A Christmas Wish on Arran (Scottish Romances #4)

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Callum decided to head home to work on Edie’s quote straightaway, as he’d left the rest of the afternoon clear for admin. He’d left Ruby behind and wanted to take her for a quick walk before he went to collect Daisy. When he opened the fridge door, he realised they were out of milk, which confused him — he was the only one meant to be drinking it. Then, when he realised they needed a few other groceries, he made a mental note to stop at the shops before he collected Daisy.

It was just after half past five when he arrived in Brodick, intending to do a quick sweep around the supermarket. He quickly grabbed everything that was in his rough list and, as he paid on the self-service till, which he was amazed had actually worked for a change, he glanced up and saw a woman standing watching him. Realising it was Kirsty he grinned. ‘Long time no see.’ He lifted his bag of shopping and walked over to her. ‘How are things?’

‘I know,’ she said. ‘It does feel like it’s been ages since I saw you. It’s not often you’re round in these parts. What’s made you venture out of Lamlash?’ She laughed.

‘I’m picking up Daisy,’ he said. ‘She’s having some tutoring . . .’

‘How is she?’ asked Kirsty. ‘She must be about fourteen or so now?’

‘Spot on, yes. Just at that tricky stage, or so I’m told.’

Kirsty smiled. ‘Yes, the teenage years can be trickier than the toddler years. Anything in particular?’

Callum set his bag down at his feet. ‘You name it. I keep buying the wrong shampoo, which is tantamount to some kind of horrendous crime, I don’t cook the correct things. She’s decided to go vegan.’

‘Ah, the normal teenage stuff then. No drugs or alcohol yet?’

Callum was horrified. ‘Don’t say that. I don’t think I could cope.’

‘I’m joking. Well, kind of. Hopefully that will all pass her by.’

‘She’s been a bit quiet lately.’

‘The moody hormonal phase?’ Kirsty looked at him in sympathy. ‘It can’t be easy when she doesn’t have her mum.’

Callum nodded. ‘I know. I do wonder if that’s on her mind.’

‘Just ask her Callum. Remember she’s not a wee girl anymore. Just talk to her like she’s a grown-up. You might be surprised.’

Callum realised she was right. ‘Thanks. I will. I don’t like mentioning Isla to her in case it upsets her. But you’re right. Maybe talking about her mum will help.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘Sorry Kirsty I need to go and collect her. I don’t want to be late. Are you all well?’

Kirsty nodded. ‘Yes, we are all fine thanks.’ She paused. ‘Who’s the tutor?’

Callum felt his cheeks redden. ‘You’re not going to believe it but . . .’ His voice trailed away when he realised Kirsty already knew.

‘If you’re about to tell me that Lizzie — I mean Beth — is here, I know. I’ve seen her, Callum, and I think you two actually need to have a proper catch-up. That’s all I’m going to say.’

He frowned. ‘Right, well, okay. Thanks for the advice. Hopefully see you soon.’ He picked up his shopping and walked briskly to the car, wondering what Kirsty meant. A minute later he’d parked outside the newspaper office and saw Daisy waiting at the window. He gave her a wee wave and smiled. He was about to get out the car to thank Beth. But before he got the chance Daisy had jumped in.

‘I was going to come in and say thanks,’ he said.

‘I’m not eight, you know,’ she said.

‘How was it?’ He glanced at the window of the office, looking for Beth.

‘Amazing,’ she said. ‘She has been such a help. Honestly, what an amazing person she is. A lifesaver. It’s all starting to make sense.’

Callum was glad things were starting to make sense for Daisy. But his mind was now more jumbled than ever. What had Kirsty meant? And should he just ask Beth for a coffee sometime? Maybe getting everything out in the open would be a good thing.

‘I’ll be back in a minute.’ He got out of the car before Daisy had a chance to protest. Callum strode into the office where Beth was packing up her bag.

Beth seemed surprised. ‘Oh hi. Did Daisy forget something?’

‘No, I just wanted to say thank you.’ She was wearing a red blouse, her hair pulled back in a loose bun. It dawned on him that she would still look lovely wearing a bin bag.

‘You are very welcome. She’s brilliant. A real credit to you Callum.’

‘Oh.’ He had not expected her to say that. ‘Thanks . . . Er, look, I wondered if you wanted to catch up properly sometime? It would be good to hear a bit more about Daisy and how she’s doing. And, well, just catch up on other stuff.’

Beth nodded. ‘Sure.’ Her mouth twitched into an almost smile. ‘Do you mean a date?’

He felt his cheeks redden. ‘Um, sure.’

Beth smiled. ‘Just give me a call and let me know when suits.’