AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s a great idea,” June said
“But?” There’d definitely been abutthere.
“Mal’s going to hate it,” Heather finished.
“Oh, he’s definitely going to hate it,” June agreed.
Probably.
“If it saves the distillery, he’s going to be thanking me.” On his knees, preferably.
No.Nope. Not going there.
“Are you headed straight back to the manor?” Heatherasked as we stepped out onto the street.
It was breezy today, so I pulled my black blazer with tiny embroidered daisies over my tank top, fastening all the buttons.
“In a bit, I have to stop at the pet store.”
“Treats for Dudley?” June asked.
“Yes, but I also want to pick something up for my little fox family.”
They shared twin looks of bemusement.“Fox family?”
“Yep, it’s the strangest thing. Every morning, I’ve been having my morning coffee out on the bank, then three days ago a little family of foxes showed up, five scraggly little things. I panicked at first thinking they wanted to eat Dudley, so I gave them a few of his treats to distract them while we got away. Now they come back every day at the same time… it’s pretty cute actually.”
Heather laughed, throwing June a knowing little look.
Juniper just rolled her eyes.“Damn city folk, you’re going to catch rabies.”
“I don’t think that’s a thing anymore.”
She pulled her car keys from her bag.“Don’t come running to me when you’re foaming at the mouth.”
Blowing kisses over their shoulders, they both walked in the direction of the car park outside the town hall. I headed for the little pet shop further along the high street I’d yet to visit. Perhaps I would pick something up for Dudley and Boy. When had I started thinking of the two of them as a double act? They were becoming adorably attached to one another.Ithought it was adorable, at least. I could tell from the way Malcolm frowned every time his dog wagged his tail in my direction he didn’t like it, as though he were colludingwith the enemy.
Pet Palace was painted a sunny, lemon yellow. Flower boxes with bright petunias and geraniums sat beneath windows that framed the propped-open door. The inside was tiny, with only enough room for a small counter that held an old-fashioned till and rows of shelves stacked with food, toys, and treats.
“Oh—hello, handsome,” I said, spotting the cat. A ginger tabby lounged in a bed the shape of a crown, confirming I was, in fact, amongst royalty.
I reached down to pet him when a voice rang out,“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” I snatched my hand back so fast I almost fell on my arse. A high, lovely giggle followed the warning.“He looks more charming than he is, I’m afraid.”
The cat’s whiskers twitched in what I could have sworn was disappointment.“Better than looking less charming than you are, I suppose,” I replied, finally straightening to get a look at the owner of the melodic Australian accent.
The curvy brunette was already gaping at me.“You’re April Sinclair.” Oh. If any famous person ever said they got used to random people recognising them, they were lying. She must have read my uncertainty.“No, no—I’m not, like, a crazy fan.” She grimaced, ringing her hands together.“I know that’s exactly what a crazy fan would say—and I am a fan—but what I meant was the whole village has been buzzing with gossip about you being here and—” She closed her eyes and shook her head. When she opened them again, she gave me a sweet if slightly timid smile.“Let me start again. Hi, you must be April, I’m Jasmine.”
She held her hand out and I took it with a laugh. This entire situation was bizarre but also not the weirdest greeting of my life.“Nice to meet you, Jasmine. I’ve been wanting to come into your shop all week, you have some lovely things.”
She continued to stare at me and I cleared my throat. She startled, hands flapping at her face.“Sorry, I’m doing it again. I’ve never met a celebrity before, I don’t really know what to say.”
I laughed again. Despite the weirdness, I liked her.“I promise we’re just as boring as every other person on the planet. I know… how about you pretend I’m just one of your regular customers, what would you say to me then?”
She looked a little horrified at the idea of role play, but nodded and swallowed.“Morning, April. What can I do for you?”
She’d never be an actress, but it got the job done.“Weird question, do you have anything suitable for foxes?”
“Foxes?” she repeated, and I wondered what kind of reaction I was about to get.
