Page 45 of Happiness Under a Summer Skye

‘And I’ll say again that no thanks are needed. I’m always happy to help.’

‘So, what’s this summer concert I’m hearing about? I’ve seen the posters around the village. Although I have to say, I’m surprised there’s no Highlands Games.’

‘Oh, we have those too but they’re in August. This is the early summer music and dance extravaganza. A new initiative sparked by Ruby and her dance students. It’s a way to get the kids and adults of the village out and about doing something other than playing on their phones. It’s not a competition or anything quite so serious but instead a way for people to come together and showcase their God-given gifts.’

‘That sounds like something Ruby would set up,’ Angelia replied with a smile.

Ferris tapped his chin and opened his mouth to speak but as if he thought better of it, he closed it again and covered it with the same hand.

‘What?’ Angelia asked. ‘Just say it. You’re the king of epiphanies at this point.’ She laughed. ‘What could go wrong?’

He glanced around conspiratorially for some reason, and it made Angelia giggle. He paused again and she wanted to shake the words out of him. ‘Seriously, Ferris, what?’

‘Look, it’s none of my business and you can feel free to tell me to get lost but… You need music in your life and… the village choir needs a leader.’ He held out his arms. ‘Someone who understands the music and can advise them. Someone exactly like you. You saw what they were like on the night we met. They’re a great bunch but without direction they’re horrendous, in the best possible way.’ He laughed. ‘I’ve been stepping in up to now but I’ve no idea what I’m doing. I’m happy to play the keyboard but they really need someone who can arrange music and help them figure out harmonies. I’m nowhere near good enough for that. But while you’re here it would be something to distract you from your worries and it wouldn’t put loads of strain on your voice. Plus, you’d be doing them a huge favour. And me. What do you think?’ He stepped back a little as if waiting for a firework to explode and covered his mouth again.

Angelia opened and closed her mouth as she fought to find an inoffensive way to say thanks, but no thanks but then she stopped. What would be wrong with helping out? Meghan would probably enjoy it too. What could possibly go wrong? It actually sounded like fun, and she certainly could use some of that in her life.

‘I’ll do it,’ she said.

‘I mean, you don’t have to… sorry?’ His eyes were wide with evident shock.

She lifted her arms and let them flop to her sides. ‘I said I’m in. I’ll do it.’

‘Oh, my word! That’s incredible! Thank you.’ He stood and walked over to hug her where she stood by the keyboard. Ugh, he smells divine, pardon the pun, she thought, and his cheek was smooth against hers.

He stepped back quickly. ‘I really need to stop doing that. My apologies. You’d think I’d had no training on appropriate behaviour towards parishioners.’ He rubbed both hands roughly over his face.

Angelia laughed. ‘They train you in that kind of stuff?’

‘In a way, yes. So, I’m really sorry. It won’t happen again.’

She smiled. ‘It’s really not a problem. And technically I’m not a parishioner.’

‘Fair point. Okay, so, are you free tomorrow evening? That’s when we’re getting together again.’

At that moment the church door creaked open and Meghan shouted, ‘Angelia, are you in here?’

Angelia rolled her eyes. ‘Yes! I’m fine, don’t worry. Just lost track of time, that’s all.’

Meghan walked towards them with Scrappy trotting beside her. ‘Thank God for that, I was beginning to think I was gonna get my arse handed to me for losing you. Shit, excuse me, father.’ She cringed and gave a little bow.

Angelia and Ferris exchanged an amused glance and he turned to Meghan. ‘You’re forgiven, my child.’ He made the sign of the cross and sucked his cheeks in, trying not to laugh.

Angelia gasped. ‘Ooh, I almost forgot, I brought you a choux bun. Caitlin at the bakery said it was your favourite.’ She leaned down and picked up the smaller box and held it out to him.

He took it and his face tinged a little pink. ‘That’s really kind but you didn’t have to…’

‘I owe you thanks for so many things since I arrived that a cake feels a little bit insignificant.’

He shook his head. ‘Absolutely not. You’ve tasted Caitlin’s baking so you know there’s nothing insignificant about it. Excuse the terrible pun but it’s almost a religious experience.’

Before she could comment, Meghan interjected. ‘Erm, I don’t mean to break up the party, guys, but we probably should get back up to Portree. I’ve got a video call arranged with Ezra, and I can’t do that while I’m driving.’

Ugh, young love. Angelia sighed. ‘Okay. But we’re coming back tomorrow evening,’ she informed her assistant with a wide smile.

Meghan shrugged. ‘Fine with me. But why are you grinning like that?’

With a smile directed at Ferris, Angelia said, ‘Because, Meghan, you and I have just joined a choir.’