The Dog Sitter: The new feel-good romantic comedy of 2021 from the bestselling author of The Wedding Date!

by Zara Stoneley

  I’ve not actually seen her in real life before, but this is everything and more than I expected. She looks confident, polished, sophisticated. I stare, open-mouthed.

  Bella barks, so she takes the sunglasses off. ‘God, shut up, you daft animal! What is it about you and sunglasses? It’s me!’ She sighs melodramatically.

  Bella, confident now that it actually is her mistress, and she’s not been taken over by goggle-eyed aliens, bounds over and sits at her feet. For a moment Georgina ignores her, then relents and bends down to pat the dog on her head.

  It is at this moment that I know. Some things, some people are wrong. Georgina doesn’t truly love this little dog; Bella really would be so much better off with Ash – who would move (or at least climb) mountains for her if necessary.

  I have, kind of, come to like Georgina. I’ve felt some kind of kinship, in my head. I’d thought maybe I could help her move on – because I understand. Reality has hit though. The Georgina in front of me is not the one in my head, or the one on the Zoom call. She looks unstoppable. And a bit mean. How can she ignore Bella?

  ‘What do you need to show me?’ She gazes around. ‘It looks tidy enough in here. Have you kept on top of the garden?’ I nod. ‘Oh, you’re a fan!’ Georgina spies her account on my phone, puppy photo on display, and is at my side in an instant, the garden forgotten. ‘You’ve seen him! Isn’t my little baby just adorable? I saw him on Facebook and just could not walk away, know what I mean? Look at that heart on his little chest! He will absolutely kill Valentine’s Day.’

  She pulls her own phone out and starts to flick through photos to show me. She has hundreds. ‘They’re delivering him in a couple of days, that’s why I came home early! Oh my God, I can’t tell you how much all the marketing people love him. Bella’s lost that puppy appeal, I mean she’s still quite pretty, but I could just see numbers were going down.’

  She pauses to take a breath and glances at Bella, who is sitting, her head tilted to one side as though she’s taking every word in, then starts again. My heart is going to break. I want to pick Bella up and hug her, tell her we still all love her. She’s the best.

  ‘It’s sad, but hey ho, that’s life I suppose. While I was away, I had loads more time so I really studied the stats, and talked to the people that know, and, you know, the influencers, and I just knew it was time to change direction. I was going to get one of those teacup puppies, yah? The teeny ones?’

  I nod, wondering where Bella fits into all this, wondering how the hell you take a ‘teacup puppy’ for a walk round here. You’d lose it down rabbit holes, it would drown in the shallowest of becks. You’d have to keep it on one of those extendable leads so you could yank it up like a yo-yo at regular intervals.

  I suppose it would fit in a rucksack though. Or a pocket. ‘Ooh, look what I’ve got,’ you could say, fishing one out of each pocket of your shorts, as if by magic! I’m starting to see the appeal.

  Bella whines and paws my knee, so I fondle her ears, imitating the way Ash does it, and try and tell her telepathically that she’s not been replaced in anybody’s affections. Well, not mine, or Ash’s. I’m withholding judgement on Georgina.

  ‘But when I thought about it, they’re a bit limiting, aren’t they?’

  ‘They are?’

  ‘Well, there are so many products they can’t be ambassadors for.’

  I hadn’t realised it was all about being an ambassador. I thought it was about cuddles and fun and being woken up by having your toes licked.

  ‘Like Bella, now she’s older. There’s a mega market we’re missing out on. Even the party was a bit of a let-down, I had much better feedback for her first birthday, and apparently pugs are more photogenic.’

  ‘They aren’t!’ I cover her ears.

  ‘Oh, don’t be sentimental, of course they are. Or dogs with three legs or some other issue, you know a cute disability.’

  Did she just say cute disability? I want to slap her, I really, really want to slap her, or shout at her. I have never slapped anybody in my life, and probably never will, but right now I cannot believe the self-serving drivel that is coming out of her mouth.

  It is hard, no impossible, to get my head round what Ash told me. That she was nice once, was kind.

  I should pack right now. I should get out.

  But I can’t. I can’t leave Bella with her.

  And being practical, I don’t know where I’d go.

  Georgina has come back early. Why is she early? Why couldn’t she wait a few more days for her puppy delivery? I’m supposed to be staying here a few more days. It’s not fair!

  ‘And the market is totally flooded, flooded with cockapoos. They’re everywhere! And black isn’t that great for photos if I’m totes honest. That was a mistake.’ She rolls her eyes, and I know exactly who she is blaming for that. ‘Multi-coloured ones are much better. So then it was like fate, I found this puppy, or it found me! That photographer told me this is just what I need! How frigging cute is he? Totally adorbs! I mean those ears, oh God, to die for! I’ve already got all kinds of doggy bling lined up. French bulldogs are the thing in the States you know? And look.’ She jabs at the picture. ‘All smooth and silky and gorgeous, tiny little feet, less mess!’

  ‘He’s adorable.’ He is. I look. I smile. I stroke Bella apologetically, feeling like I am betraying her.

  ‘Ash is so bloody in love with him!’

  ‘Ash is?’ I am gobsmacked. How has Ash seen him?

  ‘Oh God, yah. He’s like totes dog mad, one was never enough.’ She laughs; is it me, or does it sound totally false?

  I think I’m turning into Queen Bitch. Which isn’t really me at all. But I think I hate her. Bella clambers up onto my knee, licks my chin then leans her warm body against my chest. Some part inside me calms down as I hug her close. I realise I don’t hate Georgina. I don’t need to hate anybody.

  ‘Oh God, he won’t have told you? I only just like sorted this, like yesterday.’ Yesterday? When he was busy doing paperwork? ‘I mean, I do know he’s been here, oh shit, don’t feel guilty.’ I wasn’t feeling guilty, I’m past that. I was wondering if this is a new stage of grief for Georgina. I vaguely remember there being anger (we had that at the start when I arrived very late), and denial (is this super-denial?), and depression (she was so upset), then I’m pretty sure bargaining is in there. Is this another level up of that? I’m not sure, all I do know is that acceptance doesn’t seem to be on the agenda yet. ‘I get that, you know he could never keep away from me and Bells, and it made me like sad.’ Denial. We’re definitely still stuck in denial. She pulls a sad face, the corners of her mouth downturned. ‘I had time to think, like with him not in my face, and I get it!’ She finishes on a triumphant high. ‘He’s been feeling neglected cos of all the time I spend on Insta with my fans, and it must be difficult cos he had all those men looking up at him for so long and now, like nothing.’

  I nod, dumbfounded, not quite sure what to say.

  I want to say that maybe it’s a bit of guilt on his part too, that he felt bad he couldn’t give her what she needed. But I don’t think she’d get it. And let’s be brutally honest here – a little bit of me is being selfish. I don’t want to be matchmaker, peacemaker. I fancy the pants off him. But he’s not mine to keep, is he? This is just a fun interlude for both of us. Neither of us are ready to move on. Are we?

  ‘So I thought, you know what, maybe he’s a little bit right, so I got him Romeo!’ Georgina is chatting on regardless.

  ‘You got the dog for him? Not for your Insta?’

  ‘Haha, you’re so funny! Yah well, for my Insta as well, but he does both. He’s brought us together already, look! I was just about to load this, when you shouted!’

  It is a close-up of Ash. You wouldn’t know who it was, if you didn’t know him. But I do – know him, know who it is.

  I’ve lost myself in those gorgeous blue eyes, gazed at that very slightly crooked nose, studied every single line on his face until I know
them better than any map.

  Okay, this is weird.

  Half the photo is of baby Romeo, cradled in his big safe hands at chin height, masking his lips, his smile, his heart-clenching dimples. The cleft in his chin.

  But I can see the hint of laughter lines fanning from the corners of his mouth, sense the happiness in his gaze.

  My throat constricts… Shit. I feel like crying. I can’t say a word, if I open my mouth I might sob or puke up. All over her. Maybe not a bad idea.

  ‘I’ve not even got Romeo yet and we’re already so much closer. Ash can train him and stuff, he loves doing things like that, it makes him feel useful. Oh God, enough talk, I need a drink. Oh shit.’ She grabs my upper arms in a talon-like grip. ‘What the fuck was I thinking? I’ve been going on about my fab life, and you’ve been standing there thinking I’m about to throw you out! Oh shit, no, stop looking so worried, girl. Look, it’s up to you if you like: go tomorrow or stay.’ That is not the bit that’s upset me, but I can’t ’fess up, can I? ‘You’ve saved my life, being here, giving me headspace. I totes get it if it’s a bit awks with Ash, you know, with him and me and you being the gooseberry! Haha!’ I think I am being warned off. ‘But let’s sort that tomorrow eh? I so need a drink, and somebody to, you know, like chat to, proper girlie talk?’ She rolls her eyes. ‘It’s been all like marketing speak, and work, and like I need to be just chilled and stuff! You will stay at least tonight? I’ve brought more wine!’

  A girlie night in was not what I was imagining tonight.

  A girlie night in with Georgina was not something I was imagining would happen ever, or should I say evah.

  ‘Oh, er, sure, that would be…’ What? Not lovely, or fab. ‘Nice! I’d planned on doing a bit of work, then taking Bella for a walk. If that’s okay? Unless you’d rather?’

  ‘Oh God, no. I’ll have a shower, I must absolutely stink after that drive, and I’ve got to check messages and stuff. Feel free, have some Bella time before you have to go! Catch up with you later, just carry on as normal. Pretend I’m not here!’

  That is easier said than done.

  She goes upstairs, dragging her case behind her. A clunk, clunk, clunk up the stairs that makes Bella flinch and me cringe. She switches the shower on and starts to sing. Loudly.

  Bugger. Bugger. Bugger.

  Bella goes under the table; I half expect her to put her paws over her ears.

  No way can I stay and compete with that. It will be like trying to work in the middle of a rock concert, where you hate the band.

  Right.

  Put a positive spin on this.

  This could be my last chance to capture the beauty of this place. I throw things into my rucksack in a kind of silent tantrum, which makes me even more annoyed. As does the fact that Ash seems to have gone AWOL. I check my phone again. He’s now late for lunch and he’s not replied to my earlier messages, and I’ve got no missed calls. Although I suppose if he’d called or dropped in at the time Georgina arrived, it would have been more than embarrassing. Things are bad enough as they are. Maybe my best bet is to slip quietly away first thing in the morning, and it will be just like it was a dream – nobody, including me, will remember I have ever been here.

  I slip Bella’s harness on and she licks my hand, as though she understands. It’s more nightmare than dream. It hurts. I mean, really? Really? He’s been puppy cuddling and I didn’t know?

  ‘Oh Bella, I never am going to get to see those red deer with you.’

  She wags her tail and barks, tugging me along as we head down the garden. As my feet hit the crunch of the path, it’s like something flicks a switch in my chest, my heart.

  I come to a standstill and stare at the place where the boathouse once stood. I’m not going to run away. I’m worth more than that.

  I am going to enjoy these last few days. I am going to sketch out the paintings I’ve got in mind for David and his art shop, and take a ton of photos, mix some sample colours, fix this place in my head.

  I can no more run away in the night, than I can give up on my new career path.

  Or give up Ash, unless I know that he means it, and this is not all a figment of Georgina’s imagination.

  Obviously, if Georgina and Ash start going at it hammer and tongs in the bedroom, then I might revise this decision. But it will still be my decision.

  Bella paws my leg, so I sink down onto the lush grass where she squeezes between my legs and rests her chin on my chest.

  ‘Is it a bit weird, or is it me?’ Her tail thumps on the grass. ‘She said she just got the puppy, didn’t she? She’s been away. So how come there’s a picture of it with Ash?’ She licks my chin. ‘And I chatted to him yesterday. He was his normal self. We arranged to see each other today, didn’t we?’ I swear Bella is smiling at me, then she rolls onto her back for me to tickle her tummy. I stroke her idly. Then it hits me, and I stare out at the lake without really seeing it. My fingers still.

  I don’t want to run away, and I don’t want to believe Georgina, because I like Ash. I more than like him.

  I don’t want to leave here and go back to my old life – partly because of work, but mainly because of Ash.

  I can’t imagine spending days on end and not seeing him. Never seeing him again. How the hell did that happen?

  I felt sorry for Georgina when she was at a distance, but now she’s here and still determined not to let go of her perfect life, I feel something different altogether. I think it’s jealousy.

  That is scary. I’m not a jealous person.

  My phone pings and I scramble to pull it out of my pocket. It’s a text.

  Sorry can’t make lunch, emergency, somebody stuck on fells. See you later? Supper? Reception crap around here, will text you when I’m heading back Ash xxx

  I rest my fingertip on the kisses, a stupid grin settling on my face. He hasn’t forgotten, he hasn’t stood me up.

  ‘Oh God, Bella, what am I going to do? I think this is way more than sex.’

  Bella flips over and leaps on me, her paws hitting me smack in the middle of my chest and sending me sprawling back onto the lawn.

  She leans forward, hot, doggy breath fanning my face, her tail wagging ten to the dozen. ‘Don’t you dare say I told you so!’

  I am sure she’s done it on purpose. Georgina has laid out her bottle of wine, two glasses and some snacks on the table on the terrace – in exactly the same spot I sat with Ash after the party. God forbid she wants to end up gazing up at the stars with me later!

  I mean, yeah, this is probably where she has sat with him before – but if she suspects we did anything at all (and I’m sure she does, from all the pointed comments) then she’ll have a good idea we’ve sat here together.

  She’s been fishing; it’s all been a bit strained and my gut is telling me that I’m not here for ‘girl-time’. No, I’m here because she wants to know if anything has gone on between us before she sends me on my way.

  She’s ladling on the ‘Romeo and Ash’ bit to see if I react.

  It’s amazing how quickly the first bottle of wine goes down. It all starts off a bit awkward and stilted, especially when I say, ‘So you liked New York then?’

  ‘New York?’

  ‘And London?’

  She frowns.

  ‘Where you’ve just been? All the hashtags, the breakfast, you know, New York Diner?’

  It’s like we’re at complete cross purposes, and I’ve imagined everything, house-sitting, her trip, Ash…

  ‘Oh fuck!’ She laughs so hard she puts her hand over her mouth to stop herself tipping forward off her chair. ‘Christ, you’re funny! I’ve not been to New York. I went to a mate’s in Cornwall!’

  ‘Cornwall? But the airport, the hashtags…’

  ‘Shit, you should see your face! I need a photo!’

  ‘But on your Insta, your Facebook page?’

  ‘But that’s Insta! It’s not real. You don’t honestly believe what you read on there?’ Well, at least I suppose she
recognises it’s not real. ‘I just needed to get some space, give Ash some space so he could see what a dick he’s being! Why would I go to New York?’

  There are many answers to that question, but at the moment they escape me. So, I glug down wine, feel slightly stupid and naïve, and wish I was somewhere else. Anywhere else.

  I don’t think I like her.

  I do not belong in Georgie’s world. It is an alternative reality and I don’t think even she knows which bits are the truth and which she’s made up.

  Three glasses in and Georgina is on top form, all giggly and girly and full of funny stories about strange DMs she’s had on Instagram – men who wanted to stroke her puppies were a dominant feature. Apparently, hashtags have to be chosen with care.

  ‘Ash hated it; he is just so jealous, you know. He said it was so false, I mean, can you believe him? He didn’t used to be like that. He says I’ve changed, but it was him.’

  ‘I know. He said.’

  ‘Oh.’ That slows her for a moment, then she crashes on with what is beginning to sound like a prepared speech. ‘I bet you haven’t seen him in a temper, have you? Here, have some more wine.’ She moves in closer to pour, then stays where she is, her voice lowering to a more confidential level.

  I want to stop her, right now, I want to move away, but I can’t. And where would I go anyway?

  ‘He was just away, like so much of the time, and I was supposed to look after everything and be happy on my own. You know what that’s like?’ I nod, but she’s not taking any notice. At the moment, this is about her, not me. ‘I put so much fucking effort into this place then he’d just come home after three months and would he say thank you? Would he fuck! He’d fucking moan about me moving a clock or posting a photo of his precious place.’

  She’s already downed her wine and poured another, topping my glass up even though I’ve not had time to drink barely a mouthful. I take a gulp. I need to keep up, block her out a bit. ‘He was worse after he left the Marines and was here all the bloody time, getting in moods and going for long fucking walks all the time to clear his head.’ She laughs mockingly. ‘Then he’d expect attention. He was jealous of me doing my own stuff, I was just supposed to drop everything, and he was so bloody selfish, taking Bella off for walks when he knew I needed her for some photos. He went fucking ballistic if I changed anything, but this place needs modernising, it’s like living in a bloody museum.’ She finally runs out of steam and pauses.