Page 57 of A Christmas Wish on Arran
Callum nodded again. ‘She would be so proud of you Daisy. As we all are.’ He didn’t speak for a moment. ‘But I think your tea-making skills could be improved. You have put one of your weird vegan milks in my cup.’
She chuckled. ‘I wondered if you’d notice. We’re out of normal milk so it’s actually quite handy we have my long-life stuff in the cupboard.’
Callum pulled a face as she stood up.
‘By the way, I’ve let Beth know that you’re in bed with man flu.’ She gave a small smile. ‘I thought she might like to know. Is there anything you want to tell me?’
There was silence as he drank the strange-tasting tea, buying himself some time. ‘Um . . .’
She placed her hands on her hips and stared at him. ‘Um? What does that mean?’
‘We’re just getting to know each other again.’
‘Rubbish. I can tell you’re totally keen. And if you want my advice—’
‘I don’t think I do.’
She gave him alook. ‘Ask her out on a proper date. Or invite her for Christmas.’
Callum closed his eyes. ‘That would be totally weird. Anyway, she’s going to visit her dad at Christmas.’
‘I was joking about the Christmas bit actually. I just wanted to check you were listening to me. Ask her out on a date.’
He didn’t want to tell Daisy that he’d not been able to stop thinking about Beth since she’d been here. That memories of her dominated his thoughts. They had exchanged a couple of brief texts when she’d left, but they were polite and perfunctory. Hewasn’t quite sure what to do next or what to say to her. Yawning, he pulled the covers up around him.
Then he remembered that she’d been in the pub with that guy from the hotel. ‘I don’t even know if she’s single.’
Daisy raised her eyebrows. ‘Seriously? She was here for two days and you didn’t ask her if she was single?’
‘No.’
‘Leave that to me. I’ll leave you to your dreams.’ Daisy chuckled. ‘No prizes for guessing who’s the main guest.’
Callum didn’t have the energy to challenge her. What she said was spot-on, but he didn’t want to make a fool of himself and muck things up again. He had once seen a future with her, but fate had intervened, and that life just wasn’t meant to be. Just then his phone buzzed. It was a text from Beth.
About that drink . . . let me know when you feel better and want to meet. Beth x
Could he allow himself to imagine and hope that the universe was giving them this second chance?
Chapter Forty-Eight
After the drama of the storm, Beth was glad to settle back into a quiet and uncomplicated routine, although now life felt as though it had added sparkle to it. She and Jim were both back to full strength, as busy as ever back at work, especially as Christmas was ten days away. She realised how much she appreciated having work to focus on. It reminded her of working at the café, where her role gave her purpose and stability. She was grateful that she had a job here that she loved. How many people could say that? She and Kirsty were growing closer, and Freya had reached out and met her several times for coffee, and encouraged her to go to Pilates class with her. She had lots to be thankful for. And she was due to visit her dad very soon. She was genuinely looking forward to seeing him, and had promised to take him over some of the local cheese that he loved. It was strange to think it would be the first time she’d left Arran since she’d arrived at the start of November.
This morning, Jim had offered to go out and get them coffees from the bakery. When he’d arrived back with buns to go with the drinks, she turned her attention away from her screen and had a proper break. She’d been meaning to raise what had happened with Alessandro. However, the timing hadn’t been right until now.
‘Thanks.’ She sighed as she bit into the icing that was drizzled over the top of the bun. ‘This is just what I needed.’
‘Freya would be horrified, so don’t tell her. I’m supposed to be fasting till noon but, well, what’s a secret between friends?’ He grinned as he sunk his teeth into the pastry.
‘Talking of which,’ said Beth cautiously, ‘I’ve been meaning to ask you about Alessandro.’
He looked at her. ‘What about him?’
Beth took a sip of coffee. ‘He thinks, because I went for a drink with him one night, that I’m fair game. He came round to the flat the other night and I had to spell it out to him.’
Jim shook his head. ‘I’m sorry Beth. I had no idea he was like that. I only know him from playing golf. And now I feel awful.’
‘It’s not your fault. I’m sure he’s a nice enough chap, but that’s not the way to behave around women. You can’t really get away with that anymore. I’d hate to think that was his modus operandi.’
