Page 13 of A Summer House on Arran
‘What’s happened?’
‘The cottage is already taken.’
‘I don’t understand,’ he said.
‘When I arrived there was someone already there.’
‘Eh? That makes no sense.’
‘It’s fine,’ she said hurriedly. ‘I think there’s been a bit of a mix-up or miscommunication. And don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. I wondered if I could maybe just stay with you for a couple of nights and then I’ll head home.’
‘Oh, Kitty. What a nightmare. I’m so sorry. Let me make some calls and find out what’s going on. I’m sure we can sort something out.’
‘Thanks, Fergus. Look, do you mind if I just pop over now? It’s kind of awkward and I’m down in the village to get out the way.’
He groaned. ‘I’d love it if you could but I’m not at the flat. There’s an issue with the plumbing and all the water has been switched off, so Amelia and I are staying in Coorie Cabin.’
Great, thought Kitty, rolling her eyes in exasperation. She attempted to sound light-hearted. ‘Well, it would look like my summer retreat to Arran might be over before it’s even got started. Unless you have a spare tent?’
‘Don’t do anything hasty. Let me make some calls and get back to you. Where are you just now?’
‘Out and about walking and exploring. I had to get away from the cottage as it was all getting a bit intense.’
‘I’m so sorry,’ said Fergus. ‘It doesn’t sound ideal at all. Did you let yourself in and find someone cooking naked in the kitchen or something like that?’
‘Oh, Fergus, trust you to lower the tone. It wasn’t quite like that. There was a woman in the kitchen, but it could have turned violent as she had a rolling pin.’
‘A rolling pin?’ said Fergus, amused. ‘Sounds like it could have turned into a potential bloodbath, then?’
‘Either that or a flour show.’
He chuckled. ‘Oh dear, I see your jokes are as dire as ever.’
‘Cameron would have laughed at that,’ she said indignantly. ‘He thinks all my jokes are funny. And anyway, you did laugh.’
‘Mmm,’ said Fergus. ‘I was being polite.’
She sighed. ‘It’s better to laugh than cry, isn’t it?’
‘Exactly. Look, I’ll call you back as soon as I have some more info.’
Feeling slightly reassured, she thanked him, then started making the walk back up the hill towards Lilybank Cottage.
Chapter Eleven
Logan lay on his back and gazed around James’s spare room. It was the perfect pit stop for him when he was on Arran. He still couldn’t believe how lucky it was that James had moved back here for work. Kipping in his mate’s spare room — even though it was very functional, with just a double bed and nowhere to put his clothes — was far nicer than staying in a bed in the youth hostel or a hotel room, which was his usual choice of accommodation when he was doing these trips. Mind you, Logan was extremely self-sufficient and didn’t need anything more than a bed. He was used to minimalist living; he carried all that he needed in his rucksack.
It had been a while since he and James had seen each other, and he was really looking forward to catching up with him later. They’d arranged to meet for a beer at the pub just after five o’clock. Logan wanted to hear all about his new job and how things were going with his girlfriend. Ever since he had known James, he’d always been full of ambition and didn’t seem that interested in relationships. They were very alike there, although Logan would be the first to admit that he didn’t have the same driving ambition that James had. Yes, he loved his work, but it didn’t feel like work. He was happy with his lot and the fact he could spend most of his days outdoors. The thought of having to stick to long hours in an office filled him with fear.
James seemed like a different man since reconnecting with Amy, which had amused Logan greatly. On the odd occasion they did catch up on the phone, if he wasn’t working at the distillery, James was either on his way to see her at Meadowbank Cottage or was in the middle of making dinner for her at his flat. Logan had seen him briefly when he’d arrived and gone to pick up keys to get into the flat. He’d smirked when James sheepishly told him that he was staying with Amy to get out of the way, togive Logan a bit of headspace after the intensity of the last tour. Logan knew that was code for,I’m deeply loved up and don’t want to leave Amy’s side, and the thought of being apart from her for too long is driving me mad.But there was no way that James would ever admit that out loud.
Logan knew Amy had recently built a studio at her sister’s guesthouse, so James was clearly making sure she was quite settled in to her new abode.
Logan was actually rather intrigued to meet the woman who had tamed his friend. Earlier, when Logan had mentioned this, James had scoffed and tried to laugh off his comments. But the red dots high on his cheeks were a clear giveaway that James was quite smitten. When Logan had teased him and said, ‘You’re clearly very loved up, mate,’ James quickly changed the subject and offered to meet Logan at the pub for a few beers when he’d finished work. He promised to get away early, and Logan had rolled his eyes in response, knowing full well that was unlikely.
Logan yawned and stretched his arms up behind his head. He glanced at his watch and sighed. Where had the time gone today? He’d better make a move, otherwise he’d end up falling asleep. Maybe he should go for a walk before meeting James. He could do with a boost of fresh air. Jumping off the bed, he raked his hands through his hair and pulled on his trainers. Then he gave himself a quick once-over in the hallway mirror and pulled the door closed behind him, jogging lightly down the stairs and into the close, which would take him out to the street.
As he stepped outside, he looked over at the surface of the sea. It resembled glass. It was a warm afternoon and very still, not even a whisper of a breeze. The sky was a rich blue. Logan took his time walking slowly along the road, admiring the scenery.
