Chapter Fifteen
Once again, I got in my car and, once again, I dissolved into tears. The makeup – so carefully applied earlier that morning – was washed away in seconds. The lipstick remained. Pink. At least my lips now matched my eyes.
As the car ate up the miles between my parents’ house and the animal shelter, I reflected over this latest event. I should have been more assertive. I should have stayed longer. I should have been more patient.
Yet again I felt like a failure. Oh God, oh God, oh God. Was I an awful human being?
As I drove through the sanctuary’s entrance and into the carpark, I spotted Dylan getting out of his car. He looked up. Waved. I flashed him a smile and headed over to an empty bay.
My face felt stiff from the earlier tears. Hopefully I didn’t have any salty tramlines across my cheeks. At least my mascara had been waterproof so there were no giveaway black trails. My heartrate inexplicably picked up. Taking a deep breath, I stepped out from the car.
‘Hey,’ Dylan smiled, as I approached him.
‘Hello,’ I chirped. My jaunty tone belied the sudden butterflies in my stomach.
‘How are you feeling about seeing Bess again?’
‘A bit jittery,’ I confessed. Although the jitters might be more to do with seeing you. ‘What about you?’
We fell into step, crossing the carpark and heading towards Reception.
‘The same,’ he chuckled. ‘Although I’ve been anxious too. Probably because I want Charlie so much. Between you and me, I’ve fretted about another visitor falling in love with him. Even worse, that he would prefer them over me.’
‘I’m sure that won’t be the case,’ I said warmly.
I briefly touched Dylan’s forearm by way of reassurance. The gesture had been automatic on my part. Something I’d have done to anyone. But the unplanned physical contact left me inadvertently gasping. It was as if I’d received a static shock. Zingers rippled through my fingers and whizzed around my palm.
I hastily stuffed my hands in my pockets. It was another warm day. Possibly I looked faintly ridiculous, walking along, hands buried deep in my jacket’s lining. I took them out again. Suddenly I didn’t know what to do with my arms. It was as if they’d multiplied, and I had too many of them. I walked alongside Dylan feeling like Kartikeya, the six-armed God, but minus a spear.
We arrived at Reception. Dylan held open the door for me.
‘After you,’ he said.
I ducked under his arm.
‘Thanks,’ I said gratefully.
I turned just in time to see Rachel approaching. At her heels was a black Labrador. It strained on its lead.
‘A new arrival,’ she explained. ‘Let me hand over this chap, then I’ll take you to Bess and Charlie. I’ll be right back.’
‘Sure,’ said Dylan.
Rachel strode off, the Lab trotting at her side.
‘He seemed like a nice dog,’ I said, suddenly feeling sad. ‘I wonder what his story is.’
‘Who knows?’ Dylan sighed. ‘If my garden was umpteen acres, I’d likely take every dog home with me.’
‘Mm,’ I agreed. ‘And what about the cats? There are loads of them, too.’
Dylan pulled a face.
‘I know. However, let’s not get melancholy. Let’s remind ourselves that two residents will soon be happily rehomed.’
‘Yes,’ I agreed, perking up.
Rachel reappeared, slightly out of breath.
‘Sorry to keep you waiting,’ she said. ‘Righty-ho. Let’s head over to Bess and Charlie.’