rescued me? I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think Prince Charming has got anything to worry about just yet.’
‘Is that so?’
I shrugged. ‘Sorry to be so blunt.’
‘I’ll get over it.’
‘I’m sure you will.’
Michael lifted his gaze and met mine. Shaking his head, a resigned smile on his face, he set back to demolishing his dinner.
***
‘God, you smell delicious!’ Mark declared as he let us in and gave me a quick hug. Taking in the look of surprise on my face, and then the six foot four brick outhouse standing behind me, he seemed to suddenly feel the need to elaborate. ‘I mean, literally delicious. Like food. Like…’ He leant over and sniffed me again. I fixed him with a look and he backed off. ‘You smell like roast beef.’
‘Yes. Well, Emily had a moment and it ended with a roast dinner and all the trimmings in my lap.’
‘Oh.’
‘Anyway, Mark meet Michael, Michael, this is Mark. He’s our head vet and pretty much runs this place.’
They shook hands and Mark threw me a private look which I made a point of ignoring.
‘So, how’s things?’ I asked.
‘Good. Timmy got picked up today and I swear to God he was smiling.’
‘I told you he smiled.’
‘Yeah. Well, I just thought you were a bit nuts.’
‘Thanks. He just never smiled at you because you’re a vet and do nasty things and I do all the nice things.’
‘Rubbish. He just smiled at you because he’s a tart and you’re pretty.’
Michael chuckled and I rolled my eyes.
‘And you heard about Sara’s engagement?’
‘Yes! Isn’t it wonderful? I’m so happy for them.’
‘Bit of a surprise, I have to say. Never thought old Henry would come round to the idea of marriage again. Sounds like his first one was a right disaster.’
I was madly making signals with my eyes, hoping that we could drop the subject of first marriages that hadn’t gone particularly well, bearing in mind my present company. Unfortunately Mark wasn’t picking up on any of them up.
‘But you can’t assume just because one didn’t go well, the next one won’t. I mean, it’s a whole different set of circumstances, isn’t it? Thank God Jilly didn’t give up on the concept after her first one ended.’
Forgetting the task of trying to avoid potential awkwardness for a moment, I smiled at his expression. ‘You old romantic,’ I said, nudging him with my arm.
He gave me a look that as much as said ‘you caught me’.
‘So, anyway. I imagine you want to know how your boy Rooney is today?’
‘Rooney,’ Michael said quietly, shaking his head.
‘Bit of a crap name, isn’t it?’ Mark agreed. ‘You could always change it. He won’t mind.’
I stifled a smile. Mark had used practically the same phrase as me but Michael saw it anyway and shot me a look. Which made me smile even more.
We got to the kennel block and Mark turned to Michael. ‘Look, I know this is all Kate’s idea, more than yours. I’m not doubting your ability to look after a dog, or anything, and I know you’ve had one before, but like I said to Katie, it’s got to be the right time for you. Sadly there are always new ones coming in so if it’s not the right time, then it wouldn’t be fair on the animal if you took him now, only to bring him back a bit later. I’m sure you’re a great guy, and everything, or Kate wouldn’t have even brought you here – she’s kind of protective of our charges,’ Michael and Mark both looked at me and I found a fascinating spot on the ground to study. ‘But please think about this before you make a final decision. I’m sorry if that’s blunt, but I have to put the animals first, even before people’s feelings.’
Michael nodded. ‘Not a problem. I totally agree.’
‘OK then,’ Mark said. ‘Let’s go and say g’day.’
Rooney’s tail was wagging so hard he was practically bending himself in half when we got there.
‘He heard your voice,’ Mark said, smiling as he unlocked the door.
I snuck a glance at Michael laughing at the dog as he wiggled himself silly.
‘I’ll leave you to it.’
‘OK. Thanks Mark.’
I headed into the kennel and Michael followed, closing the door behind him. Rooney bumped against my legs, his bum still wiggling like mad. And then he started licking my jeans, ramming his nose into my leg. I could hardly blame him. If Mark could smell it, then Rooney’s sensitive nose must be driving him mad.
‘He obviously thinks you smell delicious too,’ Michael laughed as I pushed the dog off me. Crouching down next to me, he called Rooney who bounced over, shoving his head against Michael’s thigh and making happy little groaning noises as Michael gave him a good scratch and rubbed his chin.
‘Want to take him out for a walk with me? I mean, if you’re feeling up to it and don’t mind hanging about a bit longer…’
Michael looked up at me from where he was now sat on the floor with Rooney sprawled across one of his legs.
‘Sounds great. If only to get the feeling back in my right leg.’
I giggled and pulled out a doggy treat from my pocket. With the uncanny ability that dogs have to sniff out a treat at a hundred paces, Rooney looked at Michael for a second and then, with a scrabble of toenails, scooted himself up to hurriedly pad over in my direction, whereupon he sat down a little sideways in front of me.
‘Lie down.’
The dog did so.
‘Good boy!’ I ruffled his jowls and he bounced up, waiting for the next fun thing to happen.
‘He’s had training then?’ Michael asked, pushing himself up and half-heartedly brushing at his jeans.
‘Yes, he’s good on the lead and off. Seems to have all the basics down. Isn’t possessive about food or toys, and gets on well with other animals and children.’
‘So what’s the catch?’
‘Huh?’ I asked, looking up at him whilst clipping a lead to Rooney’s collar.
‘Why’s he in here?’
‘Oh.’ I explained about the size issue. ‘But he’s fully grown now so he won’t get any bigger. And there are plenty of people who will want him. Because you’re a sweetheart, aren’t you?’ I said, nuzzling my face close to the dog’s, which he reciprocated, speeding up his tail and giving Michael’s leg a good thwack in the process.
I pulled my head up, just in time to catch him wince.
‘Oh no, I’m sorry. Is it still bruised from the accident?’
‘It’s all