‘Brilliant,’ beamed Marcus.
‘When was that, Tom?’ Mrs Calloway asked.
Tom and Christine glanced at each other, and Marcus could read the look passed between them. Marcus tried to steer Mrs Calloway away from other people’s personal business and back to the competition.
‘Will you be entering Beau into any categories, Mrs Calloway?’
Mrs Calloway smiled. ‘Will there be a cutest dog category?’
‘There could be, I’ll see what categories were used last year. In the meantime, why don’t you get some ideas together fora couple of new categories... Maybe ask around the bay for suggestions.’
Mrs Calloway nodded. ‘Yes, I’ll be good at that.’
Marcus saw Pippa discretely mouth to Oliver, ‘I bet she will.’
Marcus quickly glanced at his phone to check the time. Where was Rowan? He’d been there when he’d told Jack the time of the meeting.
Pippa and Oliver stood up. Is there anything you’d like us to help out with before we get back to work,’ asked Oliver.
‘Just be available for questions, if you don’t mind. I’ll need to pick your brains about safety regs and whatnot.’
Jack piped up. ‘I should be able to help with understanding any regulations concerning the beach.’
Marcus nodded. ‘Thank you, Jack.’
‘We’ve included all that kind of paperwork in the bundle we’ve just given you, Marcus, but any further questions, you know where to find us,’ said Pippa, through a yawn. ‘Sorry, that wasn’t a boredom yawn.’
The group laughed. ‘We understand,’ said Christine, ‘get yourself off to bed, I’m sure Oliver can cope without you.’
‘I keep telling her that.’ Oliver’s voice was laced with concern.
‘I’m fine, Ollie. I’ll just go sit in the kitchen and peel spuds or something.’
Oliver shook his head with a smile as they made their way back into the main area of the pub.
‘I have a suggestion,’ said Reverend Townsend, ‘why don’t I offer blessings on all the entries. I’ll erect a small tent where the pups and their owners can have a private blessing.’
Marcus had to stifle his laugh. But as funny as the suggestion was, it was also cute. ‘That’s a unique idea, reverend. I bet no other dog competition has had a dog-blessing station before. Yes, thank you.’
Out the periphery of his vision, Marcus saw a large figure enter the pool room. Everyone’s eyes looked that way, and Marcus’s head followed. His eyes settled on the handsome face that looked uncomfortable under the scrutiny of everyone.
The face turned to Marcus. ‘Sorry I’m late.’
Marcus’s heart felt as though it had shot up into his throat. ‘No worries at all. I’m just glad you decided to come.’ Marcus gestured towards Rowan as he addressed the others. ‘This is Rowan, erm...’ he looked at Rowan, suddenly realising he didn’t know his surname.
‘Blake,’ offered Rowan, looking uncomfortable.
‘Rowan Blake,’ finished Marcus. ‘He’s an animal behaviour specialist, and he’s been helping me think through the quiet-zone layout.’
Rowan sat down, slightly further away from the others, but not enough to be rude.
Marcus watched him, before realising he was staring. He tore his eyes away from Rowan and addressed everyone, swinging his head from right to left. ‘Any more suggestions?’
‘Why were you late?’ Mrs Calloway asked Rowan, unconcerned about prying.
Marcus watched Rowan withdraw behind the calm, guarded face he’d already come to know.
Rowan opened his mouth to answer, but was saved by Tammy.
