Page 18 of The Boathouse By the Loch

‘Hey, girl! Where did you appear from?’ Jake said, giving her a big fuss and a scratch behind the ears that he knew from experience she loved.

Nick appeared in the doorway, holding two white plastic bags. Jake could smell Chinese takeaway.

Nick said, ‘Hey, what’s that amazing smell?’

Jake stopped stroking Olive and looked up at Nick curiously. ‘Your Chinese takeaway.’

He looked at the plastic bags. ‘No, I don’t mean my takeaway.’

Gayle grinned. ‘Ah, that will be my stew.’ She tapped her nose. ‘It’s a secret recipe.’

Jake gave Gayle a sideways glance but kept his mouth shut.

‘Do you want some?’ Gayle asked. ‘There’s still plenty left.’

‘Do I ever!’ Nick licked his lips, then clearly remembered his Chinese. He held up the plastic bags. ‘What am I meant to do with this?’

‘Stick your takeaway in the fridge. I’m sure it will be fine for tomorrow.

‘Both bags?’ Nick asked.

‘Yes, there’s room in the fridge.’

Jake thought that it looked as though he’d bought far too much takeaway food for one person.

As if reading Jake’s mind, Nick said, ‘I bought extra in case anybody wanted to join me.’

‘Well, I’m sure myself, Marty and Jake won’t object to Chinese tomorrow night.’

After he’d smelt the takeaway, Jake thoughtwhy not?

Nick said, ‘I’m not sure I’ve bought enough to go around. Although I could order more in, Gayle.’

Gayle shook her head. ‘I’m sure there will be enough. The pan with the stew is on the stove. You just need to heat it up.’

‘Anyone joining me?’ Nick asked.

‘No, we’ve both eaten.’

‘What about David?’

‘He might when he gets back.’

‘Gets back? Is he picking Robyn up from the station?’

‘Not until tomorrow. But they’re not staying here after all – change of plan.’

Nick nodded. ‘That’s a shame. I was looking forward to seeing her. Since she moved into the boathouse, she doesn’t come round half as much as I thought she would.’

Gayle sighed. ‘I know.’

Nick added. ‘I know why. She misses the place so much, she doesn’t want to come visit in case she has the urge to move back.’

‘Did she say something?’ Gayle asked.

Jake started to feel uncomfortable again, hoping it didn’t get back onto the subject of David and Robyn’s personal life.

Nick shook his head. ‘It was just a joke, Gayle.’

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