Page 45
‘A bubble bath, getting into my pyjamas and watching an episode of Grey’s Anatomy.’
‘Enjoy!’
‘I shall. To be honest, it’s the same as every other night.’
‘Apart from nights when you’re away at pharmacy conferences.’
She pulled a face. ‘I did that last night too. Went up to my room and watched a couple of episodes as I wanted to skip the enforced socialisation and after-dinner entertainment.’
‘What was the after-dinner entertainment?’
‘A magician. I find it kind of creepy when a grown man does magic tricks.’
Rocco laughed. ‘Agreed.’
‘You know, I’m not always as predictable. I sometimes pass on Grey’s Anatomy and go on my PlayStation if I’m feeling particularly rebellious.’ She looked down at the Assassin’s Creed cover, next to Rocco’s television. ‘I haven’t played this yet. I’ve gone retro with the reboot of Tomb Raider. I feel I give off more Lara Croft than Viking vibes.’ She winked.
Rocco much preferred this Alison, the one who didn’t think he was a dognapper.
Alison swigged down the last of her beer before placing the empty bottle on the counter and walking to the door, where she paused before turning and asking, ‘Since I’m here, I might as well ask, how is your leg now?’
‘Much better, thank you. Your advice was excellent.’
She gave a little satisfied nod. ‘Next time, remember to do a warm-up first.’
‘I…’ But any protestation died in his throat as she gave him a look that said she knew fine well he’d lied about warming up before his run.
‘Goodnight.’
Rocco flicked the garden lights back on to illuminate Alison and Bruno’s walk to the shore as the ground was uneven near the steps. This time he managed not to press the pre-programmed sensual or party sequence or, what would have been so much worse; his favourite cheesy pop mix.
Willow jumped down and padded over to sit next to Rocco, where they watched Alison and Bruno disappear down the length of the garden.
‘What do you make of me getting accused of dognapping?’
Willow gave a long meow, followed by a couple of high-pitched chirrups.
‘I know. What do you think of Alison?’
Another modulated meow from Willow.
‘Yes, she did seem nice. She’s very pretty too, don’t you think? Bruno’s a lovely dog. I wonder if her pyjamas have boxer dog motifs on them? And she watches Grey’s Anatomy. I’ve heard that’s good.’
Willow flicked her bushy tail and sauntered off, clearly done with their chat.
At the bottom of the garden, Alison turned and waved before heading down the steps and being swallowed up by the darkness.
CHAPTER 19
FRANKIE
‘Maybe you too can find love for Christmas,’ Frankie said then smiled.
‘Hmm. It’s not giving main character vibes. Try it with the hat and more emphasis on “too”.’ Frankie’s cousin, Nick, handed Frankie a velvet Santa hat. ‘And can you stand over there?’
Frankie pulled on the hat and walked over to the tree her cousin pointed to. They’d been taking short video clips for the past forty minutes and the dogs she’d been walking were getting bored and a couple of them started barking when they realised they still weren’t continuing with the walk.
To make matters worse, it had rained heavily overnight and the ground was muddy underfoot, which a couple of the dogs had taken great delight rolling in.
