Page 18 of Wishing Under a Starlit Skye
Caitlin walked over and hugged her friend. ‘Thanks so much for this afternoon. That influx of people would’ve floored me if you hadn’t been here.’
‘My pleasure. And I know you’ve said you’re looking for an assistant, but if you need help in the meantime, just let me know.’
Caitlin laughed. ‘I’d be careful if I were you. I might just take you up on that.’
* * *
Saturday was a little quieter and Caitlin presumed it was mainly down to it being a changeover day for holidaymakers, but nevertheless, it was a welcome relief. As the day wore on, she became increasingly anxious and a little excited about the singles night. After the last one, she was wondering if perhaps this app that Grace had mentioned might be a good idea after all. But there was the chance that Lyle would be there. Although she still wondered why he hadn’t just asked her out. Perhaps, she decided, Grace was right in this matter, too, and that she should do the modern thing and ask him out. She figured she would see what happened tonight and if she felt their attraction was mutual, she would take the brave step and go for it. She had nothing to lose… except maybe a little pride…
Ruby arrived early, which was a relief. Caitlin was standing in her bedroom surrounded by at least four discarded tops, three skirts and five pairs of trousers.
‘Ugh! I have nothing to wear, Roo!’
Ruby laughed as she glanced down at the piles of potential outfits. ‘I think maybe you have. Look at all this stuff. You’ve some gorgeous things here.’ She walked to the wardrobe and slipped the hangers along the metal rail until she came across a pretty, green, flowery sundress. ‘What about this? It’ll look amazing with your hair, and I’ve never seen you wear it. Stick your denim jacket on with it and some flats, jobs a good ’un.’ She said in her Yorkshire accent and shrugged. ‘Casual, summery, perfect.’
Caitlin tilted her head and pursed her lips. ‘You think so? Is it dressed-up enough?’
Ruby eyed her with suspicion. ‘Are you trying to impress someone, Caitlin Fraser?’
Caitlin’s cheeks heated and she made an awkward noise. ‘Pfft, nah, what do you mean? Who could I be trying to impress?’
Ruby grinned. ‘A certain local outdoor-gear shop owner-cum-IT whizz?’
Caitlin burst out laughing. ‘Archie? Seriously you and Jules are really intent on flogging that dead horse, aren’t you?’
‘Well, who then?’
Caitlin shrugged. ‘I don’t know… Cora’s dad, Lyle, might be there…’ She grabbed the dress from Ruby and turned her back, knowing full well that her eagerness would be plastered all over her cerise face.
‘Oooh, I see now! Well, I think this dress would look fab on you. And he can’t fail to fancy you in it. Trust me. Go on, get it tried on.’
Caitlin took the dress to the bathroom and stepped into it. Her fellow redhead, Ruby, was right. The green really did look great with her hair, and it was perfect for the warm evening. She walked back into the bedroom.
‘Wow! You really do look gorgeous. Now go get your hair sorted and I’ll see what Grace is up to.’
Caitlin curled the ends of her long hair and applied a little lip gloss and blusher. She assessed herself in the full-length mirror in her room and huffed. ‘Ah, you’ll do.’
When she got down to the kitchen, Ruby and Grace were adding toppings to the pre-prepared pizza bases and chatting comfortably.
‘Mum, you look lovely! I think Mr Budge’s jaw will hit the floor when he sees you.’
Caitlin made that awkward scoffing noise again. ‘Pfft! Come on, you two are having a laugh, aren’t you?’
Ruby raised her eyebrows and fixed her with a stern stare. ‘Learn to take a compliment, will you? You look gorgeous.’
Taking compliments was something Caitlin wasn’t that used to, so it felt awkward, and accepting them made her feel somewhat conceited. ‘Aye… well thank you,’ she replied begrudgingly.
There was a knock at the door and Caitlin went to open it.
Before her stood a ruffle-haired Archie, complete with a few days’ old stubble and wearing dark jeans and a pale blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows.
‘Hi, Archie.’
He smiled warmly. ‘W-wow… you look… you look really nice.’ His cheeks flushed a little and he cleared his throat. ‘Shall I wait in the car?’
Caitlin caught sight of Ruby and Grace watching their interaction and stuck out her tongue at them, causing them both to giggle. ‘No, it’s fine. I’m all ready.’ She walked over and grabbed her handbag from the countertop and kissed Grace’s head. ‘Be good. And don’t wear Ruby out.’
‘I won’t. I’m going to show her my dance routine while the pizzas cook. Have fun. And say “hi” to Mr Budge for me.’ She giggled again.
