Page 32 of Happiness Under a Summer Skye

Angelia’s spirits were suddenly lifted. ‘That’d be lovely. I’d really like that. My mum and dad are going on holiday to Canada for a few weeks at the end of May. They tried to tell me they were cancelling it, but I wouldn’t hear of it. It’s not like I’m incapacitated. I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself. And they’ve wanted to go to Canada for as long as I can remember. Mum has sorted cover for the bookshop and Dad has special permission from the bank’s head office for taking three consecutive weeks off, so it seems silly to cancel it all now. And there’s nothing anybody can do. I just have to adjust things in my life and I’ll be fine.’ She sounded a lot more convincing than she felt.

‘That actually lines up with when I’d be coming over. Could I maybe stay for a few days? Keep you company?’

‘That’d be great. Although I should warn you, I’m being watched like a hawk by Meghan.’

Ed chuckled. ‘They sent her with you then?’

Angelia rolled her eyes. ‘They sure did. I mean I’ve been here… what? Three weeks so far and I’ve only had two small incidents; one with a group of great kids who I took selfies with and then today there was a group of pretend paparazzi who thought they recognised me.’

‘Thought they recognised you?’

‘Yeah, it was hilarious. I told them they were mistaken and they all set about arguing over whether I was actually me or not, but I managed to lose them by going into the church in Glentorrin.’

‘You in a church? You don’t do churches.’

Angelia grinned. ‘Not normally. I was saved by the curate.’

‘Eh?’ Ed laughed again.

‘The church in Glentorrin has a curate assisting the rector and he managed to get rid of them. He was really sweet about it all.’

‘So, he recognised you too? A vicar?’ Ed asked with a hint of surprise to his tone.

‘He did. Apparently, he’s partial to a bit of rock music.’

‘Are they allowed to listen to that kind of stuff?’ he asked, echoing her own words. ‘Or is he a rebellious curate?’

Angelia smiled. ‘Oh yes, things have changed in the world of religion apparently.’

‘And what were you doing in Glentorrin? And where even is that?’

It had slipped her mind that he wasn’t familiar with Skye. She’d known him so long she had almost forgotten he was from Hampshire. ‘It’s the first village you come to as you cross the Skye Bridge. And I’m here because I’ve bought another property.’

‘Oh, cool. Fee said you were looking again. Is it another house?’

‘No, this one’s a shop and a flat above. I’m trying to decide what to do with it. Meghan suggested a record shop.’

‘Oh, now, you’re talking! That’s so perfect for you. You could set one up with your collection as it is. That would be awesome,’ Ed said enthusiastically.

‘Except I’m not selling a single one of mine, thank you very much,’ she replied with a light-hearted laugh.

‘No surprise there. Seriously, though, I think it’s the best idea for you. Vinyl records are making a big comeback. Loads of my friends are into vinyl. I’ve been to some cool record shops in New York. They can be so atmospheric. Oh… hang on a sec…’ He fell silent a moment. ‘Yeah, Ava, I’m coming,’ he said off into the distance with a tinge of annoyance. ‘Sorry, Angel, I need to get going.’

Angelia nodded even though he couldn’t see her. ‘No worries. It’s been good to talk to you, Ed.’

‘Yeah, you too,’ he almost whispered. ‘I miss you.’ It wasn’t like him to be sentimental, but it had happened both times he had spoken to her recently. There was definitely more to it, and she wondered if he was okay. Perhaps he’s just homesick, she thought.

‘I miss you too,’ Angelia replied, swallowing down a surprise ball of emotion.

‘Bye for now.’

‘Bye for now, Ed.’

As she locked up the shop, her phone buzzed with a message. It was Josh.

Josh

Hey. I miss you. Sorry I’ve been so quiet but this thing with your diagnosis has really affected me. I feel so useless and I hate that. I am thinking about you though. All day. Every day. You never know, I may come and visit if your folks are still heading to Canada. Can’t wait to see you. J xx