Thinking back to how mortified she had been, Allie was not about to make the same mistake again. She quickly turned towards Rory. ‘Check my teeth,’ she said, slightly panicking.
Rory’s eyebrows shot up as Allie clenched her teeth together and prised her lips open wide in some sort of weird, twisty grimace.
‘What are you doing, you absolute loon? You look like some sort of constipated chimpanzee,’ said Rory, his eyes drawn towards Allie’s mouth. ‘Not that in the whole of my career have I ever had the pleasure of treating any constipated chimpanzees.’
‘Green! Is there any green?’ Allie pointed at her teeth.
‘There’s no green,’ he finally confirmed, ‘and please stop pulling that face. You look in pain.’
Rory was still none the wiser why Allie was even asking, until a group of girls suddenly went screaming past him, nearly knocking him clean off his feet.
‘Aww,’ he said with amusement written all over his face, ‘spinach teeth, I get it now … and there he is’ – Rory nodded towards Zach – ‘he’s heading this way … Are you going to go all giggly on him?’ He playfully tickled Allie’s stomach and made her jump.
‘Get off me,’ ordered Allie laughing, straining to look over Rory’s shoulder to see how far away Zach was.
Word was spreading like wildfire around the summer fair, and the villagers were overcome with excitement. Zach now looked like the Pied Piper, accompanied by a long line of fans skipping behind him encouraging each other to pluck up the courage to speak to him. Allie anticipated the headlines in tomorrow’s newspaper, and her own excitement was building, knowing she was the official photographer at the event today. Not only were her photographs going to appear in the local paper but being able to photograph Zach was going to be a fantastic opportunity. She just needed to rein in her inner fangirl.
***
Rory lightly slapped Drew on the back as they approached the hog roast stand. Spinning around, Drew automatically handed them both a beer. Fergus was by his side but was busy handing out hog roast buns, dripping with homemade apple sauce from Bonnie’s Teashop, to the long line of people standing in front of him.
They all stood to attention at the sound of a loud high-pitched squeal and listened as Hamish’s voice came over the crackling Tannoy announcing that the dog show would commence in the middle showring in approximately ten minutes’ time.
Almost immediately the villagers began making their way over to the hay bales scattered around the edge of the ring in readiness for the beginning of the show.
Feeling a tug on the back of his shirt, Rory looked down to see Finn and Esme beaming up at him with Mop the alpaca at their side. Allie angled the camera towards them and the pair of them struck a pose. Click … she took their photo.
‘Not bad,’ said Allie, showing the picture to the children. ‘Let’s see if we can get you in the local paper.’
‘Daddy,’ announced Esme, ‘we are going to be famous.’
‘Let’s hope so,’ replied Fergus, smiling fondly at his daughter. ‘You can look after me and Felicity in our old age!’
‘Just so I know,’ said Rory, turning back towards Finn, ‘what breed of dog have you got there, Finn?’ he asked, smirking, ‘because we need to log that information on your entry form.’ Rory cocked an eyebrow.
‘Well, Uncle Rory’ – Finn sounded matter-of-fact – ‘Mop is a very special breed … so special that’s there’s only one of its kind.’ For a second Finn looked deep in thought. ‘Pacapoo.’
Rory grinned. ‘A pacapoo, one of a kind. I’ll remember that.’ Mop, the chocolate-coloured baby alpaca, who was all legs and resembled Bambi, was standing still on her lead looking adorable. Her mass of brown corkscrew curls bounced on the top of her head as Rory gently patted her.
With a cheeky smile, Finn nudged Esme for her to get on board. ‘Uncle Rory … we need to tell you something.’ Finn’s eyes were wide as he looked towards Esme, who nodded her encouragement.
Finn gestured for Rory to come closer. Rory did exactly that and bent down while Finn cupped his hands around his mouth and whispered into Rory’s ear, ‘There’s no such thing as a pacapoo.’
Everyone fell about laughing.
‘But Daddy reckons she doubles as a standard poodle and no one will notice,’ said Finn, all knowledgeable, looking up at Rory.
Drew threw his hands up in the air. ‘Hey, don’t bring me into this!’ he said, tickling his son’s tummy, causing him to giggle.
‘I’m sure a pacapoo will become the next big breed and this is where you heard it first!’ exclaimed Rory, admiring Finn’s dedication to Mop.
Once more the sound of Hamish’s voice came over the Tannoy. All competitors needed to make their way towards the tent at the side of the showring immediately.
‘That’s us!’ said Esme excitedly, pulling on Finn’s arm. ‘Come on!’
‘I’ll see you in the ring, Uncle Rory!’ said Finn with a cheeky grin before leading Mop away with Esme hot on his heels in her yellow wellingtons.
‘On the upside, if they come first, they win a month’s supply of dog food, which you can have, Allie, for Nell,’ said Isla appearing from nowhere and looking all glam. She tied a Shetland pony to the fence next to a hay bale and handed Rory a clipboard. ‘I’m not sure a pacapoo is on the list of breeds so I’ve added an extra box on the form.’ Isla winked at Rory but they were distracted by Drew’s low whistle.
‘You’ve got changed. I’ve not seen that outfit before,’ he observed.
‘Oh, you have, it’s been in the wardrobe for years,’ replied Isla, brushing aside the compliment, but the shirt looked new and matched her white skinny jeans perfectly.
‘And that smell,’ said Drew, leaning towards her and inhaling the aroma. ‘You are wearing your best perfume. Mmm, we all know who you are trying to impress,’ teased Drew, giving his wife a peck on the cheek. ‘Should I be worried?’
‘Don’t I always look this good?’ she asked, knowing full well she was usually dressed in overalls, her battered old wellies covered in dung.
Everyone could see Isla had gone to great lengths to get the outfit just right. This would be the perfect opportunity for publicity to rocket her little business, especially if Allie’s photographs were used in the paper and seen online.
‘So you’ve heard?’ said Isla, her mouth hitching up at both sides and turning towards Rory.
‘Heard? I’ve never seen Allie so excited before! You women, all excited about a TV star – they are just normal people, you know.’
‘There is no way Zach Hudson is just a normal person,’ objected Allie, and Isla nodded in agreement.
At that moment they all turned to look towards a commotion happening on the green. Zach was surrounded by a group of teenagers clutching their mobile phones, huge beams on their faces, waiting patiently for their chance to take a selfie with him. Even from this distance Allie was smitten with his impressive good looks and physique. He was handling the crowd well, chatting away and having his photo taken along with his trusted furry friend.
‘Remember when the girls used to flock around us like that?’ said Fergus grinning, watching in amusement. ‘Girls used to hang on our every word too.’
Isla laughed. ‘Really? Considering most of the women living in the village are standing right here.’
But Fergus didn’t have time to object as once more Hamish’s voice rang out over the Tannoy. Rory had precisely five minutes to make his way over to the judges’ table.
‘That’s my call,’ said Rory, clutching his clipboard and looking towards the queue of contestants lining up at the side of the showring. ‘Look,’ he said chuckling, nodding towards the line.
Amongst all the breeds of dogs stood Mop the pacapoo, sticking out like a sore thumb. They watched as Esme gave her a cuddle and high-fived Finn, the pair of them beaming with pride. Esme took her seat on the front row of hay bales and gave the thumbs-up to Finn, their eyes firmly fixed on the bright red rosette pinned on the f
ront of the judge’s desk, sporting a shiny gold number 1.
Since the baby alpaca had been born at Foxglove Farm, Finn and Esme had fallen in love with the adorable creature. The three were inseparable and had become the best of friends. Finn and Esme had spent every spare moment training Mop, leading her through rows of old walking poles that hikers had left behind in the teashop, jumping her over the small coloured poles in the fields. Isla had been amazed and impressed by the dedication of both children, who had taken the training very seriously. Every weekend without fail, rain or shine, they were out in the fields encouraging Mop to be the best she could be for this summer show.
Just as Rory was about to head towards the showring, he felt Allie leaning her chin on his shoulder. ‘He’s coming this way,’ she said, unable to hide the excitement in her voice.
Noticing the women were quivering wrecks, Drew rolled his eyes and took control. He waved Zach over. Immediately Allie observed he was much taller in real life, but was still slim, good-looking and unnervingly familiar.
As he approached, Drew stretched out his hand. ‘Zach, this is Rory, local vet and fellow judge for the dog show.’
Allie noticed that Rory appeared starstruck and she smiled to herself.
Rory held out his hand. ‘You are setting the cat amongst the pigeons. I’m a huge fan of your documentary series.’
Zach smiled a boyish smile. ‘Thank you,’ he said shaking Rory’s hand.
‘And this is Allie, local publican and photographer – Isla’s best friend and Rory’s girlfriend.’
‘Pleased to meet you both,’ he said, now shaking Allie’s hand.
‘And this is Sydney.’ Zach looked down at the plump Labrador who had begun to wind herself around Allie’s legs. As soon as she went to pat her, she rolled over, exposing her tummy for a tickle.
‘She’s a good judge of character,’ said Zach with warmth.
Allie continued to tickle Sydney’s tummy. ‘Such a softy.’
‘She is, and the star of my latest documentaries. It’s a joint effort; that’s why we are here. It’s a beautiful place you live.’
‘Thanks,’ said Allie, standing up, ‘we love it here. I can’t imagine ever living anywhere else.’
‘This place has a good community feel about it. We like that, Syd, don’t we?’ Syd sat and looked up at Zach and cocked her head to one side, as if she was really listening to him. ‘With this job, we kind of forget where home is, especially when it’s non-stop filming.’
‘I bet,’ replied Allie, admiring the bond between Zach and his dog.
Isla noticed Hamish waving to them and tapping his watch. Hamish was always a stickler for time and he was the mastermind behind the village show. Everything always ran like clockwork.
‘I think you’re wanted.’ Isla touched Rory’s arm and he cast an eye over his shoulder.
‘Yep – that’s our cue. Are you ready?’ Rory looked towards Zach, who nodded.
‘A quick photo for the press,’ said Allie, not missing her chance and whipping off the lens cap and organising Rory and Zach to stand next to each other with Sydney sitting at their feet.
Click … click … click …
Allie scrolled through the pictures. ‘Perfect. Now, Isla, could you stand next to Zach?’
Without hesitation Isla positioned herself next to him while Allie took a photo.
‘You’re okay with us using the photos in the paper and online, aren’t you, Zach?’
‘Of course,’ he said without hesitation.
‘Now go,’ ordered Isla, stepping away, ‘Hamish is about to burst a blood vessel if you don’t hurry up,’ she said, grabbing the handles of the pram and smiling down at Angus, who’d fallen fast asleep.
Leaving Drew and Fergus still serving up the hog roast the rest of the gang began walking towards the showring. Rory couldn’t help but feel amazed at the crowd following them. ‘Is it like this everywhere you go?’
‘Pretty much,’ replied Zach, taking it all his stride.
‘How do you put up with it?’ asked Rory, ‘I kind of feel like royalty!’
Zach laughed. ‘Part of the job. After a while, you kind of switch off and forget they are there, but if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t get to do the job I do. It’s when they stop following me I have to worry.’
‘I suppose it’s all part and parcel of the brand,’ chipped in Allie, thinking it would drive her mad if she could never walk anywhere without being followed.
‘That’s why some of us are cut out for fame and others prefer a quiet life,’ added Isla.
‘I do a job I absolutely love, always wanted to be an actor, went to drama school … It’s a tough competitive industry and for me it was the right place at the right time. Of course I would like to go out to the pub and have a quiet meal, and I get absolutely sick to death of hotel rooms – they all look the same. Still, I wouldn’t change it for the world. And this time I get to bring my best friend on my adventure too.’ Zach looked down fondly at Sydney and patted her head as she walked at the side of him.
‘Such an adorable dog,’ said Allie, quickly snapping a photo.
‘So, Heartcross – have you lived here long?’ Zach looked over towards Rory and Allie.
‘All my life,’ answered Allie proudly. ‘My parents own the Grouse and Haggis pub at the heart of the village. I’m a barmaid and Rory’s the partner in his father’s veterinary surgery here.’
‘And you’ve never thought about travelling or venturing out into the big wide world?’ asked Zach, locking eyes with Allie.
For a split second Allie wondered how she was feeling about that question. It was the second time she’d been asked the same thing in the past couple of days. Zach seemed generally surprised she’d never left Heartcross.
‘Never. Heartcross is everything I’ve ever wanted,’ she said, thinking once more about the upheaval in her early childhood and how relieved she’d been when her parents had finally settled down and she felt like she belonged somewhere.
‘And a photographer,’ he probed, pointing to the camera hanging around Allie’s neck.
‘Mainly just a barmaid with a tendency to take a good photo – or so I’m told,’ Allie quickly added, not wanting to sound big-headed.
‘Very good photographs,’ chipped in Rory, sliding his arm around Allie’s shoulders and squeezing.
‘So what’s getting in the way? You could travel the world taking photographs. There are so many amazing places to visit out there. You should think about it,’ said Zach with such passion Allie took note.
‘I’ve been telling her that for years.’ Rory gave Allie a knowing look. ‘There’s so much more to your talents – not that I’m denying you pull a bloody good pint too.’
‘I’ve had lots of practice,’ she said smiling.
‘You should think about voluntary work for a charity, especially if it’s your passion,’ Zach said.
‘I’ve had a few photographs published in the local press, nothing major … It’s just more of a hobby,’ answered Allie, suddenly thinking of her mum and dad. ‘And anyway, I work alongside my parents in the family business. What would they think if I suddenly said, Hey, guys, I’m off to travel the world?’
‘I’m sure they’d be happy for you,’ said Zach.
These days, Allie knew her parents were relying on her more and more for the early morning shifts while they covered the late ones. It was hard work to cover both and they weren’t getting any younger.
‘I’m a Heartcross girl through and through,’ she said, but Zach’s words had registered on her mind and even she thought her reasons for staying in Heartcross suddenly sounded lame.
Zach rummaged around in his pocket and handed Allie a business card. ‘Here, take this,’ he said as they approached the judges’ table. ‘Please feel free to send me any photos from today and I’ll upload them to my social media, but just make sure any photos of me get my good side!’
Feeling excited by the gesture Allie steadied her hand a
s she took the card from Zach and slipped it into her bag. ‘Thank you so much,’ she replied.
Applause began to ripple from the villagers sitting on the hay bales as the Morris dancers took a bow and jingled their way out of the ring. Standing on tiptoe, Allie kissed Rory on his lips before shooing him towards the judges’ table and wandering over to take a seat alongside Isla and a sleeping Angus. She pondered the conversation with Zach for a moment. Had she ever really thought of travelling and leaving Heartcross? The longest time she’d ever spent in one place before her parents settled in the pub had been just over twelve months in a small town called Colewell, just north of Dumfries. Their end-terrace had been next to a stream flanked with stepping stones that led to the back garden of a girl called Emmy. They’d become close friends and every night they’d rush back from school to hang out together. Allie had felt like she’d made a true friend and for the first time had felt content and settled – until she was called into the living room and faced a look from her parents she knew only too well. The look that meant they were on the move again. ‘We are sorry, Allie, but your father has been made redundant and the landlord has increased the rent, so we can’t afford to live here anymore, but we have good news – Uncle Alf has a contact in the brewery and there’s a pub available that we can manage and we can live in too!’
‘Still in Colewell?’ asked Allie, with her fingers firmly crossed behind her back.
Clover Cottage: A feel good cosy read perfect for your summer holiday reading (Love Heart Lane Series, Book 3) Page 5