Page 79 of Under A Sicilian Sky
Maggie laughed. ‘Oh, I’m sure you’ll get plenty of offers. And how are you finding life in Glentorrin?’
Ruby beamed and placed a hand over her heart. ‘Being completely honest, this is one of the most amazing places I have ever visited. Not only is it absolutely stunning here, but the people are every bit as wonderful.’
‘Do you think it’s a place you will revisit once you leave the island?’
Ruby nodded emphatically, there was no question. ‘Oh, absolutely. If they’ll have me. I think this village will always have a special place in my heart now.’
‘That’s so lovely, I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying being here,’ Maggie said as she scribbled onto her pad. ‘Anything else you’d like to say to our readers?’
‘Just that I think it’s wonderful how the people of the village have pulled together to create such a brilliant facility that I know will be used for decades to come. Well done to all involved.’
‘Thank you so much, Miss Locke, it’s been a pleasure talking with you. I’ll let you get to the festivities and I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay on the island.’ Maggie shook her hand and the photographer followed suit.
Ruby shivered and rubbed her hands up and down her arms as Dougie held the door open for her. They walked inside and were greeted by Mitch, Jules, Reid, Mitch’s mum and dad and Ruby’s parents. She was hugged and complimented on how she good looked in the dress.
It appeared that Ruby’s parents had befriended Mitch’s and it warmed her heart to know they were being accepted just as she had been. They had only been in Glentorrin a matter of hours and already they had forged friendships.
A local band were performing on the stage to a group of teenagers who were watching like hawks from the front of the stage, singing along and bouncing up and down. She guessed they were a high-school band judging by their ages. The place was full; some people were enjoying the music, and some were chatting, but all were clearly happy.
‘How did it go?’ Mitch asked with a wide, handsome smile.
‘She did great. They loved her,’ Dougie replied before Ruby could even open her mouth.
Mitch grinned. ‘I knew you’d be okay.’
Why does his gaze make me shiver?‘I’m relieved it’s done now. I can relax and enjoy myself.’
‘Aye, well, here’s a drink to warm you up. It’s a Skye single malt. Bloody lovely. Best whisky you’ll ever taste.’
‘I can attest to that, lass. It’s lovely,’ her dad said, raising his own glass of the amber liquid.
‘You won’t be having too many more, Roger,’ her mum said with a nudge to his arm, and he winked.
Ruby took the glass and sniffed the contents. ‘Oh, erm… I’m not really a whisky drinker.’ She cringed as the fumes hit the back of her throat.
Jules told her, ‘I didn’t like whisky either, but this stuff is like nectar. Very smooth.’ She was a little more encouraged by Jules’ words.
Mitch stuck out his bottom lip. ‘Just try it. Come on, live dangerously. You can’t come all this way and not sample it.’
As everyone watched, Ruby sipped at the drink and felt it make a path all the way to her stomach, warming every cell as it moved. She was pleasantly surprised by the earthy heat of the flavour. ‘Hmm, that’s actually quite nice.’
Her friends and family cheered, and Mitch laughed. ‘Praise indeed from a Yorkshire lass obsessed with tea.’
Her mum laughed. ‘Oh heck, I’m afraid she gets that from me.’
Ruby scrunched her brow but smiled too. ‘I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed…’ She tapped her chin and narrowed her eyes as she received a knowing look from her mum. ‘Well, maybe a little.’
‘Like my Miceli is obsessed with my baking!’ Rosa said with a nudge to her son. Mitch’s cheeks tinged pink and he shook his head like an errant teenager.
As Ruby laughed with her new friends, Shelby arrived by her side, eyed her glass and nudged her shoulder. ‘Maybe don’t drink too many of those before you’ve eaten. We don’t want to carry you out of here. It wouldn’t look good.’ She smiled and giggled, but Ruby couldn’t help wondering if she was being snide again.
Around the edge of the room were tables spread with mouth-watering food. She spotted haggis bon bons, Scotch eggs, exotic-looking open sandwiches and, of course, Caitlin’s famous cakes. It smelled wonderful and Ruby’s stomach growled in anticipation. She had been too nervous to eat lunch so was looking forward to getting stuck in.
‘Come on then, let’s go eat before Dougie vacuums up the lot,’ Mitch said, pointing to the direction of the tables.
Sure enough, Dougie’s plate was piled high, and he was still perusing the various platters. Ruby giggled and followed Mitch to the end of the line, her parents and the Adairs following closely behind.
The boy in front of them turned and did a double take. ‘Miss Locke! I mean… erm Ruby. Please, go before me. You must be so hungry,’ Evin said.
