‘It means we definitely have a truffle orchard,’ said Ned. ‘We might need to borrow your dog,’ he added, as Bruce began to scuff up the ground at the bottom of another tree.
‘Whenever you like,’ said Jay. ‘He’s having the best time.’ He looked across at Nora and like proud parents they both watched Bruce dig up more truffles before smiling at each other. A shared moment that their adopted charge had come good. She wondered how many opportunities there would be in the future for moments like this.
Liam leaned into her ear and she wondered what he was going say. ‘Any chance we can make a move now?’
Dixie had said they were doing a barbecue so it wouldn’t be ideal to leave just yet but if Liam was thinking along the same lines as Nora had been– that an evening spent rolling around naked would be the idealnext step for their relationship– then she hoped Dixie would understand. ‘It’s a bit early but what did you have in mind?’ She found she’d slipped into a slightly husky tone.
A small frown flickered across Liam’s face. ‘I’ve got a meeting in Bristol at eight thirty in the morning and I need to iron a shirt.’ His eyebrow twitched. ‘Maybe you could—’
‘Nah-huh. You can think again on that score. I’m staying for the barbecue.’ At least she’d be enjoying some sort of sausage tonight.
39
Liam left after giving Nora a perfunctory kiss on the cheek, saying that he’d call her soon. They’d come in his car, so she was now relying on Jay to give her a lift home. Ned and Dixie were chatting but in that way that new couples do: mesmerized by each other, oblivious to everyone and everything else. They were excitedly discussing the truffle orchard. Jay had taken Bruce for a walk so that the others could finish their food without being stared down by a salivating German Shepherd. When they returned, Bruce flopped down on Nora’s feet, pulling her attention away from Dixie and Ned. Jay got himself a can of Coke from inside the van and sat on the edge of the open doorway next to Nora. She sipped her warmish glass of rosé.
‘Liam seems a bit…’ Jay twisted his lips.
‘You’ve already decided you don’t like him,’ said Nora. The frostiness between them didn’t sit well with her.
‘He was the one who was allwhy are you here?Not exactly a great introduction.’
‘You weren’t particularly welcoming either.’
‘Me? He called Bruce a brute. That was uncalled for.’ Jay squared his shoulders. Had he been working out? He certainly seemed to be filling his polo shirt better than he had before. She had a sneaky little look at his arms. There were muscles…
She shook herself. ‘He didn’t mean it,’ she said, hoping that was the case.
‘Tell that to Bruce.’
‘I can’t because he’s a dog and he’s only interested in sniffing things and eating sausages. Real relationships are between people.’
Jay pulled his head back. Nora had gone too far and she instantly regretted it but something made her feel she couldn’t retract it without seeming disloyal to Liam. ‘Fine,’ snapped Jay and they fell silent. It broke her heart a little to quarrel with Jay.
After a few minutes Nora’s phone pinged with a message from Liam.
Sorry I had to dash off. Maybe we need some time to ourselves. How about Saturday night here?
Nora clicked the attached link to a hotel in Nottingham. It looked nice. It was a bit close to home, but still. A night away was a positive step.
‘Anything exciting?’ asked Jay.
‘Yes actually. Liam and I are going away on… oh shit. Saturday.’
‘And when is oh-shit-Saturday?’ asked Jay with a cheeky smile. ‘Oh. You mean you’ve double-booked Bruce and Liam.’
‘Liam’s only just suggested it. I’ll tell him I can’t do it,’ said Nora, feeling her shoulders sag.
‘I did ask Renee if she could dog-sit.’ Jay pulled a face. ‘But she’s at a food and wine festival all day.’
‘Don’t worry. I’ll tell Liam we’ll go another time.’
As she started to type, another message from Liam popped up.
I’m golfing in the day so that’s why I thought somewhere close would be best. Plus I get a discount ?? Leave about 6.30?
She turned to Jay. ‘Actually, could you see if Renee could have him overnight? And I can do the day shift?’
‘OK. I’ll check with Renee. And then Cinders shall go to the ball,’ said Jay. When Nora didn’t reply he added, ‘Please yourself.’
