Page 58 of Dreaming Under An Island Skye
‘But you were the one who made me realise, Jules. If it hadn’t been for you, I think I would’ve carried on as I was, in denial. Waiting for someone to pass me a ladder to climb out of the hole I was in, whenIwas the one with the bloody ladder. I’m so grateful to you. And I’m so sorry for the times I’ve been less than pleasant. You don’t deserve that. Not one bit.’ He reached out and took her hand in his and fixed his gaze on her.
She couldn’t look away, she was caught; the connection between them now more meaningful. They had common ground which was deeper than just a flutter of attraction. Her heart rate increased, and she waited for what she hoped might come next…
‘Hey, Dad! I’m home! Hi, Sparkly Jules! You’re here! Chewie has a new girlfriend!’ Evin blurted his rush of words as he burst through the door with a wide grin on his face, closely followed by his huge ball of fluff.
Reid almost leapt across the room away from Juliette. ‘Really? A girlfriend, eh? Lucky Chewie.’
‘Yes, me and Grace think he loves Cleo. They were playing and running together. Caitlin says they remind her of Lady and the Tramp.’
Reid laughed, the love for the boy he’d always known as his son evident in his eyes as he ruffled Evin’s hair. ‘You’ll be feeding them spaghetti next.’
Juliette stood. ‘Well, I think I should be going.’
‘I’ll walk you to the door,’ Reid told her.
‘Bye, Jules!’ Evin bounded over and hugged her.
‘Bye, Evin. I’m glad you had fun with Grace.’
‘She’s awesome. I think we’re best friends now.’ He beamed. ‘It’s funny because we’ve been going to the same school for ages, but I didn’t think being friends with a girl would be good. But Grace isn’t like a girl… I mean she is a girl, but she’s…’ He looked to the ceiling. ‘She’s just Grace.’ He shrugged as if it made perfect sense.
Juliette’s throat constricted with emotion. Evin was so happy, and she’d had a small part in that. ‘Well, that’s fantastic. And you treat Cleo well,’ she told Chewie, which made Evin howl with laughter.
When they reached the door, Reid shoved his hands in his pockets as if he didn’t want to risk them acting alone. ‘Thanks for today. I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me.’ He seemed shy now, reserved.
Juliette smiled warmly. ‘I think you just did.’
‘Aye. Well, I’ve a long way to go, I know that. And I know I have demons to face. Mainly the one named Kate.’ He smiled and raised his eyebrows. ‘But I have to make some changes. For Evin.’
‘And foryou,’ she pointed out.
He glanced towards the living room door and lowered his voice. ‘Aye… and for me. Although my main concernmustbe Evin. And keeping him here. I can’t lethertake him away.’ He sighed and closed his eyes briefly. ‘Sorry, the last thing you need is me waffling on and on about my rubbish.’
She shook her head. ‘No, don’t do that. Please don’t apologise. Remember I’ve been there, different circumstances, I know, but I suppose it makes it easier for me to understand. And… if you do want to talk to someone who isn’t directly connected, then… well, as I’ve said before, I’m a good listener. And I’m not here forever so you don’t need to worry about seeing me at every turn once my time at the museum is finished.’ Her heart sank as she heard the words fall from her lips.
A sad smile appeared on Reid’s face. ‘It’s a shame really, you’ve settled in so well.’
His words made her stomach twist. ‘Yes, I have, and I love it here so much, but my life is down in Mistford, so after the summer, I—’
‘You’ll go home, I know. But we’re all grateful for what you’re doing. Keeping the museum open one last season is all we want.’
Juliette frowned. ‘Onelastseason?’
He shook his head. ‘Oh… erm… Never mind all that. It’s nothing for you to worry about. Just co-op politics.’
She wasn’t convinced at all by his assertion but chose not to press him further in the light of their recent conversation. ‘Okay. If you’re sure. Well, I’d better go; I need to go to the shop for dinner.’
‘Thank you again for coming. I really do appreciate your visit. And thank you for listening. You’re right… you’re very good at that.’ His cheeks reddened a little, and Juliette’s stomach flippedagain.
She nodded and tucked her hair behind her ear like a teenager with a crush. ‘It’s been really good to talk.’
‘It has. Well, I’m guessing Kendric will be calling on you when he gets back. You know? To talk about whatever it was.’ He shrugged as if it was obvious. ‘My guess is he’s quite smitten.’ This time, his smile was fleeting and far from genuine.
Juliette felt the urge to explain herself. ‘Oh, I doubt it’s anything like that at all. It didn’t sound like that kind of thing. And, I mean, I’ve met him for all of five minutes.’ She laughed.
‘Time has nothing to do with it. Haven’t you ever heard of love at first sight?’ he asked, an intense gaze fixed on her.
‘I… erm… I…’
