Page 62 of Summer in Greece

SHELLY

Dover, present day.

THE TAXI PULLED UP OUTSIDE White Cottage. Shelly, lost in thoughts of Harry and her amazing holiday, stared at the house. The driver cleared his throat.

‘Oh, sorry,’ she said, pushing the fare and a tip into his hand. ‘Daydreaming.’

‘I’ll get your suitcase. Good holiday, was it?’

‘Brilliant, but it’s always nice to get home.’

‘It is, indeed. Goodnight now,’ he said, after hefting her case to the gate. ‘Or should I say, ’morning as it’s near on two o’clock.’

After a dreamless sleep that left her fully refreshed, Shelly entered the kitchen. The room smelled of beer, BO, and bacon. Her father and Bill Grundy were laughing and cooking a fry-up.

‘Morning, Dad, morning, Bill!’

‘How was the trip?’ Gordon asked.

‘I’ll tell you about it tonight, but I’m late for work – see you later,’ she cried, grabbing her bag and keys.

‘Ere, Shelly love, don’t you want some breakfast?’

‘No time, Dad.’ She kissed him on the cheek. ‘Must run. I’ll bring fish and chips in this evening, OK? Is everything all right? No problems?’

They both nodded and shook their heads in a way that told her everything was fine.

‘See you later then. Try not to get into trouble!’

*

Shelly arrived at the surgery at the same time as Eve. ‘You look well,’ Eve said. ‘Did you have a good break? How was the diving, photography – and did you meet anyone outrageously sexy?’ She narrowed her eyes with a look of mischief.

Shelly laughed. ‘Actually, yes, brilliant on all three counts. What have we here?’ She pointed to the doorstep where a dead goldfish lay belly up in a glass bowl. ‘Oh dear, not again.’ She opened a letter taped to the side.

Deer Vet Shelly, can you make Bob bettor agane. I will come after skool with my mum. Thank you, Ann Jones, age six.

Eve rolled her eyes. ‘Another poorly goldfish?’

‘Poorly as can be; Bob the third, deceased. Nip down to the pet shop when you get a mo’, would you?’

‘Only if you promise to tell me every detail of your holiday. It’s been so quiet while you’ve been away.’

While they went about their work, Shelly recounted the basics, avoiding the subject of Harry, and dwelling on the laying turtle. At one point, she closed her eyes and could see Harry smiling across the restaurant table at her, which reminded her to go through the photos that evening.

Eve, who knew her better than anyone, laughed. ‘Come on, no holding back now. I know you’re not telling me everything!’ Eve grinned. ‘Was there anyone special?’

‘Maybe . . .’ Shelly purposefully turned her eyes back to the appointment book. ‘I see we’ve got Mrs Jackson’s Dobermann in for a teeth clean this morning.’

Eve nodded.

‘Can you prep, make sure we’re OK for Telazol, and that the anaesthetic machine’s set up and ready to go? Check the monitors and get the oxygen feed ready. They’re bringing him in just before we close for lunch so we can get on with the job right away. He’s so big, and has a real nasty streak when he gets anxious, I don’t want him hanging around.’

‘Sure, leave me to it. I’ve asked Mrs Jackson to muzzle the dog, after last time.’ Eve paused. ‘So, go on then, was he really gorgeous?’ she persisted, pushing her dark hair behind her ear and turning towards Shelly.

‘Absolutely none of your business.’ Shelly studied the appointment book.

‘I know. But was he?’