Jim’s mouth was set in a tight line. ‘Leave it with me. He’s chosen the wrong person to offend. I’m sorry.’
‘Stop apologising for him. I’m just letting you know what happened, in case you wondered. I don’t think he’ll be popping in as much as he has been. I made it quite clear that I wasn’t interested. There’s no need for you to say anything else.’
Jim’s mobile rang, which cut their conversation short. As Beth finished off her coffee and pastry her thoughts wandered to Callum. Again. They had finally made plans to meet later that night for a drink. She hadn’t seen him since the storm and she couldn’t wait for the evening. Although Daisy had been for a study session since then, Callum had still been recovering from his virus and hadn’t left the car. Daisy had seemed much happier and more settled than she’d been previously and Beth was glad. She’d grown very fond of her and knew that, whatever happened with Callum, she wouldn’t let that affect her relationship with Daisy. She really enjoyed their sessions together, and Daisy’s curious questions kept her on her toes.
She smiled to herself, feeling a warm glow as she thought about the last time she’d seen Callum — leaving his house last week, the feel of his soft lips on hers. Then her phone buzzed, interrupting her daydream, to remind her of an appointment round in Lamlash. She had managed to reschedule the job at the RNLI station which was cancelled on the day of the storm.She pulled on her jacket and gathered her things together, then mouthed a goodbye to Jim who was still deep in conversation. He glanced up and gave her a small wave.
* * *
After being at the lifeboat station, Beth was making her way back to her car when she saw Edie walking past with her dog.
‘Hi Edie,’ she called.
Edie, who was wearing a bright orange jacket and red jeans, looked over. It took her a moment or two to realise it was Beth calling — she frowned as she tried to place her.
Beth walked closer. ‘I’m Beth from the paper. We met in the café a couple of weeks ago, when Margaret visited?’
‘Of course,’ she said. ‘I am sorry dear. My mind was elsewhere. It’s lovely to see you. How are you getting on?’
Beth grinned at her. ‘Great, thank you. Well, apart from the weather. The storm was awful, wasn’t it? But otherwise I’m loving being here.’
Edie nodded. ‘The storm was terrible, but fortunately we don’t get many of them.’ She looked at the sky. ‘But, you know, I think there might be snow on the way.’
Beth bent down to pat the dog.
‘Oh honestly,’ said Edie. ‘When I take Molly for a walk it’s like being out with a celebrity. She gets so much attention.’
‘She’s a beauty. It’s no wonder everyone wants to stop and talk.’ Beth laughed as Molly wagged her tail.
‘What brings you to Lamlash?’
‘I’ve just been to the lifeboat station to do a story there.’
‘Well, it’s lovely to see you, and thanks for saying hello,’ said Edie. ‘I just nipped out to post a couple of letters and get a pint of milk. I’ve got a joiner in just now and I was a bit mortified I couldn’t offer him a cup of tea.’
Beth’s interest was piqued at the mention of a joiner. She momentarily wondered if it might be Callum. She was about to ask when her phone started to ring. It was a number she didn’t recognise.
‘Sorry Edie, I’d better take this . . . Hello?’ She felt bad cutting their conversation short, especially if it was just a cold caller.
‘Beth love, it’s Margaret.’
‘Oh, hi Margaret. How are you? This is a surprise. Is everything okay?’ It dawned on her that Margaret didn’t sound her cheery self. There must be a reason she was calling.Dad.She felt her legs turn to jelly, and she was glad that Edie was still standing there next to her.
‘It’s your dad,’ said Margaret, her voice wobbling.
Chapter Forty-Nine
‘What is it? What’s happened?’ Beth asked in a panic.
‘He’s been taken to hospital. They think he’s had a heart attack.’
‘Oh God, is he okay?’ Beth’s mind was spinning, her heart was racing. Could she be on the next ferry? How long would it take to get there? Her eyes were darting around as she tried to remember where she’d parked the car.
‘He’s okay love. But he’s in hospital just now and they’re keeping an eye on him. He said I wasn’t to make a fuss and not to ring you. But I knew you would want to know. I would want my Isobel to know if it was me.’
‘Thank you, Margaret. You did the right thing.’ She took a breath to steady herself. ‘I’ll be over as soon as I can. I just need to check the ferries, then I’ll get on the next one.’ Beth was aware that Edie was still standing there, watching her in concern. She pulled a face.
‘He may never talk to me again, but I know I would want my family with me if I was in hospital,’ said Margaret. ‘I mean, the staff are nice and all that but it’s not exactly homely, with all the comings and goings. It’s a wonder anyone gets any sleep with the racket they all make. Anyway, I knew you would want to know.’
