She nodded and smiled but kept her gaze trained on Reid’s retreating form. ‘Yes.’ She shook her head. ‘Sorry, yes, let’s.’
They pushed through the doors into the pub and Juliette spotted Caitlin at the bar. She dragged her brother along behind her.
‘Caitlin! I’m glad you’re here. I’d like to introduce you to my brother, Dexter. Dex, this is my lovely friend, Caitlin.’
‘So, you’re the big teddy bear I’ve heard about, are you?’ Caitlin asked with a wide smile.
Dexter grinned. ‘Is that what she calls me these days? It’s been worse, I can tell you. Lots worse.’
The two began chatting easily and Juliette saw a sparkle in her brother’s eye as he spoke to Caitlin like an old friend that he hadn’t seen in a long while. Sadly, the same sparkle was completely absent from Caitlin’s eyes. Such a shame, but she’d already said that cuddly men weren’t her type.
Poor Dex.
* * *
When they left the pub, the sky was navy blue overhead and a crescent moon hung amongst dotted stars. The street lanterns gave an amber glow that danced on the rippling water of the inlet.
Dexter patted his belly as they walked back to Lifeboat Cottage. ‘I could definitely get used to eating like that.’
Juliette laughed. ‘You’re a haggis convert then?’
‘Oh yes. Consider me a fully paid-up member of theI love haggisclub. I need to make sure to get some to take home with me. Maybe take some for Mum too. A taste of the old country.’ He grinned.
‘I think we can arrange that.’
‘I was a bit shocked when everyone moved the tables and started dancing though. Not a great idea on a full stomach.’ He huffed out through puffed cheeks. ‘Does that happen a lot?’
Juliette laughed, the memory of her brother being flung around by Caitlin would be one she would revisit frequently to cheer her up. ‘It appears to be a regular occurrence, yes.’
‘That Caitlin can move though,’ he said wistfully.
Juliette’s mind was elsewhere. ‘Hmm. Look, do you mind if I give you the key and meet you back at the cottage later? There’s something I really want to do. I’ll not sleep otherwise.’
He frowned. ‘You’re wanting to check up on that Reid guy, aren’t you? What’s the deal there?’
‘Deal? There isn’t a deal. We’re just friends,’ she snapped rather too harshly and then cringed. ‘Sorry. He’s been going through some stuff and I’ve been trying to help. Although, to be honest, I think I maybe hinder more than anything.’
‘Do you want me to come with you?’
‘No, honestly, it’s fine. Go and chill out for a bit. I won’t be long.’
‘If you’re not back in an hour, I’ll come looking for you,’ he warned her.
She scoffed. ‘I’ll be absolutely fine. Get a bottle of red open, will you? It can breathe until I get back.’
She handed over the cottage keys and headed up the road towards Reid’s place. The lane was dark, and after tripping a couple of times, she took out her phone and switched on the torch. Once she arrived at his house, she knocked on the door.
Kendric opened it. ‘Oh, hi. What are you doing here?’
She was a little taken aback by his attitude. ‘I just wanted to check in and see how things went today. See how Reid is.’
He quickly glanced over his shoulder. ‘Oh, right, yes. Well, he’s fine. Well… not exactlyfine, but… Look, to be honest, he’s not having a great day. It’s probably best you leave things just now.’
Her worry deepened. ‘Did things go badly with Social Care?’
‘He’s locked himself in his studio, insisting he can’t be disturbed because he’s in the midst of a very important piece. When I tried to talk to him, he spouted off something about never trusting women again. That all they do is ruin his life. I’m guessing part of that was connected to the two women from Social Care, but he won’t confirm anything now as he won’t come out of his room. I think he needs to be left alone for a while.’
‘Oh no, that doesn’t sound at all good. Can I do anything? Anything at all?’
