‘What have the girls said?’ Jules asked.
‘Of course, they are absolutely over the moon,’ Caitlin replied. ‘Although it’s raised lots of awkward questions from Sophie that we were hoping to avoid for a little while longer.’
‘Aw, I bet,’ Ruby said with a crinkle of her nose. ‘They’re so inquisitive at that age.’
‘Well, you’re certainly going to have a house full, hen,’ Morag said before taking a large gulp of wine.
‘Yes. Three more mouths to feed too,’ Jules added.
‘Yeah, but they’ll only be small mouths to begin with, at least,’ Ruby said, clearly trying to make Caitlin feel better.
‘That’s true,’ Morag said, then she leaned forward, and as if afraid to ask she whispered, ‘Is there definitely only three?’
Panic set in for Caitlin. ‘Oh god, don’t say that, Morag! I know the first scan got it wrong, but the new scan said three, so I’m sticking with that unless I’m told otherwise. Good grief, it’s scary enough as it is.’
Morag flinched. ‘Whoops, sorry hen. I… I didn’t mean to make things worse. Me and my muckle cake hole.’
Caitlin’s mind whirred. ‘It’s okay. They seemed pretty sure it was just three.’ She knew she was trying to convince herself. ‘Please don’t let it be more than three,’ she mumbled to the universe.
The friends fell silent for a moment and Caitlin noticed a distinct drop in the atmosphere.
‘Anyway, enough about my situation, what’s happening with the tearoom? There have been all sorts of rumours flying around. The latest one is a doozy.’ She laughed. ‘Apparently, Ruby, you’re buying it to host parties for all your old Hollywood friends.’
Ruby laughed. ‘Erm… I don’t think so. And I don’t think Mitch would dare surprise me with something that big. The last thing Glentorrin needs is more famous folk landing on their doorstep.’
‘Come on then, Morag. You’re the one in the know. What’s going on?’ Jules asked as she leaned her chin on her hand and fixed Morag with an expectant stare.
Morag’s eyes lit up. ‘Well, there’s an offer on it. A cash offer, no less.’
Ruby leaned forward now, with intrigue. ‘Who is it from? Do we know them?’
Morag glanced around as if looking for spies in her own kitchen. ‘Well… I’m not really supposed to say… but… You must keep it quiet,’ she insisted. ‘I’ll be in such trouble if it gets back that I told you.’
Ruby nudged her. ‘Come on, Morag, you know you can trust us.’
Morag paused and pursed her lips, clearly unsure about sharing her intel. With another quick glance around her kitchen, she whispered, ‘You know my friend Aileen Kennedy?’
Caitlin frowned. ‘Isn’t that the mum of my assistant, Isla?’
‘Aye, that’s right. Well… you know that lottery win that I couldn’t talk about? It was them – Aileen and her husband Malcolm. They won a fair bit, but I won’t say how much. They asked the lottery company for privacy, so it won’t be announced to the public. Anyway, after paying off their mortgage, splashing out on a new car and a brand spanking new kitchen, they’ve decided to buy the café. From what I can gather, I think the plan is that Isla will run it. The poor lass has been stuck for what to do with her life, as you know, Cait. So, I think this is her mum and dad’s way of helping her out.’
‘Oh, wow. That’s so lovely of them. Does Isla know already then?’ Caitlin asked, pleased for Isla but a little sad at the prospect of losing a good assistant.
Morag shook her head vehemently. ‘She knows about the lottery win but not the café and you mustn’t tell her. It’s to be a surprise. They’re going to let her do it all up and make it her own.’
‘Blimey, she’s a lucky young woman,’ Ruby said with wide eyes.
Morag nodded. ‘Aye, she is that, indeed. I think they’re just worried she’ll waste her life in dead-end jobs. No offence, Caitlin.’
Caitlin burst out laughing. ‘Gee thanks, no offence taken, Morag.’ Morag was right to a point, Isla was young and needed to spread her wings.
‘So, when is the deal being finalised?’ Jules asked.
‘I think they’re hoping she’ll be in for the new year. Lots to do though. It is a bit dated after all.’
Ruby turned to Caitlin with a sad expression. ‘So, not only do you lose your assistant, but you might have competition in Glentorrin if it’s a fancy new coffee shop.’
Caitlin shook her head. ‘To be honest, I’m hoping she takes my sandwich business away! It’s the worst part of the job, and I’d be able to do more speciality cakes if I didn’t have to deal with takeaways.’
