‘What colour collar does Luna have?’ Flo pulled up a picture of Myrtle’s puppies on her phone.
‘Yellow.’
‘Well, she was a pickle today and kept trying to eat the plants. She’s got so much energy, that one. It’s good the pups are allowed in the garden for exercise and toilet-training but it’ll be better when they’re allowed to actually go for walks.’
‘Gino knows what she’s like, but he loves her.’ Ava sighed. ‘Headstrong and independent.’
‘You’ll soon train her. A bit of positive reinforcement and she’ll be putty in your hands before you know it.’ Mary looked at Gino.
Ava tried not to giggle. Being subtle was clearly going over Mary’s head but it made for entertaining conversation when she inadvertently responded.
‘Perhaps you could help me when I get her? My parents had a dog, but I’ve never owned one myself before.’
‘Of course I will.’ Mary smiled.
Ava almost spat her drink out.Oh my goodness, that’s it. The puppy will bring them together!It was like a Disney film playing out in her mind.
‘Don’t you think, Ava?’
Hearing her name, Ava returned her focus to the conversation. ‘Sorry I was miles away. What were you saying?’ She looked at Gino, sure that the expression on his face was more than a little pleased with himself.
‘The costumes look great, don’t they? Do you recognise many from the charity shop? I haven’t checked the till yet to see if many brought in vouchers.’
‘The odd picnic blanket.’ Ava looked at Flo and laughed.
‘This is what’s the word now? Upcycling! There was a TV show about it. Bloody nonsense — it was called common sense to reuse, mend and make do in my day.’
Mary looked at Flo, quizzically. ‘I’m not sure cutting a hole in a perfectly good picnic blanket can be classed as upcycling. It’s more like vandalism.’
‘I’ll have you know I have measured the appropriate size, blanket stitched all around the hole, added pockets and made a belt to go with this little number. Look, this side is waterproof. It’ll be just the job in the rain.’
Mary burst out a giggle. ‘Only you, Flo.’
Gino looked around the room, his expression crestfallen. ‘I’m sorry people aren’t buying as much from the charity shop as we thought they would.’
‘Not everyone has Flo’s vision.’ Mary laughed.
Ava went to kick her under the table but couldn’t with Gino sitting between them. ‘Honestly, it’s fine. It was always a long shot. But I’m pleased it’s been a success for you. I recognise so many people from the village in here now and not just on themed nights but at other times too. It’s like you’ve reminded them their local is still here.’
‘Yes, we’ve had a few people say how they’d forgotten about us, how much they enjoy the atmosphere, and how good it is to have the opportunity to come to these nights and try something new.’
‘Well, Pamela is Flo’s new best friend,’ Mary declared.
‘That’s nice.’ Gino looked at Flo, who raised her glass. He pushed his dark fringe back from his eyes. ‘Who is Pamela?’
‘The drink, the drinks you served us.’
‘Paloma!’ Gino laughed.
‘Pamela, Paloma, Palamino, whatever the name it tastes blooming great!’ Flo declared before draining her glass.
Ava giggled. She loved her friends; they always had a way of making her smile. She knew she had lots to be grateful for. The puppies were fit and healthy and almost eight weeks old. In two weeks they would, with the exception of Blossom — thesmallest of the litter, that she’d decided to keep — all be going to good homes within Dapplebury. The charity was doing well, despite the fact the silly season was well and truly upon them, and on top of their general wildlife casualties they had eleven gulls, three crows and two jackdaws to look after. And, while she couldn’t currently involve herself with the move in the way she had hoped to, she did feel it was a new beginning for the charity. In the face of everything positive, a broken heart was a small matter. Wasn’t it? Ava wondered what she could possibly throw herself into after the festival was over. She had been planning it like a woman possessed; maximum effort meant minimal time to think, and she liked it that way.
‘Let’s dance.’
Mary pulled Ava onto the makeshift dance floor. As she stood, she did a double take, sure that she had seen Henry standing at the bar. Her heart leapt, but as she looked back, he’d gone.And now you’re going bloody crazy! Focus, Ava. It’s what you promised yourself you would do.
Chapter Thirty-Four
