Dez opened his door to Fran, who stared at him. “That’s a new look for you.”
Dez smiled and took off the rubber gloves and the apron he’d been wearing over his bare torso. It was hot outside and he’d started to sweat buckets while cleaning.
“Just giving the place a once-over.” Or more like a deep clean. Chasing out each mote of dust from every corner. It was cathartic. He felt like the layer of grime over his mind was falling away, too. He reached for a T-shirt lying over the back of a chair as Fran came in.
“Don’t overdo it with your shoulder,” Fran cautioned.
“I’ve been taking frequent rests.” He leaned in for a hello kiss. And stroked Riley, who Fran had with him. “You brought a chaperone?”
“No, ah…how about a cuppa?”
“Sounds good. I’m ready for one.” He messed about making tea wh
