‘Wow! You must be having a great day. I’ll fill up before I go.’
‘No, don’t you worry. Pat was about to do it, weren’t you love?’
Chris, the regular Monday volunteer, looked pointedly at her colleague who was stood by her, hands on hips, at the till.
‘Yes, of course. I’ll start with the fancy frocks, and then work my way around.’
‘Thank you. I appreciate it. The dog show is due to start shortly.’
‘You’re lucky the weather has held. I thought it was going to rain—’ Pat began.
‘La la la!’ Ava put her hands over her ears; they had been lucky so far. The weather had to hold for just a few more hours and then it could do what it liked overnight until the festival continued the next day. ‘I’m not listening. This is strictly a good weather zone.’
As Ava left the shop, she glanced at the table of cakes; the tomato soup cake had proved popular. She shook her head.Really?
Approaching the village green Ava was grateful to Mary. It looked wonderful. Fencing had been erected to make a small arena, bunting made it look bright and colourful, the music from the village square could be heard on the breeze, but there was also a small sound system to call and commentate on each category. People of all ages had turned up with their pooches and made themselves comfortable with deckchairs and picnics around the arena. The sun was still shining, and the breeze of earlier in the day had long gone.
Ava felt Henry’s presence before he spoke.
‘I’m not late, am I?’
She turned to see him smiling.
‘No, Mary’s about to call the first category.’ She took a flier from her pocket and unfolded it. ‘Obedience.’
Henry leaned in closer to read the schedule. Now free from the nerves of the interview, his proximity and clean, fresh scent, played with her mind as he read:
‘Then best rescue, young handler, fancy dress—’
‘Mary hated that idea but Flo thought it would be fun,’ Ava interrupted.
‘I’m sure it will be interesting.’ Henry smiled a cheeky grin and looked around the crowd, taking in the sight of the boxer and elderly gentleman sitting nearby. ‘There’s no most like their owner category, is there?’
Ava giggled and nudged him, pleased that despite the awkwardness that could be between them, they couldn’t help but share a natural banter. ‘As I said, fancy dress, followed by cutest puppy, waggiest tail, golden oldie and best in show.’
‘And you’re not entering Myrtle or Blossom?’
Ava looked at him. ‘How do you know about Blossom?’
Henry hesitated for a moment. ‘This is Dapplebury. Everyone knows everything, you know that.’
‘Or so we thought.’ Ava regretted the words as soon as she’d said them. Just when she felt more relaxed in Henry’s company, she’d alluded to their parents’ past.
‘Fair point,’ Henry conceded.
As Mary called the first category, Ava was grateful for the distraction.
‘And we’re off. Where would you like me?’
Back in my kitchen, the night the puppies were born.Ava attempted to push the thought away before her cheeks blushed, and looked around. ‘I guess that’s the judges’ table. Why don’t you and Granger go and join Mary? She’s judging along with that lady there.’ Ava pointed across the arena to a tall blonde lady, cradling a clipboard, who wouldn’t have looked out of place at Crufts. ‘She runs the obedience classes in the village hall — as Granger and Myrtle have brought her an increase in business she’s doing us a favour here today.’
‘Won’t you be joining us?’ Henry looked a little disappointed, and Ava felt her stomach flip.
‘I think I should stay impartial. I’ll go and fetch you all a drink.’ Ava gestured towards the refreshment van parked on the edge of the green. ‘Then I’ll mingle with the crowd a bit and check out the stalls.’
Henry took his seat while Ava joined the tea queue. As she glanced towards the arena, she could see the dogs being put through their obedience paces. She felt for the embarrassed owner who dropped all of her treats, causing not only her West Highland Terrier to go into a frenzy but the Labrador next to it too. Meanwhile, a nearby Cockapoo dribbled but held its sit and stay, much to the pleasure of its rather smug looking owner. Catching sight of Granger behind Henry, carrying out each command he heard called, Ava smiled.Bless him.Seeingthe dog’s enthusiasm, she felt mean for not letting him enter and decided to tell Henry to add him to the golden oldies category.
When Ava returned precariously holding a laden drinks carrier, the dogs had carried out each of their commands and two runners-up were being selected, along with the winner.
