‘What about you? How long have you been here?’
Pete looked towards the cottage. ‘A lifetime.’
‘Have you ever thought about moving?’
‘No, I couldn’t. I’m waiting.’
‘Waiting for what?
‘Just waiting,’ he replied, taking out his handkerchief and mopping his brow. ‘Would you like a drink?
‘Tea would be good. If you have time.’
‘I have a lot of time on my hands now I’m retired. I used to be in the same game as you.’
‘I think you were higher up the game than me. I believe that used to be your vet’s practice,’ she said, pointing to the building.
‘It did. I do miss the everyday routine.’
Verity watched Pete disappear inside the cottage. Even though at first he appeared to be a little rough around the edges, he’d really started to soften and Verity liked him. She didn’t find him difficult to talk to at all.
He soon returned and handed her a mug of tea. ‘You’ll need old clothes for the puffin count as you’re mainly going to be wriggling on the ground with your arm stuffed down a hole. Bare hands, too, as you have to detect the presence of monogamous pairs and whether they’re sitting on an egg. I can guarantee after a while you’ll be sick of it.’ Pete held out his hand. It was covered with tiny scars. ‘Puffin bites. I suppose it’s only natural they’re unsettled when they see a hand coming into the burrow.’
Verity looked down at her own hands.
‘There’s still time to change your mind.’
‘Absolutely not, I’m up for the challenge.’
Pete nodded. ‘So, why a veterinary assistant? Why not carry on with your learning, become the boss?’
Verity knew exactly why and saying it out loud she could kick herself now. ‘Because my partner at the time didn’t like me to grow. He kind of sucked the life out of me a little, and it’s only in looking back now that I can see how he suppressed my personality to fit in with him, and his friends, and the lifehewanted…’
‘But now? There’s nothing stopping you if you have the drive and ambition.’
Verity considered what Pete was saying. ‘You’re absolutely right but that’ll mean a lot more studying.’
‘But it would be worth it in the long run.’
‘You’ve certainly given me something to think about.’ Verity looked over towards the building by the garage that used to be Pete’s veterinary surgery. ‘It’s a shame it’s closed.’
‘It won’t be for long. I know there aren’t many residents on the island but the vet from Sea’s End is looking to open a second surgery and we’re in the middle of negotiations. It might only be a part-time surgery at first but my guess is those hours will increase as time goes on.’
They both looked up as a shadow was cast over them. Nathan was standing there with a smile on his face. ‘You’re one lucky lady.’
Verity gave a tiny gasp and put her hand on her heart. ‘Are you saying what I think you’re saying?’
Nathan nodded. ‘You can pick up the van tomorrow lunchtime.’
‘Thank you!’
‘I’ve even fixed the clock for you, so you don’t have any more causeway accidents in the future.’
‘What’s this?’ asked Pete as they watched Nathan walk back towards the garage.
‘I’m the idiot that drove onto the causeway this morning and got stranded.’ She put up her hands. ‘But in my defence it was a genuine accident. My phone was flat and the clock in my van wasn’t working.’
‘And where do you sit on the barrier discussion?’
