Page 65 of Chasing a Highland Dream

‘Don’t worry, Granny, I won’t make you look like a drag racer,’ Bella had assured her whilst trying not to giggle as she imagined RuPaul driving an elongated car at speed on a track as other drag queens cheered him on.

Isla’s expression changed. ‘I forgot to tell you, Maeve says she might be relocating to Skye with Harris. I’m heartbroken. She’s my best friend in the world, well apart from you, that is. I don’t know what I’ll do without her. And it’s a good thing Harris isn’t your type after all, isn’t it? You would have lost him as soon as you’d found him. I mean Skye is only a few hours away, but it’s not the same as being in the same city.’

Bella hadn’t replied. Instead, she’d stepped back and admired her handiwork. ‘You look very glam, Granny.’

Isla had lifted up her old-fashioned handheld mirror with the mother-of-pearl inlay on the back and patted her hair as she took in her reflection. ‘Perfect! And not a drag racer in sight.’

Later that day, Bella was standing in the castle foyer admiring the artwork, as she often did when she had a spare five minutes. She hadn’t heard from Harris and kept wondering what was happening with the Skye job, so being at work was the best distraction.

She heard the door open. ‘She’s there, mate,’ she heard Brodie say.

As she turned towards the entrance, she saw Brodie standing next to Harris, who was in his uniform; a concerned expression crumpled his brow.

She smiled briefly but her stomach knotted. ‘Hi, Harris. Is everything okay?’

‘Bella, could you come with me, please?’

She giggled. ‘Ooh, am I under arrest? Is it for my criminal records?’ When he didn’t smile or reply, she elaborated, ‘As in… my CD collection… in case you didn’t get my meaning. Although the Barry Manilow is my gran’s, honest. So not guilty there.’ The way his expression was unchanging, and his gaze remained fixed on her, told her to stop messing around.

‘Bella, I’m sorry but you really do need to come with me,’ he said as he held out his hand.

Her insides plummeted as if she was on an elevator with broken cables. ‘What is it? Have I done something wrong?’ She racked her brain for answers. ‘Or has something happened?’

‘It’s best if you come with me. I can explain on the way.’ He extended his hand again towards her.

A shiver travelled down her spine and her stomach churned. ‘Harris, you’re scaring me. Tell me what’s happened.’

He walked towards her. ‘Your granny’s had a nasty fall. She hit her head and⁠—’

Bella heard a whine and glanced down to see Brodie had a hold of Beau’s lead. She felt the colour drain from her face and everything began to spin as her eyes welled with tears. ‘And what?’ She almost stumbled and Harris grabbed for her, steadying her with both hands. ‘She’s not… I mean she hasn’t…’

He clenched his jaw and glanced sideways at Brodie before returning his attention to her. ‘She’s hurt quite badly. She was unconscious when the ambulance arrived, and there was some mention they would need to take her to theatre. The paramedic said they thought her hip was broken. She’s at Raigmore. I’m here to take you to her.’

Bella gasped and her legs weakened again but thankfully Harris had a strong hold on her. ‘Oh my god. Is she going to be okay? What happened? She will be okay, won’t she?’

Harris moved to put his arm around her. ‘I hope so, Bella, but… I can’t make any promises, I hope you understand. I’m no doctor. I wanted to make sure you get to her fast.’

Bella nodded; the action caused tears to spill over onto her cheeks. ‘I… I need to let Olivia know that I⁠—’

Brodie interjected, ‘I’ll let her know, don’t worry.’

‘Now, do you want Aiden to come with you?’ Harris asked as he led her to the door.

Bella scrunched her brow. Why would he mention Aiden at a time like this? ‘But why would I… I don’t…’

‘I don’t think you should be alone. Come on, we’ll call down for him on the way.’ Harris guided her to the stable block apartments, making sure to stay close enough in case her legs gave way.

He knocked on Aiden’s door. A few moments passed until Aiden answered and when he did, he was bare-chested and his hair was a tousled mess. He scowled. ‘Why are you here together? What’s wrong?’ His cheeks paled and he took a step back.

Harris held up a hand. ‘Aiden, it’s Olivia’s granny, she’s had a bad fall and is at the hospital. Bella’s in bits about it, and I wondered if you’d accompany her to the hospital for moral support.’

Aiden opened and closed his mouth a few times like a goldfish. ‘Oh… erm… no, it’s okay, thanks, I don’t do hospitals. It’s a… it’s a phobia type of thing. They make me feel ill. I can’t really say I’d be much help.’

Harris glanced at Bella, who was finding it hard to form sentences due to the worry and emotion clogging up her throat. She watched his lips form a hard line for a moment before he said, ‘Aiden, she needs some support, pal. Can you maybe put your ick aside for your girlfriend on this occasion?’

I’m not his girlfriend! Bella screamed in her mind, though she was too worried about her granny to voice her frustration.

Aiden shrugged. ‘Why can’t you stay with her?’