AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘I’d love a glass of red wine, please.’
‘I like your taste. That’s exactly what I feel like too.’ Thea turned to the barman and ordered the drinks. ‘How are you settling in, then?’
‘Great, thanks. Though the time is flying. I can’t believe the weeks have passed so quickly.’
‘Edie said you’re helping her market the shepherd’s hut and developing a website?’
Amelia nodded. ‘Yes, I’ve been writing up the content and taking the pictures.’
‘It’s good you’re helping her with it. I have to say I was quite startled when she told me she was buying the hut. I thought she was joking. Then I saw it arriving . . .’
‘Yes, but she’s obviously quite shrewd and knows it will make an income for her. Glamping is so in and this is such a gorgeous place.’
‘Yes, I would agree with that. She and Fergus have done an amazing job with it.’
‘They have. Cheers,’ she said as the barman placed two glasses of wine next to them.
Amelia took a sip. ‘Have they always been close?’
Thea looked thoughtful for a moment and shrugged. ‘I suppose so. He’s very good to her and looks out for her. He’s always offering to do errands and likes to check in on her, probably because she’s on her own.’
‘That’s very kind.’
‘Indeed. Grant, my partner, loves working with him. They’re so laid-back and never argue. They work well together as a team.’
‘Are you into your outdoor sports? Wild swimming?’
Thea almost spat out her wine. ‘Good God, no. I can’t think of anything worse. I don’t mind a bit of kayaking in the summer but the thought of going in the sea at this time of year . . .’ She shivered.
‘You don’t fancy doing Goatfell?’
Thea pulled a face. ‘Grant or Fergus are your men for that.’
‘How long have you had the shop?’
‘About five years now.’
‘I must come in and have a proper look around.’
‘Please do, and I can show you some of Edie’s work too.’
‘Has Edie always lived on her own?’ Amelia asked.
‘As long as I’ve known her. She was widowed many years ago when she lived in Edinburgh but that’s about all she has told me.’
A loud cheer from the group in the corner disrupted their conversation. One of the older ladies punched the air and the other two gave each other a fist bump, which made Thea and Amelia burst out laughing.
‘What did I tell you?’ Thea raised an eyebrow. ‘It’s a competitive business.’
The two women spent an hour or so chatting over wine and enjoying the warm glow from the log fire in the middle of the pub until Grant arrived to collect Thea. He gave Amelia a friendly and welcoming handshake. ‘I’ve heard all about you.’ He laughed when he noticed her frowning. ‘Don’t worry, most of it is . . . good.’
‘Grant! He’s winding you up. Ignore him.’
Amelia couldn’t stop herself from blushing. ‘That’s reassuring . . . I think.’
Thea laughed. ‘And Doris has managed to persuade her to help with the Christmas fair.’
Grant raised an eyebrow. ‘Wow, fast moving on her part. That practically makes you a local.’
