‘Oh aye. We’re all as mad as a bucket of squirrels, we are. Have you not noticed already?’ Her theatrical wink showed she was kidding. Although, from what Juliette had experienced of Leanna and Reid, she wondered if there was some truth to it all. Caitlin giggled. ‘Honestly, you must think I’m such a busybody. I don’t usually go around spreading gossip. Ugh, who am I kidding? Of course you’ll think that.’ She shook her head. ‘You won’t have met Kendric yet. Reid’s brother. Although I’m sure you’ve heard about him. He’s a celebrity.’
‘Oh yes, Morag did mention him. And, come to think of it, so did Reid.’
‘Yeah, he travels a lot. He’s a TV presenter on the mainland.’ She held up her hands, palms facing Juliette. ‘And oh. My. Word he isgorgeous. He’s like the sexier, more amenable version of Reid.’
‘Intriguing,’ Juliette said, although she had never been one to swoon over stars or be wowed by fame and fortune.
Caitlin leaned forward conspiratorially. ‘There’s arumourthat he’s coming home for the games. Might even be bringing a film crew to do a piece on his home village. So you might get to meet him. I’ll be sure to introduce you. Oh, and to top it off, he’sreallysweet too.’ She stood and placed her mug in the sink. ‘Well, I should be going. Grace will be home soon from yet another sleepover. I’m telling you; her social life is way better than mine.’
‘So, I might get to meet her too, at some point.’
‘Absolutely. She’s incredible. I know I’m biased, but… well, she is. She’s my world.’
‘You’re very lucky. Both of you.’
‘Hmm, not everyone is as accepting of my life choices where she’s concerned.’ Juliette’s confusion must have been evident as Caitlin explained, ‘You see, I chose to have Gracewithouta man. I used a donor. It’s not a common thing around here, and there are those who think I’ve played God by doing so. But I’ve stopped caring what people think.’
Juliette held up her hands. ‘I don’t blame you. And you’ll get no judgment from me.’
Caitlin smiled widely. ‘I had a feeling from early on that you’d have that attitude.’ She hugged Juliette quickly and then winced. ‘Sorry, I’m a hugger. I should’ve warned you. Well, I suppose I kind ofdidwith the whole “bucket of squirrels” thing, but… Ugh, I should go before I say anything else that makes you pack up and head back home, eh?’
Juliette’s smile was firmly fixed in place now. ‘That’s okay. I’m a hugger too.’
When they reached the door, Caitlin paused and turned to face her. ‘I was wondering… feel free to say no, but… well, I have a stall at the games, and I wondered if you might fancy helping me on it?’
Juliette’s stomach fluttered. She was honoured to be asked, again loving the feeling of belonging it extended her. ‘That would be wonderful. I’d love to.’
Caitlin grinned. ‘Brilliant! We can spend the day blethering and eating my profits.’
‘Can’t wait!’
Caitlin fumbled around in her handbag and produced a little pink card. ‘Almost forgot to give you my number. Or you could just pop across to the bakery. I live behind and above it. The little white door to the side is the entrance to my wee place, if you fancy some company or a glass of wine and a chat. Believe it or not, Iama good listener, as well as a good bletherer.’ She stepped forward to leave but paused again and shook her head. ‘You know, Morag was right. You’d fit in so well around here. It’s a shame you’re not staying longer.’
And with those final words, Caitlin left Juliette on the doorstep feeling a bizarre combination of happy and sad all rolled together, forming a knot in her stomach.
16
On a Sunday at the end of her first hectic month on Skye, Juliette woke to bright sunshine creeping in through the sides of the window where the blinds didn’t quite meet the wall, and the happy knowledge that she had a free day ahead. Her head was fuzzy thanks to fitful sleep, so she decided fresh air might be the best medicine.
After showering and dressing in a cheery, floaty yellow summer frock, she pinned up her wavy blonde locks and slipped on a pair of green ballet pumps, then took to the streets of Glentorrin, inhaling lungfuls of the sea breeze that danced along the little village. She was going to sit and watch the world go by for a while before considering what to do with the rest of her day. As she reached the other end of the inlet, she spotted a figure sitting on a bench with the unmistakeable furball, Chewie, beside him.
‘Oh, hi, Reid,’ she said as she approached, realising too late that she had forgotten she was supposed to be avoiding him after his former rudeness. ‘You look a little lost. No Evin today?’
Reid shook his head and blankly stared out at the water. ‘At his mother’s for a few days.’
Juliette hesitated but lowered herself gingerly to the bench beside him and scratched Chewie’s head. The canine seemed to love the attention. Reid, on the other hand, looked quite despondent.
She pondered Evin’s worries about his dad’s loneliness. ‘Ah. I bet you miss him when he’s away.’
He nodded. ‘Aye, I do. Although I get the feeling the lad misses Chewie more than he misses me.’ There was a slight wobble to his voice and, even though he smiled, it was half-hearted, and it appeared he almost believed what he was saying.
She smiled in encouragement. ‘Oh, I know that’s not true. He cares a lot for you.’
Reid turned his head and looked right at her; his gaze filled with hope. ‘Has he said so?’
‘He always speaks fondly of you when he comes into the museum.’
‘Thanks. That’s good to know.’
