Page 62 of Dreaming Under An Island Skye
Caitlin held up her hands and narrowed her eyes. ‘Whoa, I meant the TV show. He mentioned it to me when he called into the bakery. What did you think I meant?’
Juliette stared, open-mouthed for a moment. ‘Oh! Right! Yes, of course.’ She shook her head. ‘I don’t think it’s really me. I’m not the type to appear on TV. I think I’m too awkward and I’d probably trip over my own words or, worse still, sit there frozen and unable to speak.’
Caitlin shrugged. ‘I know what you mean. I’d probably be the same to be honest. But it might be fun? Something to take you out of your comfort zone. A real challenge for the new Juliette?’
She had thought of that but still had rendered the same conclusion. ‘Yes, but… it’s not something I really feel ready for. Maybe it’s a challenge too far, you know?’
Caitlin nodded. ‘I get you.’ She chewed on her lip for a moment and then leaned closer. ‘Look… can I tell you something? I don’t want to upset you… but there’s something you probably should know.’
Juliette’s heart leapt. No positive conversation began withthatsentence. ‘What? What is it?’
Caitlin huffed. ‘There’s a rumour. Well, it’s not a rumour as such… more of a case ofsomeone has told someone who shut it down. But the fact it was said—’
Frustration bubbled up within Juliette. ‘Caitlin, just tell me, will you?’
‘Okay… so,someonehas been saying that you’re making a play forbothMacKinnon brothers and that you’re trying to get Evin out of the way by passing things on to Reid’s ex.’
Juliette rolled her eyes and let her head loll back. ‘Not this. For goodness’ sake. I bet I can guess who’s been churning the bloody rumour mill,’ she hissed.
Caitlin cringed. Her brow crumpled with concern. ‘And you’d probably be right. Look,Iknow it’s all bull. And I said so right away. But Reid has a tendency to believe Leanna. He thinks she has his best interests at heart. Although you and I both know the only interests inherheart are her own. In fact, I’m not even sure shehasa bloody heart. But… I’m just concerned because… I get the feeling Reid really likes you, and I would hate to see either of you get hurt. You’ve both been through some awful things and in a strange way I think you could be good for each other.’ Juliette’s glaring expression was clearly not missed as Caitlin held up her hands. ‘But, having said that, I know you’re not looking for a relationship and I get that. But if there’s any chance you might be feeling anything for Reid, you should be careful.’
‘Careful how?’
Caitlin pulled her lips between her teeth as if to stop some secret escaping. ‘You should know, you were seen at the pub with Kendric. It’s a small village, remember. Leanna put two and two together and obviously made five. I’m guessing she will have told Reid already, or she’ll at least make sure he finds out, and that it’s all twisted into some clandestine thing. She’s a shit-stirrer. She sees you as a threat to her and Reid’s future, even though she’s already married. But she’s delusional. Honestly, I think he’s only ever seen her as a sister figure. It’s quite sad, really. And, before you say anything, I know this has nothing to do with me, but I’d like to think you and I are friends now, and I look out for my friends.’ She appeared to scrutinise Juliette’s expression. ‘Shit, I hope I’ve done the right thing by telling you this.’
‘You have. I’m glad you’ve told me. But… I think maybe Reid has had second thoughts about things between he and I. When we last talked, he seemed to think that Kendric was going to ask me out. Why would he mention that if he wanted to be with me?’
Caitlin pondered for a moment. ‘Did you ever think that perhaps Reid’s scared too? It’s possibly a defence mechanism. You’ve both been through so much when it comes to love and my guess is he’s scared to overstep the mark in case he’s read your signals wrong. If he pushes you towards his brother and you go, his pride remains intact. If you don’t, maybe he’ll realise you actually do like him.’
Juliette hadn’t quite looked at it that way. But she knew that she’d felt hesitant, and still did if she was honest with herself, so she could definitely understand that. ‘I don’t want Kendric to ask me out. It’s all too complicated. But it’s all pretty moot anyway, I suppose. I can’t offer Reid anything, or Kendric for that matter. I can’t even begin to think… I mean… Laurie…’ She sighed deeply, unable to form a coherent sentence that would explain her mixed emotions. ‘Leanna’s made it patently clear that I’m not welcome here and that I should keep away from Reid. She’s like a bloody Rottweiler.’ She laughed without humour, unwilling to share her true feelings just yet.
‘I think the only time Leanna would be happy is if she and Reid were on a deserted island together.’
Juliette laughed. ‘I think you may be right.’
‘So, I bet your friends are missing you, eh?’
Juliette was relieved at the sudden change of direction. ‘Oh yes. Millie texts me every five minutes. Or so it seems. And Dex, my brother, keeps promising to turn up here, but then life gets in the way…’
‘Is Millie married?’
‘No, but she’d like to be. Although she’s met this super-hot Paul Bettany lookalike and things seem to be going really well with them, so you never know.’
‘And your brother?’
‘Oh god, no. I’m not sure he’ll ever marry. He’s such a lovely guy, but women seem to use and dump him. I think he’s swearing off relationships for a while. You’ll get to meet him when he comes to stay.’
‘Does he, by any chance, look like Tom Hopper?’ Caitlin asked with a hopeful grin.
‘Erm… not in the slightest. He’s like a cute and cuddly, motorbike-riding bear. Think Seth Rogan, only not quite as funny.’
Caitlin huffed. ‘Totallynotmy type then. Shame.’
‘I thought you’d sworn off men?’ Juliette laughed.
‘Meh… I have… kind of… But I still like looking, you know, just in case.’
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