‘I’m not really dressed for it but thank you anyway.’ He glanced over his shoulder at the hillside behind the house. ‘Thanks for letting me park my car here, I appreciate it.’
Dulcie said, ‘It’s no bother. Next time, don’t ask. If I see your car in the yard, I’ll assume you’re off photographing something. And don’t forget to give me a call.’
‘I won’t,’ he promised. He was flattered she’d asked. Although, considering she hadn’t seen any of his work, she might wish she hadn’t. However, as he walked briskly up the path, he realised he was very much looking forward to showing Carla what he was capable of. No, notCarla, he amended –Dulcie.
Ignoring his mental slip of the tongue, he pushed on up the hill – he had a small, elusive mammal to capture on film.
Carla twiddled the stem of her wine glass, growing a little exasperated.
‘You thought Ashton was hot when you visited last time,’ Dulcie pressed. It was the second time she’d mentioned it.
‘I don’t think so now, okay?’
‘Why not? He looks the same as he did before. He hasn’t changed in the slightest.’ Dulcie waved her glass in the air and wine sloshed out. Otto looked bemused.
‘Maybe not, butIhave.’
The three of them were enjoying an early dinner in The Wild Side, Dulcie enjoying it more than Carla and Otto combined, judging by the amount of wine she’d consumed.
Slurring her words, Dulcie said, ‘You know what they say – the best way to get over one man is to get underneath another.’
‘No thanks.’
‘But he’s cute!’ Dulcie took a slug of her wine, and Otto gently took the glass out of her hand. ‘Oi! What are you doing? That’s mine.’
‘You’re tipsy,’ he said.
‘I know. Isn’t it wonderful?’
‘You won’t think it’s wonderful tomorrow morning when you’re dealing with shouty, sweary customers.’
Carla said, ‘She always was a lightweight.’
Dulcie looked affronted. ‘I’m not!’ She turned to Otto. ‘Tell her I’m not.’
‘She is,’ he agreed, laughing.
Dulcie scowled and poked her tongue out. ‘I’m not speaking to you. Go and do something cheffy and leave us girls to talk about girly stuff.’
Otto stood up, grinning. ‘I’ll send someone over with a couple of coffees.’
Dulcie tracked his progress to the bar. ‘He’s lovely,’ she sighed.
Envy nibbled at Carla once more. She was delighted to see Dulcie so happy and in love, and would give anything to have that for herself.
‘Do you think he’s cute?’ Dulcie asked.
‘What? Otto? Er… I haven’t really thought about it.’
‘Not Otto, you dipstick – Ashton.’
‘Oh, we’re back to that, are we? Can we please stop talking about your postman?’
‘Okay, but I think he fancies you.’
Carla rolled her eyes. ‘I don’t care if he does. Have you forgotten the reason I’m here?’
Suddenly Dulcie didn’t seem quite so tipsy. ‘No, I haven’t. But I don’t believe Yale was the love of your life, and I certainly don’t believe you’re heartbroken.’
