‘She’s incredibly self-reliant,’ he replied. ‘Her parents died young, she has a couple of good friends but she’s not one to need much in the way of emotional support.’

Just then Flora barrelled in from the bar. ‘Tina says to tell you she’s locking up. Isaac, by the way, I sort of hinted to Hayley you missed Doggo more than you missed her. I think she was embarrassing Lily, fishing for information about you.’

‘Right. Thanks for rushing to my rescue,’ he said, in such a way that he could have been speaking to either woman. ‘Don’t worry. I don’t miss Hayley.’

And that could have been directed at either woman, too.

It was almost midnight, after he’d closed up and taken Doggo out for a quick last walk, checking everything was OK around the outside of the pub, when Isaac made his way to his room, yawning. He kicked off his shoes and stripped off his shirt, then took his phone out of his pocket and saw a text from Hayley.

I didn’t mean to annoy you tonight. You’re right, I shouldn’t just turn up and expect things but I have a lot on my mind and I suppose I was insensitive. Is it possible for me to pick Doggo up and take him for a walk tomorrow (Saturday)?

Isaac replied: That would be great as the pub will probably be busy all day. Afternoon? He hesitated, then added, I’m sorry if I was abrupt with you. He threw off the rest of his clothes and brushed his teeth before his phone chirped again.

No problem. OK to pick Doggo up at two?

He said it was, then went to bed reflecting that Hayley having a lot on her mind might be the reason she hadn’t snapped back at him when he’d been angry with her. She usually met any challenge to her behaviour with an icy salvo.

Next day, she continued with the uncharacteristic restraint. After arriving punctually at two she waited quietly in the bar while Isaac fetched Doggo. She made no move to interact with his staff apart from to offer courteous smiles to Lorna behind the bar and Baz, waiting tables. Doggo flung himself at her, writhing in delight at her feet. When she turned for the door with his lead in her hand he burst into his rocking-horse gallop on the spot.

She returned him nearly three hours later, and he was still waving his tail. ‘Here he is, safe and sound.’ She smiled brightly as Isaac came around the bar to take the lead. Then she crouched beside Doggo and gave him a big hug, her eyes becoming suddenly pink.

It made Isaac wonder why on earth she gave Doggo up but she didn’t hang around and, after watching her hurry out, Isaac took Doggo upstairs no wiser as to the workings of Hayley’s mind.

Chapter Eight