The Pets at Primrose Cottage by Sheila Norton

Author:Sheila Norton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ebury Publishing

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Lauren took Holly into the kitchen, closing the door to give us some privacy, and Kate and I sat down on the sofa together, our arms still entwined.

‘It’s so good to see you,’ I said. ‘I’m sorry – it was such a surprise – I didn’t even notice your car outside.’

‘Lovely to see you too.’ She smiled, but there was something in her eyes I couldn’t quite work out. ‘Are you OK, Emma?’

‘I’m fine.’ I frowned. She surely couldn’t have heard about the cat bite incident? ‘I mean, I miss you, obviously – and Mum and Dad – but it’s all worked out so well down here. Lauren and Jon are so kind—’

‘Yes, they do seem nice. I must say I’m relieved that you’re staying with a decent family.’

‘There’s a huge “but” at the end of that,’ I said. ‘What is it, Kate? You obviously haven’t just turned up here out of the blue like this because you fancied a break from the kids. Is everything all right at home? Are Mum and Dad OK?’

‘Yes. Everything’s fine at home. It’s you we’re all worried about,’ she said, her voice now rising indignantly. ‘You never phone, you don’t respond to texts or emails—’

‘But I explained, didn’t I! I don’t get a phone signal here, and the internet service is terrible. Anyway, I have texted you, loads of times. I have to walk into town to get a signal—’

‘You haven’t, Emma. You did at first, but you haven’t lately. Not since you told us about this new business of yours.’

‘Well, that’s exactly why!’ I was on the defensive now, but I felt guilty too, because she was right, of course. I probably hadn’t been in touch with the family for weeks. ‘I’ve been so busy! I’ve had one job after another, and some of them have been difficult. I didn’t want to worry you, but I ended up in hospital because of one job. And it’s not exactly nine to five—’

‘You’ve been in hospital?’ she shot back, her eyes wide. ‘What happened? Why didn’t you let us know?’

‘Because it was only overnight. It was nothing, I’m fine. Like I said, there was no need to worry you. A cat bit me and it got infected, that’s all.’

She stared back at me. ‘A cat bit you? I thought you said it happened while you were working.’

‘Yes, Kate. I was looking after a cat who’s not allowed out, but the client’s husband didn’t close the door of her run, and—’

‘You’re looking after your clients’ cats?’

‘Yes!’ I frowned. ‘And dogs. And rabbits, and all sorts. I’ve got a budgie next week, and a hamster soon … what else did you think I’d be doing, as a pet sitter? What’s funny, now?’

‘You’re a pet sitter?’ she said, laughing. ‘Oh my God, Emma, why didn’t you say?’

‘I did! You asked me what sort of business it was, and I know I took a while to get back to you, but I did eventually.’ I hesitated. ‘Didn’t I?’

She bent down and picked up her bag, pulling out a sheet of paper.

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