Page 63 of Under A Sicilian Sky
A huge, bearded man served drinks from behind the bar. Mitch informed her his name was Joren and that he ran the pub with his wife, Stella, who also joined the meeting, smiling warmly at Ruby as Mitch introduced them.
Mitch stood and addressed the gathered villagers. ‘Right, folks. Thanks for coming at short notice. It’s been brought to my attention that most of you have recognised Ruby. I’m not really surprised, and I don’t think we could’ve expected to keep things a secret for long. But… and this is so important…’ He put his hands together as if praying. ‘What I have to ask all of you is that you keep it to yourselves. Ruby is here to escape the press, so the last thing we need is the likes of the local paper sniffing around. And we don’t want people coming here just to spot her. She’s not an exhibit, so let’s make sure she doesn’t turn into one. She’d love to be able to move around the village like any of you, so I’m hoping by having yous all here to talk about it we can make that happen. If you see that huge hulk of a man following her around at any point, don’t worry. He’s Dougie, Ruby’s security detail. He’s here because of what’s happened and just to keep an eye out. So, if you notice anything that worries you, you can always mention it to him. Does anyone have any problems with what I’ve said? And has anyone told someone who isn’t in this room about our esteemed guest?’
Evin put up his hand.
Mitch tilted his head. ‘Evin? What’s up, kid?’
Evin’s cheeks flushed bright red. ‘Erm…’ He cleared his throat and stood up. ‘I just wanted to say to Miss Ruby, welcome to Glentorrin. It’s my favourite place in the world because I know everyone, and the people are all really kind. And your secret is safe because my uncle is famous too and I don’t go round bragging to people because I respect his privateness.’ His dad whispered something to him, and he blushed again. ‘Hisprivacy. Anyway, my dad and Jules say I’m really mature for my age. I’m twelve by the way. Oh, and… I thought you were really good inNanny Always Knows Best.’ He smiled and sat down again, and Reid and Jules praised him for his attitude.
Ruby stood. ‘Can I just say a few words?’ She glanced around the room and was greeted with nods and smiles. ‘Firstly, thank you so much, Evin, I really appreciate that. I heard about your uncle being on TV too, so it’s good to know you’re experienced in dealing with such matters.’ Evin beamed. ‘I just wanted to say that I’ve had such a warm welcome and I love your village. The last thing I want is to bring crowds of people here, not if they aren’t here just to see the wonderful place for themselves.’ She hadn’t felt so nervous in a very long time and her hands were shaking so she clasped them together. ‘I’ve had a horrible time of things since the hacking. I’m sure you all know about that from the TV and papers. I want you to know that what they reported on were lies. I would never say those things. I love people for who they are and wouldneverdisrespect or judge someone because of their skin colour, beliefs, preferences, or anything like that. I want you to believe that I’m decent, friendly and not how I was portrayed. I’m just a normal person who happens to be famous. But I love to dance, I love to read books, I love to go for walks, just like everyone. It’s not always easy for me to do those things, but I hope while I’m here I will get to do them all. I have no idea how long I’ll be here. I’m hoping it won’t be too long, and I don’t mean that because of the people or the place, I simply mean that once I can leave it will be because my name has been cleared. And I want thatsomuch.’ Her throat tightened. ‘I don’t want to be hated, especially for something I simply didn’t do. Thank you for listening.’
She sat down again and chewed the inside of her cheek in the hope it would abate the threatening tears as a spontaneous applause travelled around the room. She glanced up to see everyone smiling at her and relief washed over her.
A lady stood and folded her hands in front of her. ‘I’m Morag. I think Mitch might have mentioned me as I own the shop. I just wanted to say welcome to Glentorrin. We’re a friendly bunch. And we don’t believe everything we read, so please don’t worry. I, for one, don’t take any heed of what was put out there. You seem like a very sweet young woman. And all I can hope is that Joe Public will realise that soon enough. If me and my Kenneth can help in any way, all you need to do is say.’ She sat and gave Ruby a warm smile.
Caitlin stood next. ‘I have to admit, I recognised you when you came into the bakery, although as a fellow redhead the hair did fox me a little. But, like Evin, I respected your privacy, so I didn’t say anything to you. In fact, I didn’t say anything to anyone, not even Jules, and I tell her everything.’ A rumble of laughter travelled the room and a few people agreed with her. ‘But you are welcome to be here as long as you need. We look after our own in Glentorrin.’
Grace put up her hand and Mitch encouraged her to stand. ‘Ahem… I’m Grace and that’s my mum,’ she said, pointing to Caitlin. ‘You… you said you like to dance. Well, I like to dance too and to make new friends, so I’m happy to meet you. And if you’re going to the village hall opening, I could teach you some ceilidh dances, if you don’t already know them.’ She sat quickly and her cheeks turned cerise. Caitlin kissed the top of her head and a chorus of ‘Awww’ traversed the room.
Mitch stepped forward again. ‘Wow, thank you all so much. I really appreciate how great you’re being. And I’m sure Ruby appreciates it too.’ Ruby nodded. ‘Thank you all.’
A mumble of chatter travelled around as people turned to speak to each other.
Mitch turned to Ruby and placed his hand on her shoulder. He bent down and whispered, ‘This is why I brought you here. These amazing people.’
Ruby looked around the room through blurry eyes at smiling, friendly faces and her heart ached for the kind of belonging the wonderful people around her had. The realisation sinking in more so now that she missed her normal life, her friends and family, having someone to love like Morag and Jules, being able to pop to the pub for a drink, or to a museum during opening hours. She had known all along that money and fame didn’t buy happiness, but she had always tried to be grateful for the life she was leading. Now, though, it was getting harder and harder to imagine going back to her former life, especially since she’d had a taste of this one.
25
After the meeting, Shelby had been quiet and almost back to her pre-hacking self. Ruby was still aware she needed to check in with her to find out what had happened to make her so sad, and, of course, to find out what the overheard phone call had been about.
Ruby found Shelby in the conservatory the morning after the meeting, she was staring into space and clutching a mug of coffee.
‘Hey, Shelby. Are you okay? You’ve been quiet,’ Ruby asked as she sat on the opposite sofa.
Shelby glanced up at her as if coming out of a trance. She frowned, shook her head and then plastered on the smile that Ruby now guessed was fake. ‘Oh yeah, I’m great. Why wouldn’t I be?’
‘Look, I need to ask you something. I was passing your room the other day, and I heard you on a call with someone. You mentioned my name and I just wondered who you were talking to?’
Shelby’s eyes widened briefly, then she laughed lightly. ‘Pfft, oh, I was just checking in with Valerie, you know, see if there had been any progress.’ She shrugged.
Ruby narrowed her eyes and shook her head slowly. ‘No… you said something about me recommending you for an audition.’
Shelby’s face drained of colour and she straightened her spine. ‘Why were you listening in? You shouldn’t be spying on me. That was a private call.’ She bristled.
Ruby sighed. ‘Shelby, just tell me the truth, okay?’
Shelby sneered. ‘Why? Because everything should be about you? God, you’re so damned privileged and yet you still moan and whine about every little thing.’
The comment stung and Ruby sat up straight. ‘Excuse me? I’m sorry but that is absolutely not true.’
Shelby sighed and rolled her eyes. ‘Really?Oh, woe is me, I’m a rich actress who gets all the best parts in movies and gets to vacation in Sicily and Scotland whenever I feel like it.’
Ruby clenched her jaw. ‘What is this really about, Shelby? What’s going on?’
Shelby stood. ‘You wanna know? Okay, but you won’t like it and I’ll end up out of a job and a home,’ she said with a jab of her finger in Ruby’s direction.
Ruby sighed. ‘Is it really that bad?’
