Page 34 of A Christmas Wish on Arran
‘Och away you go,’ Margaret said to him, waggling her finger. ‘That’s you shattered the illusion. I thought you were aproper local. I mean Dundee’s not quite the same as Sorrento, is it?’
He gave a gusty laugh. ‘Sorry to disappoint.’ He winked at Margaret. ‘Please take a seat.’ He gestured to a table at the window.
The bar was busy, and Beth was surprised the table was free. Then she spotted a reserved sign on it. She felt bad that her immediate reaction on seeing Alessandro had been dread. She had to remind herself that he was very kind. But the voice inside her head was loud and strong.Just remember that he wants something in return.
‘What would you like? I’ll bring it over,’ he said.
‘How about a bottle of fizz?’ Margaret looked very smart in a pair of navy trousers and a cerise pink blouse. ‘Seeing as this is a wee celebration. And it’s the festive season.’
Beth was glad she’d made an effort and changed into a newer pair of jeans and boots, rather than the old denims and trainers she tended to live in at the weekends.
Beth and her dad nodded in agreement.
‘It would be nice to have a wee toast,’ her dad said.
‘Prosecco would be ideal. You’re a wee superstar, Alessandro. Thank you.’
They were soon settled at the window table overlooking the garden and Barry proposed a toast. ‘To your new beginning on Arran.’
‘Cheers.’ Margaret clinked her glass against Beth and Barry’s. ‘And to all that lies ahead.’ She gave Beth a conspiratorial look. ‘He can’t take his eyes off you love.’
‘Who?’ asked Beth.
‘Your pal Alessandro.’
Beth shook her head. ‘I don’t think he’s got the message yet that I’m not interested.’
‘Aye,’ she took another sip from her glass, ‘something tells me he’s not the type who’s used to getting a knock-back. You watch yourself love. That type of man is more hassle than he’s worth.’
Beth gave her a wry smile. She couldn’t agree more.
* * *
The following afternoon, Barry insisted he needed to have a snooze after a morning spent wandering around the gardens at Brodick Castle, which he and Margaret had been particularly enthused about — they had their National Trust for Scotland cards with them.
Margaret was triumphant when they realised they could use them to gain free entrance. ‘I told your dad these would be a good investment. And we’ll just need to come back again and use them when the actual castle is open. Maybe in the spring, Barry, eh?’
Beth had offered to take Margaret round to Lamlash for the afternoon so she could see the Christmas fair in full swing. Margaret was also desperate to do some Christmas shopping at the gift shop, the Wee Trove, to buy some pottery mugs that she’d heard about when she’d met Edie, the woman who made them, last summer.
‘Are you sure you don’t want to come and see the lights being switched on, Dad?’
‘No, honestly, I will wait till you come back and see them being turned on in Brodick tonight. I’ll save my energy.’
As they got ready to leave the flat, Barry pulled his iPad from behind a cushion.
‘Now Barry, you must think me and Beth are buttoned up the back or something? A wee nap? Is that right? More like there’s a football game on and you don’t want to miss it.’ Margaret pursed her lips together.
Barry yawned, though he did have the grace to look a bit guilty. He’d asked Beth for the Wi-Fi code earlier so he could use his iPad.
‘It’s okay, Dad. You just sit and relax. I’m sure you’ll only watch the first five minutes anyway, and then you’ll be fast asleep.’
‘Aye, well, that’s what football does to me. Sends me straight to sleep. More powerful than any sleeping pills,’ muttered Margaret.
‘Thanks dear. You both go and enjoy yourself. Don’t rush back.’ Barry’s eyes twinkled.
‘It’s been a busy weekend for him.’ Beth had noticed her dad did seem to be tired. ‘He’s walked a lot the past few days, and the sea air will be tiring him out. Plus I know he’s used to his own space.’ Beth opened the car for Margaret. ‘It’s fine, really, I don’t mind. He’d only be bored if we dragged him round the shops.’
‘Gives us a chance to have a wander and a proper catch-up I suppose. Gosh, that wind is chilly.’ Margaret shivered as she got into the car. ‘I hope it doesn’t rain. That sky looks a bit threatening.’
