Page 8 of A Scottish Country Escape

Cate nodded. ‘I get it. Your mum and dad would too.’

She reached over to squeeze my hand. ‘You don’t need Cassidy’s as it was to remember them. You’ve got all your memories up here.’ Cate reached a finger up and tapped her temple.

Then she nodded over at the bare shelves. ‘I think in a town this size, you’re doing the right thing by diversifying.’

‘That’s what I said to Gran.’

I reached behind the counter to my shoulder bag and pulled out my phone. ‘I think we could make a start on some brainstorming.’

Through the open shop door, I spotted a couple of inquisitive older ladies hovering, before exchanging charged glances and moving on. I let out a sigh. ‘I know my decision won’t be popular with some folks around here, but I’ll just have to ignore any negativity and make a go of it.’

‘That’s what I meant to tell you!’ erupted Cate beside me, her eyes wide.

‘Bloody hell! You startled me.’

Cate apologised, but was suddenly bubbling with news she wanted to share. ‘It all seems to be happening up at what used to be the council HQ.’

Cate folded her arms. ‘Looks like a house-warming party is taking place. Connie from the library was up there with her dogs this morning and saw everything from circus acts and musicians to ice statues being ferried in and out.’

She tried to hide a smile. ‘Connie said it all looked rather ostentatious and common.’

‘Yes, Gran wasn’t impressed. We overheard two of the construction workers chatting and someone is definitely moving in up there.’

‘So, who’s our new neighbour? Any ideas?’

‘Lord knows.’

I clapped my hands together in what I hoped was a decisive action. ‘Right. Enough talk about ostentatious new neighbours. I suggest we go and grab a takeaway coffee from the bakery and then we can get cracking.’

* * *

We wandered out of the bakery, followed by the rich scent of freshly baked crusty bread and the tang of lemon icing that reminded me of summer.

Cate and I clutched our paper cups of dark, silky coffee and made our way back to the shop.

I caught sight of my wavering reflection in the window of the chemist’s, all messy blonde ponytail, nautical-striped T-shirt and old jeans. There were traces of weariness under my dark eyes. It was Monday morning and I wasn’t sleeping well. I hadn’t since the accident. My head was also churning with concerns and apprehension about my new business venture. After everything that had happened, I could hardly expect to look like Margot Robbie.

As we sauntered back to the shop, I spotted a figure standing only a few feet away from it. When Cate and I drew closer, we recognised the ankle-length hessian skirt and floppy straw hat of Mrs Carlucci.

We hadn’t known who she was at first and hadn’t thought too much about the handsome-featured older lady who had begun appearing occasionally on the high street over the last few days.

It was surprising that she seemed to have returned to the area, after having moved away years ago. Or at least, that was what young Campbell, who worked in the local fishmonger’s, had told me. ‘One of our customers said her first name is Linda and she’s in her seventies,’ he remarked, stopping to chat in his lunch hour. ‘Other than that, I don’t know anything about the woman. Cheerio now!’

Armed with her usual mini bouquets of assorted heather thrusting out from between her ringed fingers, she smiled at us as we approached her. ‘Good morning, girls.’ Then she dazzled me with her lined green eyes and curtain of dyed dark hair.

Cate and I noticed that not many of the locals engaged much with her. In fact, she appeared to be a rather solitary character.

Mrs Carlucci’s expression softened. ‘I was so sorry to hear about your parents, Elle.’ She let out a sigh. ‘Such a tragic business.’

I bit my lip and nodded my appreciation. ‘Thank you.’

Mrs Carlucci gave a flicker of a smile and handed me one of the miniature posies of heather, so I delved into my shoulder bag. I located my purse and went to give her a five-pound note.

She refused to take it and thrust it back at me. ‘No, you keep the heather. I hear you’re re-launching the family business. I hope it brings you luck. You deserve it.’

I nodded and thanked her, placing it inside my bag. ‘Thank you. That’s very kind of you.’

Cate and I started to move away from Mrs Carlucci, but the next few moments became a sudden tangle of noise and confusion.