Page 78 of A Scottish Highland Hideaway

“That’s the spirit,” agreed Ezra down the line. “Before all this carry-on, I’d been planning a big Hogmanay party, partly to celebrate the success of my book, but on reflection, this is a much more sensible idea.”

“I think so too. I’ll fire off an email to Corrie with a link to Bannock House so they can see the venue for themselves. And at least that’ll keep your team in the loop.”

Ezra’s voice was caring, which made me feel even worse. “That’s a great idea. Thank you. And how are you feeling?”

“If you want the truth, I feel like I’ve been put on a spin cycle.”

I could sense Ezra giving me one of his charming smiles. “I recall the time I danced on top of a table bar in Mexico with Farrah Fawcett. Now that was some evening!”

I wasn’t sure what that had to do with Zach and me, but it put a smile on my face and for that, I was grateful.

Once I finished speaking to Ezra, I emailed Corrie at Ezra’s management agency, with a link to the Bannock House website, as I’d promised.

I didn’t expect Corrie to reply but she did almost straight away. Exclaiming in her email, Wow! Talk about grand. It’s perfect.

I replied back: There’s no need to worry as my mother makes lists about lists and is one of the most fiercely organised people I know. Ezra’s also asked me to arrange the flowers for this and for his home. It’s a bit of a long story.

Corrie’s further email response made me smile. Well, I’m glad to hear that. But honestly, if I have to work with any more temperamental showbiz types, I think I’ll end up losing my mind!

I then texted Mum, who replied back seconds later, assuring me I wouldn’t have to concern myself with anything except the floral displays and that she would see to the catering arrangements.

Zach continued to hover at the corners of my mind again. He hadn’t made any attempt to text or call since I’d told him who I was. He was off licking his wounds, I supposed. We’d both been hiding things, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t at least be friends.

Steeling myself, I rang his number. I would tell him about Ezra’s gathering definitely taking place at my home. Maybe this would be a good excuse for us to talk, now that things had calmed down a little.

My heart travelled up to my throat and wedged itself there. He wasn’t picking up again.

I was on the verge of hanging up, when there was a click and a hesitant, “Hi.”

I squirmed on the sofa. “Er. Hi. It’s Bailey.”

I decided to stick to safe ground – this conversation would be about Ezra. “I wanted to let you know that everything has been confirmed about Ezra’s party. It’s going to be held at Bannock House on Hogmanay. My mum’s thrilled.” I paused and then decided to go for it. “Do you think you might come along?”

He hesitated. “I’m not sure.” There was an edgy silence. “I’m not sure what I’ll be doing then. I’ll be leaving Heather Moore soon, anyway.”

My breathing stilled. “You’re leaving? When?”

“Don’t know exactly. Once this staff exploitation story is wrapped up, so maybe in a few days.” There was a charged pause. “My head’s all over the place right now.”

Mine too, I thought.

When I went to bed that evening, my heart felt like a lead weight.

It hurt to think I might never see him again.

Chapter Sixteen

The next morning, I repeatedly wound my fingers around the silver ribbon embossed with white reindeer. I couldn’t shake off thoughts of Zach. I refused to let my assumptions come between us. But there was no “us”.

I wanted to call him again, but what would I even say? How would I get him to talk to me?

The temptation lodged itself in my mind and refused to budge. It was as though my heart was galloping off into the distance and my common sense was struggling to keep up. He was going to be leaving Heather Moore in a few days and that would be that.

I continued to play with the ribbon on the Christmas wreath as the lights sprinkled liberally around the shop danced and glittered at the edges of my vision.

Luckily, I hadn’t deleted my initial notes or thrown away my sketches from when Ezra first asked me to provide the floral arrangements for his home. As soon as he asked me again, I dug them out and spent the weekend going over colour schemes and adapting them for the new venue.

I looked up suddenly when I caught a flicker of movement outside the shop window.