Page 11 of A Summer House on Arran
‘Ah, that must be what it is.’ Kitty laughed nervously. ‘I’m so sorry. I’ve obviously arrived early. Normally the changeover of holiday lets is in the afternoon. I didn’t even think. I was just told the cottage was empty and to arrive here any time.’
Kitty couldn’t help noticing how graceful the woman was as she stood opposite her, wearing not very much, with bed-hair that looked as though it had been professionally styled to look casually tousled. Kitty absent-mindedly tucked a strand of her own hair behind an ear, suddenly very self-conscious of her tangled mane.
‘I’m not going anywhere,’ said Olivia frowning. ‘What are you talking about changeovers? I only arrived yesterday. I flew into Prestwick Airport.’
‘What do you mean?’ Kitty couldn’t work out why this woman was being so awkward, especially as she was the one who was supposed to be here.
The woman flicked her hair out of the way and sighed loudly. ‘It means that I’m going to be here for the next six weeks. I’veonly just arrived, so I don’t have plans to go anywhere else. I have nowhere else to be right now.’
Kitty felt as though her mouth was filled with treacle. Clenching her fists together, she could feel tears of frustration well in her eyes. When it came to being Cameron’s mum, well, she was great at asserting herself and not taking any nonsense. She would walk naked through a field of Highland cows or run over a pile of hot stones. But now . . . well, Cameron wasn’t here to bolster her resolve, and she could feel her bottom lip start to wobble. ‘There’s obviously been a mix-up,’ she said, realising she was going to have to spell it all out. ‘I’m Kitty, and the cottage belongs to friends of my cousin Fergus, who lives in Lamlash. He works at the outdoor centre there and is really nice.’ Why on earth was she oversharing like this? It was her usual attack of verbal diarrhoea that appeared when the nerves hit. ‘They aren’t letting it anymore and said I could have it over the summer as a house-sitter . . .’ Kitty’s voice trailed away.
‘Hmm, that sounds a familiar story,’ exclaimed the woman, her gaze roaming Kitty’s face. ‘I was also promised the cottage. For the very same reasons.’
Kitty sighed. ‘I don’t believe it.’
‘Me neither,’ said Olivia.
‘What are we going to do?’
‘There’s clearly been some kind of mix-up.’
You don’t say, thought Kitty, folding her arms. She was starting to feel annoyed now, and hot and bothered by what was turning into the adventure from hell. She thought of Cameron and how lucky he was to be across the Atlantic, but oh how she wished she was back at home with him there, safe and sound. Just the two of them, happy in their own little cocoon. Why on earth did she think this was a good idea? She should have known it was bound to go wrong. There was no such thing as a free holiday.
She stared at the woman, who looked back, her eyes focused and unwavering, waiting to see what Kitty might say next. Kitty could feel her resolve start to crumble. For a moment she tried to bite down hard on her lip. She didn’t want to cry. It wouldn’t help solve this very big problem that they were both facing. But it was just all too much, and she burst into tears.
Chapter Nine
Olivia was horrified when the woman dissolved in front of her. She wasn’t just crying, she was sobbing, taking huge shuddering gulps of air. Olivia was going to have to take charge. Grabbing the box of tissues in the hallway, she ushered Kitty into the living area and pointed to a seat. ‘Sit down,’ she said bossily, though she was trying to be kind. ‘Come on, it’s not that bad. I’m sure we’ll figure something out. Don’t cry.’ She could have kicked herself. Who was she to tell anyone not to cry? She didn’t know the first thing about this woman. Maybe she had every reason to cry.
‘Look, whatever it is, I’m sure it’s all a misunderstanding and we can sort something out.’ She tried to sound convincing, but knew she was unconvincing. She thrust a couple of tissues at Kitty, who took them.
‘Th-thank you,’ she stammered.
‘That’s okay. Now have a seat and I’ll fetch you a cup of tea.’
‘Thanks,’ muttered Kitty.
Olivia felt sorry for this woman, who was now looking mortified as she mopped up her tears.
‘I’m so sorry about all of this,’ Kitty said around her tissue. ‘It’s just that I was so looking forward to this . . . it’s been ages since I’ve had a holiday or some time alone.’
Olivia nodded kindly and smiled. Then she held out a hand. ‘I’ve not even introduced myself. Kitty, I’m Olivia.’
‘And I’m Kitty,’ Kitty repeated.
Olivia nodded her head in the direction of the kitchen. ‘I’ll go and get that cuppa, then. What do you take?’
‘Just the bag and hot water please,’ Kitty said.
‘No problem. Two minutes.’
Olivia returned with the tea and placed a mug gently down next to Kitty. The women sat together, quietly sipping, both deep in thought.
‘Where are you from?’ asked Kitty, taking Olivia by surprise.
‘Oh,’ she started, caught on the hop. ‘I live in New York.’
Kitty’s eyes widened. ‘Wow. That’s where my son has gone for the summer.’
