Chapter two
After a restless night, Marcus awoke feeling more exhausted than when he’d gone to bed last night. And even though every cell ached for the tranquillity of slumber, his mind was far too active to wind down as he’d thought about the extra weight of responsibility he’d piled upon his shoulders.
Organising, and hosting the dog competition was no mean feat, especially as Marcus was the only dog-grooming parlour for miles.
And considering the success of last year’s competition—the first ever hosted in Seagull Bay—Marcus expected the residents of the bay who owned dogs, to want to enter their pets.
In fact, he was expecting to be even more in demand, as residents prepared their pooches in readiness for the competition.
Due to his tiredness, he spent far longer than necessary under the hot jets of the shower, making himself stand under cold water for an entire minute at the end, to invigorate his swimming thoughts.
Marcus stepped out into another perfect summer day, and decided to take a different route to work, which would delay his arrival by five minutes, but would take him past the beach, helping him to scope out the best place where he was hoping to hold the competition.
He hoped Georgina wouldn’t mind him arriving a few minutes late again, that was two days in a row.
He was glad when she’d agreed to have a set of the parlour keys herself, after having to wait for Marcus to open up, ten days straight when she’d first started working for him.
Georgina was the best employee he’d ever had.
She was conscientious in every way; time keeping, politeness to customers and kind to the dog clients—Marcus couldn’t fault her.
People were already on the beach, nobody sunbathing, it was too early for that, but Marcus could see families beachcombing, their children peering into rock pools, nets in one hand and buckets in the other, possibly on the lookout for crabs.
Quickly, galloping down the steps leading onto the beach, Marcus wished he had time to take off his shoes and dig his toes into the sand. Instead, he headed for the frothy surf, a grin tugging up the corners of his mouth as he dodged unexpected waves as they raced towards him.
Rolling waves crashed onto the shore grabbing at clumps of seaweed and the occasional jellyfish that had been left there when the tide went out, and now the sea was trying to reclaim them.
Marcus saw a familiar figure in the distance walking his pet, and the figure recognised him, because he waved and then broke into a jog. Moments later, Tom and his little black and white dog, Rosie, came panting to a stop. Rosie ran rings around Marcus, yapping excitedly.
‘Hey there, beautiful girl. If you stop for a moment, I’ll be able to stroke you.’
‘Good morning, Marcus. It’s unusual to see you on the beach before work.’
Marcus managed a quick stroke of Rosie before he answered. ‘Morning, Tom. I don’t normally come this way, but this morning I had a reason.’
Tom tilted his head to one side, his interest piqued. ‘Oh, and what’s that, or is it private?’
Marcus smiled and shook his head. ‘Not private at all, mate. In fact, the word needs spreading, although I plan to make some flyers for the residents of Seagull Bay, and do some marketing for those outside the bay.’
‘You’ve got me really intrigued now. Come on, spill the beans.’
‘For this year only, I’m taking over the dog competition.’
‘Really? Pippa and Oliver not hosting it at the pub this year?’ Marcus quickly looked at his watch, he needed to be quick, it wasn’t fair on Georgina.
Tom pointed back the way he’d came. ‘I’ll walk with you so you can explain if you are pushed for time, Rosie won’t mind a bit of extra time on the beach. ’
‘If you don’t mind, Tom.’
‘No, mate, not at all.’ Tom patted his legs and whistled at Rosie, who was now attempting to dig a hole in wet sand, and failing miserably. ‘Come on, girl, this way!’ Marcus and Tom continued along the beach, side by side. ‘You were saying?’
Marcus watched Rosie run ahead, her little tail wagging so quickly, he was barely able to make out its shape.
‘Well, Pippa came to the parlour yesterday asking of I could bathe Ginger. She looked worn out Tom, and Oliver has other commitments, meaning he can’t help out as much this year.
’ Marcus paused as he remembered the dark shadows under Pippa’s eyes.
‘I swear she fell asleep for a few minutes in the waiting area. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I offered to take over the competition, and the reason I’m on the beach, is because I’m planning on hosting it here. ’
Tom’s brow became a sea of lines. ‘Did Pippa say you can’t use the pub as the competition venue?’
A flock of very noisy seagulls flew over their heads and Rosie began to bark furiously at them.
Marcus shook his head. ‘No, I’m sure I can still use The Cheese Wedge and Pickles if I wanted to, but lately, I barely get a chance to be outdoors, so I thought what better way to kill two birds with one stone.’ Marcus ended with a shrug.
Tom looked around at the beach. ‘Great idea, mate. I’ve just took on a new contract starting tomorrow, otherwise I’d offer to help.’
Marcus quickly raised and dropped his chin in acknowledgement to Tom’s offer.
‘Thanks anyway, mate.’ They came to a standstill at the slope leading back up to the end of the seafront.
‘Right. I’d better get a move on. My first appointment is due any minute.
’ Marcus swiftly patted Rosie on the head, then broke into a jog, then spun around to jog backwards as he called out. ‘Spread the word for me, Tom.’
‘Will do, Marcus.’
Marcus flung the door the parlour open, and entered, panting from his exertion. The sight that greeted him was not his usual calm before the storm, this morning, the storm had already hit.
At least four customers with their pets were already there, and two of the dogs clearly didn’t like each other, as they barked and growled, their owners looking uncomfortable and sitting as far apart from each other as possible.
On top of that, the shrill ring of the phone could be heard over the din.
An exasperated Georgina suddenly appeared blowing her nose.
She pocketed her tissue and then promptly sneezed.
‘You’re late today, Marcus.’ She held onto his elbow and steered him away from the waiting customers, lowering her voice.
‘Some of these people don’t have appointments.
I tried to explain we are fully booked, but they insisted on waiting, in case there was a cancellation, or either one of us could squeeze them in. ’
Trying to ignore the relentless ring of the phone, Marcus rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Sorry for being late and leaving you to sort this out, G.’
Georgina shook her head. ‘It’s okay. You didn’t know we were about to be invaded.’ Georgina held her throat as she swallowed. ‘Do you mind if I go and make a hot drink though, before the madness begins.’
Marcus’s brow drew together in concern. ‘You okay?’
‘Yes, just a bit of a sore throat. Do you want your usual?’
Marcus nodded. ‘Yes please. Shame we don’t have any brandy. I think both of us could do with a slug in our coffees this morning.’
Georgina laughed, and headed for the phone. ‘I’ll answer that first.’
Marcus fixed his most charming smile on his face and spun around, ready to do his best into talking the people without appointments to coming back another day.
GLANCING BACK AT GEORGINA, Marcus could see she was struggling with Cherry, a very young and lively Cocker Spaniel, who was refusing to keep still whilst Georgina finished grooming her.
He was in the throes of a very complicated cut of a Bichon Frise, hopefully maintaining symmetry, but Willie, who was an older dog, was particularly distracted by what was going on in Georgina’s direction, and was doing everything but keeping still.
‘Are you winning, G?’
Georgina laughed. ‘Do I get a gold medal when I do?’
Marcus couldn’t help but notice her voice sounded a little gruff. He worried he might be working her too hard. ‘I can’t promise that, but I can promise liquid gold at the pub later, for all your hard work.’
‘That sounds wonderful, but I promised to help Matt out with something at the garage this evening. Can I take a rain check?’
‘Sure,’ laughed Marcus, ‘but I’m collecting my prize from the pub tonight.’
‘I don’t blame you.’ Georgina puffed out through her cheeks.
‘What a day. I think every dog owner in Seagull Bay must be planning to enter their pet into this year’s competition.
And I know it’s very gallant of you, but with how busy we are here, I really think you have taken on a lot with organising the competition as well. ’
Earlier, in between clients, Marcus had filled in Georgina about him offering to organise and run the annual dog competition. He put down the scissors, finally finished with Willie. ‘There you go, boy. He unclipped Willie’s lead, and helped him down. ‘Maybe, but Pippa needs to sit this one out, G.’
Marcus led Willie over to his owner. ‘There you go, Mrs Smith. He looks like a puppy again. Same time next month?’ Marcus handed over the lead.
Mrs Smith’s face beamed when she saw her pet. ‘Bless him. He looks like a little snow dog again. Thank you, Marcus, and yes, please.’
‘Is that your last client now, Marcus?’ asked Georgina.
‘Yes... Actually, No. I remember I booked in a German Shepherd, but forgot to write it in the appointment book. Atlas, I think the client’s name is... yes, that’s it, Atlas.’
A faint knock rapping on the front door could just be heard over the radio. ‘Strange. The open sign is still there, why don’t they just come in?’ asked Georgina.
Marcus gave Georgina a puzzled look, shrugging his shoulders, before heading for the door.