Page 66 of Under A Sicilian Sky
‘Well, I have to say he’s my favourite too.’
Evin gazed up at her from beside his dog. ‘Do you think you might get a dog one day?’
Ruby smiled but felt a twinge of sadness. ‘I’d love to, Evin. But sadly, my job is so busy and takes me to so many places it wouldn’t be fair of me to get one.’
Evin pursed his lips and frowned as if deep in thought. Then he stood and beamed at her. ‘I wouldn’t mind looking after him for you if you got one! You could bring him here when you had to go off to do filming, and he and Chewie could be besties like me and Grace. What do you think?’
Ruby’s heart squeezed in her chest at the sweet boy’s suggestion. ‘I think you’re very kind. And if ever I do get a dog, I’ll definitely bear that in mind. Thank you.’
‘You should get a Vizsla like Chewie. They’re the best dogs. Although they do tend to be a bit slobbery, so you have to not mind that.’ He chuckled and then widened his eyes. ‘Ooh, you could name him after that orangutan in that film with Clint Eastwood. I watched it with my dad. He was called Clyde, the orangutan I mean, I can’t remember what Clint Eastwood’s character was called.’ He scrunched his face, trying to remember.
‘He meansEvery Which Way but Loose. And Clint Eastwood played Philo Beddoe, son.’
‘That’s it!’ Evin replied enthusiastically.
Ruby giggled. ‘I think Clyde would be a superb name for a Vizsla. I’ll make sure to remember that. Anyway, I’d best be off. I’ll see you soon. Thanks again.’
‘Chewie says thank you to you. And we’ll see you soon, Miss… erm… I mean, Ruby!’
After dropping Chewie at home, Ruby made her way to the Lifeboat House Museum. It was almost closing time and she hoped she wasn’t too late.
Jules greeted her with a hug. ‘It’s lovely to see you, Ruby.’
‘You too. I’ve just dropped Chewie off with Evin and Reid. He’s such a lovely boy.’
Jules narrowed her eyes. ‘Which one?’
Ruby laughed. ‘Well, all of them, but I meant Evin. He’s so polite and sweet.’
Jules beamed with pride. ‘He’s very thoughtful. I adore him. If ever I have a child of my own, I think Evin will be the best big brother.’
‘Oh, he will. I can definitely imagine that.’
‘Anyway, come on, I’ll show you around.’
As they wandered the display cases, Jules spoke passionately about each item, her knowledge and love for the place shone through. She pointed out the photo of her mum as a little girl, and a veil and photo of a couple on their wedding day. The story of the man who had donated them, Hamish, made Ruby’s heart ache.Oh, to have a love so strong, she thought.
‘I lived in the cottage next door when I first arrived up here, but my brother lives there now. Can’t escape him.’ Jules laughed. ‘He’s away on the mainland at our mum and dad’s just now. It’s a shame he won’t get to meet you. He’s a biiiig fan.’ She rolled her eyes and shook her head, smiling. ‘So how are things with you and Mitch? Still getting on okay?’
Ruby felt her cheeks warming and pulled off her hat. ‘Is it warm in here or is it me?’
Jules nudged her. ‘Methinks the lady hath a wee crush.’
Ruby dismissed the idea with a delightful snorting sound. ‘Pfft! It’s… no, it’s nothing like that. He’s lovely and obviously gorgeous-looking, but…’
Jules tilted her head. ‘But?’
Ruby tugged at an invisible piece of thread on her sleeve. ‘We’re just friends. He’s not interested in me. Quite the opposite in fact. When I told him that you thought we were a couple, he wasn’t too happy.’
Jules frowned. ‘Really? How strange. I got the feeling… Oh, anyway, it’s nothing to do with me. I’m just a sucker for a romance. I’ll stick to my novels. I should probably let you go. I bet he’s rustled up something yummy for dinner. I heard from Shelby that he’s an amazing cook.’
‘Oh, I didn’t realise she had been in. She never said.’
‘Yes, she was on a shopping trip for you, she said. It was a flying visit, so she said she’d come back when she had more time.’
‘Ah, right. Well, I should go, Thank you so much for the tour. You have a lovely place here.’
‘You’re welcome back any time. I promise I’ll stop with the matchmaking.’
