Page 9 of A Scottish Lighthouse Escape

It was situated hundreds of miles away and was a long drive, but it would be worth it. In fact, it would be perfect. Quiet solitude by a harbour in the Scottish Highlands. The cottage was just sitting there unoccupied anyway.

I’d spent so many of my school holidays there, combing the beach for shells, dolphin spotting, having windy, salty picnics and spending my pocket money on the assorted sea inspired paperweights and stationery in the local gift shop.

And seeing a friendly face like Barclay’s was just what I needed. He’d suggested I go visit him anyway.

The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I kept the spare key to the cottage in the top drawer of my bedside table.

I was tired of loss, and events being taken out of my control. I was sick of loving people and having them ripped away from me. At least this would be something that I was in control over. Leaving London would be my decision.

Joe had decided to cheat on me with another woman for the past three years. Now I was making this decision to leave what was left of our married life behind me. I had no idea what the future held for me, but at least I could do this right now.

No more trusting people or giving them my hopes and dreams, only for them to crush them. From now on, my life was just about Bronte and me. I had to protect myself. I wouldn’t allow myself to be vulnerable to loss, hurt and pain ever again.

I dashed back up to the apartment and scooped up Bronte. Still cuddling her to me, I hurried back down the hallway to the bedroom to retrieve the cottage front door key. I found it and stuffed it into my right coat pocket.

Then I rang Barclay. ‘I’ve decided to come for a visit. That okay with you?’

‘Don’t be daft, lass. Can’t wait to see you. I’ll make sure there are a few provisions in for you.’

‘Thank you.’

‘When you heading up?’

I straightened my back. ‘I’m setting off tonight.’

‘Well, you drive safe, Red. There’s no rush.’

I finished speaking to him, a rush of adrenalin powering through me. I’d head there now. More tears trickled down my face and I flicked them away.

I set down Bronte and deposited the black bin bags outside the flat door. Then I took off my rose-gold wedding ring and my diamond engagement ring and dropped them in a drawer in the hall cabinet before leaving the apartment and locking the door.

It was dark now and a chilly autumnal night, but it was as if I couldn’t feel anything anymore. I didn’t feel tired, only empty.

Bronte and I would hit the road now and take our time. There wasn’t any rush. I’d stop somewhere overnight; take a couple of stops. Bronte would need feeding and to do her ablutions anyway. If I took it steady, we could be there at a respectable time later on tomorrow morning.

An image of Joe appeared phantom-like near my car, with that bright smile of his and his exploding dimple.

I wrestled my phone out of my bag and located the number of the local cancer charity shop. They were closed but I left a message and details of my address, so they could come and collect Joe’s belongings.