Page 25 of A Scottish Country Escape

My little world felt like it was imploding. Who had I been kidding? I honestly thought I could make a future for myself after the mess with Lloyd? After the way he hurt me and let me down? That I could move on from what had happened to Mum and Dad?

I pressed my lips together. ‘I’m sure you do, but I’m afraid I can’t.’

‘Pardon?!’

I knew I’d promised Gran I would help, but right now, what with opening Paper Roses and the loss I had experienced, everything felt like it was about to tumble down around me.

I dropped my voice while my grandmother chatted to a couple of her chess buddies. ‘Priorities, Mr Grayling. It’s called priorities.’ I stared around at the pink and macaroon-white walls of the shop. ‘I can’t be everything to everybody. I just can’t.’ Dexter stared down at me with concern. ‘I’m sorry but I can’t help you.’

And with that, I marched back towards the counter.

Chapter Sixteen

Dexter stormed out of the shop, oblivious to the admiring glances of two teenage girls.

Grandma thanked a dapper gentleman in a Panama hat, who had deliberated over a sparkly birthday card for his granddaughter before opting for the one with a unicorn made out of tartan fabric. ‘What was all that about?’ she asked.

I could feel a guilty blush staining my cheeks. Oh no. Now I had to explain it to her. I cleared my throat. ‘Sorry, Grandma, but I’ve decided not to help Dexter after all.’

Her pale-grey eyes clouded. ‘Why? What do you mean?’

I lowered my voice and explained the concerning rumours I had just heard about the nature reserve. I could hear myself saying the words, but not believe they were coming from my mouth.

Grandma processed what I’d just told her, her mouth slack with shock. ‘I don’t believe it about the nature reserve, Elle. I mean, I’ve still got council contacts and I haven’t heard a thing. I’m sure it’s a lot of nonsense, anyway.’ Worry stole over her. ‘Isn’t it?’

I admitted I wasn’t so sure. ‘If there’s any truth in it, I’m not prepared to sit back and let it happen.’

I gave my ponytail a firm shake, as though to reassure myself. ‘And I’m certain a lot of Fir Haven will feel the same way.’

Grandma’s shoulders dropped. ‘So that’s why that young man marched off like that? Because you said you’re not helping him after all?’

I flushed under her studious gaze. ‘All that stuff with Dexter pales into insignificance when you compare it to a threat to the reserve.’

I glanced over at the pink and white crumbs dotted on plates, like discarded confetti, where the tower of decadent cupcakes had been. Now, there were only about half a dozen left, and a handful of half-empty bottles of champagne.

‘But you promised me, Elle.’ Gran’s voice was so heavy with disappointment, I shot out my arms and hugged her.

She was worrying me. This wasn’t like her at all. She was usually such a stoical woman. ‘But why? Why is locating Linda Carlucci so important to you, Gran?’

She didn’t answer.

‘Look, Grandma, we’ve never kept secrets from each other. At least, I hope we haven’t.’

‘Of course not.’

I sighed and waited a few more moments, until Paper Roses had emptied out further and all that remained was Mrs Carter and her tartan shopping trolley.

She nodded over and wrapped one of the fat cupcakes still remaining into a napkin, before darting out of the open door.

I resumed my appeal to my grandmother. ‘I’m really worried, Gran. You haven’t been yourself lately and that’s understandable after what we’ve been through, but all this—’

‘Just trust me, Elle,’ she pleaded, snatching my hands and sending a surprised tremor through me. ‘I promise I will do all I can to help if the nature reserve is in danger, but in return you must promise to help that young man.’

I opened and closed my mouth. ‘But why, Gran? Why does it matter so much to you that I help Dexter Grayling? You haven’t told me anything.’

I moved to speak again, but Grandma raised one freckled hand. ‘You’re right. I haven’t told you everything, at least not yet. But I’m going to now.’

She fidgeted with her yellow-gold wedding band. ‘But first of all, I suggest you ring Dexter and tell him you’ve changed your mind and that you will help him after all. Then I’ll stick the kettle on and we can talk.’