Chapter Twenty
Rachel stood on my doorstep positively bristling with energy and efficiency.
‘Good morning!’ she trilled.
‘Hello,’ I beamed. I stepped aside to let her in. ‘I was just having a coffee.’ I waved my mug at her. ‘Can I make you one too?’
‘No, thanks,’ she said. ‘I’ve not long since had one.’
Her eyes swivelled. She was already assessing the house. Hopefully she approved of the hallway’s larger-than-average dimensions. Had noted that there was plenty of room for a dog basket or three in this area alone.
‘I have several homes to vet this morning’ – she continued – ‘so time is of the essence. It’s fabulous that so many people are rehoming, but we’re flat out. It seems that for every resident that leaves, another two come in.’
‘That’s sad,’ I acknowledged. ‘Anyway, come on through.’ I shut the door after her.
‘You have a lovely house,’ she said. ‘Are you sure you want a dog shedding hair all over the place? And, oh! Look at your gorgeous cream carpets. They won’t stay that colour if Bess has a muddy walk!’
‘It’s fine,’ I said. ‘To be honest, I was thinking of making some changes to the place. Removing those carpets might be the first thing.’ The air seemed to quiver beside me. Greg had always resisted change. ‘I’d much rather have flooring that can be mopped. Plus, it looks trendier,’ I added, as we walked through the kitchen and into the utility room.
‘Although less cosy,’ Rachel pointed out.
I shrugged.
‘That’s why rugs were invented,’ I grinned. ‘Anyway’ – I opened the rear door – ‘here’s the garden.’
The area behind the house was revealed in all its gorgeous May glory.
‘This is lovely,’ said Rachel, stepping outside.
And she was off. Powering around the lawn. Examining the fence. Parting plants. Looking for potential escape routes. I was glad my little Rowan was safely in situ.
‘What a terrific space,’ she said, striding back to me. ‘Your garden is big enough for a dog to run around and play ball. This makes me very happy. If you don’t get a chance to walk Bess some days, she’s not going to be deprived of exercise.’
‘Does that mean I pass?’ I asked, fingers crossed behind my back.
‘Most definitely,’ she nodded. ‘It’s wonderful that one of our seniors has a second chance for happiness. Everyone deserves that.’
The hairs on the back of my neck prickled. Those were almost the words I’d imagined Greg to say when I’d been sitting in the conservatory earlier.
‘Are you off to see D-Dylan next?’ I stuttered.
I’d meant for the question to sound casual. However, stumbling over his name rather made it sound like I was being nosy – which I was.
‘No. I have other people to see before Dylan. He lives the furthest away, so is last on my list.’
‘Oh,’ I said, trying to hide my disappointment at this news.
So, what time might Dylan pick up Charlie? I’d rather hoped our paths would cross. That we might even walk our dogs together again.
‘Right,’ said Rachel. She rubbed her hands together. A gesture of being done. ‘I won’t hold you up.’ We retraced our steps to the front door. She hesitated for a moment. ‘Could I ask a favour?’
‘Of course.’
‘If you could head over to the sanctuary now, it would be helpful for the staff. Free up a kennel sooner, so to speak.’
‘Okay,’ I nodded.
Oh well. That was that. Absolutely no chance of bumping into Dylan now. Mind you, it was probably for the best. Was it appropriate for a sixty-one-year-old to be mooning around and – as Greg had phrased it – looking all googly eyed?
Rachel stuck out a hand.
‘It’s been lovely meeting you, Maggie.’ Her firm handshake rivalled that of a man’s. ‘I wish you all the best with your rescued companion. And remember, any teething problems, any questions, we’re at the end of the phone.’
‘That’s very kind of you,’ I said, releasing the latch on the front door. ‘And thank you for all the help to date. I’m very grateful to you and your husband.’ Along with another man I suddenly couldn’t stop thinking about.
Oh, stop it, Maggie, and start acting your age.
‘A pleasure,’ said Rachel. She stepped outside. ‘Bye-eee.’
‘Bye,’ I called after her.
I watched as Rachel slid behind the wheel of her car. She put up one hand and I waved back. Then, in a cloud of exhaust, she was gone. I shut the front door. For a moment I leant back on it. Exhaled gustily.
Come on, Maggie. Shake a leg. The staff need Bess’s kennel.
Repressing another sigh, I grabbed my keys and handbag.