Page 54 of Happiness Under a Summer Skye

‘Bloody hell, who are all the messages from?’ Ed asked as more pinged through. ‘Are they from Ferris?’ He sounded strangely sad as he asked the question.

She shook her head even though he now had his back to her. ‘Josh.’ She cleared her throat. ‘They’re from Josh.’

Ed turned. ‘Oh, right. Missing you, is he?’ This time his voice was laced with disdain. He had never hidden his feelings about Josh Baron and the way he dangled Angelia on a string like a puppet; well, that’s what he’d said about their situation anyway. She had never really looked at it that way. Perhaps until recently at least.

‘Apparently so,’ she replied flatly. She reluctantly hit reply.

Angel

Hi, Josh. I’m away just now camping with Ed. Signal isn’t great. I’m fine though. Angelia.

She kept the reply short and to the point and left it at that. No more messages came.

‘I don’t get guys like him,’ Ed said after a few moments. ‘He has this amazing girlfriend who’s stuck by him all this time, even when the rumours were flying about you and him. Yet he still clings to you. It’s as if he doesn’t want you but he doesn’t want you to move on without him. And that’s shitty on you and Nancy, in my opinion.’

He was right on all points, Angelia feared. Just then another message came through.

Ferris

Hey, Angelia, how are you doing? I thought you might like to know that I saw a few of the choir at church yesterday and they all had such great things to say about you. I’m so glad you took on the role. Anyway, if you get a chance this week, I can be free for coffee and a chat. We could discuss plans for the choir going forward maybe? Although I understand you may not be on Skye forever, that’s possibly wishful thinking on my part. For the choir I mean. Anyway, let me know if you’re free. Ferris, Curate Extraordinaire.

He finished his message with a smiley face that had a halo above it, and it made her smile. She hit reply.

Angel

Hi, Ferris, or should that be Mr Extraordinaire? Actually, I’m playing truant this week. Ed and I have escaped to Glenbrittle for a few days of rain, or midges, or maybe both, who knows with Scottish weather? Fear not though, I will be back in time for choir on Friday. Not long until the show so we need to make every rehearsal count. Angelia

The icon flashed to indicate Ferris was typing a reply. Was he going to question the lack of a mention of Meghan?

Ferris

Ah, yes, I did wonder if you’d abscond, and Glenbrittle is a rather beautiful location to choose. Meghan called into the church on her way off the island. I was very sorry to hear about her mum and told her I’ll pray for her. She asked me to be extra vigilant at choir practice in case any paparazzi showed up when the press release is made about the band, although she wasn’t sure when that would be. I had a sneaking suspicion you might accidentally on purpose ‘forget’ to let your management know you were flying solo. Whilst I completely understand your desire for freedom and a ‘normal’ life, I can’t help worrying that you underestimate your value. Please be careful. See you Friday. God bless.

So only a hint at a lecture. That was better than she expected. She’d wondered if Meghan would feel it necessary to inform him. She shook her head and placed her phone back in her pocket. ‘Shall we stick the coffee into those two travel mugs I saw in the cupboard, and head out for some fresh air now?’

Ed turned and smiled. ‘You must’ve read my mind, MacAuley.’

The rain had slowed by the time they had climbed over the low dune and arrived on the beach. The volcanic sand was even darker than it would normally be, thanks to the weather, and the Black Cuillin mountain range, serving as a backdrop to the beach and campsite, appeared even more imposing due to the same factors. Scrappy, now off lead, ran towards the water’s edge and away again as soon as the waves appeared to chase him. His tongue lolled out and his eyes were bright. He didn’t care about the rain; he was living his best life.

‘This place is amazing,’ Ed said as he clung to his coffee cup. His hood flapped around in the breeze and his eyes were filled with wonder.

‘It’s beautiful,’ Angelia replied. ‘I’m not sure why I haven’t been before.’

Another message pinged to her phone but this time it was Bella.

Bella

Hey, Angelia. Great news! The team can start this week! They had a job just cancel so the timing is perfect. Structurally the building is sound, as you know from the original survey, and the site manager says the work is pretty superficial which is more good news! If you’re okay to go ahead with the plans, and the attached quote figure is agreeable, just let me know. Of course, I have the spare key from when I showed them around this afternoon so I can deal with entry, I’m sure you’re busy.

She clicked on the link in the message and was pleasantly surprised, rather than shocked, at the figures she saw there. So, the record shop would be up and running sooner than expected. Her stomach flipped with excitement and she replied immediately.

Angel

Excellent! I can’t wait. Please accept before someone else snatches them up! I’m away just now but home Friday for choir. Signal is a bit hit and miss but message or call if you need me and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Angelia.

She lifted her head to see that Ed and Scrappy had wandered on, so she jogged to catch up with them and grabbed Ed’s arm, linking hers through his. ‘The shop’s a go!’ she squealed. ‘They’re starting this week! This week, Ed!’ She wobbled his arm and jumped up and down, and he laughed.

‘You’d better get some decisions made then, MacAuley! Do you see yourself as a rock legend running a record store? Or as a silent partner, living the life of luxury while someone else runs it for you?’ She chose to treat the questions as rhetorical, mainly because she was rather torn about the whole thing, and they carried on walking as the rain became heavier once again.