Season's Meetings

by Amy Dunne

  The dog dived into a sideways roly-poly, proudly presenting its tummy. With its stubby legs stuck up in the air, it wriggled happily from side to side. Catherine was surprised the dog’s tummy wasn’t as hairy as the rest of its body. A lot of the tummy was bare. The skin was light in colour, and tiny nipples symmetrically lined either side of the abdomen. The chest was hairy up until the ribs and then the skin looked soft with only a few light hairs.

  “Not a chance,” Catherine said. She still felt violated by the unexpected snog. “It’s not going to happen.”

  The dog seemed undeterred. Its tongue happily lolled, paws prancing in the air. Unable to resist, Catherine touched the tummy and found it warm and soft. She moved her fingers upward through the coarse hair of the upper chest and gave a reluctant scratch. As she started to remove her hand, the little dog gave a high-pitched bark of protest.

  “Just one more,” Catherine said, trying to sound stern. A moment later, she was giving a double-handed tickly-tummy fest. The little dog seemed to be enjoying it immensely and was writhing in bliss. Catherine had to admit she was enjoying herself, too.

  She found a particularly ticklish spot, and the harder she scratched the more one of the little hind legs danced up and down. “Aha. Does that feel good?”

  “Catherine?” Holly’s voice called from behind her.

  Catherine spun around to find Holly and Fiona watching her. They were both smiling and she felt her cheeks warm. “How long have you been watching?”

  “Long enough.” Holly laughed. “I see you’ve made a new friend.”

  Catherine glanced down. The dog crept beside her and cowered next to her thigh. She placed a hand on its back and felt it relax a little. “Well, yeah. It kind of appeared.”

  “That’s wee Kimmy. She’s a cairn terrier,” Fiona said. “She’s a new lodger, too. She was orphaned three weeks back, and I promised her owner I’d find her a nice home. We did plan to keep her here. She’s such a loving and funny wee thing. But she’s not settling at all.”

  Catherine felt something like an affinity with Kimmy. Now when she looked, it was obvious she was a female. Everything about her from the fringe, the deep-set eyes, to the short legs and scraggly tail all seemed feminine. She was cute and beautiful.

  “Let’s sit down and we can have a chat about things,” Fiona said. She indicated the table and chairs next to the fire. “I’ve left the old man in charge, so we’ve got at least half an hour until things go drastically wrong.”

  Reluctantly, Catherine stood. She felt inexplicably guilty at the thought of abandoning Kimmy, so she patted her thigh while walking over to the table. Kimmy followed loyally at her heels, and when Catherine sat, Kimmy crept beside her feet.

  “She’s certainly taken a liking to you. I’ve not seen her act that way around anyone other than Agnes,” Fiona said. She reached for a glass of wine. “There’s some stew and bread for you both. Tuck in.”

  Catherine reached for the steaming bowl and pulled it nearer. The stew looked hearty. Thick chunks of beef and vegetables were covered in a rich stock. With her mouth watering, Catherine needed no encouragement to get stuck in. It was every bit as delicious as it looked and smelt. Through steaming mouthfuls, she asked about Kimmy’s owner.

  Fiona’s shoulders sank and she gave a small shake of her head. “Agnes was a lovely old dear. Eighty-seven years of age. She was a spinster, and her wee cairns were her life. I remember seeing her with them when I was a wee girl. She used to breed them and take them to shows.” She glanced beneath the table. “Kimmy here is her last one.”

  “Poor Kimmy,” Catherine said.

  “Aye. Anyway, over a month ago, Agnes took a nasty fall in her cottage. She had to go to hospital, which is a good thirty miles away, but she outright refused to get in the ambulance until I agreed I’d take Kimmy and look after her until she came out. She had nay other family. I was reluctant, but she was so bloody stubborn I had nay choice. None of us expected her to be there for more than a few days.” She tutted softly. “Trouble was she’d been ill for a while and not told anyone. It became clear early on she wouldn’t be coming home at all. The doctors didn’t tell her straight away, but I think she already knew. She made me promise I’d find Kimmy a good home. I did, and then she gave me the longest list of instructions you’d ever lay your eyes on.” Fiona took another sip of wine, grimaced, and added, “The next day she passed away.”

  “Oh, how awful,” Holly said, tears welling in her eyes.

  Catherine lowered her spoon and tried to swallow a mouthful of stew over the lump of emotion lodged in her throat.

  “Aye,” Fiona said solemnly. “She was buried two weeks ago. We’ve kept Kimmy here with us, but she’s not happy. For the first two years of her wee life, she lived with only Agnes in a thatched cottage. It’s too busy and noisy here for her. She’s escaped twice and that’s why I’ve had to put her in here today, with strict instructions for nay body to come in.”

  “Where did she go?” Catherine asked, the comforting weight of Kimmy’s head resting on her foot.

  “Back to the cottage, both times. We found her in the outhouse the second time. She’d been there for nearly two days. It breaks my heart, so it does. After the holidays I’m going to have to take her to the shelter in the next town.”

  “No,” Catherine said a little too forcefully. “I mean, surely there’s someone in this town who’d adopt her? She’s beautiful and friendly.”

  Fiona smiled sadly. “I know she is. And Lord knows I’ve asked around, but I’ve had nay response from the locals. I’ll leave it until January. Maybe she’ll settle down before then, or someone might come forward to take her.”

  Catherine was angry, but she knew it wasn’t Fiona’s fault. She was doing her best. She forced down another spoonful of stew, although her appetite was diminished. It was taking the edge off her exhaustion.

  Holly filled Catherine in on her conversation with Katie and Beth. They’d been worried but were now relieved.

  The bad news came in threes like it always does. Firstly, they were stuck in this village and wouldn’t make it to Katie’s for Christmas. The storm was due to last a while longer, and the roads leading to Katie’s were impassable for the foreseeable future. When Holly had pushed her for a vague idea, she’d been told at least three days if not longer. The roads were treacherous, and so close to the holidays there was no way they’d be cleared in time.

  The next bit of bad news was both Catherine’s and Holly’s purses with money and cards were back in the car. Catherine wasn’t worried so much about them getting stolen—it was rather the fact they couldn’t pay for anything, including the meal they’d eaten.

  The last bit was delivered by Fiona. The hotel was at full occupancy thanks to all of the family and friends who’d returned for the holidays. “So, we’re stuck in this village over Christmas. We don’t have any means of paying for anything until tomorrow at the earliest. And there’s no room for us.”

  “Basically, that’s the gist of it,” Holly said.

  “We can’t pay for this food or our drinks.” Catherine rubbed her face with both hands. “Will our luck ever change?”

  “Luck? You’re the two luckiest women in this village right now. You could both be stuck in a car, but instead you’re here. That’s a wee miracle in itself,” Fiona said. Her tone made Catherine feel like an ungrateful arse. “As for the money, it’s nay bother. You’re my guests and this food is free of charge. And anything else you need, you only have to ask.”

  “But—” Catherine said.

  “No buts. You’re not going anywhere fast. Now, I’ve another proposal for you both. As well as the hotel, restaurant, and bar, we also rent out a few log cabins. Those are fully booked too, but we had a cancellation earlier tonight due to the weather. It’s a deluxe cabin, which is the most costly. The couple were coming to celebrate their honeymoon.”

  Catherine glanced at Holly and saw her frown. She looked stressed. Holly’s eyes flickered to
her, and for a second they held each other’s gaze. Catherine sneakily pointed to her chest before looking away. She hoped the message was understood.

  “The couple who cancelled insisted we keep half the money because of the late notice. So I can offer you the cabin for half the price. It’s fully stocked and Christmas dinner on the big day, here in the restaurant, is also included. There’s only one bed but it’s a king-size. It’s a lovely place, even if I do say so myself. Are you interested, ladies?”

  Another glance at Holly showed that she was chomping at the bit, but the death stare Catherine shot her was enough to keep her quiet. “Fiona, we’d love to accept. Thank you so much.”

  “Excellent. I’ll go get the old man to set things up for you. It’ll take him a little while, so you may as well stay put. I’ll come and get you when it’s ready.”

  They watched as Fiona left the room, and only once the door was closed did Holly let rip.

  “You didn’t ask how much it would cost us. You just agreed.”

  “I don’t care how much it costs. I have money and—”

  “I don’t! We’ve been through this, Catherine.”

  “Please listen to me,” Catherine said. She held her hands up in placating gesture. “We agreed in the car if we escaped, we’d make this the best Christmas ever. There are no other choices except maybe sleeping in here. I have money,” she said, cutting off Holly’s interruption before she managed a word. “I’m not going to apologise for that. And I’m not going to let your issue with me paying ruin what could be a fantastic Christmas for us both. I want to spend the money. I’m not trying to buy your affection. I don’t expect anything in return. I’m not trying to show off either.” Catherine reached across the table and took hold of one of Holly’s hands. “What’s the harm with me paying for a nice place for us to spend Christmas?”

  Holly pulled her hand away. “I told you why. It humiliates me. I want to be able to pay my own way.”

  “Your car is in a state. It’s going to cost money to get it towed back into town and then more money to get it fixed.”

  “I have insurance which covers all of that.”

  “Okay, fine. But the cabin is non-negotiable. I’m going to be staying there and so I’m paying for it. I’d like very much, in fact I’d love for you to join me, but if your pride is going to stop you, there’s not much I can do about it.”

  Holly folded her arms and kept quiet. Catherine had said all she could and had no choice but to leave it for Holly to decide. Wanting some distraction, she got up from the table and sat on the floor in front of the fire.

  Kimmy groggily followed, her paws plodding, to sit beside Catherine. Smiling, Catherine fussed Kimmy’s face and began scratching behind her ears. Kimmy grew particularly helpless when Catherine scratched beneath the leather collar. One paw tapped excessively on the carpet until she finally collapsed into a heap.

  Catherine realised her eyes weren’t black like she’d first thought; they were in fact a dark brown. “Kimmy, sit,” she said.

  Kimmy obediently sat up.

  “Paw.”

  Kimmy presented one of her paws and wouldn’t put it down until Catherine touched it.

  Holly came over to the carpet and knelt down. Although initially shy, Kimmy soon showered her with attention, too. Catherine felt a little sting of jealousy, but it faded when she saw the delight in Holly’s face and heard her laugh. Plus Kimmy kept glancing back at her as if to make sure she was still there.

  “I’m sorry,” Holly said. “It’s my pride, and I need to get over it. I know you’re only being kind, and I appreciate it. If it’s still all right, I’d like to come and stay with you in the cabin.”

  “Of course it is.” Catherine was trying her hardest to mask her excitement. The prospect of sharing days and nights alone with Holly in a romantic cabin stoked a burning ache of arousal between her thighs. Especially as there was only one bed.

  “I have one condition,” Holly said, her tone serious.

  “Go on.”

  “Kimmy joins us. She’ll be safer with us, and it’ll give Fiona a break.”

  Feeling two pairs of eyes watching her, Catherine looked down and met Kimmy’s gaze. She’d never experienced puppy dog eyes before. Now she was getting them from Kimmy and Holly. The tiny bit of reluctant resolve melted into soppy goo. She couldn’t refuse them anything.

  “I suppose that’s okay.”

  “You’re such a softie,” Holly said. She leaned forward and planted a quick kiss on Catherine’s lips. She pulled away a moment later and pulled a face. Sniffing loudly, she looked accusingly at Catherine. “Talk about killing the moment.”

  Confused, Catherine opened her mouth to ask what Holly meant, but then the stench hit her square in the face.

  “That’s vile,” Catherine said. She jumped to her feet, gagging. She had never smelled anything as rancid in all her life. “And it wasn’t me! What the hell is it?” She retched. “I can taste it.”

  Holly burst out laughing. She moved farther away from the fire and pointed down.

  Catherine followed the finger and found herself looking at Kimmy, whose tail wagged twice before her eyes closed and she looked like she’d fallen asleep.

  “How can she lie there?” Catherine asked. “Do you think she’s ill? That smells like something died months ago.”

  “It obviously doesn’t bother her.” Holly pinched her nose. In a nasally tone she said, “She’s letting you know she’s relaxed.”

  Catherine took another step back and wafted the air around her face. “So that was a…”

  “Dog fart. Yes.”

  Catherine couldn’t believe something so pungent could come from such a little innocent thing.

  “Think of it as a taster.” Holly beamed a devilish grin. “If you think that was bad, wait until you have to pick up the real deal.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  The cabin was a five-minute walk from The Inn, and they were escorted by Fiona’s cordial husband, Alistair. Catherine had been tasked with the stressful job of carrying Kimmy. She held the grey body tightly in her arms. After some initial fidgeting, the little dog settled with her chin resting on Catherine’s shoulder.

  Holly carried a heavy-looking bag containing dog food, bowls, some toys, and Agnes’s list of instructions on how to keep Kimmy alive. It was Alistair who had the heaviest burden. Even flat packed, Kimmy’s crate was heavy and difficult to manoeuvre. Catherine had never seen a dog crate before. She thought dogs slept in kennels or on dog beds, but Fiona explained some owners used animal crates and Agnes was one of them.

  Alistair dropped the crate off inside the doorway with the reassurance he or Fiona could be reached on the phone at any time, then bid them farewell. As soon as the door was securely closed and they were left to their own devices, they rushed around the cabin in excited exploration.

  It far exceeded Catherine’s expectations. A large spacious living room had a comfy-looking sofa and armchair positioned in front of their very own raging log fire. A sheepskin rug lay at the foot of the stone hearth. A large flat screen TV perched on top of a cabinet to the left of the room. A decorated real pine Christmas tree stood to the far left-hand side, its lights twinkling in the reflection of the large bay window. The fragrance of pine and smoke combined to give a smell of Christmas.

  To the right of the living room, an archway led to an open-plan kitchen and dining area. On inspection, all of the cupboards were well stocked, as were the fridge and freezer. A spotless cooker with an inbuilt oven gleamed. On the dining table waited a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, a pair of flute glasses, and a box of chocolates with a note saying, Welcome, Catherine and Holly.

  The bedroom hosted a huge solid wooden bed. Catherine felt sure the size was bigger than king-size but there was no way she was going to argue with Fiona. The bedspread was red tartan. A matching wooden wardrobe and chest of drawers loomed nearby. Two large white towelled dressing gowns hung on the back of the door and two pairs
of matching slippers nestled next to the bed.

  The adjoining en suite lay through the door at the far end of the room. As well as the shower cubicle, toilet, and sink, there was also a Jacuzzi corner bath.

  “I think we’ve died and gone to heaven,” Holly said, her eyes as wide as saucers as she took in the bathroom.

  Catherine nodded. “It’s stunning.”

  Kimmy bounded into the room, stopped suddenly, and skidded across the tiled floor. Legs splayed, she gave a bark of protest and then ran away.

  “Let’s go read the instructions and set up her cage,” Catherine said, resigning herself to the fact she would have to wait a little longer before she could take the shower she craved.

  “It’s a crate,” Holly said, bemused.

  “That’s what I said.”

  “No, I’m pretty sure you said cage.”

  Back inside the living room, Catherine thrust the wad of instructions at Holly. “You read these and I’ll set up the ca—crate.”

  Holly compliantly sat on the sofa, pulling her legs up and resting her head on the cushioned arm. Kimmy leapt up to join her, and after circling three times, she finally settled down, resting her head on Holly’s lap, her beady gaze lazily watching Catherine.

  The crate was relatively easy to assemble, but Catherine still managed to painfully catch a finger and bash one of her shins. She placed Kimmy’s dog bed inside and stepped away with her hands on her hips. She felt a sense of butch pride, but neither Kimmy nor Holly paid much attention.

  “Anything interesting?” she asked, trying to peer at the thick lines of text.

  “Agnes was a stickler for routine. She’s precise about everything.” Holly lowered the pages and rubbed her eyes. “I’m only about a quarter of the way through. So far I’ve learnt cairn terriers were originally used to hunt vermin. Toto, the dog in The Wizard of Oz, was a cairn. Kimmy needs to be walked at least once a day and played with. She has to be brushed twice a week. She has a double coat, which is why she’s so hairy. Some human foods are poisonous to dogs, like chocolate, grapes, and raisins. That’s as far as I’ve gotten, I’m afraid.” Holly stifled a yawn.