Page 68 of A Summer House on Arran
Olivia nodded and looked directly at Kitty. ‘The best.’
‘Okay, dear, you know where I am if you need me. Call me any time.’
Olivia nodded, feeling the tears sliding down her cheeks and onto her lap. Kitty passed her a pile of tissues. ‘Thanks,’ she managed to mumble. ‘B-bye,’ she stuttered, then ended the call.
Olivia sat in silence for a while, dabbing her eyes and waiting for the tears to stop. She was grateful that Kitty was there with her, supporting her by just being there, rather than putting her under any pressure to talk. Eventually she recapped what her aunt had said. When she’d finished, she said what she genuinelyfelt. ‘And you know what, I’m actually fine. Now that I’ve had a good cry, I’m okay.’
‘It’s still a shock, though,’ said Kitty.
‘Yeah, not really. I mean, I feel like there’s not much that would shock me anymore. And I’m going to speak to that lawyer. Nobody else deserves to go through this. I’m going to do my best to keep other women safe.’ She felt Kitty squeeze her hand.
A huge weight lifted from Olivia’s shoulders. She knew what to do next. It was like the final piece of the jigsaw slotting into place.
‘Let’s always stay in touch,’ she said to Kitty.
‘Obviously,’ she replied indignantly. ‘I’m fully expecting your presence at my house after your shindig in Glasgow.’
‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’
Kitty hugged her.
‘For what it’s worth, this summer house share has been the best thing that’s ever happened. I’m so glad we decided to try it.’
‘I know. Thank you for taking a chance on me,’ said Kitty with a chuckle. ‘It could all have gone terribly wrong.’
Olivia nodded thoughtfully. ‘Instead it all went just the way it should. A perfect summer on Arran.’
Epilogue
A trickle of sweat made its way down Olivia’s forehead, and she wiped it away with the back of her hand. She just hoped this wasn’t a mistake. Kitty’s small back garden had been transformed with colourful bunting and paper lanterns. The barbecue was primed and ready to go, there was a large bucket crammed with ice and drinks, and the patio furniture had been wiped in preparation. Olivia had even managed to pick a few wildflowers on her run that morning, which were in a vase on the table. She still had to pinch herself: she was now in the north of Scotland, spending her last few days with Kitty before she flew back to New York.
‘How’s it going out here?’ said Logan, walking towards her. ‘Do you think we’re all set?’
Olivia nodded. ‘I hope so,’ she said with a nervous chuckle. ‘I just hope Kitty will be okay with all of this.’
Logan screwed up his face. ‘Don’t say that.’
‘Sorry,’ said Olivia. ‘I’m sure she’ll be delighted. You don’t think she suspects anything at all?’
He shook his head.
‘That poor boy is going to get a shock when he arrives home. He’ll think his house has been taken over.’ Olivia knew how excited Kitty was that Cameron was coming home after his summer away. When Olivia had suggested that she should cut her visit short to give them some space, Kitty had insisted she stay, telling her how much Cameron was looking forward to meeting her.
Logan brushed his hand over his chin. ‘Don’t worry, I thought of that. I managed to get his number from Kitty’s phone and sent him a message to warn him. He said he can’t wait to see his mum’s face.’ Glancing at his phone, he smiled. ‘Kitty’s textedto say they’re just leaving the airport.’ He took a breath. ‘I’m starting to feel nervous now.’
Olivia smiled warmly at him. ‘It will be fine. How are the girls getting on inside?’
‘Ellen has them all under control,’ he said, raising an eyebrow.
Just at that moment, Granny Margaret appeared in the garden, closely followed by Isobel, Bella and Ellen.
‘In fact, I think I’ve got that wrong. Margaret looks like she’s in charge,’ he said drily.
Granny Margaret twirled around and clapped her hands together in delight. ‘Oh, I do love a summer party.’
Isobel rolled her eyes. ‘Mum, you just love any kind of party.’
Ellen laughed. ‘I agree with that. I just hope the sun keeps shining.’
