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spending time with the big dog. “I’m not sure if Uncle Robert will let him stay here.”
    “If he would, would you help me out?” His eyebrows lifted in question.
    “I have to be honest with you, I was surprised to see you here. I really appreciated how you helped me at Mum’s funeral but I’m not—” Mia stopped and cleared her throat. “I’m not interested in seeing you. I already explained this to you. I don’t want a boyfriend right now.”
    “That’s pretty straightforward of you.”
    “Why are you here then?”
    “My best mate, Bruno. Remember him? What do you say, will you help me out?”
    Mia had never had a conversation like this and wasn’t enjoying it. Though it took an effort, she kept her voice indifferent. “I would like to look after him.”
    “Thank you.” David smiled and Mia drew a breath. Her lips formed a slight smile in return and she sighed.
    “You could call around to my place and spend time with Bruno there or he could stay with you. Whatever works best for you.”
    Mia nodded and felt foolish. He hadn’t been asking for anything other than a favor and it was the least she could do.
    “Who usually looks after him?”
    “My brother Patrick.”
    “Are you sure you want me to look after him? Won’t your brother be upset at not having the opportunity to come and stay?”
    “No, Pat’s in India right now.”
    Mia wanted to ask what his brother did but kept silent.
    “How about this Saturday we plan on taking Bruno for a walk to see how you go with him on the lead?”
    Mia hesitated for a moment, “All right, what time?”
    “Say ten-thirty. Is that too early for you?”
    “No.”  Mia’s vision blurred and she looked down to hide her emotion. Her mother would have loved Bruno. She’d always wanted to get a big dog, but her father had not allowed it.
     

Chapter 13
    Judy realized a man was watching her from the shop window and decided to go home. She thought being by the water would help clear her mind, but she hadn’t been able to stop her racing thoughts.
    She knew Jonathan loved her. Yes, he’d tried to break up with her when Margaret had the baby, but Jonathan hadn’t been able to stay away. For a while she’d hounded him to leave Margaret and marry her, but he said if she didn’t like the arrangement they had then they were over.
    She’d come to enjoy the secrecy of their relationship. It had become a game of romance and she imagined she was in a movie. Yes, a movie star, she felt powerful and believed she controlled their entire destiny.
    When Jonathan and Margaret went out together she would put pressure on Jonathan to come to her during the night.
    Once she’d deliberately bumped into Margaret at the library and Margaret had smiled at her and apologized as if it was her fault. Everything was Margaret’s fault and she was glad Margaret was dead.
    Hadn’t she waited all these years, been there for him and not complained? It was her turn to have him. She was desperate for his touch and she longed to hear him tell her how much he’d missed her. She’d phone and tell him to come to her.
    When Jonathan answered the phone Judy felt heat shimmer up her spine. “Hello, Jonathan.”
    She could hear his breathing and wondered why he didn’t say anything. “Have you missed me, darling? I’m sorry we’ve not been able to see each other since the funeral. I want you to come to me tonight. You will come, won’t you? I need you.” Judy smiled as she pictured him longing for her.
    “I don’t know—” His tone was almost a whisper.
    “Would you rather I came to you? I can now you’re all alone in that big house. Shall I come now? I could be there in twenty minutes.”
    “No. Absolutely not! I will meet you. Where are you?”
    “I’m at my house. I’ll expect you in half an hour. Don’t be late.” Having said this she hung up and began pacing back and forth.
    Why didn’t he want her at his house? Surely it wouldn’t matter now if people saw them