Page 5

‘You know, she’s not actually a fox.’

Jake found himself looking into the brightest green eyes he’d ever seen on a human, peering out at him from between an equally green bobble hat and scarf. He had to bite back a grin at the perturbed face and folded arms: the little girl was right.

‘I know.’ He moved back to let her untie the leash, but Tilly continued to nuzzle at his fingers, fawning for more attention. ‘She’s a Shiba Inu, isn’t she? Maybe about nine or ten years old?’

The green eyes widened in amazement. ‘How did you know that?’

‘She told me,’ Jake teased gently.

‘Who are you talking to, Summer?’

‘It’s not me, Mum. Tilly’s making friends.’ The little girl grinned up at a woman and Jake did his second double take of the morning. She was absolutely stunning – the same green eyes as her daughter were surrounded by a mop of curly, honey-blonde hair, against creamy, freckled skin and glossy pink lips that curved into an easy smile. There was no suspicion or concern in those striking green eyes – just curiosity.

‘Is she, indeed?’

‘I … umm …’ Jake cursed inwardly. Why was he such an idiot? The moment a pretty girl smiled at him, it was like his brain suddenly lost the ability to communicate with his mouth and all his words suddenly became stuck. And this woman wasn’t just a pretty girl. She was beautiful.

‘So, who is your new friend, Tilly?’ She paused for a moment, before giving him another warm smile. ‘Well, looks like she’s feeling shy, so I’ll have to manage the introductions myself. I’m Evelyn Jon— Matthams. And this is my daughter, Summer. It seems you already know Tilly.’ She held out her hand.

Jake stood, and shook it, wondering briefly why she’d stumbled over her own name, but he was too polite to mention it. ‘Jake Macpearson. You must be new to Broclington. I’d remember this foxy little lady.’

Summer tugged at her mum’s hand. ‘He’s teasing. He knows she’s really a Shiba.’

‘You like dogs then.’

‘It’s in the job description. I’m the local vet. I wouldn’t be a very good one if I didn’t like animals!’

Summer laughed, and Jake smiled with her.

‘Do you have a card? You’re right, we’re new here – well, I’m returning, these two are new. But I’ll need to set up an appointment soon for Tilly.’

‘I don’t, but I’m heading back to the surgery now. If you’re not busy, you can walk with me and we can get her registered. It’s only a few minutes away. Though most things in Broclington are.’ He laughed.

‘That would be good, thanks.’ Evelyn glanced down at Summer. ‘Feel up to exploring a bit more?’

‘Yeah.’

‘OK then. Where are we going?’

‘Just across the village centre. I’m based in The Burrow’s.’ He set an easy pace, and wondered why he’d just put himself in this situation while he wracked his brains for something vaguely intelligent or interesting to say.

Evelyn saved him the worry. ‘It’s been a while since I’ve lived here, but I don’t remember a vet. Last time I lived here, it was a drive into town or call-out. Have you been here long?’

‘I set it up about six years ago. Wanted to come home after I’d finished my studies and placements, and like you said, there wasn’t a surgery here, so it was pretty welcome.’

‘Makes sense.’ Evelyn fell quiet as they walked, while Summer chattered happily to Tilly, telling her that she didn’t need to worry because this vet was a nice one. Jake flexed his fingers inside his pockets, watching his breath puff into the cold, fresh air, while he tried to work out how to fill the silence before it became awkward.

He started slightly when Evelyn clapped her hands together and pointed to him triumphantly. ‘I’ve just realised who you are. Macpearson – you’re related to the doctor, right?’

‘Yeah. He’s my dad.’

‘We must have been at school together,’ Evelyn mused aloud. ‘Who was your form tutor?’

‘Allan Cooper. Yours?’

‘You were a few years ahead of me, then. I had Jo Smith.’

‘Probably why I don’t remember you then. Sorry about that.’