‘Well, the dog part, for a start.’
‘Yes.’
‘I see. And … the other parts?’
‘About not being interested in a relationship? Yes.’
‘And if you were? Interested, I mean. Male or female? Or both? Actually, forget I asked. It’s really none of my business.’
‘You’re right. It isn’t. But if I were, it would be men. A man. Male.’ Kate rolled her eyes and grinned. ‘I only date men. And one man at a time. Not that I’ve actually dated anyone for a long time.’
‘I’m surprised. Any particular reason why not? Again, none of my business, I know.’
She looked him directly in the eye. ‘I’m happy with my life as it is. Well, I was. There’ve been a few major changes recently and I’m trying to adjust – hence the dog. But why bring a man into the mix and mess everything up?’
‘Your daughter and your mum, you mean? Are you saying you want a dog for company? I get that, I really do. But … why would a man mess everything up?’
‘The last one did.’ She sighed and shook her head. ‘Sorry. That’s not entirely true. My marriage wasn’t great. It wasn’t that bad either, but he was a commercial airline pilot and often away. After our daughter Beth was born, he and I just seemed to drift even farther apart. But oddly enough, when he told me he was leaving, just over ten years ago now, it was a complete shock. My dad had passed away the month before, so when I needed my husband the most, he abandoned us. Me and Beth. He’s now living in Dubai with a woman he met in a bar six months before he walked out.’
‘I’m so sorry, Kate. Especially about your dad.’ Raff sounded as if he genuinely cared. ‘Your husband sounds like a jerk.’
‘He was. Once the shock wore off, to be honest, both Beth and I – and Mum and Gran, were glad he was gone. We were all much happier without him.’ She sucked in a breath and leant back. ‘So. That’s my life story. Let’s hear yours. Why a dog rescue centre?’
Maud brought their coffees at that moment. ‘Enjoy,’ she said, winking at Kate.
Raff took a long drink, eyed Kate over the rim of his mug, and then put his mug down and smiled.
‘I have no idea who my biological parents are – or were. I was an orphan and a tall, gangly kid who wore broken glasses, second hand clothes, wouldn’t say boo to a goose, and was constantly being bullied.’
‘Oh, Raff. I’m so sorry.’
He shrugged. ‘Thanks. But it’s fine. My first lot of foster parents were in it for the money, not because they liked kids, but I was lucky. I was adopted by my parents – the ones I consider to be my real parents – when I was eight. But I found it hard to settle, even though they were really kind and caring. Part of me kept thinking they’d send me back. Until I rescued a puppy from a couple of kids who were ill-treating her. I had just turned nine and I seemed to find some sort of super strength as I punched the bullies, grabbed the puppy, and ran like hell. I hid her in my bedroom and would sneak food and water up to her. I’d take her out for a walk at night when I thought my parents were asleep. It was only a couple of days before they found out, of course, and I was terrified they’d take her away, but they immediately said I could keep her. She and I healed together and became best friends. Her name was Hope, because that’s what we gave one another, as did my parents. She was a springer spaniel and she passed away when I was twenty-three. My parents and I have always supported animal rescue centres, particularly dogs, and it was a dream of ours to one day set one up. We finally did thatfive years ago, but the place we have is too small, so we looked farther afield and found Old Farm. And here we are.’
‘Wow. That’s a lovely story. Not about the bullies. Although I’m glad they got what they deserved. So you’ve already got some rescue dogs then?’
He nodded. ‘Yes.’
‘Is it true that anyone can open a dog rescue centre? Granny Viv said it was.’
‘It is. There’s no mandatory licensing for rehoming centres, but you may need a specific licence for selling pets, depending on local requirements, and you need to apply to the local council for that. Which is what we did at our last place and we did that here too. Plus, an animal boarding licence is required if you house animals, which obviously we do, and the local council also grants that. Public liability insurance is a must. You’re not required by law to register with any organisations but there are one or two that are incredibly helpful, such asHelp Animals UK.The support they provide for smaller rescues and sanctuaries is amazing. Rafferty and Hope’s Rescue Centre for Dogs is what’s called a Community Interest Company which is an option for rescue centres like ours that want to be formally recognised but don’t want the administrative burdens of a charity. My parents were too old for all that. I’m still working, so I’ll only be here at weekends and during school breaks, but I’m taking early retirement at the end of this academic year.’
‘So that’s also true? You are a teacher. You’re at some posh public school, I hear.’
He raised his brows. ‘I do teach at a public school, yes.’
‘I’m a teacher. I teach at the local Primary school in Chelmsford. No one has to pay to go there.’
‘What are the chances of us both being teachers? It’s definitely a small world. I became a teacher because both my parents were.As for paying, we all pay in some way or other. Our taxes fund State schools.’ He drank his coffee.
‘I could argue with that, but I won’t, because you’re right. But it’s not as simple as that. Have your parents moved in then?’
‘No. They’ll be moving down in a few weeks, once the building work and decorating is completed. We’ve only been here once or twice since we bought Old Farm and I’m here this week to see how all the works are progressing. We’re hoping to officially open around Easter. Or early summer at the latest. We’ll be employing staff and hopefully, have some volunteers organised before then, because my parents aren’t as young as they were. A local architect, Jasper Bright, and his building firm, Bright Bonn and Taylor, Architects and Builders are doing the work. And so far, we’re more than happy.’
‘Oh, we know them quite well. Jasper’s brilliant and so is his girlfriend, Lara Taylor. She’s an artist. Believe me, if you want any paintings, sketches, or murals or anything, you won’t go wrong with Lara. She’s fantastic.’
‘Yes. I’ve met her. You’re right. Her work is exceptional.’
Kate finished her coffee and leant forward. ‘You said you’re taking early retirement. How early?’
