Page 114 of Journey to the Scottish Highlands

‘Because I have to,’ I said, trying not to think too much about what I was doing. ‘It’s only for a few more days. I’ll just keep myself to myself where Evan is concerned, and as soon as the first Florence tour is over, Grandpa and I will be out that door.’

‘But I thought you told me before that you and Evan had been working closely together on this.’

‘Yes, we have been, but thank goodness most of the work is done now. It’s just a case of tying up any loose ends and a few more rehearsals.’

‘What are you going to tell your grandpa?’ asked Jade.

Despite feeling like I’d been chewed and spat out a hundred times, I managed a short laugh. ‘Grandpa would be challenging Evan to a duel at dawn tomorrow morning on The Ramblings lawns, so I’m not telling him anything until we leave.’

Cayla shimmered into my mind again. ‘I’ll stay and see the first guided tour performance out.’ A lump balled in my throat. ‘Then I’m leaving here, and I won’t be setting eyes on Evan – or Fox – ever again.’

* * *

I had dinner that evening in my room.

I couldn’t face the prospect of sitting across the table from Evan.

Pretending to have a migraine, I stayed cocooned upstairs, and Louise insisted on bringing me up a tray of fish pie and vegetables while describing what a lovely afternoon she, Grandpa, Alison and Bennett had had at the pancake emporium. She was brimming with excitement too about the outfits that were having their final touches done by Mindy at Stitched Up! ‘You’re all going to look so authentic,’ she gushed.

Once I’d thanked Louise for delivering my dinner to me, I made an attempt to eat some of the fluffy golden fish pie topped with potato and served with broccoli, but the food clogged up my throat. I pushed the tray away from me and took a sip of water.

Evan was Fox.

Every time I thought about it, my heart plummeted to the ground.

Feigning weariness after my migraine, I decided to have an early night.

I’d just finished brushing my teeth and had changed into my dressing gown when I heard a soft knock on the door. ‘Are you alright, lass?’

I opened the door and beckoned my grandpa in. ‘Yes, I’m fine,’ I lied. ‘Don’t worry. I think it’s just overwork and a little too much sun today.’

He narrowed his eyes at me, but I just bent down and bestowed a kiss on his bristly cheek.

‘An early night will do the trick.’

‘Are you sure you’re telling me everything, Daisy chain?’

Was I really that bad an actor after all? ‘Of course I am. Now, stop worrying and go and relax. Sleep well, and see you in the morning.’

He loitered a few more moments, concern in his eyes. ‘Och, ok, but you know you can talk to me. You always can.’

‘I know.’

I hugged him and ushered him out of the bedroom.

I clicked the door closed behind him. I felt guilty for not being honest with him, but things would be awkward enough over the next three days without my grandpa throwing himself into the mix.

I stood by the bed and was about to remove my dressing gown and jump into bed when there was another rap on the door.

I tugged it open. ‘Grandpa, I told you, I’m fine…’

It was Evan.

He examined me. ‘Please, Daisy. Let me explain.’

I tightened my dressing gown around myself, covering up my yellow, shorty short pyjamas. ‘I’ve got nothing to say to you, Evan. Or should I say Fox. Or perhaps you have yet another identity I don’t know about.’

He shook his head. ‘No, I don’t. Just that one.’