Evie didn’t see cute. All she saw was a doll-like creature with haunting green eyes and heroin-chic pallor decorated with flowers and fruit, her long Rapunzel hair wrapped around her body.
Saffy offered it back. ‘I wonder who left it?’
Evie shook her head. ‘No idea. You keep it. I don’t want it.’
But Evie was pretty certain she knew who’d left it. Only Josh would be drawn to such a strange gift. Was Saffy playing coy in pretending not to know, or was she genuinely clueless? Either way, Evie had more pressing matters to worry about, like the whereabouts of her dog. ‘Oh, hell. What if someone’s run off with him?’
Saffy’s brow creased. ‘Would someone do that?’
‘You see posts on Facebook all the time about dogs disappearing. Marlon could’ve been dog-napped. We need to call the police.’
‘The police?’ Saffy flinched. ‘Whoa, slow down. Are you sure he hasn’t just wandered off?’
Headlights turned into the alleyway. A shiny black hearse pulled up, the tinted window lowering to reveal a grinning Josh. ‘Good evening, ladies.’ He spotted Saffy holding the figurine. ‘What do you have there?’ There was an odd air of anticipation to his voice.
But Evie was too distracted to be polite. ‘I’m calling the police. Saffy, go with Josh, look for Marlon.’
Saffy looked horrified. ‘I’m not going anywhere with him.’
Evie rounded on her. ‘Saffy, please. Marlon’s missing. I need you to do this.’ She bent down so she could speak to Josh through the driver’s window. ‘Marlon’s missing. I don’t know whether he’s been taken or run off. Will you take Saffy and drive around, see if you can find him?’
Josh nodded. ‘Sure, no problem. Hop in, honey.’
Saffy visibly recoiled as she climbed into the passenger seat, still holding the figurine. ‘Never call me that again.’
Evie didn’t wait around as they reversed onto the road and drove off. She ran inside and dialled 101, her fingers fumbling over the buttons. If something had happened to Marlon she’d never forgive herself. She was a terrible owner. Irresponsible, unreliable …
She was greeted with, ‘Which service do you require?’
‘Police. I think my dog’s been taken.’ Evie paced the floor, heading into the kitchen to check the backyard in case he’d returned.
Maybe she should be calling the RSPCA? Someone could’ve reported seeing a stray dog walking the streets, abandoned by his negligent owner, in need of rescuing. At this very moment he could be scared and alone, being lured into a van, heading for the pound …
A sudden noise from the front of the shop caught her attention. Had Marlon returned?
Hanging up on the police, she raced into the shop, her befuddled brain failing to compute that Marlon wouldn’t have been able to open the front door by himself.
As she hurtled around the large display of potted Shasta daisies, blind with panic, she didn’t see Scott coming the other way. His call of ‘Anyone home?’ was followed by a loud ‘Ouch!’ as her forehead connected with his.
The impact sent a wave of shock rather than pain rattling through her skull.
Though a veil of dizziness she saw Scott stagger sideways, blood oozing from his brow, his face contorting into a confused frown. ‘What the fuck?’
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Friday, 16 May
Pain throbbed above his left eye: a dull ache left over from a single blow that had rattled through his skull. There’d been no warning, no hint that he was about to be attacked. The lights had been on in the florist’s, the front door unlocked, nothing to arouse suspicion. And then Evie had lunged at him from behind a display of potted plants and head-butted him.
Shock had sent him stumbling backwards, wondering what on earth he’d done to warrant such an assault. But his outrage soon diminished when he realised their collision hadn’t been intentional.
‘Oh my God! Scott, I am so sorry!’ Her hands slapped against her cheeks. ‘Are you okay? Please tell me you’re okay?’ She rushed at him, torn between touching him and not, her hands darting back and forth like he was too hot to touch.
Lowering his hand, he glanced at it. Not too much blood. ‘Any particular reason for walloping me?’ He wasn’t such a dick that he’d yell at her for the sake of it. It was obvious she was traumatised. ‘I know you don’t like me, but seriously, assault and battery?’
She drew up short. ‘Of course I like you.’ She grabbed his arm. ‘It’s just that I thought … I thought …’ Confusion flooded her face, her words dying on her lips.
Lips that were currently very close to his. Slightly parted and faintly trembling. He started to feel a little dizzy. ‘Are you okay? Let me look at your head.’
‘I’m fine.’ She backed away from his touch. ‘I’m more concerned about you. You’re bleeding.’
Something he was well aware of. He raised an eyebrow. Well, he tried to, but his forehead was already swelling. ‘If it’s my bill you’re unhappy with, I’m sure we can discuss payment options.’
It took a moment for her to realise he was joking. Her smile was wobbly. ‘I thought you were … Marlon.’
‘Right …’ Maybe she did have concussion? ‘Got any tissues?’
She followed his gaze to his bloody hand. ‘Sorry, yes, of course.’ She darted over to the counter, grabbing a box of floral tissues. ‘I think I have wet wipes somewhere as well.’
He accepted a handful of tissues, pressing them against his throbbing forehead. ‘So, you like me, huh?’
She stopped rummaging around in the cupboard and looked at him. ‘I’m sorry?’
‘Just now. You said you liked me.’ His vain attempt to lighten the mood.
Her cheeks coloured. ‘What I meant was—’
‘I know.’ He sighed. ‘You meant you don’t hate me so much you’d want to brain me.’ His stab at humour.
She found the wet wipes and came over, tears in her eyes.
Okay, so he wasn’t that funny. ‘Hey, I was only teasing.’
She shook her head. ‘It’s not you. I’m just a little distracted at the moment. Marlon’s missing.’
Scott stopped wiping. ‘What? Since when?’
‘Not long ago. I was just calling the police.’ She sneezed.
‘What can I do to help?’ He wanted to hug her, but she didn’t look like she’d appreciate it.
Her whole body buzzed with electricity, twitchy and unsettled. ‘Thanks, but Saffy and Josh are out looking on the off chance he’s run off. I wanted to stay here in case he came back.’
Scott used the wet wipes to clean the blood off his hands. ‘What do you mean, on the off chance? You think he’s had an accident?’ Her expression told him she hadn’t thought of that. Good one, mate.
Her shoulders sagged. ‘Or maybe someone’s taken him.’
Scott was about to point out that dog-nappers targeted pure breeds with resale value, not dog-eared mongrels, but his brain overruled his mouth. ‘Why would you think that?’
‘Because if they haven’t then …’ She shook her head as if it was too painful to say.
Without thinking, Scott slid his arm around her shoulders. He ignored her flinch as he led her over to a stool. ‘Talk to me. What’s going on?’
She hesitated, a range of conflicted emotions passing over her face.
He sat her down. ‘Despite what you think, I’m a trustworthy guy.’ He nudged her, trying to evoke a smile. ‘Even if I’m also a knob.’
She did laugh at this, albeit fleetingly. And then her expression sobered. ‘If no one took Marlon, then it means he’s just run off. And I don’t understand why he’d do that. I … I thought he loved me.’ The expression on her face was heartbreaking.
Scott fought against the urge to pull her closer. ‘Of course Marlon loves you. It’s more likely he’s just taken off exploring. Dogs do that. They like to exert their independence, prove you’re not the boss of them. It has nothing to do with him not loving you.’
She did
n’t look convinced. ‘How can you be so sure?’
Because only a dummy wouldn’t love you, he almost said, and then mentally slapped himself. He attributed this brief moment of insanity to his head injury. Actions, not words, his brain told him. ‘Look, why don’t I go and look for him? Two cars scanning the area is better than one. He can’t have gone far.’
She nodded, and then immediately frowned, her eyes focusing on his wound. ‘Should you be driving? You might have concussion.’
‘You didn’t hit me that hard.’ He shook his head and then wished he hadn’t. ‘I’ll bet you half my bill I’m back here in no time, Marlon in tow.’ The words were out before he could sensor them. Half my bill? Idiot.
‘I hope so.’ Evie followed him over to the door. ‘Thank you.’ She managed a weak smile.
‘No biggie.’ But his pride swelled as he jogged over to the van, even if he did feel a definite lurch to the left. Maybe he did have concussion. Why else would he be stupid enough to offer a fifty per cent discount?
Satisfied he didn’t have double vision, he climbed into the van and drove off, really hoping he didn’t get pulled over by the cops.
A sane man would not be doing this. So why was he? Because he was overcompensating – something he had a tendency to do when things went south. He’d been that way with Nicole, trying so hard to make everything okay, plastering over the gaping holes in their relationship. He was the same with his mum and nephew, wanting to be Mr Fix-It and ease everyone’s worries, shouldering the burden so they didn’t have to.
He drove past the ‘Welcome to Heatherton’ sign, the conjoined twins swayed gently in the evening breeze. There were a few parked cars outside the convenience store but not much else going on. Marlon was nowhere to be seen.
Fifteen minutes ago he’d been resigned to never seeing the prickly florist again. He’d only called in to pick up his hammer. Her new boiler was fitted and there was no reason to continue the acquaintance. It was evident he rubbed her up the wrong way. And no guy liked a woman who looked at him like he was a tosser, even if she had admitted she liked him. It wasn’t good for the ego. So why was he driving around Heatherton looking for her dog?
He drove twice around the cricket pitch. No sign of Marlon. His finances were looking shakier by the minute – more fool him for making a promise he couldn’t keep.
He drove through the village, past the church and bell tower, navigating the drinkers congregating outside the Bell Inn, enjoying an end-of-week beer.
Perhaps it was because he liked Marlon? The dog had character.
He turned onto Folkestone Road.
More likely he didn’t like the idea of walking away from the cute florist on a bad note, a vain attempt to repair the damage before leaving her to get on with her life whilst he got on with his. Nicole had accused him of being a sucker for helping a damsel in distress. Perhaps she was right.
Scott almost missed him. He braked, straining to look over his shoulder, hoping it wasn’t a figment of his imagination. Sitting bolt upright on the pavement outside a row of flats was the distinctive sight of Marlon the absconder.
Bumping his van onto the pavement, he parked up and jumped out, hoping the damned animal wouldn’t bolt. ‘Hey there, mate.’
Marlon’s tail started wagging.
Scott knelt down and gave the dog a hug. He was shaking. ‘It’s all right, fella.’ He rubbed his back and was rewarded with a lick. The dog leant against him, erasing any doubts Scott might have had about offering to search for him. ‘What are you doing here, eh?’ Scott looked up at the Victorian building. ‘You’re a long way from the florist’s. Mummy’s worried about you.’ Jesus, he hoped no one could hear him. What a wuss. Mummy, indeed. ‘Come on, let’s go find Evie.’
At the sound of her name, Marlon perked up, eager and willing. His delight at the thought of seeing Evie was apparent.
Disturbingly, Scott knew the feeling.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Friday, 16 May
Evie glanced at Scott as he drove the three of them home. He was focused on the road, the swelling above his left eye expanding. Maybe when they got home she’d offer to ice it. It was the least she could do. Especially as he’d found her dog.
The relief she’d felt when he’d returned to the shop with Marlon couldn’t be expressed in words. Her delight at seeing her precious dog was magnified by the knowledge the daft hound had taken himself home. He hadn’t run away or been dog-napped. Throwing herself at Marlon and crying into his fur had been embarrassing, something Saffy had been quick to point out when she’d arrived soon after with Josh. But hugging her plumber had been even more mortifying. She hadn’t been able to stop herself. He’d rescued Marlon. It was only after she’d wrapped her arms around his chest and felt the warmth of his body pressed against hers that she’d comprehended the inappropriateness of her actions.
Quickly releasing him, she’d returned her attentions to Marlon, listening as Saffy and Josh detailed their unsuccessful hunt for her dog. Evie couldn’t help noticing a slight softening in Saffy’s behaviour towards the young undertaker. She never usually laughed at his jokes, and there were distinctly fewer sarcastic retorts. Evie also noticed Saffy was still clutching the figurine, and that Josh kept glancing at it, seemingly pleased with himself.
Yep, Josh was definitely the gift giver. Maybe Saffy had realised this too, because when Josh offered her a lift home, she accepted. Evie allowed her imagination to drift to a scenario where the pair became friends – more, even – which was nothing less than either one deserved.
Her euphoric daydreaming was probably also the cause of her inviting the plumber to join her for dinner. But she felt it was the least she could do, since he’d rescued her dog. Scott had suggested picking up a takeaway to save her cooking, something she’d readily agreed to. Her stomach was rumbling louder than the M25 during rush hour.
So here she was, Marlon sitting on her lap and obscuring her view as Scott drove them home in his van. The vinegary smell of chips mixed with the aroma of white spirits and engine oil was an odd combination, but she quite liked it.
Scott parked the van outside her flat. ‘This is where I found Marlon.’ He opened the door. ‘Clever dog you have there. Finding his way back here by himself.’ He chucked Marlon under the chin, retrieving the chips and a carrier bag from the back of the van.
Marlon looked smug, his head held high, looking at Evie as if to say, ‘Did you hear that? What a clever dog.’
Evie tried to look reprimanding. ‘A clever dog would’ve waited for me before coming home alone. Don’t do that again.’ She wagged a finger at him. When his chin dropped she couldn’t resist hugging him. ‘In case you hadn’t noticed, I love you.’
Scott opened the passenger door. ‘Thanks, but it was no big deal, really.’
Heat hit her cheeks. ‘I was talking to Marlon.’ But she found herself smiling.
As she made her way indoors, she couldn’t help acknowledging that something had shifted between them. A barrier had lowered, albeit a small one. It didn’t mean anything romantic would happen, but her attitude towards the cheeky plumber was softening.
She switched on the lights and lowered the blind, scanning the room for any rogue items of underwear. She wouldn’t normally leave laundry lying about, but Marlon liked to run off with things and it wasn’t uncommon to find a bra randomly discarded in the middle of the floor.
‘By the way, I got you these.’ Evie turned to see Scott lifting a pair of patterned wellington boots from the carrier bag. ‘I saw them in a charity shop window. They’re new, they still have the tag on.’ He handed them to her. ‘They reminded me of you.’
Evie felt an instant rush of love … for the boots, obviously. They were sky blue with a sunflower yellow trim, covered in large white daisies. Just what she would have chosen. She turned them over. Size six. ‘How did you know my size?’
‘From that time I rescued your shoe from Marlon. Hope you like them.’ Before she could an
swer, Scott was waving a plastic bone at Marlon, making his tail wag faster and faster. ‘And this is for you.’
Marlon jumped up, taking the toy from Scott, making it squeak. The noise caused Marlon to chew harder and run around the room. He’d bought her dog a gift? She experienced another chest pang. Maybe she had angina?
Scott shrugged apologetically. ‘Sorry.’ He didn’t look it. ‘I’ll see to the chips. Where’s your kitchen?’
Evie’s brain tried to compute the evening’s twists and turns, but it was no good. There were no easy answers, and besides, her stomach needed food. She pointed to the kitchen.
Scott plated up the chips and searched for various condiments whilst she served Marlon his bacon sizzler dinner, his favourite. ‘Not that you deserve a treat for running off like that.’ His tail wagged, making Evie wonder if Marlon knew the difference between a telling off and praise. Probably not.
‘Dinner is served.’ Scott carried their suppers through to the lounge. ‘Sofa okay?’
She nodded. In the absence of a dining table there wasn’t much choice. ‘Thank you for the gifts. It was very thoughtful. You didn’t have to do that.’
‘Yes, I did. I was a bastard to you the other week. I owed you an apology.’
She hadn’t expected that. His admission of wrongdoing caught her off guard. ‘No more than I was with you. I’m sorry too.’ She shrugged. ‘Wine or beer?’
‘What are you having?’
‘I have a bottle of red opened.’
He smiled. ‘Sounds good.’
Evie managed to find two matching glasses and poured a generous serving before remembering his concussion. She stuck her head around the lounge door. ‘Should you be drinking alcohol with a head injury?’
The Forget-Me-Not Flower Shop Page 20