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‘Tell you what, rather than a date, let’s make it an informal chat. Like a job interview but without the job. Or the stress. CV and PowerPoint presentation entirely optional.’ He smiled. ‘And rather than the weekend, how about Monday? Monday isn’t a date night. Drinks?’

Ben seemed good company and it was just a drink.

Frankie smiled. ‘Okay, drinks on Monday.’

‘Drumkeldy Arms?’

‘Lovely.’ Then Frankie realised something. ‘Monday is the thirtieth of November, isn’t it? Let’s meet at the bandstand. About seven. And make sure you dress warmly and bring your festive spirit.’

‘Okay, I’m intrigued. I’ll see you then.’

He gave her a little incline of the head before opening the gate and letting himself out.

As she watched Ben walk away, a little thought popped into her head.

How would she have felt if it was Jay Costello asking her out?

CHAPTER 9

FRANKIE

On Sunday, with a wintry sun trying to burn through the early frosty fog, Frankie pulled her van into the car park of Cedar Lodge, residential home for the elderly.

‘Come on then,’ she said to Storm and Gilbert as they eagerly jumped out of the van and followed Frankie across the car park.

Storm had been a regular visitor at the home for many years, her calm and affectionate nature an instant hit with the dog lovers amongst the residents. Gilbert, usually full of energy, completely changed when “working”. The hours Frankie had put into training him had paid off and Gilbert transformed into a subdued and composed therapy dog as soon as they got near the security door.

‘Good morning!’ Kathy, the supervisor, beamed at them. ‘Your adoring fans are waiting. Yes they are.’ She addressed her last sentence to the dogs, giving them an affectionate ruffle behind their ears as they padded past her, straight toward the day room.

Storm made an instant beeline for John, one of the longest-staying residents. Frankie was incredibly fond of the elderly gentleman who always smuggled a couple of sausages from breakfast in anticipation of his canine visitors.

John let out a cry of delight when he saw the dogs and started fishing about his pocket.

‘I’ve got a wee treat for my favourite visitors. Aye, are ye going to sit? Paw?’ The dogs duly complied and John chuckled delightedly, giving them their reward.

Storm lay down and rolled onto her back, tongue lolling happily as she got her tummy rubbed. Gilbert, meanwhile, had gone over to a newer resident, Iris, where he was happily sitting, giving paws.

Frankie went room to room with the dogs, stopping to chat to the various residents, with Frankie being offered as many chocolates and pieces of shortbread as the dogs got treats.

The last room had one of her favourite residents; eighty-two-year-old Diane. Diane and Frankie’s grandmother, Anna, had been friends for decades and whenever Diane regaled Frankie with stories from their past, Frankie felt her grandmother was still with her.

Diane said, ‘Come, sit down and tell me all about the wedding. Have you got photos?’

Frankie took out her mobile and swiped through the camera reel as Diane oohed and aahed over the bride and groom. She paused on one of Frankie that Valentina had taken before the ceremony.

‘Oh, you’re the image of your grandmother when she was your age. So beautiful! Look at your curves! Just like Sophia Loren.’

Frankie mumbled a self-conscious thank you.

Diane gave her a shrewd look and patted Frankie’s left hand. ‘And I don’t understand why you don’t have a ring on that finger.’

‘I’m not bothered about that,’ Frankie said.

Diane harrumphed. ‘You young folk are so single-minded about your careers now.’

Frankie wasn’t sure dog walker and boarder could really be considered a career but she let it slide. But Diane didn’t.

‘Surely in this age of feminist enlightenment you can have a career as well as a family! It was far harder in my day and I managed it.’