‘I know. But now we have to deal with the fallout.’
‘We? None of this is your doing. You shouldn’t even be involved. I’m so sorry.’
‘Look, I just want to see that boy happy. And Reid too.’
Kendric sighed and whispered, ‘I’m really worried about Reid and what this will do to him.’
‘I know. I hope he’s okay, too. I want more than anything for Kate to change her mind about taking Evin,’ she said hopefully.
‘And pigs might sprout wings and take to the skies.’
34
A message pinged through from Reid at gone midnight.I’m home, was all it said.
Juliette desperately wanted to talk to him; to check he was okay; to apologise for her part in the secrecy surrounding Kendric and Kate. But she knew he would be angry and upset. She knew there was a very good chance he blamed her for keeping things from him. Why wouldn’t he? Her heart ached and her stomach knotted. She’d been on the verge of admitting her feelings to him. She’d been on the verge of hoping there was a future for them.
But now, it was all gone. In a matter of days, she’d be returning home.
* * *
The following day, Juliette was distracted by the knowledge that Reid’s ex-wife, Kate, was arriving, and everything was about to come to a head for him and Evin. She wished she could be there to support them, but she didn’t want to intrude, especially when she didn’t know what kind of reception she would receive. Much to her relief, the post arrived and amongst a pile of junk mail was a parcel from the shop over in Kyle of Lochalsh.
As soon as it was closing time at the museum, Juliette paused at the main entrance and gazed across to the display cases, each piled high with items that contained the memories and imprints of the people who had made Glentorrin the thriving village it was today. It was incredibly sad to think that in a matter of months these items would have to find new homes, or be returned to their owners, never to be put on display again. With a deep sigh, she locked up and went back through to the house.
After pacing the floor, she could wait no longer. She had to head up to Reid’s. She just hoped he wouldn’t be annoyed at her turning up unannounced. She gift-wrapped the Hungarian Vizsla ornament that had arrived and headed out.
Another warm evening enveloped her in its embrace as she walked along the lane. Sunlight cast patterns on the water’s surface and the light breeze caused ripples to dance along to the inaudible music of late summer. The village was alive with tourists snapping photos of the picturesque setting, and Morag was obviously doing a roaring trade on ice creams as the queue was stretched right out of the main door.
As Juliette passed the pub, Stella waved as she cleared the tables outside, and then Archie from the outdoor shop saluted and shouted hello from his bicycle as he headed away from the village on his evening ride. Everything felt so normal now. So familiar. The sights, the people, the sense of belonging. Three months had felt like a lifetime and a second all at once. It was going to be strange waking up in Mistford again and not seeing the villagers through the museum windows, getting ready for the day each morning; not walking over to Caitlin’s for a fresh croissant and a few giggles; not heading to The Coxswain for a wee bit of dancing and Stella’s famous haggis.
A cloud of melancholy began to descend, and Juliette had to quickly shrug it off. She was on a mission for now and that had to take precedence.
When Reid’s house came into view, there was no sign of Kendric’s car, but there was an unfamiliar vehicle parked outside. She presumed it was Kate’s. It appeared Kate was still around. Juliette had mixed feelings about meeting her but she was relieved she hadn’t missed Evin. As she approached the doorstep, the front door opened, and Chewie came bumbling out at speed. He headed straight for Juliette and, reminiscent of their first meeting, almost knocked her off her feet.
‘Get back here, youstupidanimal!’ an English voice called from the direction of the house. A woman appeared a few seconds later, jogging after him, red-faced and perturbed. When she saw the dog fussing around Juliette, she shielded her eyes from the sun. ‘Sorry about that. He’s a bit mental,’ she said with an eye roll.
Juliette surreptitiously assessed the woman who had once owned Reid’s heart. She was quite beautiful from a distance. Dark hair that fell in waves down past her shoulders and a curvaceous figure that most women would kill for. She wore skinny cropped jeans, tan wedges and a cream shirt, nothing special, but she seemed to have that effortless beauty about her that made Juliette feel dull in comparison.
‘It’s fine. We’re friends, aren’t we, Chewie?’ She laughed as she scratched the dog behind his ear and received an appreciative lick in response.
The brunette eyed her suspiciously until realisation apparently dawned on her. ‘Oh. Are you that…Shiny Sheilathat Evin talks about non-stop? The one who saved that wretched dog from drowning?’
First it was bloody Janet and now Sheila. Juliette tried not to take offence. ‘Ah, you meanSparkly Jules, and yes, that’s me.’
The woman approached her and gave a sweet smile. ‘I’m Kate, Reid’s ex.’ She limply held out her hand.
On closer inspection, Juliette could see that her make-up was applied a little too thickly and that grey roots were beginning to show through in her hair. The perfect mask was flawed, and Juliette felt relieved and more relaxed in knowing this.
She shook the proffered hand. ‘Jules,’ she said with a forced smile, trying her best to remain impartial even though the urge to shove the woman out of the way was strong.
‘So, you’re the latest poor soul to be lumbered with all the old crap in the museum, are you?’
Juliette frowned. ‘I’m not lumbered. I happen to love the place.’
The woman scrunched her face. ‘Ugh, all those grubby things that have been handled by goodness knows who? Bleurgh.’ She shivered dramatically. ‘Well, each to their own, I suppose. And it’ll be something far more useful soon once it’s sold, no doubt.’
Juliette’s nostrils flared and she tried to keep herself in check. ‘I think it’s a shame. Those pieces are incredibly important to the people of this community.’
