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‘Hey, sis, come on . . . don’t go all melancholy and start thinking that all men are bastards.’
‘I’m not at all. In fact, quite the opposite. I’ve decided that there’s no point in holding on to resentment. I need to move forward with my life. I’m fed up with being sad, Jack.’
‘You look far from sad,’ he said, smiling. ‘All this drama must suit you. You’ve got a lovely glow on your cheeks.’
‘That’s the fresh air. I’ve been battered by the breeze.’ Amelia did feel windswept and rejuvenated from the fresh air and sea. It was like a tonic that was helping her every day.
‘And what about Fergus?’
‘What about him? We’re just friends. Far easier that way.’ She couldn’t stop the disappointment from flitting across her face.
‘You sure you’re happy with that?’
‘It’s a bit complicated,’ she said.
‘Does he know you left with Declan?’
‘Well, yes and no. He knows Declan was here and that I went to the mainland with him, but I don’t think he realises how close I was to going back to London. But the night before I left, we had amoment. . .’
‘Right . . .’ Jack’s eyes widened. ‘Tell me more.’
‘Then his girlfriend arrived, except she wasn’t his girlfriend.’
‘Amelia. My God! This is better than daytime soaps.’
‘Anyway, the bottom line is that it’s all a bit messy, but we hope to be friends . . .’
‘Come on! Really?’
‘Yes,’ she said, although she was sounding less sure.
‘I guess you need to work out what you want?’
Amelia nodded. ‘Yes, exactly. I’m heading up to see Cano soon at the café about a rota. I’ve offered to help him when his wife goes to Glasgow soon to help with their grandchild.’
‘And what about the distillery?’
‘No rush there — I’m not interested in being the focus of Doris’s speculation and gossip at the moment. I’ll wait for a while. Anyway, enough of me, how are you?’
‘Super! We’ve been ice skating and decorated the tree over the weekend. It’s lovely. Very festive.’ He walked through to the front room to show a tastefully decorated tree in gold and red.
‘I’m going to help Edie with hers later.’ She realised she was looking forward to it. ‘And what are your plans for the big day?’
‘Ray’s going to cook and I’m going to eat. That’s about it! How about you?’
‘Well, there’s a ceilidh at the village hall on Christmas Eve, which everyone goes to. I could do with keeping a low profile, but Edie insists that I go with her and I think it will be good for her. She’s been so brave since her sister died but you know how sometimes people become morose around this time of year. She’s promised to show me all her best country dancing moves.’
‘Sounds great.’
‘Look, I’d better go just now, Jack. But I will call soon. Love you loads.’
‘Bye-e-e,’ he said, and kissed the camera. ‘Take care, sis.’
She giggled, despite herself. At least she had one man in her life who hadn’t let her down.
Chapter Sixty-Four
Edie had pulled all the boxes of Christmas decorations from the hall cupboard and was now standing contemplating them in excitement.
