Leanna continued, ‘I mean, who does she think she is? Just because she can swim. It’s ridiculous how people keep going on about it too. But she keeps on lapping up the attention. I feel sorry for her.’
‘Totally ridiculous how she’s lapping it up. Totally,’ Celia repeated.
‘Anyway, I’m off back to the tea stall. But, whatever you do, if you hear anything about Reid, let me know, okay, Celia? He wouldn’t see me when I went up last night. And that’s not like him.’
‘Totally not like him, no.’
Juliette wasn’t sure whether to scream at what she’d overheard or to laugh at the pathetic schoolgirl-type bitching she’d been privy to. She waited for the adjacent cubicle to become silent, then left her own.
20
‘I hear you met the delightfully scrummy Kendric,’ Caitlin announced as Juliette arrived back at the stall.
Juliette rolled her eyes. ‘Good grief, Caitlin, have you got eyes everywhere, or do you employ spies?’
Her friend tapped her nose. ‘That, my dear, would be telling. So, come on then, what did you think?’
‘He seems really sweet.’
‘And…?’
Juliette shrugged, fully aware of what Caitlin was getting at. ‘And genuine. Not what I expected for a TV star.’
Tugging on her arm, Caitlin continued, ‘Annnnnd…?’
She wagged her finger. ‘Tall. He must be six two, maybe taller.’
‘Ugh! You’re bloody insufferable, Fairhurst. You know exactly what I mean.’
Juliette smirked. ‘Yes, I do. And yes, he is very good-looking. Let’s leave it at that, eh?’
Caitlin nudged her shoulder. ‘Did he ask you out?’
Juliette gasped. ‘What? No! Of course he didn’t ask me out! I spoke to him for all of two minutes.’
‘But you wish he had, don’t you?’
Juliette felt her cheeks warming for the millionth time – she would really have to get a handle on that. ‘No! I’m not interested in anything like that. You know I’m not.’
‘Excuse me?’ To Juliette’s relief their banter was interrupted. ‘Do you have any more shortbread? The plate is empty.’
* * *
‘Ladies and gents, I’m delighted to welcome to the stage the first of our youngsters for the talent contest. Euan Dalgetty, who’ll be playing “Flower of Scotland” on the bagpipes. He’s been having lessons for around six months now, so give him a huge warm Glentorrin welcome!’
The marquee erupted in applause as a nervous, kilted young man – whom Juliette recognised from around the village – took to the centre of the stage. He began to squeeze the bag under his arm whilst blowing on the pipe jutting out of the top. When he got in to the full swing of the tune, Juliette couldn’t help thinking that a choir of tone-deaf cats might have sounded more appealing, but the lad had guts to stand up there before a room full of people, strangers and jeering peers alike, and play his heart out.
Once he was finished, clapping ensued and the red-faced boy took a stiff bow before tripping over his own feet as he exited stage left. Next was a teenage girl with braces who performed a Highland sword dance. She was incredibly light on her feet and the audience clapped along to the music that came from a CD player on a small table beside her. Her costume was a pretty tartan kilt in lilac and green, complete with matching sash and a white blouse with billowy sleeves. Her curled hair bounced as she jigged, and the whole scene put a huge grin on Juliette’s face from where she stood behind the stall in the corner. This was the epitome of all things Scottish.
Following singers, magicians and comedians, eventually it was Evin’s turn, and Juliette held her breath as he took to the stage with Chewie. She was almost dreading this moment. If it all went horribly wrong, she would cry for him and Reid would be proved right, meaning she’d be totally responsible for encouraging him. She just had to believe that everything Evin had gone through lately would be forgotten momentarily, as he showed the crowd that hedidhave talent. That hewasspecial, contrary to his perception of their feelings.
Caitlin nudged her. ‘Go on, get over there. I can see you’re dying to. I can keep an eye on things here.’
Juliette gave her a quick hug and made her way through the throng to stand just out of sight so as not to distract the performers. She watched in awe as Evin gave short commands to Chewie and the huge ball of fur followed every single one. From giving his paw and rolling over, to dancing like a show pony, the pair of them did an amusing, if a little clumsy and comical, variation of the conga, and all in time with the track ‘Heroes’ by David Bowie. A wonderful choice, she felt. Evin beamed and Chewie’s tongue lolled out as his tail wagged frantically – evidently, he was thoroughly enjoying the game.
Pride surged up inside Juliette as the canine and his human even bowed in synchronicity at the end of their performance. She’d never seen anything like it. She didn’t care who heard or saw, and as applause erupted around the marquee, Juliette whooped and cheered louder than everyone.
Evin spotted her and gave her a double thumbs up as his grin widened.
