There was a light rapon Pippa’s bedroom door. ‘Pippa. There’s a parcel that’s just arrived for you.’
Pippa screwed her closed eyes even tighter, trying to think if she’d ordered anything online to be delivered at her dad’s address before she’d left Ireland. ‘Okay, thanks Aunt. I’ll be out soon...can you put the kettle on ’
Her aunt popped her head around the door. ‘I’ve just made a fresh pot of tea.’
‘Blimey. You’re up early this morning.’
‘More like you’re getting up late, Kiddo. Check your clock. Don’t worry, I’ve already taken Ginger out to do his business and fed him. Now I’m going downstairs to let Declan in.’
Pippa shot bolt upright when she saw that it was 10’o’clock. ‘Oh my goodness. I meant to set my alarm. It’s the dog competition today. I have a ton of stuff to do.’
‘No you don’t. Declan will prep the food. All you need to do is decorate the pub.’
Pippa sat still for a moment to gather her thoughts. Was that all that needed doing? Her mouth lifted at the corners. ‘I think you’re right, Aunt Morgan.’
Morgan smiled. ‘Oh yes, there is one more thing I need to tell you. The estate agent will be here in thirty minutes.’ Her head disappeared as she closed the door behind her before Pippa could reply.
Pippa was mid-stretch and yawn and the news made her immediately stop and jump out of bed. She quickly slipped her feet into her slippers as she tugged on her dressing gown. There would be no time to take a shower and wash her hair now. She looked in the mirror and groaned when a human cockerel stared back at her. She grabbed her brush and raked it through her hair, trying to detangle the unruly curls and get rid of the hump in her hair that lifted unnaturally high. It was no use. She’d have to wet it, and hope that would do the trick.
Brett was sitting at the kitchen table munching on a slice of toast. He looked up at her with a frown when she walked into the room. Ginger got up from by his feet and bounded over to her with a doggy smile and a very waggy tail.
Pippa rubbed his ears the way he liked her to do in the mornings. ‘Are you happy to see me, boy? I bet you’re excited for today, aren’t you?’
‘No school today, Pippa?’
Brett’s comment stopped Pippa in her tracks and her breath caught in her throat as her mouth dropped open. ‘School?’
Brett shook his head and screwed his eyes shut. ‘Sorry my darling, I meant work. I know you don’t go to school anymore.’ Pippa exhaled the breath she’d sucked in. ‘Is your car in the garage or something? Do you need a lift to Porters?’
Pippa’s insides twisted into a knot. ‘I-I don’t work at Porters anymore dad, I haven’t worked there for nearly eight years.’
Brett’s brows drew together, forming a deep rut between them and his eyes were downcast as he looked from side to side as if trying to remember. He looked back up with the rut ironed out. ‘Of course you don’t. Oh don’t get old Pip, it does funny things to you.’ Her father winked and gave her one of his silly grins.
Pippa tried her best to return the grin, but inside, her world had just crumbled. This mistake was definitely not a slip of the tongue. Her appetite instantly disappeared. She walked over to her father and kissed the top of his head. ‘I’m going to get dressed Dad. The estate agent will be here soon.’
‘Oh yes... So, your Aunt Morgan told you about the plans to sell up and have an early retirement?’
‘Yes, she did.’
Brett grimaced, as if unsure of Pippa’s response. ‘What do you think about it?’
‘I think it’s a wonderful idea. You’ve worked damn hard ever since I can remember, Dad. You deserve to slow down... Especially now your arthritis keeps flaring up.’ Pippa hoped that would put his mind at ease.
His shoulders appeared to visibly drop, and he nodded quickly. ‘Yes-yes, my arthritis...Morgan said the same thing.’
Pippa could see by the look in his eyes he was still conflicted by the idea. She placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. ‘Then you shouldn’t feel guilty about it, Dad. Lots of people retire early with ill health.’
‘Do they? I’ve not heard of anyone in our community retiring early. I’m worried about what they might say.’
‘They won’t say anything, Dad. They know you have Oliver here to help out at the moment because your arthritis is giving you jip. I’m sure they’ll understand. I think you’ve done your time.’ She laughed lightly to try to lighten the atmosphere. ‘If you’d have committed murder, you’d have done your time twice over by now.’
The joke brought the smile back to Brett’s lips. ‘I have missed you, Pip, and your daft jokes.’
Pippa smiled, feeling better now she’d made her dad see reason, and headed to the bathroom.
Twenty minutes later, she was washed, dressed and had applied a little make-up. She viewed her appearance in the reflection of the mirror. The hair flick was still sticking up, but she didn’t have time to faf about with it anymore.
Her father was sitting in front of the TV watching the news. Ginger trotted back over to him and lay down in his usual spot between his feet. ‘I’m going down Dad. See you later.’
