‘Well, hopefully that will be sooner rather than later. I miss you.’
‘I miss you too.’
‘So, how was the gala event thingy?’
Juliette smiled. ‘TheHighlandgamesevent was incredible. Such fun. Exhausting too, but worth it. I saw caber tossing, hammer throwing, Scottish dancing, a pipe band.’
‘Lots of men in kilts?’ Millie asked with a twinkle in her eye.
Juliette laughed. ‘Lots!’
‘Lucky beggar.’
* * *
‘Right, that’s it, I’m coming up. You’ve made it sound so bloody amazing. I should have come up earlier, but things have been a bit manic at the garage. Anyway, I’ve got to come and see why this place has its hooks in you, Jettie,’ Dexter insisted when they video-called later as Juliette was trying to pluck up the courage to go and see Reid.
‘Come for a visit. It’ll be lovely to see you. But Iwillbe working, so don’t expect me to be taking off on day trips on the back of your bike, okay?’
‘Spoilsport,’ Dexter replied, his bottom lip sticking out as it had when he sulked as a child. But, then again, she wasn’t sure he’d ever really grown up in the true sense. That’s what made him such a fun big brother. ‘Although I’m sure I can entertain myself. From what I’ve seen on the internet, Skye is my kind of place.’ He grinned.
Juliette laughed at his enthusiasm. ‘Well, I’ll look forward to introducing you to everyone.’
‘Great! That gives me something to look forward to thatdoesn’tinvolve my ex badgering me every five minutes.’
She was relieved that he seemed so cheerful and that he didn’t flinch when he mentioned Brid. ‘Hmm. The break will probably do you both good.’
‘It’ll definitely domegood, that’s for sure. I’ll head up the long way and call and see Mum and Dad too. I hear you’ve been in regular contact. I think they appreciate that.’
‘I’m trying to ring every other day at least. Mum was asking if I got photos of the men in kilts.’ She laughed.
‘Really? She’s a dark horse.’ He paused. ‘I think they’re missing you more than they’re willing to admit, you know?’
Juliette sighed as guilt niggled at her again. ‘I know. But you know what they’re like. They won’t say anything if they think it’ll spoil things for us.’ Juliette smiled as she remembered her latest conversation with her dad. He wasn’t the most talkative person to chat to on the phone. But they had covered the weather, the sceneryandthe whisky.
‘Bless ’em. Well, I’ll give them a hug from you. I’m guessing Mills has filled you in about Harry?’
Juliette grinned. ‘She’s got it bad, she has.’
He rolled his eyes. ‘You’re telling me. He’s a top bloke though. I’m chuffed to bits for her.’
‘Yes, she said you got on well with him.’
Dexter nodded. ‘We’ve had a few laughs and we’re going out at the weekend.’ He checked his watch. ‘Right, best be off. Out for beers with the guys tonight. Need to wash my hair.’ He laughed and she joined in.
‘Love you a squillion, Dex.’
‘Love you a squillion. Bye.’
* * *
It was early evening and Juliette had achieved virtually nothing. Several phone calls but little in the way of food, exercise or leisure. She glanced out of the window at the fluffy white clouds as they silently sailed overhead.
‘A walk. That’s what I need.’ She grabbed her keys, slipped on her shoes and left the house.
Before she could think about where she was heading, she found herself at the front door of Reid’s cottage. There was no sign of Evin or Chewie and Kendric’s car was absent. Hesitantly, she lifted her hand and knocked on the door.
A few moments later, the door creaked open. ‘Oh, it’s you.’ Even though Reid’s words seemed unwelcoming, his expression told her he was more surprised to see her than disappointed. ‘Do you want to come in?’
