Pete leaned in and whispered, ‘That’s the joy of living on a close-knit island. Don’t think your business will ever be your own again.’
‘I won’t!’ Verity laughed.
As they approached the door Betty greeted them in an official manner and ruled a thick biro line through their names on the list. ‘ID, please.’
‘I’m your granddaughter! Surely you don’t need to see my ID?’ protested Clemmie.
‘This is official island business. I’m not leaving anything to chance or having any votes disqualified on my watch.’
‘Are you being serious?’
Betty held out her hand and a bemused Clemmie handed over her ID. Once Betty was satisfied, she turned towards Verity. ‘Unfortunately, you’re not a resident of the island…yet.’ She gave her a heart-warming smile. ‘So you can’t vote this time.’
Verity smiled and held up crossed fingers. ‘Next time!’
As the others went inside, Verity turned to find Sam approaching. Strangely he wouldn’t meet her eye but walked straight into the building without so much as a hello or a smile. Perplexed, she sat on a nearby bench. The morning had started well but now her mood slumped. Why had he blatantly ignored her? Was he lashing out at her because of her granny, thinking that if she hadn’t left the island when she did, Joe would still be alive? Surely he couldn’t now be blamingher? She managed to persuade herself not to jump to conclusions. She would wait and talk to him as soon as the vote was over.
Within seconds Pete walked out of the hut. ‘All done.’ He stood by the bench with his hands on his hips. ‘And now I’m ready for a day of spring-cleaning.’ He glanced at Verity. ‘What’s up with you? You suddenly look glum.’
‘Sam has just totally ignored me and I’m not sure why. Did you see him inside?’
‘I did,’ replied Pete. ‘Surprisingly, he nodded in my direction, which I wasn’t expecting.’
‘Why’s he ignoring me then?’
‘I’m not sure, but there’s only one way to find out.’
‘Do you mind if I wait for him before I follow you back up to the cottage?’
‘Of course I don’t mind. But first, put on your best smile.’ Pete had dropped his voice to a whisper.
Verity looked over his shoulder and saw Cooper walking towards them.
‘Good morning, Pete. I bet you’ll be glad when this vote is counted,’ said Cooper, warmly.
‘As long as it goes in my favour. Can I introduce you to Verity?’ Pete gestured towards her and she immediately stood up and shook Cooper’s hand.
‘It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve been hearing good things about you,’ stated Cooper. Verity took a sideward glance at Pete, who tipped her a discreet wink. Had he put in a good word for her? Her suspicions were immediately confirmed. ‘Pete has been telling me all about you and your incredible work helping to save local dogs that have tested their flying skills…and about you getting involved in the puffin count. That’s very brave.’
‘It was a real endurance test,’ said Verity with a grin, holding out her arm to show off her puffin wounds.
‘Ouch! They did like you, didn’t they? It was funny, just after Pete finished telling me how wonderful you are, I checked my inbox to find I had a job application from you.’
Verity blushed.
‘I’d like to formally invite you for an interview.’
‘You would?’ Verity’s eyes widened.
‘I would. How about this afternoon? Four p.m. at Cliff Top Veterinary Surgery? I know it’s a bit soon but if it’s inconvenient we can rearrange.’
Verity clasped her hands together. ‘In the words of the Jackson Five, I’ll be there.’
Cooper smiled at her enthusiasm. ‘Great! In the meantime, I have a ballot to count and a result to announce, and I also need to somehow try and fit in an appointment with the estate agent.’
‘Are you moving?’ asked Pete, clearly surprised.
Cooper shook his head. ‘I’ve decided to rent out the living accommodation above the surgery. It’s a good space, all appliances are working and the electrics have been checked, so all it needs is a fresh lick of paint. It would be great to have someone permanently on the premises once we’re up and running.’
