Page 3 of Wishing Under a Starlit Skye
‘Oooh, a singles night. That could work,’ Jules said, giving her a nudge. ‘But… won’t you be lonely going by yourself?’
Caitlin laughed. ‘Probably, I’ll see if I can get a date to go with me.’ They all laughed.
‘Seriously though, I’ll worry about you,’ Jules said once the laughter had died down. ‘You never know who might be at these things. And being a woman on your own…’
Caitlin rolled her eyes. ‘Well, it’s not like I can ask any of you to go, is it? You’re all blissfully, sickeningly happy with your perfect men.’
Ruby reached and squeezed her hand. ‘Aww, hon, it’ll happen for you too. I just know it.’
Morag scoffed as she patted her neat grey bob. ‘And who was it saying that Kenneth was perfect? I’d like to talk to them and tell them a few home truths.’ The girls laughed again.
Caitlin said, ‘Aye, well, maybe not perfect then, but I want what you lot have got. I want someone to shout at for leaving his clothes on the bedroom floor. And someone who can reach me stuff from high shelves in the bakery,’ she joked.
‘And someone to warm your feet on at night, eh?’ Morag said with a wink.
‘Aye, that too.’
‘I get into trouble every night from Reid for that very thing,’ Jules laughed. ‘Even in the summer.’ She took a sip of her wine and pursed her lips as if racking her brains. ‘I wish I had someone to set you up with,’ she said thoughtfully with a tap to her chin. ‘But the only single man I know is my brother.’
Caitlin smiled. ‘And as much as I adore Dex, he’s just such a good friend; I couldn’t see him any other way. He’s a drinking buddy and a good laugh, but—’
Jules laughed. ‘Hey, you don’t need to explain to me. I grew up in the same house as him, remember?’
Thinking of her friend, Caitlin asked, ‘Have you heard from him this week? He messaged me last week to say he was enjoying his tour of the North Coast 500.’
‘He texted yesterday to say he was camping somewhere where there was a battle re-enactment going on, so he somehow got roped in. Typical Dexter.’
Caitlin could imagine the huge hulk of a man dressed in a kilt with mud on his face, brandishing a Sgian Dubh. The image brought a smile to her face.
‘It’s a shame there are no single men in the village who you’re attracted to, right enough,’ Morag said with a shake of her head. ‘And there’s no point trying to fix you up with one of Kenneth’s friends from golf. They wouldnae be able to keep up with you.’
Caitlin giggled along with Morag and her friends. ‘Thanks, ladies, you’re all a fat lot of use.’ She huffed. ‘Singles night it is, then. I think it said on the poster that it was for over thirty-fives. But I hope it’s not full of over seventy-fives.’
Ruby almost choked on her wine. ‘Ooh, you could get yourself a sugar daddy!’
‘Erm… no thanks. I’d like someone more my own age. Does Mitch have any single friends?’ Caitlin asked with a wink.
Ruby gave her a look of incredulity. ‘His friends are Reid, Dex and Kenneth.’
Caitlin rolled her eyes and giggled. ‘Like I said… fat lot of use.’ Caitlin topped up their glasses and handed around the snacks she had prepared. ‘Seriously though, I’ve wanted to get back out there for a while, but I’ve been too chicken. I mean, whoever I date has to accept Grace and me as a package deal. She’s always been my priority. But I’d just like someone to cosy up to when Grace is in bed. Someone who’s not a Yorkie Poo. Don’t get me wrong, Cleo gives great cuddles, but her breath leaves a lot to be desired.’ Laughter rang out around the garden again.
‘What does Grace think about you looking for a boyfriend?’ Jules asked with a tilt of her head.
Caitlin cringed. ‘Well… I haven’texactlymentioned it to her yet. But she’s always saying I should go out more and have fun.’ She shrugged. ‘I’m taking that as an encouraging sign.’
‘I reckon she’d be great about it. Evin was wonderful with you, Jules, wasn’t he?’ Morag asked.
Jules beamed as she always did when talking about her soon-to-be stepson. ‘Oh, he’s just brilliant. Such a kind-hearted and thoughtful boy.’ Jules had visited Glentorrin after the death of her husband. She had wanted to escape the piteous gazes and well-meaning friends who had wrapped her in cotton wool for fear she would break. After nursing her terminally ill husband, her visit to Glentorrin had been a way of finding her real self once more. She had ended up running the Lifeboat House Museum and falling in love with local artist, Reid MacKinnon, who had his own emotional baggage following the breakdown of his marriage. Along with Reid’s son Evin and dog Chewie, the two had helped to mend each other’s broken heart, and were now planning their Christmas wedding.
‘I can definitely see Grace being like that. She just wants her mum to be happy,’ Ruby said.
Caitlin raised her eyebrows. ‘Let’s hope you’re all right, eh?’ She stood from the table and went to the kitchen to collect a plate of shortbread from the worktop.
Grace walked into the kitchen, her red hair in a messy topknot that made her look older than her almost thirteen years. She was closely followed by Cleo, the little black Yorkie Poo, and she pinched a biscuit from the plate, breaking a chunk off for her canine companion. ‘Mum, Cora wants to know if I can go for a sleepover tomorrow night with it being Saturday. I said I’d check with you and call her back.’
Perfect timing, Caitlin thought. ‘Aye, love. That’s fine with me. Shall I make you some tray bake to take with you? I know how much Cora likes my Mars crispy cakes.’
Grace grinned. ‘Ooh yes, please. Although, there’s no wonder she keeps inviting me over. I think I’m the only friend whose mum sends baking every time I go.’
