“He’s in need of a bath.” Paula glanced back to the firmly closed laundry door behind which lurked a smelly Jack Russell. Her dear little dog rarely stayed too long indoors these days but ever since Dan had accidentally run over him, Paula had been worried about the dog and cars. He was quick to escape the house yard if the gate was left open, as he had this afternoon and found something particularly malodourous to roll in. For safety’s sake she’d decided to keep him in the laundry while they had visitors. “He’ll settle soon. He’s got a full tummy and a warm bed.” Paula smiled at Dara. “I’m glad you could make it.” Before her appointment, Paula had called in at Dara’s shop to make sure she and Chris were definitely coming. Sometimes running a B & B meant they couldn’t get away.

Dara was a talented cook and a delightful person who had befriended Paula when she’d first arrived in the district. Along with her equally capable and friendly husband, Chris, they had turned the old bank in the main street from a casual furniture and bric-a-brac shop into a flourishing cafe. Paula felt a small glow of pride, recalling how she’d suggested the change and helped with the business plan which now had them serving delicious food and letting out their refurbished upstairs bedrooms as bed and breakfast accommodation.

“I hope we’re not too late.”

“No. You’re the first.” Paula was relieved everyone was running a bit late. It had taken her the rest of the afternoon to prepare the meal she’d planned. Dan hadn’t come in until a short time ago and he’d made a quick dash to shower and change. She’d only just finished washing up the dishes when she heard Dara’s call at the back door.

“Where’s Chris?” Paula asked.

“Right here.” Dara’s husband walked through the door loaded with containers.

“What’s this for?” Paula frowned at Chris.

“Don’t shoot me. I’m only the messenger.” He chuckled.

“I know you said not to bring anything,” Dara said, “but I’ve made some new slices and I need my friends to be the guinea pigs.”

“Dara, you shouldn’t have.”

“I told her that,” Chris said. “But she’s right. We have to try things out on our friends.” He winked. “We wouldn’t want to poison the customers.”

Paula laughed. “The only danger your customers face is from overeating.”

Dara linked arms with her and they followed Chris into the kitchen. The soft jingle of Dara’s bracelets played percussion to her lowered voice. “Sorry I didn’t have time to stop for a chat when you called in today. How did you get on at the doctor’s? Everything okay?”