After letting Wilf and Maudie have a quick run around outside, Nick and Brogan bundled into his car, glad to get out of the cold. The temperature had dropped again, making the snow crunchy underfoot.

‘Well, that was a busy day,’ said Brogan as the car headed down the lane from the surgery, frost sparkling on the roadside.

‘It was; just the way I like it.’ He smiled across at her in the darkness, his face illuminated by the dashboard lights.

‘And, dare I ask, how did things go with your ex over at Willow Cottage?’

‘Ughh! Not great I’m afraid. She was pretty livid about her shoes being wrecked, but at the end of the day, she put them in the box, so…’ He gave a shrug. ‘Anyway, at least she’s got them now.’

‘True.’ Brogan gave him a sympathetic smile. ‘And on a brighter note, I don’t know how you feel about heading to the Sunne tonight? I had a text from Noushka reminding me it’s the Village Committee meeting – Noushka, Kristy and me all joined earlier in the year – I think Camm mentioned to you that it was on tonight. It’s usually a pretty good night, and the members are all a good laugh.’

‘Yeah, why not? I’d like to get to know them all a bit better. Tell you what, why don’t we grab a bite to eat there? My shout.’

‘Ooh, I like the sound of that – not about it being your shout,’ she said with a giggle. ‘I’m more than happy to pay for myself, but I could murder one of Bea’s boozy beef casseroles.’

‘Well, that’s settled then,’ he said, his spirits lifting at the prospect. ‘Boozy beef casserole at the Sunne it is.’

27

BROGAN

‘Now then, you two, that was good timing,’ said Jimby, giving Brogan and Nick one of his customary wide smiles as they joined the Village Committee members at their usual table by the fire. Maudie and Wilf shot off and curled up beside Nomad and Scruff by the hearth. A chorus of welcoming hellos rang out from the rest of the group.

‘Ey up, come and sit yourselves down. We’ve saved a couple of seats for you,’ said Ollie, smiling.

‘How’s the job going, Broge?’ asked Anoushka, indicating towards Nick with her eyes as Brogan sat down on the banquette beside her. Nick took the stool opposite.

‘It’s great thanks, I’m loving it.’ She ignored her friend’s non-verbal hint.

‘Good to see you, chick,’ said Kristy, peering around Anoushka, her long dark hair falling in a curtain. ‘And I knew you’d settle in straight away; you were made for the role.’ She waggled her eyebrows.

‘Thanks, Kristy.’ Brogan couldn’t help but smile at as she gave her friend a warning look before setting her glass of Pinot Grigio down on the table. She knew what both Kristy and Anoushka were alluding to: Nick. She leaned into the tweed-covered back of the banquette, savouring the warmth of the fire that danced in the grate. The delicious aroma of Bea’s cooking was making her feel suddenly very hungry.

‘No regrets about giving up dog-walking, then?’ Molly grinned at her.

‘Pfft! None! Especially now winter’s taken hold. Mind, I have to say, I do miss all the lovely dogs, but at least I’m getting a fix of all sorts of animals at the surgery and I’m loving that.’

‘And how’s things with your car?’ asked Anoushka.

Brogan rolled her eyes and groaned. ‘Still not fixed. Jed rang me today, saying he was having trouble getting the part.’

‘Oh, no, what a pain. Hopefully he’ll get it soon, but if you need a lift anywhere, flower, just holler,’ said Kristy.

‘And how about you, Nick? How’ve you settled in?’ asked Camm.

‘I’m really enjoying it,’ said Nick. ‘Best decision I ever made.’

‘That right?’ asked Vi. She caught Brogan’s eye and gave her a wink, making Brogan’s heart jump. Did Vi know something? And if she did, who else knew? Brogan’s mind started running riot.

She was distracted by Nick who, thankfully, didn’t seem to have picked up on that exchange. He leaned across to Brogan and said quietly, ‘The bloke at the end of the table, sitting next to Jimby, is the double of Gabe Dublin. You know, the Irish indie-rock singer? If I didn’t know better, I’d swear it was him.’

Brogan chuckled, as did Anoushka who’d overheard him. ‘He’s not only the double of Gabe Dublin, heisGabe Dublin,’ Brogan said.

Nick’s eyes grew wide. ‘No way?’

‘Yes, way,’ Brogan and Anoushka said in unison, both laughing.

‘He lives in the village; recently bought The Manor House. He and Anoushka are an item.’ Brogan couldn’t help but giggle at Nick’s changing expression as this information sank in.