Caitlin handed over the bread, floored yet again by the man’s generosity and kindness. ‘That would be great, Archie, thank you so much! She would love that.’ She remembered her promise of cake after he’d rescued her from a fight with her wheel nuts. ‘Actually, I have something for you.’ She bent to pick up a chocolate cake from the display. ‘Here you go.’
Archie’s brow crumpled. ‘They’re only books, Caitlin. I’m not expecting payment.’
‘This is a thank you for rescuing me yesterday.’
His cheeks coloured and he smiled shyly. ‘Aww, it was nae bother, honestly. But thank you. I’ll no refuse one of your cakes. It’ll be lovely after my barbecue.’
‘I hope you enjoy it. And Archie…’
‘Aye?’
‘Thank you for indulging Grace. She really enjoyed talking to you. She thinks you’re really funny, oh, and a genius.’
His cheeks coloured brighter. ‘Did she say that?’
Caitlin nodded. ‘She did.’
‘Aw, she’s a grand wee lass. Tell her I said “hi” and that I’ll drop her the books round soon.’ He paused for a moment, seeming hesitant. ‘I… erm… hear you’re having dinner with Lyle tonight. He seems like a nice guy, and I hope it goes well. Enjoy yoursel’.’ He raised a hand in a wave and left the shop.
Caitlin smiled to herself once he had gone. Who knew that she would form a real friendship with Archie Sutherland after all these years of being acquainted with him? All she needed to do now was stop remembering his biceps, toned stomach and overall masculinity…
* * *
Ruby texted from her romantic getaway with Mitch to wish her luck for her date. Caitlin sent a photo of herself dressed in the outfit she had chosen. She had foregone the original outfit that she had purchased for the occasion and had chosen a maxi dress and denim jacket instead. She decided the fitted black skirt and top were perhaps a little too sexy and she knew she had to give herself more time to suss Lyle out after their last date.
You look gorgeous! Have a fab night. We’re going for a romantic meal in the hotel tonight and then onto the cocktail bar! Roo xx
The message was finished off with a drunken face emoji that made Caitlin laugh.
* * *
Grace was extra-giddy as they walked around to Jules’ house for the campout. She had her turquoise sleeping bag tucked under her arm, and her pyjamas and Ugg boots in her bag, along with a fleece top, just in case the weather did its usual Scottish thing of changing on a ha’penny.
When they arrived, they walked around to the back garden to find Reid and Evin putting the finishing touches to their camp.
‘Wow, fellas, this is looking rather fab,’ Caitlin said as she appraised their set-up. Two tents sat on the level ground with glowing tent pegs to mark the corners, a table and chairs with enough snacks piled on top to feed an army, and a fire pit glowing and crackling already, the smell of a burning pine log floating through the air. ‘What’s Jules doing this evening?’
‘I think she’s looking forward to having the remote control all to herself!’ Reid said with a laugh.
‘I am! And there’s a nice bottle of Pinot with my name on it! Actually, it’s called Yellow Tail, but I’m willing to contact Deed Poll,’ Jules said as she came from the direction of the house with a tray of marshmallows, skewers and pots of chocolate and caramel sauces. ‘I may have secreted some marshmallows away for later, too, but don’t tell this lot,’ she whispered to Caitlin.
‘What did you say, Sparks?’ Evin asked, hands on hips and his eyes narrowed.
Caitlin couldn’t help smiling at his nickname for Jules that had originated not long after they’d met, when he had misunderstood the spelling of her name and begun calling hersparkly Jewels.
‘Nothing, buddy!’ Jules replied with a wink in Caitlin’s direction.
Caitlin whispered, ‘I’ve sent shortbread and rocky road, so you might want to pinch a bit of that too.’
Jules giggled. ‘Fantastic, thanks for the heads-up. So, how are you feeling about dinner tonight?’
Caitlin blew air through puffed cheeks. ‘Okay, I think. I’m hoping the other night was just first-date nerves. After mulling things over, I think I may have overreacted. He’s a nice guy, so I’m keeping an open mind.’
‘Well, like I said before, if it’s not right, don’t force things because you think you should. There’s someone out there for you, I just know it.’
‘Well, I’m glad one of us does. Right, I’ll be off. Thanks for having her. She’s been so excited about camping and looking at the stars.’
‘Oh yes! She was hanging on Archie’s every word the other night. It was so sweet. He’s even brought a telescope round for the kids to use in the garden tonight. Such a nice guy. I think he’d make a lovely dad. I hope he meets someone too.’
