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‘This is his second group date since Saturday. I took him out this morning too,’ Frankie said, scuffing the toe of her boot over the pebbles.

‘Any luck?’

‘Nope, he’s had zilch interest in any other dogs. His owner did say he’s a loner.’

‘Maybe he’s just being discerning, doing the doggy equivalent of swiping left until the perfect pooch partner comes along.’ Rocco looked down at Bruno just as the boxer looked back up at him, big soulful eyes moist. ‘He’s a beautiful dog.’

‘Could the cat lover be changing his mind?’ Frankie teased.

‘Maybe there’s room to love more than one type of animal. Just don’t tell Willow in case she leaves a dead mouse in my wellies.’

‘Again,’ Frankie said and laughed. ‘But you’re right, Bruno’s a lovely boy and I’m happy to add him to any of my groups. In fact, he’s staying with me for a couple of nights while his owner, Alison, is away at a work thing.’

‘So, why is it you’re trespassing?’ Rocco said in mock annoyance, gesturing to a sign behind him that read, Private Property.

‘Luckily I know the owner and despite him being a bit of a dick at times, he’s got one of those fancy bean-to-cup machines and makes very good coffee for the little sister he adores so much.’

Rocco looked at Frankie as she put her head appealingly to one side.

‘Come on, then.’

Rocco led the way and ascended the few rickety wooden steps that led to his lochside property. They walked up the stretch of grass in companionable silence toward the large expanse of decking where he’d flung open the bifold doors to his home.

‘Sally! SALLY!’ Frankie called out, but the soggy spaniel had run ahead.

Rocco winced slightly as the dog ran inside, but said, ‘Don’t worry, wooden floorboards wipe down well.’

Luckily Sally ran back outside and lay down on the decking with the rest of Frankie’s dogs. Only Bruno followed Rocco into the house, shadowing his every move as Rocco got the bowls out from under the sink and filled them with water for the thirsty dogs. On his way back into the kitchen, Rocco flicked the switch on the sleek coffee machine; the one his family teased him for having, yet everyone was quick to take advantage of when visiting. Opening an app on his phone, Rocco closed the motorised shutters over the side windows then made the coffee, watching Frankie who had plonked herself in his egg chair and was flicking through her phone as she swung gently back and forth.

With the Christmas Day deadline looming ominously, Rocco knew he had to talk to Frankie about the past. It was important Frankie hear it from him and not Jay.

The machine hissed at Rocco as he frothed the milk. Pouring it over the shot of Columbian dark roast, he then brought the coffee over to his sister.

‘Frankie…’

She shoved her phone in her pocket and took the proffered mug with a gurgle of happiness.

Rocco waited until she’d had her first sip before saying, ‘Can we talk?’

‘Yes please.’ Frankie sat forward, plonking her feet on the wooden deck which stopped the egg chair’s motion.

‘You see…’

‘I’ve got a date!’ Frankie blurted out.

Blindsided by this information, Rocco stared at his sister.

‘I didn’t know if I should say anything. Although it’s not a date date, like romantic. Or maybe it is, I don’t know…’ She trailed off with a helpless little shrug.

Rocco sat down heavily on the sofa, balancing his elbow on his knees. He stared at his Adidas trainers as he processed what Frankie had just said.

Jay had certainly moved fast. Rocco was a little surprised Frankie had already agreed to meet him. Did it mean Jay had told her what had happened? If so, she’d taken it well. Too well. Rocco looked back up at Frankie who was savouring her coffee. No, if Jay had said anything, Frankie would be questioning him over everything that had happened all those years ago if not downright raging at Rocco for meddling. Maybe Jay was waiting to tell her on their date…

‘When are you meeting him?’

‘Seven. Just before tonight’s festivities kick off. I’ll drop the dogs off then go home and get cleaned up.’

‘Before you go there’s something…’