Caitlin nodded. ‘Aye, it’s not so long since you were the guest of honour at such events, eh? Although I reckon Hollywood has to be more glamorous than Edinburgh.’
‘I’ll admit, glamour’s nice sometimes. It’s exciting to dress up all fancy every so often, but when it’s as regular as it was for me at one point, it loses its shine. Give me a night in and a chick flick any day, as long as it’s not one I starred in.’ Ruby laughed. ‘So, how can I help?’
Caitlin felt heat rising in her cheeks. ‘There’s this speed dating event in Kyle of Lochalsh and I wondered—’
‘If I could stay with Grace for the evening until you get back? Absolutely. She mentioned she had a dance routine to show me anyway when I saw her yesterday after school so this would be a perfect opportunity.’
Caitlin smiled. ‘You’re a star… literally! But in this case figuratively too and I’m incredibly grateful. Jules and Reid are taking Evin to the cinema to see the new Avengers movie, and Grace isn’t into them so…’
‘No problem at all. What time should I be here?’
‘Archie is picking me up at twenty to eight, so any time just before that will be fine. I’ll leave you something nice to have with a cuppa. And I’ll make some pizza bases so you can put whatever toppings on that you fancy.’
‘Yum! Can’t wait. Now, are you sure you don’t need any help this afternoon?’
Caitlin glanced over Ruby’s shoulder and watched as a coach pulled into the village. ‘How are you with making sandwiches?’
Ruby grinned. ‘I’m a flipping expert. I was a penniless student once, you know. Lived on them!’ she said as she removed a hair tie from her wrist and proceeded to swirl her hair into a neat bun atop her head.
‘Fantastic, come on through and I’ll show you where everything is.’
* * *
By the time Grace arrived home, Ruby was taking off her apron and washing her hands, and Caitlin had turned the sign to its closed side. She opened the door for her daughter.
‘Wow, Mum, another sell-out day?’
Caitlin nodded. ‘Yup. I managed to save you a gingerbread man though.’
‘Yay! Oh, hi, Ruby! Have you been helping Mum today?’
Ruby walked into the shop from the preparation room in the back. ‘I sure have. It’s been hectic but great fun.’
Grace pursed her lips. ‘I bet she’s not bossy when you’re helping, is she?’
Caitlin laughed. ‘Oy, cheeky wee mare, I’m not bossy when you help me, either.’
Ruby grinned. ‘I think the key is to keep her stocked up on cups of tea, Grace.’ She winked. ‘Oh, hey, I’m coming to stay with you for a bit tomorrow night while your mum goes out. You can show me your dance routine if you like.’
Grace jumped up and down and clapped her hands. ‘Great! I can’t wait to show you, it’s awesome. But you might be able to add some cool moves to it. We’re going for a street dance and tap mash-up.’
‘Wow, that sounds different. I’m looking forward to seeing it. Do you want to look for a film for us to watch too? I’ll bring some nuts and seeds for us to snack on.’
Grace’s eyes widened in horror. ‘But…’
Ruby burst out laughing and Caitlin joined in.
Grace realised what was going on. ‘Mum told you about Cora’s mum, didn’t she?’
Ruby shrugged and played innocent. ‘I couldn’t possibly comment.’
Grace huffed in mock indignance. ‘If you do bring nuts and seeds, I’ll lock you out!’
Ruby laughed heartily. ‘Ah, okay, noted, chocolate and popcorn it is then.’
‘That’s more like it. Right, I’m off to see Cleo, bye Ruby. See you tomorrow.’
‘Bye, Grace.’ Once Grace had disappeared through to the house, Ruby walked towards the door. ‘The back’s all cleaned up, so I’ll be off if there’s nothing else you need.’
