Page 57

Subject: Re: And you thought Dalston G had drama

Stuart was a bit miffed (he reserved a pool table at the pub), but he got over it. I didn’t tell him about you know what, of course. What happens behind Marwick’s, stays behind Marwick’s, I promise.

I’m okay, thanks. Tired but fine. Been working way too hard.

Me, judge you for playing sax? NEVER. Sax is cool, unlike that recorder thing with your nose, which leads me to the million-pound question: how on Earth did YOU, Recorder Dude, become a teen pin-up?

Evie wasn’t sure if Nick was still featured in Flirty Girl. She had moved on, her monthly order replaced with the more sophisticated Bella Faith magazine, which served up the hottest fashion trends and relationship advice. Gobbling up every page, every tip, Evie mimicked Bree’s look of camisoles, mini vests, and bubble hemmed dresses, striving to be more mature, more Nick’s type of girl, but unfortunately, her new favorite read couldn’t help her answer his trickiest question.

I LOVE our shop and all the fun things we sell. I meet people from all over and kinda feel like an Orkney ambassador, helping them find a piece of the islands to take home with them. Is it my heart’s desire? Not sure. I have NO IDEA what that might be. Is that bad?

Clicking send, Evie hoped Nick wouldn’t be disappointed by her response. He seemed so ambitious and worldly. She, on the other hand, had grown up believing her future was Marwick’s. But what if Nick was right…what if it wasn’t? She gazed out the window, lost in the novelty of what-ifs as rain throttled their front garden.

The computer chimed with an incoming email.

From: Nico B.

To: Evie Sutherland

Date: Sent today at 11:59

Subject: Re: And you thought Dalston G had drama

Not bad, nope. I reckon some people never know their heart’s desire and that’s A-OK. If anything, NOT knowing opens you up to all sorts of activities and interests. Why be dull like me and pick just one?

Seeing you in action at the shop yesterday, I was dead impressed. Dealing with the public is hard and you’re a natural. You’re so friendly and knowledgeable. And if you love it, that’s awesome—in a way, you’ll never ‘work’ a day in your life!

Me a pin-up? I have no idea why fans like me. It’s super flattering, but I think if they really knew me, they’d go off me. I’m nothing like Jake. Most people seem disappointed when they figure that one out.

But I hope you won’t be. ;)

Dad wandered past again shouting, “Pack. Now!” We’re leaving for London later, so I better crack on.

I’m glad you’re all right, but if you’re ever not, I’m always around, yeah? Even if YOU DO LOVE YOUR CAPITALS A BIT TOO MUCH! Ha!

Thanks for being here, Evie. Chat soon, okay? xo

Evie laughed at the screen, enchanted by Nick’s xo and his promise to be in touch. “You could never disappoint me,” she said aloud.

“Who?” Sam called from the hallway. “Me?”

Another giggle tickled her throat. “Yeah, you. Who else?”

TWELVE

EVIE

Now, Monday, June 26

For years Evie had journaled about how, if given the golden opportunity, she would enact her revenge on Nick for his brazen carelessness with her teenage heart. Taking scissors to his precious wardrobe, cutting his gorgeous hair with Rupert’s sheep shears, smashing the keys on his piano—all brilliant payback ideas—but throwing him into a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction? That was never scribbled on any page, and the mere thought of Saturday’s catastrophe left her tearfully shaken and drowning in old feelings.

Even on Sunday, the shoot’s first day off, when Fiona called to report that Nick was out of danger and had been discharged from the hospital, Evie still couldn’t eat or read or sleep, her mind spiraling.

If only she had taken a moment to check the package’s ingredient list for potential allergens before sending Sunita out with the breakfast treats.

If only.

The carrot (and hidden raisin) muffin episode may have been an unfortunate accident, but the messy mistake was Evie’s—and Evie’s alone. Now she had to wait and see if the big-bucks broadcaster would name Marwick’s in a costly and potentially business-crushing lawsuit.