Page 57 of A Summer House on Arran
‘How’s that young man of yours?’ he whispered.
Kitty turned and looked at him in surprise. ‘How did you know about him?’
He chuckled softly. ‘Amy keeps me well informed.’
‘He’s wonderful.’ She beamed, thinking about how much she was looking forward to seeing him again. He was due back onArran the following day, and her stomach was already fluttering at the thought of seeing him and touching him again. ‘I’m a lucky girl.’
‘He’s the lucky one, dear,’ said Alex.
At that point, the tutor cleared his throat and gave them both a look.
‘Oopsie,’ said Alex. ‘We’re getting ourselves into trouble again with all our chatting.’
Kitty giggled and turned her attentions towards the process of how to draw a Highland cow.
* * *
When Kitty got back to the cottage after class, she gave the worktops a quick wipe and tidied away anything that didn’t need to be on display. Olivia had promised that she would make time to help Kitty with more Instagram cake-making reels. The baking project was supposed to be a bit of fun. She had loved every minute of the actual cake making, probably because it was just a bit of a hobby. Kitty had ended up supplying the distillery and Cèic, the café in Lamlash, with some of her cakes. And she had signed up for a cake stall at the Highland Games, which were fast approaching. She wasn’t quite sure she would feel so enthused if she had to rely on it to provide her with a steady flow of cash. She heard the front door open and reached to flick the kettle on.
‘Hello,’ said Olivia, walking into the kitchen, yawning. ‘I’m so sore. Honestly, these kids have boundless energy. I need coffee. Now.’ She sighed.
Kitty smiled. ‘How was this morning’s rehearsal?’
‘Great. We had animmensesession. I can’t believe how quickly the routine has come to life.’
Kitty smiled as she made Olivia a cup of coffee. In a lot of ways she was very like her friend from home, Ellen — whichreminded her that she’d messaged to say she’d managed to get a few days off work and would love to visit. Kitty was slightly apprehensive about that, though she wasn’t quite sure why. Perhaps it was the thought of her two worlds colliding, and her summer retreat merging with her real life, which she would soon return to.
She handed Olivia the mug and watched as she took a sip and stood back against the counter. Even after a sweaty workout, she managed to look effortlessly stylish, with her pale blue shorts and white camisole top that showed off her slim dancer’s frame.
Glancing down, she felt embarrassed by her own worn leggings, and she pulled at a thread on her fraying T-shirt that she’d thrown on for the art class. Then she inwardly shrugged. What did it matter? It wasn’t like she was trying to impress anyone. Fortunately Logan wasn’t around, or perhaps shewouldhave made more of an effort.
‘Aren’t you having one?’ asked Olivia, throwing her a quizzical look.
‘You know what? I think I will.’ She poured the hot liquid into a speckled mug from the cupboard.
‘Right, are you going to tell me what’s up?’
Kitty frowned. ‘Nothing. I’m just thinking about getting the reel done and . . .’
‘And? Is everything okay with lover boy?’
Kitty felt her eyes misting. ‘Yes, apart from missing him madly . . .’
Olivia rolled her eyes at Kitty. ‘Okay, so apart from being lovesick, are you going to tell me what’s wrong? You seem a bit distracted.’
Kitty realised that Olivia was right. She had perfected her recipes and figured out what worked and what didn’t, and now, this bit they were about to do, it all felt like a hassle. Sheshrugged and took a nervous gulp. ‘I don’t want to do this filming stuff. I’d rather go and do something else a bit more fun.’
Olivia’s mouth twitched as though she was about to laugh.
‘What?’ Kitty asked indignantly.
Olivia’s voice was gentle. ‘You do realise you don’t have to do it?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘The social media stuff?’
Kitty didn’t reply.
