‘It’s the best sight I’ve seen all morning. But, saying that, I’ve spent that morning coming face to face with around two hundred seabass, a hundred lobsters and about the same number of oysters,’ he replied playfully.
‘Cheeky! What are you doing here on the cliff top? Have you come to apologise for sneaking out of the van and not waking me this morning?’
‘I didn’t sneak anywhere. How you slept through the noise of those puffins is beyond me.’
Verity smiled as she dried herself. ‘Slept like a baby.’ She pointed towards the van. ‘I’m just going to get changed.’ She stepped inside but didn’t want to the let the conversation drop. ‘Don’t you miss cuddling up to someone at night?’ The van door was slightly ajar and she could see Sam inspecting the shower, which was still hooked over the branch of the tree.
‘I did last night.’ She saw him smile.
‘But wouldn’t you want more of that?’ She moved away from the crack in the door as he glanced in her direction.
‘Like I’ve said, I just enjoy living in the moment. No ties, no commitments.’
Verity opened the door wide.
‘Wow!’ He was unashamedly staring at her.
She had slipped on an off-the-shoulder maxi dress and a pair of flat sandals, and the appreciative look in his glistening blue eyes was exactly the reaction she had hoped for. She gave him a beatific smile that lit up her face as she swept her wet hair over her shoulders.
‘I’m not always in jeans or joggers. Well, actually, ninety per cent of the time I am.’
‘You should wear a dress more often. It suits you.’
‘I might just do that.’ She pointed towards the surgery. ‘I take it you’re here to collect Jimmy? Even though you’re early.’
‘I was hoping Pete was around to hand him back to me as I’ve taken the rest of the day off. I want to get Jimmy settled at home.’
Verity jangled the keys. ‘Pete’s had to nip to Sea’s End, and he’s left me in charge of the handover. Let me just grab my laptop, as I want to pinch a bit of his power and WiFi this afternoon.’
They walked side by side towards the surgery. ‘I have to say I was impressed with your singing,’ Sam remarked. ‘Not so sure about the dancing though.’
‘I honestly think my singing is worse than my dancing.’ She grinned as she opened the surgery, picked up the post from the floor and placed it on the counter along with her laptop. ‘Jimmy won’t be able to put weight on his leg but he’ll try. It might take him a moment to get his balance, too.’ Verity opened the door to the back room and immediately Jimmy let out a bark.
‘There you are.’ Sam was by his side in an instant and opened the crate door.
As predicted, Jimmy tried to get to his feet but his balance was off and as his bad leg touched the floor he let out a whimper. Sam steadied him. ‘I’m afraid you’re going to have to hop for a while, pal.’
‘He’ll soon get used to it,’ said Verity, encouragingly.
Sam looked at her. ‘I know I said thank you yesterday but I’m very grateful…to you both.’
‘It’s my job to assist,’ she said. ‘I believe Pete has already given you the medication?’
Sam nodded.
‘And how are you going to get him home?’
‘I’m going to carry him. And then we’re going to curl up and have a boys’ afternoon.’
‘Which consists of?’
‘Watching James Bond and having a few treats. Do you know what time Pete will be back?’
‘In the next hour, I should imagine.’
‘I was hoping to catch him for that chat. I’m sure Jimmy will be asleep at some point this afternoon so just I’ll pop back to see him then.’
‘You’re doing the right thing, moving on.’
