Page 58 of A Summer House on Arran
‘Look, do you enjoy the actual making of the cakes?’
‘Yes,’ answered Kitty immediately. ‘I’ve loved having the time to try new recipes out, and getting the kids to try them.’
‘Right, why don’t we simplify it? What’s the best thing about baking?’
Kitty closed her eyes and thought about the times she and Cameron were in the kitchen, laughing and having fun. Then the times she would be alone and would put on a podcast and potter around, playing with different ingredients. ‘The process,’ she said, opening her eyes. ‘Mixing things together and watching the magic happen. Then seeing how much people enjoy them, especially if they’ve had to avoid cakes for so long.’
‘Okay, and the Instagram page?’
‘The Instagram stuff is okay, though it feels a bit indulgent. I’veneverliked being that side of the lens.’ Olivia had encouraged her to go in front of the camera and do a couple of small chats.
Olivia clapped her hands. ‘And there you go. You’ve just answered your own question and solved the problem.’
‘I have?’
‘You should be havingfun, God knows you deserve it. So just do what feels good and the rest of it will take care of itself. Why don’t we forget the reels and do something else instead?’
‘Agreed,’ said Kitty, smiling warmly at her. ‘I do love the way you simplify stuff.’
Olivia laughed. ‘Well, I’m only good at doing that for others. When it comes to my life, I’m hopeless. By the way, did I tell you that my aunt Trudy in the States wants a slice of your cake? She wants to know if we can ship some over because they look so good. I know you don’t like the social media part but she clearly does. She said she’s been following you on Instagram.’
Kitty groaned. ‘I don’t think I’m ready for shipping across the Clyde, never mind the Atlantic.’
‘Don’t worry, I told her that it wasn’t really sustainable or environmentally friendly, and to source her cakes more locally.’ She glanced at the clock. ‘Right, what do you say we get out and go and do a yoga class with Amy? She’s got one starting soon.’
Kitty paused for a moment and then let herself be swept up by Olivia’s infectious enthusiasm. ‘Okay, you’re on. Just give me a few minutes to get changed.’ She washed her mug in the sink and then drank a large glass of water. ‘By the way, that reminds me, what do you think of my handiwork from earlier?’ She pointed to her watercolour that was lying on the table. ‘We did Highland cows today.’
Olivia’s eyes twinkled with amusement as she took a closer look. ‘Um, it’s very, um,good. . . A Highland cow, you say?’
‘I think it actually looks more like a big orange dog,’ Kitty said with a perfectly straight face.
Olivia laughed and shook her head, her blonde curls catching in the sunlight now streaming in through the window. ‘Do you want to know something, Kitty?’
Kitty looked at her friend. ‘What?’
‘I’m so happy.’
‘What, my bad painting is making you happy?’ she asked with a giggle.
‘I’m just so grateful for this summer with you.’ She reached to give her a hug. ‘It’s also made me realise how much I absolutely love teaching the kids to dance. I feel like it’s where I belong. And that’s something I’ve been trying to figure out for a long time.’
‘Do you think you’ll quit being on the road then and performing?’ asked Kitty in surprise. She knew how much Olivia loved that part of her life.
She shrugged. ‘I think maybe so. I’m always getting offers in to teach at dance schools across the country and now . . . Well, now it’s something I think I may do. It feels like things are starting to fall into place for me, Kitty.’
‘And you deserve every happiness as well, Olivia.’ Kitty beamed at her friend.
‘Isn’t it funny how this is all working out?’
Kitty nodded. It did feel like the stars were beginning to align for them both.
Chapter Forty-One
In the run up to the Highland Games, Olivia found herself getting more and more excited about the kids’ dance event. Everyone had really started to pull together, offering help with whatever they needed. Edie, a family friend of Amy and Kirsty, and a friend of Fergus, had discovered some fabric in her attic and offered to run some costumes up on her sewing machine. Much as Olivia would have loved to have been able to afford to buy in professional costumes, she knew that people were on a budget, and so this had to be made as affordable as possible. It was more satisfying to know that their effort was backed by community spirit, and she found herself hurrying down to the local hall for today’s rehearsal. Edie had promised to drop off the costumes and let the kids see them for themselves, and Olivia wanted to make sure she was there early.
‘Hi, dear.’ Edie walked through the door laden with several huge bags. Although Edie was in her seventies, you would never have thought it. Her bright clothes, high cheekbones and clear unwrinkled skin gave her a youthful look. She wore a purple linen pinafore and had pink flowers in her hair.
‘Oh, let me help you with that,’ said Olivia, running over to lend a hand.
