The Skye Collection, page 25
‘Not at all, and there’s a wee bench down the way there. You get a nice view of Kyleakin and Loch Alsh.’
‘That sounds perfect.’ And it really did. Around every corner was another spectacular view offering up more memories for her to take away.
They walked along the road bridge and, sure enough, not far from where Juliette had parked, was a wooden bench overlooking the water. They sat and Reid opened the flask. He poured out coffee into the cup that came with it and some into the little plastic lid. He handed the larger of the two to Juliette.
‘It’s not quite champagne, but here’s to positive steps, eh?’
‘Positive steps,’ she repeated and clunked her cup into his. ‘So, how did it go with your counsellor? I’m surprised you got in so quick.’
‘Aye, not as surprised as me, I can tell you that. It went well though. Having the appointment come so quick meant I didn’t have the time to talk myself out of going. Anyway, she seems nice. She just let me haver on at her and she made a few notes, but mainly, she listened.’
‘How did you feel afterwards?’ she asked, taking a sip of her drink and relishing the earthy flavour of the coffee on her taste buds.
He huffed. ‘Bloody exhausted. I never knew all this emotional stuff could be so draining. But then, after I got home and had a wee grampa nap.’ He rolled his eyes and grinned. ‘I felt… I don’t know… lighter? Does that sound daft?’
She smiled. ‘Not in the slightest. I totally understand. And I’m glad things went so well.’ She nudged him with her shoulder.
‘So, are you looking forward to your date with my brother?’ he asked, without looking at her.
Her stomach plummeted. ‘Sorry? Date? We’re not going on a date.’ In spite of Kendric’s texts of encouragement, Juliette had managed to hold off.
Reid smiled but kept his gaze locked on the view. ‘Methinks the lady doth protest too much. He’s a good-looking fella, my Ric. He has ’em bloody swooning at his feet wherever he goes.’
‘Yes, he’s handsome, I’ll give you that,’ she replied, not knowing what to say. But I don’t fancy him in the slightest felt a little harsh, so she kept that to herself.
He turned to her and smiled. ‘You could do a lot worse.’ Why didn’t he sound convinced?
‘Yes, but I’m not really looking… I mean, I don’t really want… I’m happy with the way things are,’ she finally admitted.
‘Really? Don’t you get lonely?’ he asked.
She thought about his question for a few moments. ‘Sometimes. But I have my best friend, Millie, and, of course, my family.’
He nodded and frowned. ‘Well, that’s good.’ He fell silent for a while. ‘Obviously, I don’t get lonely, you know, I have Evin. He’s great company. And Chewie, of course.’ He sounded as though he was trying to convince himself.
‘I don’t like night-times.’ She was almost shocked that the words fell from her mouth instead of remaining as thought like she had planned.
He nodded. ‘Aye. I get that. Too much time in the wee small hours for thinking.’
‘Yes, far too much.’
A silence fell between them, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable, or like she needed to fill it with inane small talk – a habit she’d picked up in her youth when her confidence wasn’t quite there. Laurie had helped on that score. He was always so interested in what she had to say, but, on the flip side of that, he made her realise that companionable silences were quite acceptable too.
Eventually, Reid spoke. ‘So, what will you do when you go back down south?’
She shrugged. ‘Get back to normal life, I suppose. Back to the university library during term time.’
He smiled and nudged her with shoulder this time. ‘Ah, that’s right, you’re a bibliophile.’
She laughed lightly. ‘I guess you could say that, yes. Books are my life. So many stories to dive into. You’re never lonely when you’ve got a book. I think I might have pinched that line from someone, but you get the point.’
Reid nodded his head. ‘I do. I used to love reading. Used to read to Evin every night when he was wee. Such special times. These days, I can’t seem to concentrate for long. Same with the painting, sadly.’
‘I’m sure it’ll come back, the inspiration, I mean. The attention span will definitely improve. I found it did. And then books became my escape. Beats getting drunk or staying in bed all day sleeping.’
‘Very true.’
They sat in silence for a while, admiring the view and sipping on their coffee. ‘Kate’s coming to take Evin for a week’s holiday and I’m dreading it,’ Reid offered out of the blue.
‘Oh? How come? What about school?’
He shrugged. ‘She takes him every so often. Special dispensation with us living so far apart. He has a tutor when he’s there. It’s part of the legal custody agreement. I can’t really stop her. I haven’t told her about what’s going on with me and I won’t be doing so. I don’t want to give her anything else she can use against me. I’m just scared of what will happen. If she’ll not let him come home.’
‘Reid, she can’t stop him from coming home if it’s gone through the courts. Your name is on his birth certificate so you’re his dad until it’s proven otherwise. And Kate would be foolish if she let him know what’s going on before it’s dealt with properly. He’d end up hating her, so I’m sure she won’t risk that.’
He lowered his gaze and kicked at the dirt beneath his feet. ‘I wouldn’t put anything past her now. Not after everything she’s done.’ He shook his head. ‘I wonder what I saw in her, you know? Was I so blind?’
‘Love makes you see things that are sometimes not there, and vice versa.’
‘She was fun, back then. So carefree. And I have to admit she was beautiful. But it’s amazing how ugly someone can become when they show their true colours.’
‘Did she change a lot?’
He nodded. ‘Completely. I’m loath to admit that I suspected her of having an affair before we got pregnant. But I ignored it. I loved her so much, I swept it under the proverbial rug and carried on. I wasn’t willing to risk losing her. She made me so happy. Or so I thought. But when I look back, I can see that she was manipulative. She used every trick in the book to make sure she got her own way. Right down to keeping the café. It was all about status symbols and money. Stuff like that’s never interested me.’ He tilted his face skyward and sighed a deep, weighty exhale. ‘I feel like an idiot. So bloody gullible. But my dad always said that you shouldn’t give up on marriage. If it’s not working, you make it work. Simple as that.’
Juliette knew it was never so simple and clear-cut. The black and white areas were always muddied with grey. ‘What’s happened about the paternity test?’
‘It’s taken care of. I just have to wait for the results. Kate doesn’t know I’ve done it.’
She reached over and grabbed his hand. ‘You must be so worried. How long will it be?’
He glanced at her; his expression pained. ‘It could be weeks. We tried to expedite it, but…’
‘I’ll keep everything crossed for you. And if I can do anything at all… If you need a distraction when Evin’s away…’
Reid nodded; his smile was tinged with sadness. ‘Thank you. I appreciate the offer.’
For a brief moment, she surreptitiously gazed at their hands. The sight of them sitting there, fingers entwined, felt somehow right. But as soon as she allowed the thought to surface, she released her hold on him.
‘Is it me or is time flying by?’ he asked.
‘It’s definitely flying by.’
‘It’s good that you’re here for another month.’ He smiled and a pink flush spread across his cheeks. ‘It’ll be so strange when you’ve gone though. I didn’t exactly make a great first impression thanks to all the shit I was… am going through and I’m relieved to have had a chance to make things right. I’m glad… I’m glad we’re friends.’
Her smile widened and something warm bubbled up from deep within, wrapping itself around her heart, slotting more pieces back in place. ‘I’m glad too. Very much.’
And with that, they went back to a companionable silence as the sun began its descent over the horizon, marking the end of another day filled with progress and promise.
28
An open day had been arranged at the museum for potential buyers, so, once again, the place was closed to the public. Juliette spent the morning in a fractured state of concentration. She tried to read, she tried to watch TV and she tried to listen to music. Nothing was able to keep her focused.
At around eleven, there was a knock on the door, and she almost skipped to answer it, looking forward to seeing either Caitlin or Reid. Instead, she opened it to find Kendric standing there, holding out a huge bouquet of fragrant, colourful flowers.
He pointed to the bottom of the bouquet. ‘They have their own little water bulb, so you don’t even need to worry about putting them in a vase,’ he told her proudly.
It was an unexpected visit and she was aware her greeting was less than enthusiastic. ‘Oh, err, that’s really kind of you. Thank you, but you shouldn’t have.’
He took a step closer to the door. ‘I get the feeling you’ve been avoiding me and I felt really guilty about that. I spoke to Caitlin and she told me about your husband. I could kick myself. I’m so sorry. I must have come across like such a giant arse. I felt like I should apologise for being so pushy, so I took the liberty of buying some tasty things from the deli in Kyleakin, some treats from Caitlin’s and I thought we could eat here. Less formal.’ He cringed and closed his eyes. ‘Or is that even more pushy?’ He lowered his gaze to his shoes. ‘Shit, I didn’t think this through, did I?’
Juliette took a deep breath before she spoke. ‘Kendric, this is very kind of you, but, yes, a little pushy too, if I’m honest. And I’m sorry, but you’ve had a wasted journey. I’ve told you I don’t want to do the TV interview. I still don’t. I can’t. I’m sorry.’ She began to push the door closed, but he stopped its movement.
‘Hey, this isn’t about the TV interview. This is just about me hoping to get to know you a little better. My brother speaks very highly of you and considers you a good friend, and I really like that about you. You’ve helped him so much.’ He shrugged. ‘Look, I know I come across as a bit over the top, and I apologise for that. I blame my career. I’m expected to be this larger-than-life person on screen, and I think I forget how to drop that in my everyday life. If you give me a chance, you’ll see I’m actually a nice guy.’ There was a pleading look in his eyes. ‘Please?’
Reid considers me a good friend… Against her better judgement, Juliette stepped aside and gestured for him to enter.
Kendric grinned. ‘I brought a bottle of Prosecco,’ he announced as he entered the kitchen. It irked her how he was making himself so at home.
‘Look, Kendric, I think we need to talk.’
He pushed on the plastic cork and it flew off with a loud pop. ‘We do?’
‘Like I said, this is all very kind of you, but I need to be honest with you. I don’t wish to lead you on.’
He sighed and lowered his head. ‘I know what you’re going to say. You’re not interested in me, are you?’
Heat flushed her face and she twisted her hands in front of her as she shook her head. ‘No. I’m sorry, I’m not.’
He nodded. ‘Don’t be sorry. It’s fine. I had a feeling your heart might be already taken, but then I found out about your husband and it fell into place. Can’t blame me for trying, eh?’
‘No, no. My heart isn’t…’ My heart is so bloody confused it doesn’t know which way is up. ‘I’m just not really looking for a relationship.’ Well, not with you, I’m afraid. ‘I hope you can understand.’
‘It’s fine. I was too pushy. It’s what I do when I set my mind to something, or someone, I like.’ He frowned and scratched his chin. ‘I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable, Jules. It wasn’t my intention.’
She held up her hands. ‘No, it’s fine, honestly. I was just a bit taken aback. I mean… you’re clearly a popular man, and I can see why most women are falling at your feet.’ She smiled. ‘But—’
‘But you’re not most women?’ It was said with a smile. ‘You see, the annoying thing is that’s why I like you. But, hey, friendship is good. You can never have too many friends, or so they say.’
Relief flooded her and she sighed. ‘Very true.’
‘Look, I’ve brought all this stuff, oatcakes, pâté, shortbread… Could we maybe just enjoy it as friends?’
Juliette pulled out a dining chair. ‘That would be lovely.’
They sat munching on the picnic Kendric had provided and chatted about his career and Juliette finally felt able to relax in his presence. The elephant had been evicted from the room and it felt so much better. He imparted some hilarious stories about the people he’d encountered since beginning his rollercoaster life as a TV star. He’d had stalkers, threats, marriage proposals from both women and men, and everything in between.
‘I wouldn’t mind, but one guy warned me off his wife even though I’d never even met the woman!’
Juliette almost choked on her glass of fizz. ‘Oh, my word. That’s ridiculous.’
He laughed and took a sip of his drink. ‘Seriously, there are some crazy people out there. This is why it’s nice to come home every so often and witness the normal side of life for a wee while.’
‘I can imagine.’
‘Anyway, enough about me. You seem to have found your way into the hearts of the locals, from what I can see. Saving dogs, helping at the games, cheering up my brother.’
‘Hmm, not everyone’s being so accepting,’ she mumbled.
Kendric frowned and tilted his head. ‘Who hasn’t taken to you?’ He seemed genuinely surprised.
She waved a dismissive hand. ‘Oh, it’s nothing, really. Just a friend being very protective over Reid.’
Without prompting, Kendric rolled his eyes. ‘Leanna, by any chance? Why, what’s she said?’
Juliette giggled nervously. ‘She came to give me a friendly warning to keep away from Reid. Oh, and to tell me my mind-trickery and hippy shit isn’t welcome here.’
Kendric burst into laughter. ‘Mind-trickery? Hippy shit? So, that’s what they’re calling friendship these days, is it? Bloody hell, what century is she from? She’ll be demanding you’re burned as a witch next.’ His eyes were watering as he laughed. ‘Seriously, you need to ignore that one. She could do with some bloody mind-trickery.’
Juliette shrugged, feeling a little guilty for poking fun at the woman. ‘She just cares deeply about him, seeing as they’ve known each other for so long.’
He raised his eyebrows. ‘Hmm, I think it’s more than that.’ He leaned forward. ‘She’s obsessed with him,’ he told her with a twinkle of delight in his eyes. He seemed to be relishing the fact that, for once, such a story wasn’t about him. ‘Always has been. They were almost an item at high school, but I think he got the measure of her. They were good friends though. Quite inseparable until the summer of Kate.’ He waved his fingers around dramatically and imitated a horror-film announcer’s voice, causing Juliette to laugh, the tension she’d felt around him before had now dissipated and she was enjoying his company.
‘Ah yes, when she came on holiday with her parents.’
He nodded as he chewed. ‘He was totally besotted with Kate from the moment he set eyes on her. My folks thought she was the bee’s knees. Me too, at first. I suppose I was a little jealous though. Reid was my big brother after all, and suddenly he wasn’t interested in me because he had this incredible, beautiful woman and they were always together. As time went on though… I wasn’t so keen, but that’s by the by. Anyway, so he started spending all his time with Kate, and Leanna pretended to be friends with her while secretly seething. I have to admit I felt a little sorry for Leanna as Reid really did drop her like a hot brick. When Kate went home, they wrote to each other, phoned each other every night. Honestly, it was vomit-inducing.’ He crumpled his nose and shivered.
‘He talked about her nonstop, which drove Leanna mad, and eventually he went off and followed Kate to England, where they got married. Leanna went to the wedding and took Donny as her date. Everyone was so shocked at that. He’s not her usual type. Much older than her in age and attitude. But I think she clung to the first man who showed an interest. It’s quite sad, really. I think she genuinely wanted to be loved and Donny worships the ground beneath her manicured feet. He’s not short of cash either, and so he lavished her with gifts, bought her affection, if you will, and she was sucked in. He made a better prospect than being on her own. But ever since Mum died and Reid came home, she’s tried to take things up from where they left off in high school. It’s a good job Donny appears to be oblivious to it all. Then, when Kate cheated and ran off, you’d have thought it was bloody Mardi Gras. Leanna has hung around him like a fly around a turd.’
She gasped in mock outrage. ‘Kendric! You can’t liken Reid to poop.’
He laughed. ‘Sorry, but you know what I mean. I don’t think anything he does would ever put her off. And I know for a fact she’d have her cake and eat it if only Reid was willing.’
‘Do you really think Donny is oblivious?’
Kendric widened his eyes. ‘He must be. Honestly, the way she fawns over Reid. She’s always popping round, always finding an excuse to hug him and tell him she’s there for him. And then she goes and warns you off just for turning up here and being a nice person. Bunny boiler. I’m telling you. I’m talking Fatal Attraction territory, no doubt.’
‘Well, I’d already decided to avoid her, but I think you’ve confirmed my decision, that’s for sure.’
Kendric poured more bubbles into their glasses. ‘I think that’s the best plan where she’s concerned. I’ve never known such a bitter person. You’d think if she cared about him, she’d want him to have friends and be happy.’ He paused, deep in thought for a few seconds. ‘Although my darling brother seems to have a track record with nutty women. Take Kate, for example. I shouldn’t speak out of turn about my nephew’s mother, but she’s a true piece of work.’ He shook his head and swirled his drink around the glass, a look of bitter disdain on his face. ‘Flirts with everyone. Sleeps with anyone…’ He let his words trail off and he appeared a little lost in his own head again for a few moments before he shrugged his shoulders. ‘Ugh, ignore me. Sorry. I just… I can’t stand that woman. I don’t think I’ve ever really hated anyone before, but her… it comes pretty close, I can tell you. The things she’s done. The things she’s made other people do. Manipulative… spiteful…’ He stared at an empty spot on the table.
