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The man smiled and bent to scratch Liquorice's ears. “Do you know, I have a dog exactly like this at home. My girlfriend, Annabel, is taking him for a walk at this very moment.” |
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So I had finally got to meet Nicholas Henderson - who worked so hard he did not notice his girlfriend stayed out all night and his dog had left home. My heart sank. A man this good-looking, who loved dogs and music, was bound to be attached. But why did it have to be to the dreadful Annabel? I hung my head and muttered about getting back home to water the garden. |
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Liquorice, needless to say, walked obediently to heel all the way. |
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* * * |
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As the summer wore on, Annabel dumped her dog on me so often I thought seriously about opening a canine crèche. It would surely be more profitable than writing wretched film reviews. |
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Of course, it had to end. I was lying in the garden, sweating over my latest review, when Annabel made one of her rare appearances. Liquorice was snuggled up beside me, panting heavily, but too affectionate to flop in the shade of the old apple tree. |
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Annabel patted him gingerly and said brightly, “You’ll never guess what?” |
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“What?” |
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She thrust her slim brown hand beneath my nose. Even my short-sighted eyes could not fail to spot the huge flashing diamond on her third finger. |
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“Nick coughed up at last,” she crowed. “Isn't it terrific?” |
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“An engagement ring?” |
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“Nick asked me to marry him last night.” She rippled her fingers, like a classic pianist, letting the sun catch the many facets of the diamond, shooting out rainbows of colour. “This ring is worth a fortune.” |
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“Congratulations,” I said lightly, forcing a smile. “Have you decided on a date?” |
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“September. I’ve persuaded Nick to move back to London. We're going to look at flats this weekend.” |
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I glanced at Liquorice, who was twitching his nose in his sleep. “You can’t keep a dog in a flat.” |
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“I know,” Annabel waved her hand dismissively. “We're giving it to Nick's mother. She lives on a farm in Sussex.” Sensing my disapproval, she added, “There’ll be lots of other doggies for it to play with.” |
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I found my fingers were clenching at the tartan rug, wishing it was her neck. “I’ll buy Liquorice,” I said, my voice trembling. “How much did you want for him?” |
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“Don’t be silly,” she laughed her silly tinkling laugh. “I can’t sell the dog. It was a present from Nick.” |
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Short Story |