‘I’m fine, thanks.’ She nodded at his clothing with a grin. ‘I see you’ve been painting.’
He cringed. ‘Yes, I think I’m wearing more than I put on the canvas. Just popped down for some milk.’ As the breeze ruffled his tatty old shirt, she caught the masculine fragranced body spray he wore. She was momentarily caught off guard; it was nothing like Laurie would’ve worn, but she had to admit he smelled divine.
She glanced down at his long, paint-mottled fingers. ‘That’s good. What are you working on?’
He shrugged. ‘Oh, nothing much. Just messing really. Where are you off to?’
She nodded towards the house. ‘Just back home to devour some sweet treats and a good book before dinner with Caitlin. Anyway, how are you?’
His eyes seemed to twinkle in the early-evening sunlight. ‘I’m…’ He stopped to consider his words and his smile faded. ‘I’m not really surehowI am, to be honest. Today has been strange. I’ve had a call from Social Care.’ He lowered his gaze and dragged his hand through his hair. ‘Kate’s been on to them telling them she wants to sue for full custody, and they want to come and speak to me and Evin tomorrow. I just… I can’t imagine him being dragged away from his home, and his school. Being thrust into a new life, all thanks to her selfishness.’ He rubbed the back of his neck and scowled. ‘I need to chat to Evin, so he understands what’s going on, but that worries me. I don’t know how he’ll react. And if they interview Evin… well, he’ll tell the truth about me, just as he’s been brought up to do, but what if that raises more questions than it answers? I just don’t know. I hate to think of him being put in a position where he feels like he has to choose. I know they won’t ask him to do that, but that’s how he’ll feel. I just know it.’
Juliette wanted to be able to say something reassuring but knew nothing of these types of situations. ‘They’ll see that Evin is well cared for. And they’ll know you’re getting help. The last thing they will want to do is move Evin out of a stable environment. It’s always a last resort. And it has to be about what’s best for him.Youdidn’t leave him behind. Kate did. Try not to worry. And if I can help… well, you know where I am.’
He lifted his chin and, as their eyes connected, his shoulders seemed to relax. ‘Thank you.’ He didn’t need to say anything else. His earnest expression told her of the gratitude he felt, although she wasn’t sure what help she’d really been.
‘Hey, I have tray bake and melting moments,’ she said, to lighten the mood. ‘Care to join me for a cuppa?’
‘Melting moments? How can I refuse?’
They walked back to Lifeboat Cottage and, once inside, Juliette made a pot of tea and they sat at the kitchen table.
‘Has Kendric gone home?’ she asked tentatively, the horrible thoughts of a brother’s betrayal rearing their ugly heads again.
‘No, no, he’s taken Evin shopping. He needs new school shoes as he’s already ruined the ones I got him in the holidays. And apparently Ric knows thetrendiestplaces to shop.’ He laughed. ‘I get the feeling my lad sees me as a boring old fart.’
‘I’m sure he just enjoys spending time with his uncle.’
‘Aye, and he knows he’ll get spoiled rotten too.’
‘Are things okay with you and your brother?’ There was no hint that a conversation had taken place, so she didn’t want to push too hard on the matter.
‘Aye, things are great. Although he was all cagey after he returned from lunch at yours. I think he’s really taken with you. Which is a wee shame…’ He placed his cup down and froze, visually tensing. After a brief pause, he continued, ‘I mean, you know, with you not being here for very long. Distance and all that.’ He flashed a rapid smile before reaching for a cake.
Juliette took a piece of gooey, caramel tray bake and, without looking up, said, ‘As I said before, he and I are just friends… acquaintances even.’
‘Aye, I know you did. Sorry. I don’t mean to pry or push. I know you’re not looking for a relationship. Especially with you heading home in a few weeks. But… do me a favour… let him down gently, eh? If he chooses to make his feelings known.’
Unable to speak her mind or tell Reid what she was thinking, she simply nodded and swallowed down the cake that suddenly felt dry in her throat. ‘Ifhe chooses to say something along those lines. But I honestly don’t think it’s an issue. Anyway, enough about all that…’
Thankfully, he took the hint. ‘So, tell me about Mistford. I’ve always fancied visiting the Cotswolds. Is it as beautiful as it looks on TV?’
For the next half an hour or so, they chatted about the village Juliette called home and the place in the North East of England where she grew up. Then, Reid regaled her with tales of his own upbringing, meaning she got the other side of the stories Kendric had told her. The time flew by and they laughed together, which felt good. Seeing Reid smiling more and more lifted her spirits too.
‘Well, I really should be going,’ Reid said as he placed his cup on the table.
‘Okay. Caitlin is coming round for pizza and wine, except I haven’t actually bought the pizza yet.’ Juliette cringed and added, ‘Whoops!’
Reid’s crinkled eyes and wide smile were wonderful to see and when he laughed, deep and vibrating, she found herself a little captivated.
‘Aye, well, you’d better get to Morag’s pretty quick, eh? I know what Caitlin’s like when she’s hungry. The Hulk’s got nothing on her.’ He growled and flexed his muscles, making her laugh.
They stood and made their way to the front door, where a strange silence fell upon them. ‘It’s been good to see you looking so well. And happy,’ Juliette eventually told him.
Reid nodded slowly, keeping his gaze fixed on her. ‘And I’ve you to thank for that.’
She tucked her hair behind her ears and shook her head. ‘I haven’t done anything.’
‘You have. You’ve been here for me. You hardly know me, yet you’ve not given up on me, even when I’ve been a crabbit arse. And I’ve appreciated everything.’ His voice had lowered, and he seemed closer. ‘You’re such a special person, Jules. Warm and giving.’
