I knock on her front door, Gerald balanced in my arms.
“Blair, dear!” Flora greets me with her usual warm smile. “What a lovely surprise. What can I do for you?”
“Hi, Flora.” I shift Gerald to one arm. “I wanted to let you know that I’m heading back to New York. I got offered a job there, and I’ve accepted it.”
Her face falls. “Och, I’m sorry to hear that. That house will feel much emptier without you. When do you leave?”
“Thursday morning.”
“Thursday?” Flora gasps. “But that hardly gives me any time to organise a going-away party!”
I can’t help but laugh. “Flora, I don’t need a going-away party.”
“Och, don’t talk daft.” She waves her good hand. “Of course you’re getting one.”
“Really, I don’t want you to put yourself out,” I protest, still chuckling. “Especially with your wrist still healing?—”
“My wrist is fine,” she insists. “This brace is just to humour the doctor. And you are absolutely having a party. You can’t just slip away without a proper send-off. That wouldn’t be right at all.”
There’s no winning this argument, so I hold out Gerald instead. “I wanted to give you this as a parting gift... although really, it’s more of a favour for me. His name is Gerald. Do you think you could look after him?”
Flora takes the pot, lips quirking with amusement. “Why, hello there, Gerald,” she says to the plant. Then to me, eyes twinkling, “I think I can manage that.”
“Be good for Flora, Gerald,” I tell the plant solemnly. “No drooping dramatically if she forgets to water you.”
Flora chuckles. “I’ll take excellent care of him, don’t you worry.”
“Even though I was only here for a short while, I can safely say you’re the best neighbour I’ve ever had, Flora.”
She brushes off the compliment with characteristic modesty, though I catch the pleased flush in her cheeks. “Besides, this isn’t goodbye! I’ll be seeing you at your going-away party, you hear me?”
“I hear you,” I say, smiling despite the tightness in my chest.
I leave and head into town, mentally running through the rest of my list. Ellie. Struan and Douglas, and their kids. The Lighthouse Café staff, though that’ll have to wait until tomorrow, once they’re open again. Shona from the post office...
It’s going to be exhausting, all these conversations. All these explanations about opportunities and timing and how this is for the best.
At least my parents were excited when I told them earlier. That’s something.
Besides, sometimes in life thingsarehard. Even though I’m leaving Scotland, I managed to bring some light into Lachlan’s world. Helped him open up about Leanne. Encouraged him to face his past on Corraig.
So I can go back to New York knowing I’ve done some good here, made his and Finn’s lives a little brighter. That’s some comfort, though it doesn’t stop the ache in my chest from deepening with every step.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
LACHLAN
My gut tightens as we approach the waterfront, the four of us—me, Blair, Finn, and Gus—walking together into town for the last time. Blair’s packed and ready. Suitcase loaded in her hire car. Her flight leaves Glasgow in the morning, which means she’ll be driving down tonight, straight after this party. In a few hours she’ll be gone, and every step we take towards the harbour feels like a countdown.
I keep telling myself tonight should be a celebration. Smile, talk, eat, drink. Send Blair off with nothing but warmth and good wishes. But Christ, I’m not ready for goodbye.
I glance sideways at her, and my chest does something complicated. She’s always been beautiful, but just to really rub things in, tonight she’s fucking devastating. Navy figure-hugging dress, her hair sleek and sophisticated in an elegant bun, a hint of colour on her lips that makes me want to taste her. She looks ready for New York. Ready for publishing events and important meetings and all the brilliant things she’s going to achieve. And it just about kills me.
“Da, do I look smart enough?” Finn asks, tugging at his collar. Shirt and trousers tonight, instead of the shorts and T-shirt that have been his summer uniform.
“You look very handsome, lad.” I ruffle his hair, though he’s been unusually quiet all day. Can’t blame him. We’re both struggling with this.
Gus pads alongside us, tail lower than usual, like even he knows something’s ending.
