Page 5 of An Island in the Sun

‘Good boys,’ she said, crouching down and tickling them beneath their chins. They looked up at her with big brown eyes and she knew in her heart that they’d be another two pets who she’d find it hard to say goodbye to. But there was no need to think about that yet. Her time on Madeira was just beginning.

3

Tabitha woke with a jolt to Fudge walking up her legs. He lay on her stomach and rested his head on his paws, making her laugh and need a wee at the same time. She reached out and stroked his ears.

‘Well, good morning to you,’ she said, pleased that he seemed to be fine about her temporarily replacing his owners. ‘I suppose you want food.’

At the mere mention of the word, Bailey leapt from his basket and trotted round to the side of the bed.

Tabitha glanced at her watch. Just gone seven. Exactly the time Cordelia had said the animals got fed.

‘Come on then, you two.’ Tabitha wriggled out from under Fudge and pulled a hoodie on over her vest top and pyjama shorts.

They followed after her along the hallway, the mouth-watering smell of coffee enticing as they reached the kitchen.

Rufus was already up and dressed, leaning against the worktop clasping a mug of coffee.

‘Morning,’ Tabitha said, searching around for the dog bowls.

Rufus greeted her with a smile and glanced at his watch. ‘Right on time.’ He gestured at Bailey and Fudge at her feet. ‘Hungry tummies wake them like clockwork. Their food is in the cupboard next to the sink and there’s a pot of coffee on; help yourself.’

Rufus left Tabitha alone with the dogs scampering around her feet. She measured the dried kibble into two bowls and got them both to sit before placing the bowls on the floor. Fudge dived straight in, gulping down his food, while Bailey was a little more sedate. Tabitha grabbed a mug and poured herself a coffee.

‘Morning, Tabitha.’ Cordelia breezed into the kitchen dressed in white linen trousers and a capped-sleeved top, fully made up, her choppy blonde hair perfectly tousled. The stack of bangles on her arms clinked as she topped up her coffee. ‘I hope you slept well?’

‘I did indeed, thank you.’

Cordelia smiled and glanced down at Bailey and Fudge finishing off their food. ‘And I didn’t hear a peep out of you two. That bodes well, doesn’t it.’ She smiled warmly at Tabitha. ‘You’re a star for staying here and keeping our minds at rest. It will be lovely to not have to constantly worry about them while we’re away this time.’ She headed towards the open door with her mug but turned back. ‘By the way, you’ll find Misty curled up on the armchair. She’s not as interested in food as these two. I’ll let you get up, but we’ll be leaving in half an hour.’

After letting the dogs outside for a wee and feeding Misty, Tabitha went back to the bedroom for a quick shower. As she was getting dried, she glanced at her phone and realised she had a missed call and message from Elspeth.

Did you get there safely? No idea what I’d do if you didn’t. Just let me know you’re okey-dokey. Pretty please. Xxxx

It had slipped Tabitha’s mind to let Elspeth know that she’d arrived safely. After spending a good chunk of their life travelling and working all over the world, their parents were unconcerned about Tabitha continuing the travel bug, but Elspeth had always taken it upon herself to look after her baby sister, even more so now she had children of her own. As Tabitha thumbed a reply, she felt horribly guilty for making her worry.

So sorry, E. Got swept up in everything last night and totally forgot to message. I’m here, I’m fine. Saying goodbye to the owners this morning so will have a chance to speak to you later. Hope you, Gethin and the girls are all good. Xxxx

By the time Tabitha had dressed, Elspeth had replied.

Looking forward to catching up. Need pics of the dogs. Cavs are Olivia’s favourite ever dog (she told me to tell you that!), she’s already begging us to get one. Cute pics needed to pacify her please! Xxxx

Tabitha smiled and replied with a thumbs up and a kiss emoji. Elspeth had her hands full with a three- and four-year-old. There was no way she’d want to add a dog into the mix, even one as chilled out as a Cavalier. Rather than pacify Olivia, Tabitha was certain that photos of the dogs would just fuel her longing for one.

Dressed in relaxed boy-fit jeans and a cropped T-shirt, Tabitha ran mousse through her hair in an attempt to tame her curls before drying it, then followed the sound of voices to the living room, where Cordelia was ordering Rufus around while she checked their hand luggage.

Cordelia turned to Tabitha. ‘I think that’s it. There’s always so much to think about when we go away. I don’t quite know how you manage to spend your whole time travelling around.’

‘I’ve got used to it. And staying in people’s houses rather than a hotel makes life easier. There are very few things I need beyond clothes, a couple of personal items and what I need to work, which isn’t much: my phone, laptop, guitar, microphone for recording, internet access and my imagination.’

‘Well, I hope you feel at home here while we’re away,’ Cordelia said, trailing after Rufus, who was dragging their suitcases to the door. ‘Any problems, just let us know. As long as everyone’s fed, watered and groomed, they’ll be fine. The most important thing is to always keep the driveway gate closed. Bailey’s a homebody, but Fudge likes to explore and has absolutely no road sense; given the chance, he’d be out of the gate like a shot.’

‘They’ll be fine, Cordelia,’ Rufus said, gently nudging her out of the door.

‘I know they will.’ Cordelia sighed and beamed a smile in Tabitha’s direction. ‘But if you could please update us at least twice a week on WhatsApp, I’d be ever so grateful, make sure my babies are all okay.’

‘Which we’re sure they will be,’ Rufus stressed, hooking his arm in his wife’s. ‘Tabitha’s a pro.’

‘I am indeed. Please don’t worry and enjoy your holiday,’ Tabitha said, walking out with them and closing the door on Fudge and Bailey so they couldn’t escape. That was always her greatest worry.

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