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Merryn went to sit down so Jago followed.
‘I’m Tom Catesby.’
‘Jago Pengethley.’ The men shook hands. ‘Thank you,’ Jago added. ‘For letting us share the table, I mean. Crowded in here today.’
‘Yes, I wouldn’t have come in had I known.’ He nodded to the dog. ‘He and I need a bit of space as you can see. The grammar school had a Christmas concert today and it looks like most of the audience have piled in afterwards.’
Tom was well matched with his dog, both being enormous and both having shaggy greying hair.
‘Is your dog a Wolfhound?’ Merryn asked.
‘He is.’ Tom smiled at her. ‘It’s very clever of you to know his breed.’
‘May I stroke him?’
‘Of course. Thank you for asking first. He likes being tickled under the chin.’
Merryn put out a tentative hand. The dog whickered and laid his massive head on her lap, his wise eyes blinking at her adoringly through a silvery-grey fringe. She slipped down to sit on the floor next to him and stroked his long back. Rolling over, he offered his tummy, his endless legs splaying out.
‘He likes you. You’ve made a friend for life. Once Tiny takes to you, he’ll never forget you.’
Jago met Tom’s eyes. ‘And that will suit Merryn down to the ground. She’s dog-obsessed.’ He caught the attention of the young bleached-blonde waitress.
She jogged over. ‘I’msosorry to keep you waiting,’ she said, looking harassed. ‘There’s only me and Tracy in today and we’ve been manic.’ She pulled a face. ‘And we’re usually fairly quiet at this time of day.’
Jago smiled, said they’d only just walked in and ordered for him and Merryn. Noticing Tom had nothing in front of him he asked, ‘Have you been served? Can I get you anything?’
‘A coffee would be great, thank you.’
‘Oh, I’m so sorry, Tom, have you been waiting long? Hasn’t anyone taken your order yet?’
‘It’s not a problem, Alice, honestly. I was happy to wait. I could see you had your hands full. If Tracy has any of her Christmas shortbread left, I’ll have a slice of that too, please.’
‘Okay. Two hot chocs and a coffee coming up, a special biscuit for Tiny, some shortbread and I’ll see what else is going, to thank you all for being so patient.’ She dashed off.
‘Mum’s promised me a dog of my own,’ Merryn piped up. ‘But I can’t have a puppy for Christmas. It’s not the right thing to do.’
‘That’s true,’ Tom replied. ‘You sound as if you’re being very sensible about it. I don’t agree with giving puppies as Christmas presents either. I think it should be a considered decision. Christmas is a hectic time and it can be scary for a little puppy. Imagine being uprooted and put in a completely different environment, away from your mummy and brothers and sisters. Then imagine being tiny and on the floor and all around you is crackly paper and noisy people, lots of visitors coming and going. It’s not the ideal time.’
‘I know.’ Merryn nodded sagely, her eyes wide and serious. ‘I’ve been reading up on it online. There’s loads of Christmas food that’s poisonous to dogs too. Chocolate and dried fruit. And it’s really sad how many puppies are given back after Christmas when people don’t want them anymore. I think it’s very, very traddit,’ she mispronounced. ‘Dogs are hard work and a big responsibility.’
Jago hid a smile as Tom looked impressed. ‘You sound as if you’re going into it well-prepared. I think any dog would be lucky to find a home with you.’
Merryn beamed.
‘And speaking of animals finding homes, that’s what I do.’
‘You get dogs a new home?’ Merryn asked.
‘Sometimes. I run the Lullbury Bay Animal Sanctuary just out of town.’
‘Oh jolly-wow!’ Merryn leaped up.
‘Now you’ve gone and done it,’ Jago said, laughing.
‘My dream job!’ she said. ‘That’s what I want to be when I’m grown up.’ She considered her answer, chewing her lip. ‘Or a vet. Or a Shakespeare actor.’ She jigged up and down and Jago shifted her out of the way of a party of five leaving.
‘All very sound ambitions,’ Tom said. ‘You must come and visit us.’ He glanced at Jago. ‘As long as Dad agrees.’
