Page 22 of Daydreaming at the Boathouse Cafe

‘He’s lovely,’ said Hannah, coming to crouch next to Alex to continue to fuss over the dog. ‘Ever so sweet.’

Alex was still thinking that he couldn’t possibly keep a dog but as he watched Hannah’s reaction, he wondered if perhaps the dog was a way of bringing them closer. But he shook his head. That wasn’t the right reason to have the responsibility of getting a dog, he reminded himself. Even though he had often pondered about getting one whenever he finally stopped competing.

Unfortunately, his hesitation was assumed by Del as an affirmation that he wanted the dog.

‘Great!’ declared Del. ‘Glad he’s going to a nice home. I’ll get his stuff out of the car.’

‘Wait a minute…’ began Alex.

But Del had already left the room.

As the family gathered around, Alex became even more aware of the heavy puppy in his lap. He looked up at Ben. ‘You could always keep the dog if I can’t, couldn’t you?’

‘Not really,’ said Ben, shaking his head. ‘We’ve got enough on our plates as it is.’

‘We would love to because he’s so cute,’ added Lily, reaching out to stroke the dog’s soft fur. ‘But like Ben said, we’re rushed off our feet most days.’

‘And what about the guests?’ added Ben. ‘What if someone’s got allergies?’

‘Besides, I’m not sure about this idea to stay here for the full six weeks,’ carried on Alex, feeling awkward. ‘It’s too much of an imposition.’

‘Rubbish,’ muttered Walter. ‘What’s one more person around here?’

‘Heartily agree, Grandad,’ said Ben, with a nod.

‘But what am I going to do about this puppy?’ asked Alex.

‘I wouldn’t fight the inevitable,’ Walter told him, coming over to also fuss over the dog. ‘Once Del’s got an idea in his thick head, there’s no budging him.’

Alex shook his head but the dog in his arms was reminding him that he was also a little bit helpless and he found he couldn’t help but want to protect the puppy.

Del came in, carrying a dog bed which was filled with a couple of feeding bowls, some squeaky toys and a lead.

‘What do I feed him?’ asked Alex, his mind racing as the full implication of taking on a puppy began to dawn on him.

‘He’s happy to eat whatever I like,’ said Del. ‘Last night he nicked half of my burger!’

‘Del!’ said Dotty, in a stern voice. ‘He shouldn’t be eating rubbish like that.’

‘He didn’t seem to mind,’ replied Del. ‘In fact, he really enjoyed it, I reckon.’ He looked at Alex. ‘Now, because you’re helping out my family, I won’t ask for payment for the lad. It’s worth it just to see his happy face in his new home.’

Alex looked at Del in amazement that he had actually thought about asking for money for an unwanted dog!

‘I haven’t said I’ll definitely have him yet,’ said Alex, quickly. ‘I mean, what about his medical records? Is he a pedigree?’

‘Ain’t got no papers,’ said Del. ‘But the man who gave it to Nan reckoned he’s sound. Might need the vet to check him out.’

Alex looked down at the dog. ‘He does seem awfully big for a retriever,’ he said.

‘Just puppy fat,’ said Del before grabbing his phone out of his pocket and looking at the screen. ‘Right. Gotta rush. I’ve got a text to pick up someone.’

‘Wait a minute,’ began Ben, rising up from the table. ‘Didn’t you say your phone wasn’t working?’

‘Must have suddenly fixed itself,’ said Del quickly. ‘Cheerio, everyone. Take care of Tiny for me!’

‘What about my sunken paddleboard?’ asked Ben.

But Del had already left the room.