A Christmas Wish on Arran (Scottish Romances #4)

Chapter Eighteen

Through the office window, Beth could just about see the waves, grey and frothy, against the heavy, dark November sky. Jim had just left to head home. He and Freya and the boys had a pizza and movie night planned.

‘See you Monday,’ he’d called, after enquiring if she had any plans for the weekend.

She didn’t, but was quite happy about not having to be anywhere or answer to anyone except herself. Working full-time at the paper was an adjustment, and when she made it upstairs each night, she found she was ready for a nap before cooking dinner. That would have to change, she’d told herself, on more than once occasion. Perhaps she should join the gym or at least go swimming at the local pool. Otherwise it would be a very long and lethargic winter.

She smiled as she thought about her afternoon spent with the kids at the high school. Jim’s son, Murray, had introduced her to the newspaper team, who were all much more intelligent and confident than she ever remembered being when she was fourteen. At times she wondered if she could actually be of any help to them — they all seemed to be so efficient and in the know, exchanging views on politics and celebrities. However, once she started chatting to them and they started to ask her questions, she found that they were curious and keen to learn how to plan their content, and what sort of things they should be asking when interviewing people.

‘Remember the basic questions to ask when you’re writing a story,’ Beth had explained. ‘What, where, when, how and why? Those are the main questions to remember, and will give you a good structure to work from. And if you’re interviewing, then it is vital to allow a silence. Give people a chance to answer your questions.’

All in all it had been a good week, and she still couldn’t quite believe this was now her life. Which reminded her, she still hadn’t gotten in touch with Kirsty, and had been meaning to text her since seeing her earlier in the week. Pulling out her phone she sent her a quick message, saying it was a lovely surprise seeing her in the supermarket and it would be nice to catch up. Then she turned back to her computer to finish her final emails for the week. Her phone started to buzz and move across the desk. It was a message from Kirsty.

Fancy a coffee here tomorrow morning?

Beth felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. She hadn’t expected Kirsty to respond so quickly.

Sounds great . Just let me know best time.

Her phone buzzed again.

How about 1030?

She replied immediately again.

That is perfect . See you then!

She logged out of the system, switched off the computer and was pulling on her coat, wondering what to make for dinner that night, when the door swung open. She groaned inwardly, especially as she had mentally logged off from work as well as physically. Then she realised it was Alessandro. But her stomach still continued to sink.

‘Hello there.’ He smiled brightly.

‘Oh, hi Alessandro. I was just about to lock up. I’m afraid Jim has already left for the night.’

He shook his head and grinned, his white teeth practically lighting up the dark office. ‘I’ve come to see you . I was just passing and thought I would check, on the off chance you were still here. Did you get my message?’

Shit . She was momentarily lost for words. ‘Sorry, I just haven’t had a chance to reply. It’s all been a bit hectic this week. Jim did let me know you had popped by. Thanks, that was kind of you.’ She knew she was babbling — she willed herself to pause.

‘I wondered if you fancied a quick drink? It’s just that I’ve got a quick errand to run in Lamlash and wondered if you wanted to come along for the ride?’

She hesitated before answering, unnerved slightly by the knot of tension forming in her stomach. But she couldn’t work out whether that was because she’d gotten so used to doing her own thing and not meeting any blokes for drinks. Or it was because she did genuinely just want to go upstairs to the flat and chill out. Alone. Then the voice in her head reminded her that was the easy option. Maybe you should push yourself out of your comfort zone and just go for a drink with the man? What harm could it do?

She nodded, though felt slightly wary and weary. You need to try and fit in.

‘Sure. Why not,’ she said. ‘Though just a quick one if that’s okay. I’ve got a few things I need to do tonight.’

He grinned back at her playfully. ‘Wonderful.’

Beth pushed her hands through her hair, hoping she looked presentable. Pyjamas and Netflix would have to wait.