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‘Well . . . for a bit anyway. I guess until my work with Edie comes to an end. It’s a temporary post.’
As they continued walking in a comfortable silence, everything seemed simple and uncomplicated.
‘When we were kids we would sit here for hours counting the ferries.’ He pointed over at the Firth of Clyde. ‘Sometimes you can see the submarines coming in and out.’ He looked at his watch. ‘Oh, didn’t realise that was the time already. I’d better finish these errands and get you back. I’m taking some more kids out kayaking later.’
‘Tourists?’ She twisted to look at him.
‘No. Arranachers. Kids from the secondary.’
‘You’re quite the multitasker with all that you do,’ she said as they walked back to the van.
‘What do you mean?’
‘Well, with the outdoor sports and helping Edie and then your wild swimming . . .’
He laughed. ‘Edie’s always been very good to me.’ His eyes briefly clouded over. ‘I don’t have family here anymore. My parents are both dead and my brother lives in Aberdeen . . . She’s always been a good friend to me and I like to help her when I can. She’s independent as you will have gathered. But I think she’s starting to realise that asking for help is okay . . . which is good.’
When they got back to the van, Amelia found she had enjoyed listening to his stories, and she watched the scenery as he told another from his younger years. He took a quick detour past the large spa hotel, which sat in beautiful grounds. ‘If you ever want to swim, in a heated pool, then this is the place you should come. Though I can highly recommend the wild option.’
Amelia shivered. ‘Mmm, maybe.’ The thought of it wasn’t quite as horrifying as the first time he’d mentioned it.
All too quickly they were back at Edie’s and Amelia reluctantly climbed out. ‘Well, thanks again for looking after me and showing me the sights.’
‘Any time. It’s always good to show it off and we have only scratched the surface. There is loads more to see. Maybe another time?’
They looked at each other and Fergus flashed her a smile. ‘Bye, Amelia.’
‘Thanks again. Bye-bye.’
* * *
As Fergus drove away from Coorie Cottage he couldn’t stop thinking about the woman who he’d just spent a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours with. He usually steered well away from women as they were too much trouble. His last girlfriend, which was a very loose description of their relationship, was Kelly, who lived on the mainland. That had all been fairly relaxed and had quickly petered out as they only saw each other when Fergus was able to get over on the ferry. Kelly never wanted to come over to Arran to visit him and insisted that she was a city girl. As far as he was concerned, their arrangement suited them both, and everyone else presumed Fergus was single and avoiding women. Which officially he was.
But there was something quite captivating about Amelia. He wondered what her story was. Why on earth had she come here on her own? And why had she removed her wedding ring that she’d worn when he’d picked her up from the terminal the other night?
Chapter Eleven
The next day, inspired by her outing with Fergus, Amelia decided it was time to explore properly. She made the short walk down the path and onto the beach. There was a gentle breeze and, despite the sun, she shivered and dug her hands deep into her jacket pockets. A few clouds scudded across the sky and she enjoyed the fresh air, which she gulped in. When she reached the end of the bay, she ventured onto the high street. She was slightly apprehensive about having to make conversation with too many people she didn’t know. But she also knew she couldn’t hide out at Edie’s forever. Especially as Edie was paying her to do a job. She needed to live like a tourist and that meant leaving her comfort zone of the cabin and Edie’s beautiful garden. Although it had crossed her mind that a particularly romantic couple probably wouldn’t bother setting foot over the threshold of the shepherd’s hut at all during their stay. It had everything anyone could possibly wish for, and Edie had also suggested a barbecue for the summer. The thought of grilling sausages and sipping a cool beer or chilled wine while overlooking the sea was perfect. Although the hut was in Edie’s garden, it had been positioned in a quiet corner so it appeared to be in its own grounds.
Amelia picked her way along the sandy bay then over a whitewashed wall and across the grassy verge towards the road. She clocked the hotel and the newsagent, and smiled at the elderly man who passed her, with a newspaper tucked under his arm. She continued along and spotted the bakery and café with its bright awning and huge windows. She could already smell the aroma of coffee and saw the door wide open. Hesitating for a moment, she deliberated over whether she should go in. That would be a first step. As she stood having an internal debate with herself, she read the slate chalkboard sign which said, ‘Come in and start your day the Cèic way’.
Just then a woman, who looked about the same age as Amelia, with long, curly auburn hair and a huge smile, came out clutching a takeaway cup. She had bright eyes and wore navy jeans with a thick crimson sweater and red boots. She stepped aside to let Amelia pass.
‘Good morning,’ she said cheerily. ‘Beautiful day, isn’t it?’
‘Yes, it is,’ said Amelia shyly. ‘The coffee smells bliss.’
The cheery woman paused. ‘Now, wait a minute . . . you don’t happen to be Amelia, do you?’
She nodded in surprise. ‘Yes, I am. How did you know?’
‘Edie told me you’d arrived and I’ve been looking out for you. I know everyone here and didn’t recognise you so I figured it out. Plus, Edie gave an accurate description.’ She smiled. ‘Though you’re even prettier than she said.’
Amelia blushed. She immediately liked this warm and friendly woman.
‘Sorry, you must be wondering who I am. My name’s Thea. I run The Wee Trove over there.’ She flicked her spare hand to the shop on the other side of the road.
‘Ah, yes, of course.’ She was glad that the jigsaw pieces were slotting into place. ‘Edie has told me about you too.’
