Page 51 of Chasing a Highland Dream

‘So he’s told you about what’s going on then?’

Bella nodded. ‘He has. It’s awful and I would never divulge anything about him.’

‘Aye, I know you wouldn’t and I’m sure he does too really. But… he’s under a lot of pressure from his publisher, I think. Maybe his slight untidiness is his way of coping, I don’t know.’

Bella was quite surprised by his words. ‘Slight untidiness?’

Harris chuckled. ‘Aye, okay, maybe I’m cutting the man too much slack there. He’s worse than most teenagers.’

They arrived at the front of the queue and Harris ordered four cold drinks. They turned to walk back towards the bench and before she could say any more about her and Aiden, Harris said, ‘Changing the subject. Have you ever thought of doing an online interior design course?’

‘I have thought about it, but I don’t want to let Olivia down. We’re a great team and working here is wonderful so…’

‘Aye, I get that, but you’ve got talent. You should do something with it. I bet there are online courses you can do in your spare time to fit around this place. I can imagine you going into business for yourself.’

‘Really? Thank you.’ She felt thoroughly boosted by his comment. Now that a few people had commented on her designs at the apartments, she wondered if perhaps she might have a potential new career ahead of her. Maybe she could realise the dream she had been chasing for so long.

When they arrived back at the bench, Isla and Maeve shared a knowing look.

‘What took you so long?’ Isla asked.

‘Never you mind, Granny,’ Bella said with a wink towards Harris.

25

When the final visitor had gone, the tills had been cashed up and the staff had left for the day, Olivia and Bella flopped onto the squashy burgundy velour sofa in the castle’s private drawing room. Peace at last.

‘What a day,’ Olivia said with a sigh.

‘It’s been crazy busy. You must be so pleased.’

Olivia smiled and rested her head on Bella’s shoulder. ‘I am now I’ve got over how daunting it all seemed. It was weird, though, seeing so many strangers walking around my childhood home. Who knew so many people would actually be interested in the old place?’

‘Oh, I think it was clear from the start it would be a popular attraction, Liv. There’s so much history here. It’s one of those places people drive by and think, “Ooh, I’d love a nosy around there.” And now they can. And it’s a stunning location too. When I was walking around earlier, I got the impression people are grateful to you for opening up your home to them.’

‘That’s good.’

‘Have you heard from Brodie this afternoon?’

‘Yes, he messaged after we closed to say he’s taken the dogs for a run down by the loch to get rid of some of their pent-up energy.’ Olivia sat upright. ‘They’ve been so good today, don’t you think? Even Wilf has been on his best behaviour and that’s not an easy thing for him.’

Wilf was, to all intents and purposes, still a puppy and he had that well-known golden retriever exuberance that shone through in everything he did. But Brodie was training him so well. And he followed his ‘big brother’ Marley around like a shadow.

Bella grinned. ‘Yes, he’s been a star, bless him, and I think Marley has enjoyed all the attention. They say dogs can’t smile, but when you look at his face, you can see that’s absolutely not true.’

‘Totally agree.’ Olivia turned in her seat to face Bella. ‘Anyway, now we’ve got five minutes to chat, how’s it going with you and Aiden? He seems quite smitten.’

Bella knew she couldn’t explain everything in detail, but she did her best. ‘We had a bit of a disagreement yesterday about something, and I saw him in a very different light. Although, according to Harris, I was a bit hard on him.’

Olivia gasped and held up both hands. ‘Wait a minute, the man who is crazy about you defended the other man who is crazy about you? What are the chances?’

‘Neither of them are crazy about me, Liv. I’ve known them both for such a short time.’

Olivia narrowed her eyes. ‘Have you never heard of love at first sight?’ Bella scoffed and shook her head, but Olivia continued, ‘Bella, take it from me, I’ve seen the way they both look at you.’

‘Hmm, well, I think I’ll agree to disagree.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘Anyway, I should get back to Granny. I’m sure she’ll want a nice relaxing evening after the bustle of today. I sense a movie night coming on.’

Bella went to stand but Olivia grabbed her hand. ‘Thank you, Bells. Your help has been absolutely invaluable. Today and in the run-up to the opening. I honestly don’t know how I’d have coped without you by my side. My mum would have been very proud of us both.’