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Amy nodded, keen to change the subject. ‘Yes. I’m fine. Anyway tell me about the kids.’
‘The kids are both working at the pool and probably earning more than me, and Steve combined. Honestly to be young again, they’re having a ball. They’re both saving for summer holidays and uni and are hardly here. They’ll be so excited though when they hear you’re back.’
‘And Dad? How is he?’ She watched as her sister frowned.
‘Okay, just a bit confused at the moment but that’s maybe due to the time of year and the anniversary of Mum’s death and of course the wedding. I don’t think he realized he would need to make a speech and that seemed to stress him. But I’ve offered to help and so have Steve and the kids.’
Amy noticed that Kirsty was composed and in control as she spoke, but her face looked etched with worry and she had definitely aged. She decided it would be kinder not to share that observation with Kirsty. Instead, she said, ‘I’m here now, and will do as much as I can to help you. I’m sorry you’ve had to do this all on your own.’
She nodded. ‘It’s been tough . . . that and the kids leaving after the summer and . . .’
Amy wrinkled her nose. ‘You’ve a lot going on, sis, and as soon as I have balanced my energy from the flight you are first on my list for a reflexology session.’ She yawned noisily, clamping her hand over her mouth. ‘If it’s not too rude, can I go and get some shuteye, please, and then I will go see Dad? Then we will face the rest of it together, one day at a time.’
‘Sure,’ said Kirsty, hugging her again. ‘Off you go and get some rest. It issogood to have you here. Honestly, I can hardly believe it.’
Amy smiled, yawned again and pointed upstairs.
Chapter Eighteen
‘Look who’s here!’ said Kirsty over Facetime.
Emma almost dropped her phone when she saw Amy’s face next to Kirsty’s. They were outside the cottage, sitting under the sycamore tree.
‘Amy, when did you get back? Did you know she was coming?’ She narrowed her gaze in suspicion and shook her head at Kirsty.
‘Nope. Honestly! I am as surprised as you are. She just appeared. Steve happened to be driving past the ferry terminal and saw her waiting at the bus stop.’
‘My plans were a bit fluid.’ Amy giggled. ‘And so, I thought I would surprise everyone. You know me, I like to go with the flow.’
Kirsty laughed. ‘She certainly did surprise us . . .’
‘Where’s Ross?’ said Emma. ‘Have you given him the tour?’
‘Well . . . that’s the thing. He’s not here. We broke up.’
Emma was shocked. ‘Wha-a-a-a-t? When did this happen?’
‘I’ll fill you in on the details when I see you.’
Amy didn’t look particularly sad or bothered by the break-up which reassured Emma. Honestly, her sister was one of a kind.
‘When are you back?’ asked Amy.
‘Well now that you are there, as soon as possible. I was meant to be coming on Monday, but Max is working away up north and so I’ll be there as soon as I finish work. Tomorrow night if I can.’
Amy clapped her hands together in excitement. ‘Seriously? That would be amazing. I can’t wait to see you. I am so excited for you!’
Emma couldn’t help but smile at her sister’s beaming face. ‘Did you tell her about the distillery?’
Kirsty angled the phone, so she had a better view of Emma. ‘Yes, she knows about it. In fact, I think we may go down tomorrow and check things out.’
‘I wish I could be there with you,’ said Emma.
‘We can wait until you’re here?’ suggested Amy.
‘No, honestly, it’s fine. Just go down and have a look and we can all go again when I’m there.’ Emma paused. ‘Does she knowallabout it?’ she said, knowingly.
Fortunately, Kirsty clocked the question and giggled. ‘She will get the tour and learnallabout it when she goes.’
