Page 88 of Dreaming Under An Island Skye
The only problem was, she didn’t know how.
* * *
She’d showered and dressed and then scoured the kitchen and living room for signs of a note from Reid. She checked her phone; perhaps he’d messaged instead?
Still nothing.
She made coffee and sat in the garden. There was a distinct chill to the air, but she was still warmed from memories of the night before. A realisation hit as she listened to the birdsong around her; she had no regrets. For once there was no feeling of guilt. Just a sense of calm. Perhaps she was finally moving on? Not forgetting but feeling whole again.
She guessed this serenity wouldn’t last, however, there were only two days left of her stay and she’d have to pack her belongings into her suitcase at some point. But for now she wouldn’t think about that.
Unlocking the museum door, Juliette stepped inside. It hit her like a ton of bricks that this would be the last time she would stand behind the desk; the last time she’d smile at people as they walked through the door; the last time she’d be able to see the photos of Hamish’s wife and her own mother. A lump of emotion tightened her throat and tears spilled over, leaving damp trails down her cheeks. She would probably be the very last museum guardian at the Lifeboat House Museum too, which compounded her sadness. Such an incredible place that no one had the time to invest in any more.
Her mobile rang and, grateful that her best friend had forgone the video-call option for once, she answered Millie, quickly trying to disguise her despondency. ‘Hey, Millie! How are you, lovely?’
‘Erm, why is your voice all wobbly? What’s happened?’
Bloody hell. She’s telepathic, I’m sure. ‘Nothing, I’m fine. Everything’s fine.’
‘Nope. Not convinced. Truth please.’
‘It’s just because this is my last day in the museum, that’s all. Feeling quite emotional about leaving.’
‘Hmm. I buy that that’s a part of it, but what else? You forget how well I know you.’
Juliette huffed and sat on the chair behind the cash register, her head in her free hand. ‘I slept with Reid.’
‘Oh my god!’ Millie squealed, almost rupturing Juliette’s eardrum. ‘I knew it! I knew it would happen! I said to Harry that you felt something real for him.’
Juliette feigned amusement. ‘Pfft. It was just sex, Millie. A one-off.’
‘Who are you trying to convince? You don’tdothings like that. And you don’t cry over someone if it’s just sex. So, what really happened? Was it awful? Is he crap in bed?’
‘Good grief, Millie. That’s all very personal.’
‘Says the woman who I’ve shared a bathroom with. Spill it, Fairhurst.’
‘Okay! He was incredible. I didn’t want it to end. And I wanted more of him. Is that better?’
‘Definitely. So, what’s the problem?’
‘He left without saying goodbye. Didn’t leave a note or anything. I don’t know if he saw it as a one-time thing and I’d feel stupid and needy asking him. In fact, it’s out of the question. I absolutelycan’task him. I’m supposed to be heading home tomorrow and I have no clue how to feel. Apart from guilty.’ She closed her eyes when she realised the feeling had returned with a vengeance.
‘Guilty? No, no. Stop that. Laurie isn’t here, sweetheart. He’s gone. But youhaveto live. You must go on and enjoy your life. And eventually it would be wonderful if you let yourself love again.’
‘I just feel like I was already betraying Laurie with my attraction to Reid, and now we’ve had sex I just… God, I’m a mess.’
‘Oh, sweetie. You have nothing to feel guilty about. You haven’t betrayed Laurie and you must stop thinking like that. But I can tell you really like Reid.’
‘I do. And now I feel like he used me. Or like I read the whole thing wrong.’
‘Look, honey, just get through today. That’s all you need to do. If he comes to see you, then great, you can talk. But don’t chase him if it’s going to hurt you more. If he doesn’t come, then… well, you’re coming home tomorrow anyway, so you can try to put it all behind you. Are you heading to your folks for the night?’
‘Yes, I think I need to see them.’
‘Great, well, I’ll come up on Sunday morning, so I’m here when you get back to Mistford. I’ve still got the spare key. Harry has gone to New York on business, lucky sod, so I’m free to look after you. And you can tell me everything.’
‘Okay. I’ll see you soon. Love you.’
