Page 66 of The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field

‘Is he staying here because of his toilet, Mammy?’ Bobby asked.

‘That’s right. Have you let Etta out?’

‘I did,’ Owen said.

‘Thanks. I’d better feed my hungry son,’ she said, and went into the kitchen.

Owen followed her under the pretence of fetching a banana, but in reality he wanted to look at her some more. He didn’t think she realised how incredibly lovely she was. Declan had been a fool to let Harriet go. Owen would never have let her slip through his fingers.

By the time he’d eaten his fruity breakfast and had drunk a cup of black coffee, he felt more himself and was grateful to take Harriet up on her offer of a shower before he left.

‘You could have a bath,’ Bobby suggested.

‘I don’t think so, sprout. A hot bath might make me all sleepy and then you’d have to tiptoe around me while I snored on the sofa,’ he teased.

It was quite a novelty being in a proper bathroom. He had become so used to cramming his tall frame into a cubicle barely larger than a wardrobe that the oodles of room seemed positively decadent, as did the copious litres of hot water gushing from the power shower. Not wanting to waste water or to outstay his welcome, Owen made his shower brief, wishing he had a change of clothes and a toothbrush.

Harriet must have read his mind, because as he was getting dressed, he heard a knock on the bathroom door and she called, ‘There’s a new toothbrush in the cupboard under the sink. Is there anything else you need?’

Only you, he thought, and stamped down on it. ‘I’m good thanks,’ he called. ‘I’ll be out in a tick.’

True to his word, a few minutes later Owen was downstairs and preparing to thank her for her hospitality. She was still in her pyjamas and was cleaning the kitchen, Etta dancing around her feet.

Owen had an idea. ‘Why don’t I take Etta for a walk? It’s the least I can do.’

‘Please don’t feel obliged,’ she said. ‘I’m sure you’ve got other things to be getting on with.’

‘I haven’t got anything planned for today and a walk would do me good.’

‘Can I come?’ Bobby asked.

Owen looked at Harriet, who shrugged and nodded. ‘I’m getting a feeling of déjà vu,’ she said.

‘Except this time I won’t be coming back and making butternut squash casserole,’ he laughed.

‘Whatareyou doing for lunch?’ Harriet asked.

‘Er, I hadn’t thought about it.’ Owen had enough food in the cupboard and the fridge to last him for a while, so he was pretty sure he could rustle something up.

‘Would you like to have lunch with us?’ she asked.

Owen would, but… ‘I don’t want to put you out any more than I already have.’

Harriet snorted, a most unladylike sound. ‘You’re not putting me out: we are going to The Jolly Fox. It’s Pen’s birthday and she’s invited us for a meal. You’re more than welcome to join us.’

‘Will she mind me tagging along?’

Harriet grinned. ‘Not at all. She’ll be delighted.’

Owen had a feeling he knew what she was referring to. Pen struck him as a bit of a matchmaker. ‘In that case, I’d love to come. I’ll take Etta for a walk, then pop back to the van to get changed and meet you there. Is that all right?’

‘Perfect,’ she said.

It was, he thought. It reallywasperfect.

Pen’s eyes are as round and as large as the plate in front of her, Harriet thought, when her boss saw her walk into The Jolly Fox with Owen at her side.

‘What’s he doing here?’ she hissed out of the corner of her mouth when Harriet leant over to give her a kiss on the cheek and present her with her gift. ‘You shouldn’t have. Thank you. Boot sale?’ she quipped.

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