‘Cora’s is in the middle of July, and she already has a long list of things. How different they are in some ways. But so similar in others.’
‘Grace is getting into astronomy again, so maybe I’ll get her something related to that. She was into it a few years ago, but it seemed to fizzle out.’
Lyle’s eyebrows rose. ‘Astronomy? Wow, how come?’
‘She went to Evin’s for a barbecue and Archie was there. They got chatting and he told her all about the observatories he’s been to. He was telling her about the stories behind the constellations too. She was fascinated. In fact, he’s loaned the kids a telescope for them to have a look at the sky tonight during their campout.’
Lyle’s smile disappeared. ‘Archie… He seems to pop up everywhere that bloke.’
Caitlin thought she sensed that hint of jealousy again and it irked her. He had no right to be jealous. They had seen each other a couple of times and shared one, albeit passionate, kiss. Green was not a good colour on him.
Before she could put her feelings into words and explain that there was no need to be jealous of her friendship, Lyle changed the subject. ‘Dessert! I’ve got tiramisu. It’s not home-made, I’m afraid, but I’ve heard this is the best shop-bought one you can get, so…’ He stood from the table and headed for the kitchen again, returning moments later with the pudding. He dished cocoa-powder-covered dollops into two bowls and placed one before her. ‘I hope it’s as good as I was told.’
* * *
The rest of the evening was lovely. No more signs of the green-eyed monster or his opinionated friend. Caitlin was relieved, to say the least, and she began to feel that perhaps the earlier blips had been just that – temporary bumps on the road to the couple’s happiness. A road she very much hoped she was embarking upon.
When it was time to leave, Lyle walked her to the door. ‘When can I see you again?’
‘Well, you have your big meeting on Monday, and I have a busy week ahead too now the holiday season is kicking in, so why don’t you come along to Grace’s party on Saturday? Cora will be coming anyway.’
He nodded. ‘Sounds good.’ He stepped a little closer. ‘Can I kiss you goodnight?’
She nodded and he lowered his face to hers again. This time, the kiss was a little more reserved. She could tell he was holding back, but it was still nice, and the physical attraction was definitely still there.
When he pulled away, he tucked her hair behind her ear. ‘I’ve never had so much restraint,’ he said with a chuckle. ‘Anyway, drive safely and stay in touch this week. And I’ll see you next Saturday.’
‘I will. Thanks for a lovely evening. You really are a good cook.’
He feigned embarrassment. ‘Oh, stop. I’ll not fit my head through the door.’
She tiptoed up and kissed his cheek. ‘Night, Lyle. I hope your meeting goes well.’
‘Night, Caity.’
Hearing him use a shortened version of her name was strange, especially a version she wasn’t used to, and she couldn’t decide if she liked it or not. Her mother had always called her Cait, as did her friends, and she wasn’t sure if Caity was a little too familiar. Surely they weren’t at the ‘pet names’ stage yet?
She climbed back in her car and drove away, telling herself she really needed to stop overthinking things.
* * *
Sunday was filled with sunshine, cups of tea in the garden – in between rain showers – walks with Cleo and lots of talk of the night sky over Glentorrin, and how amazing it had been to see the moon so clearly. Grace was so enthralled about using Archie’s telescope that she totally forgot to bombard her mum with questions about her date with Cora’s dad, a fact that Caitlin was secretly grateful for.
Before Caitlin knew it, it was Monday again. Grace was excited because this was the last week of term before summer break and it was the lead-up to her birthday. She had got out of bed without cajoling, eaten her breakfast with a smile on her face and had hugged her mum so tight before she left, Caitlin thought she might pass out.
‘Have a good day, hen!’ she called as Grace left for the school bus.
‘I will! I’m giving the remaining invites out today! Eeeek! I’m so excited. See you tonight!’
Cleo followed Caitlin around as she always did when Grace had gone to school.
She crouched to scratch the dog behind her ears. ‘Don’t worry, cutie-pie, at the end of this week, you’ll be stuck with her for the whole summer.’ As if she understood, Cleo yipped and gave her paw. ‘High five!’ Caitlin giggled as the dog’s paw batted her hand. ‘Now, I have work to do, and a star-themed birthday cake to design. Can you keep an eye on things through here for me?’ Cleo tilted her head, hanging on her every word. ‘Thanks, Cleo. Good girl.’
At around eleven o’clock, there was a brief lull in customers and Caitlin whipped out her sketch pad again. The design for Grace’s cake was coming along well. It would be a base of dark blue that gradually faded lighter towards the bottom of the smooth icing on the tall, cylindrical structure. Then she would mark out constellations in edible jewels all around the sides, plus a made-up one that formed a letter G, and then, to give it a final flourish, there would be a starburst on the top with the number 13 in the centre. She couldn’t wait to see Grace’s reaction.
How on earth her baby was about to become a teenager she couldn’t quite comprehend. The years had flown by, but she wouldn’t have changed a single thing about being a mum. Even when there had been tough times when money had been tight and Grace’s birthday gifts had been purchased second-hand from eBay and charity shops. She more than made up for it now the bakery was booming. And she couldn’t be prouder of her daughter, who was growing up to be a sensitive, caring young lady. In spite of her less than conventional existence, she had a resilience that astounded Caitlin. Whenever guilt niggled at her as other children talked about their dads, Grace would shrug and say, ‘Yes, but they don’t have the best mum in the universe because she’s mine.’
‘Morning, Caitlin. What you sketching?’ Archie asked as he walked into the shop.
