Blue Skies Over Wildflower Lock (The Wildflower Lock)

Chapter 56

Fifty minutes later, Daisy was sitting outside with Yvonne and Shaun, eating bean salad, having recounted the tale of Johnny and how he came onto the boat, even admitting that she’d only named him when Shaun put her on the spot and asked what he was called in the park.

‘You don’t like a dull life, do you?’ Shaun said as he scratched behind Johnny’s ears, causing the dog’s tail to thump loudly on the deck. ‘You just take on a random dog? That’s crazy. And really generous of you. So you just paid the vet bill for a dog that wasn’t even yours? I wish I had the type of spare cash where I could do that.’

‘I don’t think I’d say it was spare cash,’ Daisy said, grimacing at the memory of the money leaving her account. ‘But there wasn’t a lot else I felt I could do. And the vets paid for a bit too.’

‘And so now you’re just keeping him?’

Daisy shook her head.

‘No, absolutely not. It’s not possible. Not with the coffee shop. I’ve posted online with photos, asking if anyone recognises him, and so far, there’s been nothing, but I can’t believe he doesn’t have an owner somewhere. You wouldn’t believe it from today, but honestly, he’s been so good, walking beside me, sleeping out here.’

‘Well, he’s obviously attached to you,’ Shaun replied. ‘And by the sound of things, you’re pretty attached to him, too.’

With a slight ache in her chest, Daisy looked down to where Johnny was lying with his head on a pillow, while his body fitted perfectly under Shaun’s chair. As she rubbed her fingers into his scalp, his eyes closed and he let out a long yawn.

‘I just want to make sure he finds a home, that’s all. Someone to love him properly. I think he deserves that. I don’t suppose I can tempt you?’ Daisy said hopefully.

Shaun let out a short chuckle. ‘I’m not sure my lifestyle would quite suit a dog.’

‘I wouldn’t discount it entirely,’ Daisy pressed. ‘He loves being on the move.’

‘You’re really trying to sell this, aren’t you?’ Shaun laughed.

‘Maybe.’ Daisy didn’t want to push the idea, but Johnny had taken to Shaun ever so quickly. She could just imagine the collie with his head hanging out the window, ears flapping in the wind as Shaun drove them around the winding paths of undulating hills or dramatic coastal paths. Although she had to admit part of her wanted to find the dog a home with someone on a boat. He obviously loved being on the water, and if he could do the Thames without any issues, he could probably do anywhere.

‘Well, that food was amazing,’ Shaun said, placing his knife and fork together in the middle of his plate. ‘Why don’t I take you guys for a glass of wine to say thank you? There are a couple of really nice bars around here. And I’d love to repay your hospitality.’

‘Really, you have to stop saying that. There is nothing to repay,’ Daisy insisted. ‘After all, if it wasn’t for you, I could have been chasing him around that park all night.’

‘I guess it’s just a good thing there were those dog treats in my bag.’

Daisy tilted her head in curiosity. ‘Why did you have them on you, anyway? You don’t already have a dog you’re keeping secret from me so I can’t persuade you to take Johnny as extra company for it, do you?’

Once more, Shaun’s light chuckle reverberated around them.

‘No, I promise. But I did tell you I was a dog person, right? I did some sitting a couple of weeks ago.’

‘Sitting?’ Daisy said, not sure she understood.

‘Dog sitting. Well, dog, cat, goldfish. I do a couple of house-sits every now and then, when I need a break from the van or fancy a bit of four-legged company.’

He reached down and stroked Johnny, who let out a satisfied groan.

‘That’s a thing?’ Yvonne said, clearly as curious as Daisy about this style of life that seemed even more unconventional than their own.

‘It’s a big thing,’ Shaun assured them. ‘People would much rather have someone trustworthy in their homes, so their pets can stick to their normal routines, than shove them in cramped kennels for weeks on end. It’s a win-win for everyone. I must have done at least twenty houses over the last couple of years. There’s even one now in Catalan I’ve been considering. Three weeks in a house with a pool and four Great Danes. The only thing I’d need to pay for is the flight.’

‘Wow,’ Daisy said, genuinely surprised by the insight into a world she knew nothing about, although having not yet got used to looking after Johnny, she couldn’t imagine how she would cope with four Great Danes.

‘It’s pretty cool,’ Shaun said nonchalantly. ‘But I haven’t got any booked in at the moment, so you’re more than welcome to the treats.’

‘Thank you,’ Daisy said. ‘I really mean that.’

Across the table, Yvonne let out a deep yawn. She covered her mouth halfway through the process, but it was too late. Daisy’s brain had already taken notice and before she could stop herself, she could feel an involuntary yawn stretching her own mouth.

‘I’m so sorry,’ she said. ‘It’s been a crazy day. I think I might have to head to bed soon. You don’t mind, do you? It’s been lovely to meet you.’

‘You too,’ Shaun said. ‘I think it’s definitely the first time I’ve invited myself to a famous artist’s home.’

Daisy let out a chuckle while shaking her head.

‘Definitely not famous.’

‘Yet,’ Shaun finished for her. ‘One day I’m going to dine out on this story. But really, Daisy, it’s been so lovely to meet you. Maybe I’ll bump into you later on on your journey. I think we’re travelling the same route for a bit.’

‘That would be really lovely,’ Daisy said, leaning in and offering her new friend a hug.

‘Nice to meet you too, Yvonne,’ Shaun said, going in for a quick kiss on the cheek. ‘And Johnny, be good for Daisy, okay?’

From his position on the ground, Johnny looked up and wagged his tail. He really was the strangest of dogs, Daisy thought.