‘Good morning. I’ve brought you something to keep your strength up.’
Rowan stopped what he was doing and looked up, offering a small smile when he saw Marcus’s offerings. ‘Thanks.’
Marcus handed over the coffee and cake and then reached into his pocket, withdrawing a biscuit for Atlas. He bent down slowly, and offered it to him on an open hand. Atlas sniffed once, then took the biscuit. ‘I couldn’t forget my favourite man, could I?’
‘Favourite, eh?’
Marcus gave Rowan a look. ‘He lay on my doorstep, didn’t he?’
Rowan wet his lips, but didn’t reply, choosing to take a sip of his coffee instead.
‘Marcus.’
Marcus thought he was hearing things. He spun around and saw Georgina walking towards him, Matt, her boyfriend’s arm tucked protectively around her waist.
‘Georgina! Oh my gosh. It’s so good to see you. How are you feeling?’
Marcus embraced her warmly.
Georgina smiled up at Marcus, but he was shocked to see her cheeks hollow, and barely any colour, their usual pink missing.
‘Oh Marcus, I’m feeling so much better—weak—but so much better than I did.’
‘Are you sure you’re okay to be out and about? You look pale, G.’
‘I’m fine. Really I am. I need the fresh air. And, I want to help. I want to come back to work Monday, if that’s okay with you. I’m sick of being in bed.’
Marcus was overjoyed with the news, but concerned a full physical day might be too much for Georgina.
‘I tell you what. Why don’t you just acclimatise to being out and about today, and then on Sunday, you can help by handing out rosettes?’
Matt sighed with relief. ‘That sounds like a plan.’
Georgina nodded. ‘Yes, I would love that. And what about Monday?’
Matt shot Marcus a worried look.
Marcus chewed his bottom lip. ‘If Sunday doesn’t wear you out, come in Monday lunchtime and do an afternoon first. That way, you can see if you’ll be ready for a full day on Tuesday.’
Georgina nodded. ‘Okay, great. I can’t wait. Who’d have thought I’d miss the smell of wet dog so much.’
They all laughed.
Marcus glanced back at Rowan, but he’d disappeared into the quiet zone marquee.
‘See you Sunday then, Marcus. We’re off to the pub for lunch.’
‘Okay, G. See you Sunday.’
Marcus headed for the small stalls gathered in a semi-circle. Jack was busy putting up posters on one of them with blue-tac. He spotted Marcus and waved him over, withdrawing a notebook from his pocket as Marcus approached.
‘I want to confirm the safety points with you, Marcus. You already know the access routes and tide times, don’t you?’
Marcus nodded. ‘Yes, and I’ve also passed them onto everyone who’s helping out on the day, too.’
Rowan suddenly appeared, Atlas at his side. ‘Hi, Jack. I wanted to bring something to your attention.’
Jack’s brow creased slightly. ‘Oh? What’s that?’
