Page 81 of The Castle in the Bay

Monty headed over, passing the bar that was lit by spotlights – they may as well be focused on him; he felt like everyone was watching him, especially his ex-girlfriend. His mother was always immaculately turned out. Her pure white hair was neatly bobbed, and she had on a bright green Chanel jacket with a thick necklace and many rings.

‘Monty, darling, thanks heavens you’re back safe and sound.’ She took his face in her hands, pulled him down, and kissed him.

‘Why wouldn’t I be? Barra isn’t exactly a dangerous place.’ He gave her a brief hug.

‘Oh, I don’t know. The flight looked terrifying, and it’s so out in the sticks.’

‘It is.’ And life there was going on without him, which was a weird thought, but he kept circling back to the idea. Did the island still look the same when he wasn’t there?

‘Well, you’re here now.’

‘Why is she here?’ he whispered, indicating Sophie with a little look.

His mother turned around and smiled at Sophie. ‘Sophie is here because the two of you need to talk and I’ll be here as the mediator.’

‘Mediator?’

Sophie got to her feet and hugged Monty. He tried to recall a time when he’d have welcomed this, but his mind kept leaping back to Iona kite-surfing and riding waves. She was the only woman he wanted to hug and kiss.

‘There’s not much to talk about.’ Monty took a seat. ‘And I don’t have very long before I have to be back in the office.’

‘There’s plenty of time.’ His mother sat beside him. ‘You promised me at least an hour.’ She looked between him and Sophie. ‘Your relationship is important. The two of you are simply made for each other. You’ve had a blip, but you can get through this.’

Monty glanced at Sophie, and she smiled.

‘It was considerably more than a blip.’ Monty lifted the menu, wishing it was bigger, so he could hide behind it. This conversation was awkward enough, but having his mother here made it so much worse. Her mediating was more like meddling.

‘Monty, I really am sorry,’ Sophie said. ‘It was a stressful time, and I said some stupid things.’

‘It’s fine.’ He kept his eyes on the menu. ‘I don’t mind what you said. None of it’s an issue anymore.’

‘You forgive me?’

‘If that’s what you want, then yes.’

‘Wonderful.’ His mother clapped her hands. ‘That was easy.’

‘So…’ Sophie gave him a little grin. ‘You want to get back together?’

He placed the menu down and pushed his glasses further up his nose. ‘No, I don’t.’

‘But…’

‘I hold no ill will against you, but I… I don’t love you.’

‘Oh Monty.’ His mother frowned.

‘It’s fine. I understand.’ Sophie’s smiled had faded. ‘But under the circumstances…’ She picked up her bag. ‘I think I’ll leave. It’s probably for the best. No point dragging this out.’

Perhaps she expected him to say something to change her mind, but he didn’t. She gave a little shrug and stalked out.

‘Was that really necessary?’ his mother asked.

‘Actually yes. Because it’s the truth. There’s no point building a relationship on a lie. You, of all people, should know that.’

She let out a snort of a laugh. ‘Very true. Still, she’s a nice girl and you’re actually well suited to each other.’

‘Maybe. But I don’t love her.’

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