Caitlin nodded. ‘Or we could meet up and go for a walk or something.’ She was craving the stunning scenery of her island and the fresh air that surrounded them.
Lyle scrunched his face. ‘Hmm… let me pop round to yours and we’ll see how we feel. Is Wednesday good?’
‘Wednesday’s fine.’
He leaned and kissed her cheek, lingering a little before he stood again. ‘See you Wednesday.’
Grace and Cora had been chatting through their whole exchange but hugged when Lyle got Cora’s attention. ‘Bye, Grace, I’m so sorry my dad made us late. See you the week after next. I’m at my mum’s next week.’ She didn’t seem too happy about the fact.
‘Bye, Cora, have fun at your mum’s.’
Cora simply rolled her eyes and scrunched her nose.
Once the hall was clear of people, Caitlin made her way over to Archie, who was picking up discarded paper cups, wrapping paper and napkins. ‘Archie, you don’t need to tidy up as well. You’ve done enough.’
Archie shrugged. ‘It’s nae bother. I’ve enjoyed today. Oh… am I okay to give Grace my gift now?’
Caitlin widened her eyes. ‘You got her a gift too? After everything else you’ve done?’
‘Of course. I didn’t want to give it to her earlier because… well… looking at some of the fancy things she’s been given, she might think this is… what do they say these days? Totes lame?’ He laughed.
‘I’m sure she won’t think that at all. Grace! Archie has a gift for you.’
Grace came jogging over as Archie pulled an A4-sized parcel from behind the buffet tables.
His cheeks coloured as he handed it over. ‘It’s not much. I just thought it was kind of cool, but I’m old, so I could be wrong.’ He winked at her.
Grace carefully removed the paper and gasped when she saw what was inside. ‘Archie! This is so awesome! It’s the best present ever!’
Caitlin smiled and said, ‘Come on, show me! What is it?’
Grace turned the framed certificate around. ‘He named a star after me! Mum, I have my very own star!’ Her eyes glistened with emotion and she jumped up to hug Archie.
‘You like it then?’ he asked with a wide, handsome smile.
‘Archie, I absolutely love it! It’s the most perfect thing ever!’
He hugged her back. ‘I’m so glad. I was worried you’d think it was boggin’,’ he said with a nervous laugh.
‘Absolutely no way. Can I put this on my wall in my room, Mum?’
Caitlin was a little lost for words but managed to nod a yes. Grace took the frame and the accompanying documents that came with it and went to put it safely with her other gifts.
Eventually Caitlin managed to speak, though her eyes were blurred with tears. ‘Archie, that was such a thoughtful gift,’ she whispered.
He smiled shyly. ‘Och, it was nothing. I just saw a website when I was online, and I thought of her.’
Caitlin shook her head. ‘You couldn’t have got her anything more perfect. Thank you.’ She stepped forward and hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arms around her, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of his strong body surrounding hers.
Suddenly guilt washed over her, so she stepped back. If Lyle had seen, he would be none too pleased. She didn’t want to give him more reasons to think she felt more for Archie than friendship. Because she absolutely didn’t. Not at all.
14
On Sunday morning, Caitlin met with Jules, Ruby and Morag to clear the room of the party detritus. Although considering the amount Archie had done the night before, it wasn’t as bad as Caitlin was expecting.
‘I meant to ask you, Cait, how is it going with Cora’s dad?’ Ruby asked as they collected the last of the black bin liners.
‘He’s lovely… for the most part.’ She shrugged, knowing full well that her vague answer would spark more questions.
