Zack for a few ecstatic seconds before launching himself into his arms.
‘I’m not scared,’ said Louisa. ‘It’s just these stockings are eight denier. They cost a fortune.’
So this was Elmo, Zack’s true love. A three-year-old wild-haired terrier cross with attitude, Elmo resembled nothing so much as a teenager after a hard week of partying in the mud at Glastonbury. He had button-bright eyes, lopsided ears, and a jaunty manner. Not to mention bushy eyebrows and a straggly beard. As he squirmed in Zack’s arms, he did exaggerated double takes of delight.
Hmm, no wonder Louisa was looking put out.
‘I’ll wait upstairs,’ she announced. ‘Don’t be long, OK? We’re meeting the Drewetts at six fifteen.’
‘I’ll be up soon.’ Was it her imagination or did Zack visibly relax the moment Louisa was out of the room? Turning round, he pointed and said, ‘Elmo, say hello to Ellie.’
It would have been extra impressive if Elmo had actually said hello back. But she was still charmed by the way he snuffled and wagged his tail and gave every sign of being thrilled to meet her. Zack lowered him to the ground and Ellie knelt to greet the little dog properly.
‘He’s gorgeous! Hello, baby, I’m going to be friends with you! You are fab.’ She blew kisses as Elmo rested his front paws in her hands and excitedly licked her neck. Looking up, she said, ‘And he doesn’t get confused, living in two houses?’
Because Elmo was a timeshare property. Two years ago, Zack’s neighbor Geraldine had said how much she’d love to have a dog, but her bad leg made it impractical. Zack, in turn, had told her that he’d always wanted a dog but the hours he worked and his frequent trips abroad meant it would be unfair on any animal. The next day, in true entrepreneurial fashion, he had come up with the solution and a week after that Elmo had entered their lives.
‘It works fine. He has the best of both worlds. Geraldine’s at home most of the time. We have matching dog flaps into our kitchens.’ Nodding out of the window, Zack indicated the specially lowered section of wall separating their gardens. ‘Elmo just hops over when he fancies a change of scenery. If I’m working too hard, he’ll go and see Geraldine for a bit of company. If he wants a walk, he comes back here. We share vet’s fees and make sure we keep track of who’s feeding him, otherwise he’d end up the size of a barrel.’ His gaze softened like a proud father’s as he watched her scratch the dog’s comical ears. ‘He likes you.’
‘Well, good. I like you too.’ Ellie kissed Elmo’s whiskery eyebrows and got her chin licked in return. ‘You’re so… huggy!’
‘Zack?’ Louisa’s voice drifted down the stairs. ‘Come on, you need to get changed before we leave. We mustn’t be late.’
***
‘So, first day at work. How did it go?’
‘Pretty good. Busy.’ Ellie was in bed; she put down her book and looked at Jamie, lying on his side across the end of the bed with his head supported on one elbow. ‘I think I’m going to enjoy it.’
‘You’re moving on.’ Jamie’s gaze was intent.
‘Your dad said that. But I don’t feel as if I am.’ It was hard to explain, but part of her didn’t want to move on; the prospect made her feel guilty. ‘I still love you. I’m never going to stop. It’s a new job, that’s all. With people who aren’t going to treat me differently because of what happened.’
Jamie said easily, ‘Zack sounds all right.’
‘He is all right.’
‘What’s the girlfriend like?’
‘Louisa? Confident on the surface, insecure underneath. Wishes I was thirty years older. It’s funny, she doesn’t trust me. If only she knew.’
Jamie grinned and flicked back his streaky blond hair. ‘If only she knew what a sex maniac you are?’
‘I meant what a eunuch I am. Zack couldn’t be safer with a lesbian nun.’
‘I used to know a joke about a lesbian nun.’
Ellie pulled a face. ‘I know you did.’
‘I can’t remember how it went. You’ll have to ask Todd.’
‘But then he might tell me.’
‘Don’t be like that. My jokes are hilarious.’ Jamie pretended to make a grab for her feet beneath the duvet, because in the old days he would have tickled them mercilessly by way of punishment. But since that couldn’t happen now, all he could do was pretend.