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‘When are you going to go?’
‘The day after next. She’s keen to get it over with, I think, and she doesn’t want to miss the Christmas fair.’ The lights switch-on was only a few days away.
‘I can understand why she wants to go now. She must be thinking about it all the time.’
He nodded. ‘Yes, she is. She needs to work out the timings and the ferry crossings. I know she would rather just go and come back home as soon as she can.’
‘Will it take long to drive up to the hospital when you’re on the mainland?’
‘No, about an hour if the traffic is quiet,’ he said, kicking a stone in front of him.
‘It will be a long day for her. I just hope there’s no hassle with the ferries otherwise you may have to stay over if the last one is cancelled.’
‘Yes, keep your fingers crossed. And don’t worry, she’ll be in good hands. I’ll keep an eye on her. I’ll take her to the door and be there waiting for her when she comes out. And I’ve reassured her you will walk Molly and look after her should we get stuck. I hope that’s okay?’
‘Of course,’ said Amelia. ‘I’ll do anything to help. I’m glad she’s definitely decided to go.’
He gestured inland. ‘Let’s cut up this way to the bar.’
Amelia followed his lead and caught a whiff of his lemony scented cologne. As she looked up at the inky black sky, scattered with stars, she couldn’t help but think that continuing a walk along the beach and chatting with Fergus seemed the more pleasing option than heading into a busy pub.
Chapter Thirty-Four
In the bar, Grant ordered drinks for everyone and brought them over to the table Thea had commandeered in the corner of the pub.
‘I hope wine does the job?’ he said, passing Amelia a glass.
‘Perfect. Thanks. So much for me staying off the booze. That resolution didn’t last long,’ she said.
‘You doing good?’ asked Thea.
‘Yes, thanks. Really enjoying my new job, though a bit guilty that it doesn’t seem much like work.’
Thea laughed. ‘The best kind of work. If you love what you do you will never work another day in your life.’
‘Very true. You feel that way about the shop?’
‘You know, I think I do. I lived in Glasgow but there was no way I could have afforded my own shop there. Rents are too expensive. Then I met Grant and moved over and it all kind of happened.’ She glanced over at him and smiled. ‘And I love that I can showcase local produce and talent. That’s the most exciting bit.’
‘That’s such a brave thing to do. And I love the way you’ve designed the shop window — it’s so stylish.’
‘Thank you. This time of year is great. I love all the festive themes, and there’s always a competition for the best-dressed shop window . . .’ She lowered her voice. ‘I’ve won the past three years so I feel a bit of pressure to maintain a certain standard.’
Amelia laughed. ‘I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’m looking forward to the festivities. I’ve heard so much about it all. I can’t wait!’
‘Well, you don’t have much longer to go. Only a few days until the lights go on, and the fair. And then there’s the big ceilidh on Christmas Eve.’
Amelia spotted Fergus looking over from the bar and flushed under his intense gaze. Fortunately, Thea’s phone beeped and she was distracted with that rather than noticing Amelia’s red cheeks.
‘It’s great having you here, Amelia,’ said Thea. ‘It’s nice to have someone a bit more my own age.’
Amelia was touched. ‘That’s so nice of you to say. Thanks for being so welcoming. Everyone has been so nice. It feels like a great place to be.’
‘It is,’ she said, before raising an eyebrow as Fergus appeared at the table with another round of drinks.
Beeps were sounding from somewhere on Fergus. He groaned and reached inside his pocket, pulling out a pager. Grant did exactly the same and they grabbed their jackets.
‘Am I missing something?’ Amelia was confused.
