‘Yes.’ He shrugged. ‘Family stuff, you know?’
Beth didn’t, but she nodded anyway, her cheeks reddening even more. She hated to think what sort of flustered state she must look.Of coursehe was settled with his own family. She had to keep reminding herself that most people her age were. She realised this was her cue to exit. The last thing she wanted was to bump into his wife and brood of kids, especially when he was havingsuchan effect on her. She didn’t want to be the sad ex-girlfriend who was now having a midlife crisis, and lusting over her old boyfriend who happened to still be as hot as anything.
‘Well, it’s been really nice seeing you Callum. Thanks for your help. I’ll let you get on with your day. Hopefully I’ll see you around?’
He looked a bit taken aback. ‘Oh. Sure thing.’
Beth’s heart sank when she saw his expression. Had she said something wrong? She longed to say something else to break the ice and move the conversation along. She just didn’t want to linger if his wife and kids were about to appear. Then, quite unexpectedly, he reached over and gave her a warm hug. Beth had to stop herself from squealing. His firm torso was pressed against hers. He smelt of spice and cinnamon. All the years seemed to melt away as she momentarily hugged him back. Then he stepped away.
‘It’s really good to see you,’ he said. ‘Maybe we can catch up sometime?’
Beth stood for a moment, bewildered by his hug and his words. ‘Good to see you too Callum. Yes . . . that would be, er, great. See you later.’ She smiled and turned away, walking back towards the cake stall as nonchalantly as she could manage.Cake, she told herself calmly. That was what she needed. A nice slice of chocolate cake. A sugary treat would be the perfect distraction. She gave herself a shake. Who was she kidding. What shereallyneeded was a cold shower. As she looked over her shoulder, she saw Callum standing, watching her. He gaveher a small wave, then turned and disappeared. Beth was sure he was off to find his family — she felt a pang of sadness. She would finish up here and head home as soon as she could. Right now, she couldn’t face seeing him with anyone else.
Chapter Twenty-Six
It had been a long week at work, and Beth’s concentration had been scattered since seeing Callum at the winter market. She hadn’t been able to get him out of her mind. She was glad it was now Thursday, as her dad was due to arrive the following afternoon and stay until Monday. Beth was really looking forward to seeing her dad and genuinely didn’t mind if he wanted to bring Margaret along. Especially as Margaret had been so kind as to lend Beth her car. As it was, Margaret had plans with her daughter and granddaughter in Glasgow on Friday night. However, she said she would love to come over and join them on Saturday if that suited. Barry had asked Beth if she could sort a room out somewhere nearby for her, and she had popped by the Brodie Hotel earlier in the week. Somehow, she had managed to avoid Alessandro since that night in the pub. She hadn’t been dodging him on purpose. She just hadn’t had any reason to be in touch, and her head was still spinning from the trip she’d taken down memory lane this week with Callum.
She’d been walking across the foyer of the hotel, admiring the large Christmas tree in the window, when Alessandro had called out to her cheerfully. ‘Hallo stranger.’
Turning round, she saw him coming down the wide, festively decorated stairway towards her. ‘Hi Alessandro,’ she said. ‘The hotel looks good.’
‘Yes, we have just literally finished putting up the decorations.’ He sounded proud.
‘How are you?’
‘I’m good thanks. All the better for seeing you.’
She winced. He tried toohard. ‘I just wondered if I could book a room with you at the weekend, please?’
‘This weekend?’ His gaze rested on her mouth. ‘Are you tired of the flat already?’
She shook her head and laughed. ‘It’s not for me. I’m booking for a friend. I need a single room for Saturday and Sunday nights please.’
‘Okay.’ He went behind the desk and tapped on the computer. He frowned as he scanned the system. ‘For one person you said?’
‘That’s right.’ She realised she didn’t know Margaret’s surname. Not that she supposed that mattered.
‘I do indeed. The last single room.’ He looked at her and flashed a smile. ‘Would you like me to book it?’
Um, yes, she thought. That’s why I’m here.She gave herself a shake, not quite sure why she was being so mean-spirited. She couldn’t put her finger on what it was, but there was something about him that unsettled her — she felt a knot of tension forming in her stomach. ‘Please. If you can put the booking in my name just now that would be great. Thank you.’
‘No problem. Will you be wanting to dine with us that evening?’
Beth didn’t know. She hadn’t thought that far ahead. Maybe it would be nice to try out one of the local pubs?
‘It’s just that we are quite busy so I would advise that you book a table. Just in case you can’t get anywhere else.’
‘Oh, okay thanks. Can I book for three please? For 7 p.m.?’
He glanced down at his booking system again and typed for a moment. ‘That’s it. All sorted.’
‘Great, thanks.’
‘You have a friend visiting?’
She nodded. ‘Yes, my dad and one of his friends are coming over.’
‘Great. I look forward to seeing you all then. And do let me know if you fancy a drink sometime soon?’
