Page 17 of Kate and Clara's Curious Cornish Craft Shop
‘Nice,’ Jack says, looking at Barney. ‘Labs are always great dogs.’
‘They know their own minds, that’s for sure.’
‘And their way around a dustbin!’
‘You’ve had one then?’
‘In the past,’ Jack says quietly, and he looks wistful for a second.
Barney’s two friends are called away by their owners, so I whistle Barney back over to me.
‘Impressive whistle,’ Jack says approvingly.
Barney comes bounding over. He immediately looks suspiciously at Jack before proceeding to sniff around his wheelchair.
‘Barney!’ I hiss. ‘Stop that.’
‘It’s fine,’ Jack says. ‘He’s only checking me out. Aren’t you, boy?’
‘I’m more concerned he might pee on you actually,’ I say, looking nervously at Barney.
Jack just laughs. ‘I’ve had worse.’
Barney behaves impeccably, however, and when he’s finished sniffing Jack’s chair, he lies his head on his lap.
‘I think he likes me,’ Jack says, stroking his head.
‘He probably thinks you’ve got treats about your person.’
‘Sorry, Barney, no can do, I’m afraid. My days of having dog treats in my pocket are long gone.’
‘Here Barn!’ I say, throwing him a small dog biscuit. ‘And that’s all you’re getting.’
Barney deftly catches the biscuit in his mouth and chews it hungrily.
‘Anyone would think I didn’t feed him the way he carries on.’
Jack watches Barney affectionately.
‘How’s the shop coming along?’ I ask, to make conversation.
‘Great, thanks,’ Jack says. ‘We should be ready for our grand opening on Friday, all being well.’
‘That’s good. You saidwe– you have someone to help you then?’
‘Because I can’t manage in this, you mean?’ Jack gestures to his chair.
‘No, I meant like staff actually.’ I fold my arms defensively across my chest. He wasn’t getting me on that one again.
Jack looks at me and grins. ‘Okay, I’ll let you off then. Yeah, I have a part-time member of staff – Bronte.’
‘Is Bronte Poppy’s daughter? Poppy who owns the flower shop.’
‘Yes, I believe she is. She’s back from university for the summer, so it’s only until October, but I guess it starts to quieten down around here then, am I right?’
I nod. ‘Yeah, we get tourists all year round, but it’s not anywhere near as hectic as the summer. It sounds like you’re all ready to go.’
‘I hope so. You’ll come on Friday, won’t you – to the opening? It’s not going to be much, but I think it’s important to mark the occasion.’
