A Christmas Wish on Arran (Scottish Romances #4)

Chapter Forty-Eight

After the drama of the storm, Beth was glad to settle back into a quiet and uncomplicated routine, although now life felt as though it had added sparkle to it. She and Jim were both back to full strength, as busy as ever back at work, especially as Christmas was ten days away. She realised how much she appreciated having work to focus on. It reminded her of working at the café, where her role gave her purpose and stability. She was grateful that she had a job here that she loved. How many people could say that? She and Kirsty were growing closer, and Freya had reached out and met her several times for coffee, and encouraged her to go to Pilates class with her. She had lots to be thankful for. And she was due to visit her dad very soon. She was genuinely looking forward to seeing him, and had promised to take him over some of the local cheese that he loved. It was strange to think it would be the first time she’d left Arran since she’d arrived at the start of November.

This morning, Jim had offered to go out and get them coffees from the bakery. When he’d arrived back with buns to go with the drinks, she turned her attention away from her screen and had a proper break. She’d been meaning to raise what had happened with Alessandro. However, the timing hadn’t been right until now.

‘Thanks.’ She sighed as she bit into the icing that was drizzled over the top of the bun. ‘This is just what I needed.’

‘Freya would be horrified, so don’t tell her. I’m supposed to be fasting till noon but, well, what’s a secret between friends?’ He grinned as he sunk his teeth into the pastry.

‘Talking of which,’ said Beth cautiously, ‘I’ve been meaning to ask you about Alessandro.’

He looked at her. ‘What about him?’

Beth took a sip of coffee. ‘He thinks, because I went for a drink with him one night, that I’m fair game. He came round to the flat the other night and I had to spell it out to him.’

Jim shook his head. ‘I’m sorry Beth. I had no idea he was like that. I only know him from playing golf. And now I feel awful.’

‘It’s not your fault. I’m sure he’s a nice enough chap, but that’s not the way to behave around women. You can’t really get away with that anymore. I’d hate to think that was his modus operandi.’

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.