‘I can’t believe Archie is joining in. He’s so funny,’ Jules said as they watched him mirroring Ruby’s actions.
‘Aye, he’s got rhythm that’s for sure,’ Morag said with a tilt of her head. ‘And he can sing too. I remember his rendition of “Sweet Caroline” at the Highland Games.’
Yet more surprising things about the man, Caitlin surmised.
Cora and Lyle arrived around forty-five minutes into the party and Caitlin couldn’t help the disappointment that niggled at her.
‘I just couldn’t get off the phone. There’s so much going on and he wants my involvement. I couldn’t just hang up. You’re not angry, are you?’ Lyle had said with a protruding bottom lip. Of course, she was, but she wasn’t about to admit that in such a public place. Grace was just happy that Cora had finally arrived, so Caitlin chose a more positive stance.
‘These things happen,’ was all she said before turning her attention to the front, where Ruby had stepped aside to allow the festivities to continue.
The dance-off was suddenly in full swing and Archie was back in his spot dealing with the music and bobbing along as the kids were split into two groups. They had such energy and Caitlin was gobsmacked at how much they were all getting into the spirit of things. Evin was first up for the boys and the applause he received almost took the roof off. Grace was up first for the girls and once again the cheers and whoops rang out. By the time the winners were announced, the room was filled with laughter and music and Caitlin couldn’t have been happier.
* * *
At the end of the evening, Caitlin and Grace stood by the doors to thank everyone for their gifts. The cake had been cut, but only after Grace had insisted on Caitlin snapping a gazillion photos of it first, and Morag had wrapped small slices in paper napkins for each guest to take a piece home. Grace had a beaming smile on her face that hadn’t disappeared for the whole duration of the party and Caitlin was overjoyed to know that she had done her girl proud.
Ruby and Mitch came to say goodbye. ‘Do you want any help with the clearing up, Cait?’ Ruby asked after she hugged the birthday girl.
‘No, no, it’s absolutely fine. Kenneth says we’re okay to come over and sort it out tomorrow morning. I think I’m going home to put my feet up. Speaking of feet, you must be exhausted after that dance-off.’
Mitch laughed. ‘Not a chance. She’ll be buzzing for the rest of the night now. She was in her element, weren’t you, Roo?’
Ruby giggled. ‘He’s right. It was such fun! Archie’s idea was perfect.’
‘He’s great, isn’t he?’ Grace interjected.
‘He certainly is, sweetie,’ Ruby agreed.
‘Aye, he’s a top bloke.’ Mitch glanced over his shoulder. ‘Speaking of top blokes, why was your fella so late?’
‘Oh, apparently he had a long chat with his boss who’s been here from Canada. He couldn’t get off the phone.’
Mitch scowled. ‘It’s Saturday. Does he ever stop working?’
Ruby nudged him. ‘The phrase “people in glass houses…” comes to mind.’
Mitch blushed. ‘Aye, right enough. Come on, Roo, let’s get you home to decompress.’ He chuckled. They said their goodbyes and left.
‘Hey, Caity. Again, I’m so sorry we were late. But I hope the gift made up for it, eh, Gracie?’ Lyle said as he and Cora came to say goodnight.
‘It’s lovely. I just need to pluck up the courage to get my ears pierced now.’ The star-shaped earrings had been quite a shock and looked very expensive indeed. And while it was a thoughtful present, Grace hadn’t mentioned having her ears pierced before and Caitlin didn’t want this gift to force her into doing something she wasn’t comfortable with.
‘We’ll have a chat about it, sweetheart,’ Caitlin told her before turning back to Lyle. ‘And don’t worry. You made it and that’s the main thing.’
‘Should I come back to your house for coffee maybe?’ he asked with an expression of hope.
Caitlin sighed. ‘Would you mind if I took a rain check? I’m absolutely bushed. I think the dancing finished me off.’
The disappointment in his eyes wasn’t lost on her. ‘Aye, of course. No wonder. I’ll have to enlist you in the party planning for Cora.’
Caitlin laughed. ‘It’s Archie you need, not me! He’s sorted pretty much everything.’ As soon as the words left her lips, she regretted them.
‘Right. Aye. I see he’s been involved in everything.’ His tight-lipped response spoke volumes.
‘He’s a good friend,’ Caitlin said with a raise of her eyebrows.
Lyle ignored her comment. ‘Can I see you in the week? Maybe a drink at the pub or at yours?’
