Page 37 of Surprises on the Scottish Isle

‘Me or the shop?’ Jinny joked.

‘You, of course,’ he replied gallantly. Jinny was an attractive woman who always looked lovely.

‘Thought so,’ she smirked, before becoming serious. ‘It is, isn’t it.’

His attention settled on the doll’s houses and the accompanying display. ‘Tara’s work fits in well. Have you seen her recently? She’s not in her studio.’

‘She was having lunch at the cafe just now.’

‘I won’t interrupt her then. No doubt I’ll catch up with her later,’ he said, making no move to leave. ‘How do you think she’s settling in?’

‘OK, I guess. I get the feeling she’s lonely. She doesn’t know a soul here and—’

‘She does,’ Cal interrupted, seizing his chance. ‘She knowsme.’

Jinny tilted her head to the side. ‘What do you mean?’

‘We were at Glasgow uni together.’

Her eyes widened. ‘Did you know her well?’

‘We dated for a while.’ He was doing his best to sound nonchalant, as though it hadn’t meant anything.

‘Tara didn’t say.’

What Cal had hoped was a self-deprecating laugh, came out rather strained. ‘She probably doesn’t remember.’

‘Bull poop! Of course she remembers.’ Jinny pursed her lips. ‘I thought I could sense a bit of tension between the two of you in the pub on Friday.’ With a stern look in her eye, she said, ‘What aren’t you telling me, Calan?’

‘I don’t know what you mean.’

‘You’re hiding something.’

‘How can I be hiding anything, when I’ve just told you that we dated?’

‘Hmm,’ she said, not sounding convinced. ‘I still don’t get why she hasn’t said anything.’

‘Maybe she’s worried because I run this place.’

Jinny snorted. ‘Youthinkyou do. Mhairi’s hand is still firmly on the tiller.’

‘True, but I’m second in command.’

Jinny snapped to attention and saluted. ‘Aye, aye, sir!’

Shaking his head in mock despair, Cal said, ‘One day someone around here will take me seriously.’

‘Don’t hold your breath,’ she teased.

Cal decided it was time to go. He’d done what he’d come here to do. But as he left, he hoped he hadn’t put the cat amongst the pigeons, as he doubted Tara would thank him. But surely it was better to rip the plaster off than peel it away slowly and more painfully? There was bound to be an initial flurry of excitement when people heard the news, but it would soon die down – especially if there was no more fuel to add to the gossipy fire.

Jinny lived in a whitewashed cottage set back off the road, with planters on either side of the central doorway in full bloom and a neat lawn with pretty flower beds.

Tara didn’t have to knock. The door opened as she was halfway up the path.

Jinny looked frazzled. ‘Come in, come in. Excuse the mess. I’ve not long picked the kids up from the childminder’s and I haven’t had a chance to tidy up after this morning’s chaos.’

Tara didn’t think it looked messy at all and said so as she was ushered into the house, adding, ‘It’s lovely, so bright and welcoming.’

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