The Skye Collection, page 53
Ruby laughed and rolled her eyes. ‘You lucky man.’
After a pause he asked, ‘Do you miss dancing?’
She sighed and nodded her head. ‘I really do. I’ve especially missed it while all this crap has been going on. Right at the start I said to Kitty that this would never have happened if I hadn’t attended that stupid short film audition.’
‘Aye. I’ve often wondered what life would’ve been like if I had taken the job at the pub that summer instead of the fishing boat. I went for the money. Stupid mistake.’
Ruby lowered her gaze to her cup. ‘I went for the possibility of fame. Now I’ve got it, I feel sometimes that I’d happily swap it.’
He leaned across the table and touched her hand, an involuntary shiver travelled up her arm. ‘You do know this mess will get sorted though, eh? This isn’t forever. You’ll be leaving this wee little village soon and you’ll never look back.’
‘Oh, I think I’ll definitely look back. Hopefully with a smile.’
After looking through her clothes, Ruby realised she hadn’t really got anything suitable for dinner at Reid and Jules’ house. Shopping by herself was out of the question. She was aware she needed to address the conversation she had overheard Shelby having, but that would have to wait.
She knocked on Shelby’s door. It was opened as if the young woman was waiting behind it. ‘Hey, is everything okay?’
Ruby smiled and nodded. ‘Oh yes, absolutely fine. But I need a favour.’
Shelby grinned. ‘Absolutely. Shoot.’
Ruby felt a little silly for asking. ‘Could you possibly head over to the mainland and find me something to wear please? I’m heading out for dinner with Mitch to his friends’ house this evening, and I don’t really have anything suitable. In fact, I could do with a few warmer items. It might be spring, but it’s a lot colder here than in Palermo and I didn’t really have time to prepare for that. I can give you my credit card.’
Shelby’s eyes lit up. ‘I’d love to do that for you. Let me grab my coat and purse. Jot down what you need, your sizes, fave colours and styles and I’ll go see what I can find.’
Relief flooded Ruby at how amenable Shelby was, and she decided that perhaps she had got the wrong end of the stick when she had overheard her on the telephone. ‘Thanks. You’re a star.’
Shelby tapped her lightly on the arm. ‘Oh no, that’s you.’
Ruby scribbled all the necessary info on a piece of paper and handed it to Shelby.
Next, she found Dougie in the conservatory reading a James Patterson book.
She cleared her throat. ‘Ahem, Dougie, sorry to disturb you.’
He looked up over the spectacles perched on the end of his nose. ‘Nae problem, lassie. What can I do for you?’
She knotted her fingers in front of her. ‘I was thinking I’d like to have a wander around the village, get some fresh air. I don’t want to bother you, so if you’re engrossed in—’
‘Och, it’s nae bother. I’ll grab ma coat. But first, let’s go over the plan, eh?’
Ruby inhaled and cringed. ‘There has to be a plan?’
He smiled warmly. ‘It’s not a big deal. Basically, I will let you walk ahead alone, and I’ll hang back. I don’t want to overcrowd you. In such a small place, it would look tae obvious to dae that. But, I’m there if you need me. I suggest a hat, scarf and maybe sunglasses as it’s quite sunny oot anyways. Tuck your hair away like you did when you went to the computer bloke’s house.’ He winked. ‘Then the job’s a good yin. Oh, and I got you this, you know, just in case.’ He handed her a small black box that on closer inspection turned out to be a panic alarm.
It sounded reasonable and doable. She popped the alarm in her pocket and a wave of excitement fluttered over her. ‘Thanks Dougie. Can we go now?’
He placed his book down. ‘Aye, course we can, lassie. That’s what I’m here fae.’
Moments later, with the same hat she wore before and a borrowed scarf, Ruby popped on her sunglasses and headed out into the crisp early April air. She walked down the driveway and onto the main road into the village. A quick glance over her shoulder showed her that Dougie was wrapped up too and looked like a man on a stroll rather than a man on the lookout for security issues. She smiled to herself.
There was a pub called the Coxswain on the corner and further along a grocery shop. She guessed that must be where Morag worked. An elderly man came out with a small shopping bag and she heard a voice from inside shout, ‘Bye just now, Hamish!’
Ruby walked over to the inlet, which was surrounded by what appeared to be a newly constructed barrier with padlocks on the openings for access to the boats. She leaned there for a moment and gazed out at the water where a light breeze played on the surface, causing ripples to glint in the sunlight. The sky overhead was vivid blue again, but there was that nip to the air that made her breath appear in little white puffs when she exhaled. Across the other side was a café called Tea for Two with several people sitting inside and a bakery called Caitlin’s Cakes & Bakes that she could smell from her vantage point. She decided she would call in and treat the people back at the house to something delicious. If it tasted as good as it smelled, then they were in for a real delight.
Further along, there was an outdoor gear shop. She surmised that perhaps she could’ve sent Shelby there for the warm coat on her list. Mitch had said something about Archie owning an outdoor wear shop and she guessed that must be the place. It was a shame he didn’t sell smart clothing too; it would have saved Shelby a journey.
A bus pulled up outside the bakery and several children got off. One of them walked into the bakery, others wandered off in different directions, all shouting their goodbyes to each other. She smiled as she watched them playing around; a game of tag began after the bus had pulled away, and she thought to herself that this would be such a lovely place to bring up children.
She walked on and at the end of the slipway was an old building, strange in shape with a glass panelled door. An image of an old lifeboat was made from coloured glass and took pride of place in the centre. The sign said The Lifeboat House Museum and again she remembered Shelby saying something about this after seeing a painting in her room. She wandered down and read the noticeboard. The museum was closed today but there was a poster about the upcoming village hall opening event. The poster stated that a surprise local celebrity would be there to officially open the building and her interest piqued. I wonder who that could be…
She sauntered back over to the bakery and, after a deep breath for courage, she pushed through the door. She hadn’t purchased anything for herself in so long and was glad that she still had some UK currency after her last visit home.
‘Hi there. What can I get you?’ a red-haired woman, whom she presumed to be Caitlin, asked from behind the counter.
‘Ooh… I think I might have to buy one of everything. The cakes look amazing.’
The woman laughed. ‘Aye, not so great for your waistline, sadly.’ She patted her tummy.
‘Yes, but there are worse ways to gain weight,’ Ruby said with a grin.
‘For sure.’
‘Seriously though, I could eat one of everything, but I’d better not. So, I’ll take four pieces of shortbread, four tray bakes, you can choose which, a chocolate cake. Ooh and a clootie dumpling, just because I love the name.’ Ruby giggled.
‘Coming right up,’ the redhead said as she began to package up the sweet treats. ‘So, are you passing through or are you here for a wee break?’
Ruby glanced outside to see Dougie standing by the inlet, watching the water. She turned back to the shopkeeper and replied, ‘Just a break really. Not sure how long.’
‘Well, you’ve chosen a grand wee spot. Glentorrin is a lovely place. Friendly folk and surrounded by stunning scenery. I’m sure you’ll love it.’
Ruby smiled and glanced outside again. ‘I think I already do.’
Once she had paid for her baked goods, she said goodbye to the shopkeeper and left. She contemplated going to chat to Dougie but felt she may blow the cover he had so carefully planned, so she headed back to the house instead.
Once inside, she wrote a note and left the cakes on the kitchen table telling everyone to help themselves. The chocolate cake, however, she kept to take to Reid and Jules’ later.
22
Shelby had done really well on her shopping trip. She had visited both the mainland and Portree on Skye. She had returned with two pairs of jeans, a warm coat, a couple of pretty shirts, some long-sleeved tops, a pair of black boots, some undies and several sweaters, one of which was navy blue and printed with DREAMING OF SKYE. Ruby held it up and glanced at Shelby with a raised brow.
Shelby blushed. ‘Okay, I admit it, I totally bought that with myself in mind. But after what I’ve seen today, I think it may be true. I’m not sure I ever want to leave here.’
Ruby held it towards her. ‘I think you should have this one.’
Shelby’s eyes widened and her mouth made an O shape. ‘Are you kidding me?’
Ruby shook her head. ‘Absolutely not. You’ve done such a great job here with these clothes, it’s the least I can do.’
Shelby chewed her lip. ‘You do know I’m being paid, right?’
Ruby laughed. ‘Well, I hardly imagined you’d be here with me if you weren’t. Just take the sweater. It’ll really suit you.’
Shelby took the sweater and flung her arms around Ruby. ‘You’re the sweetest, kindest movie star I’ve ever met. And I’ve met a few.’
Ruby was unsure how to reply, so she mumbled, ‘Well, you’re the sweetest assistant I’ve ever had.’
Shelby giggled. ‘Technically, I’m the only assistant you’ve ever had, but I’ll take it.’ She almost skipped to the door of Ruby’s room clutching the sweater, and shouted, ‘Toodles!’ over her shoulder as she closed the door behind herself.
Once again, however, Ruby wondered about the conversation she had overheard. She hadn’t recommended Shelby to anyone for auditions. In fact, she had only recently discovered that she was a budding actress, but the fact remained that Shelby had been more than helpful so far.
At six forty-five, Ruby descended the stairs in pair of black jeans, black boots and a teal shirt with silver thread running through the fine, pale grey stripes.
Mitch was staring in the mirror, his expression crumpled. He turned to watch her walk down the last few steps. ‘You look… erm… You look really nice,’ he said, clearing his throat. He wore dark blue jeans and a V-neck sweater in navy blue.
She smiled and nervously ran her hand through her hair. ‘Thanks, so do you. Although I need to make a decision about my hair. My natural colour is showing through.’
‘You could always ask Shelby to pick you up another colour,’ he suggested. ‘Right, well, I’ve grabbed a bottle of wine. The cellar here is more of a wine rack, but I chose a nice bottle to take with us.’
‘I bought a chocolate cake from the little bakery. I thought I could take that for after dinner. What do you think?’
He grinned. ‘I say heck yes! Caitlin’s baking is incredible. She’s Jules’ best mate, so Morag says, so I’m guessing she’ll be happy.’
‘Great! Let’s get going then.’
Mitch and Ruby said goodbye to Shelby and Dougie, then walked out of the house and towards the village. The sky was a mixture of purples and oranges above them as the sun made its descent. They took a left turning along the road, past a B&B and up a lane lined with trees that made it dark.
Mitch took out his phone and flicked on the torch. ‘One of these days they’ll get some street lighting down here.’
Ruby linked her arm through his and squinted in the dim light. ‘Yes, it’s not somewhere I’d want to be walking alone at night.’
‘It’s not too far, don’t worry.’
Around five minutes later, a house came into view with a pretty porch lit by fairy lights. It was a whitewashed building like so many in the village and there was a large garden surrounding it. Mitch knocked at the door and they could hear Chewie barking inside. Almost immediately the door was opened.
Chewie bounced around excitedly, as a dark-haired boy said, ‘Hi! You must be my dad’s friends. I’m Evin.’
Ruby bent to say hello to the dog, who proceeded to lick her from chin to nose, making her giggle.
‘Hi Evin, I’m Mitch, you won’t remember me, the last time I saw you, you were a wee lad. And this is my friend Roo.’
Evin stared at Ruby with a confused expression for a moment until Reid appeared behind his son.
‘Hi guys! Great to see you, come on in out of the cold,’ he said, stepping aside for them to enter. ‘Here, let me take your coats.’
They shrugged off their coats and handed over the gifts they had brought.
Evin eyed the white box and grinned. ‘Is this from Caitlin’s?’
Ruby nodded. ‘I’ve heard she’s good.’
Evin rolled his eyes and nodded. ‘And then some. Make sure to save me a bit, Dad,’ Evin instructed as he ran off down the corridor, followed by Chewie.
Reid called, ‘Aye, I’ll try, son, but I’ll no’ promise!’ Then he turned his attention back to Ruby and Mitch. ‘Come on through, Jules is stirring the whisky sauce.’
Mitch clapped his hands and rubbed them together. ‘Something smells good. What are we having?’
‘Jules has perfected Chicken Balmoral, so that’s what we’ll be tucking into tonight.’
Ruby smiled. ‘I have no clue what it is, but Mitch is right: it smells amazing.’
‘Chicken stuffed with haggis and drizzled in whisky sauce. Bloody lush,’ Mitch informed her with a wide smile as they followed Reid into the kitchen.
‘Hi there, so glad you could make it. We haven’t had a dinner party for ages,’ Jules said as she walked towards them. She hugged Mitch and then turned to Ruby. ‘And it’s so lovely to have you here,’ she said as she embraced her too.
Ruby was warmed by the friendly welcome. ‘Thank you so much for having us.’
‘Hey, Mitch, I’ve got something that might interest you. A new canvas I’ve been working on. Shall we leave the ladies to chat a wee while?’
Mitch glanced at Ruby, but she nodded her confirmation that he should go.
Once they were alone, Jules leaned her back against the countertop and fixed her attention on Ruby. ‘Before things go any further this evening, I have a confession.’
Ruby felt her cheeks warming as a million thoughts seemed to rush around her mind. What the heck was she going to say? She tucked her hair behind her ears and nodded. ‘Okay, go ahead.’
Jules cringed. ‘I know who you are. Reid and I both do. And there’s a strong chance Evin does too.’
Ruby swallowed hard and widened her eyes. ‘Oh. Right.’
Jules held up her hands. ‘Can I just say, though, we haven’t told a soul. And I know you’re innocent of the awful things that have been put out there. If we can help in any way, just say the word. I don’t know if I have done the right thing in telling you. But I didn’t want you to feel that you had to make things up about yourself this evening. It must be awful having to pretend to be someone else just to feel safe. I don’t want you to do that. I just want you to have a lovely relaxing time and be able to be who you really are.’
Ruby’s eyes stung a little. ‘Thank you. That’s really lovely. I appreciate it.’
‘Reid’s brother is a bit of a TV star.’
Ruby raised her eyebrows. ‘Really? Will I know him?’
Jules giggled. ‘Probably not, Kendric Mackinnon is a TV show host on the mainland. Scottish television. In fact, I’m not sure why I brought that up, it’s not exactly the same, is it?’ She shook her head, chewed her lip and then smiled. ‘Look, I’m not entirely sure where Mitch fits into things, but he seems really lovely, and the way he looks at you—’
Ruby gasped involuntarily. ‘Oh my word, no! We’re not a couple. Just friends. Not even that really. I’m a guest at his house, but that’s as far as it goes.’
Jules covered her mouth with her hand. ‘Oh heck. I hope I haven’t made you uncomfortable. I just assumed – wrongly, I now see – that you were, you know, together. I feel daft now.’
Ruby liked Jules right away. An honest, clearly northern lass, with a heart of gold. ‘It’s fine, honestly. He’s a nice guy. Although, between you and me,’ she lowered her voice and glanced briefly over her shoulder, ‘he can be really bossy and opinionated too.’
Jules giggled. ‘Can’t all men? I think we need wine.’
Ruby grinned. ‘I agree!’
Mitch and Reid returned through a door at the back of the kitchen. Ruby was lifted when she realised they were chatting like they had never been apart. Jules glanced at her and they shared a knowing smile.
‘Right, folks, let’s eat.’
They took their places around the table and Jules served the food while Reid poured more wine.
‘Is Evin not joining us?’ Ruby asked as Chewie arrived at her feet.
Jules laughed. ‘No, he’s watching Iron Man in his room with mac and cheese.’ She picked up her wine glass and announced, ‘I think we should have a toast. Mitch, I’ve told Ruby that we know her real identity so you can both relax. To friends, old and new.’
Mitch glanced briefly at Ruby with a look of mild panic in his eyes, but Ruby shook her head and smiled, hoping he would take that to mean all was well. Then they all said in unison, ‘To friends, old and new.’
‘So, have you two set a date for the wedding yet?’ Ruby asked as she tucked into the tender chicken and relished the spices that flavoured the haggis, and the heat of the sauce.
‘Aye, we’re aiming for December. Christmas Eve to be exact. You guys should come,’ Reid said with enthusiasm.
Ruby placed a hand over her heart and tilted her head. ‘A Christmas wedding. So romantic,’ she said, imagining a church surrounded by falling snow, guests wrapped up in tartan scarves and Chewie wearing a bow tie.
