Page 37 of A Scottish Christmas Hideaway
Chapter Twenty-Three
It didn’t take them long to drive to Balmaha, where Reuben parked the car across the road from the Oak Tree Inn.
‘It’s been ages since I’ve been here. I remember we used to go there a lot,’ she said, pointing at the hotel. ‘They used to do a great Sunday roast.’
Reuben nodded in agreement. ‘Yes, and I think they still do. It’s a while since I’ve been there too, but if you’re lucky, I might treat you to a hot chocolate when we’ve finished our walk. The café over there is great.’ It was a frosty afternoon and he pulled up the zipper on his coat, glad he had also shoved his hat and gloves in the car.
‘You’re on.’
They started to walk towards the bay, making their way past the signs for the boatyard and then through the garden with its statue of Tom Weir, a Scottish climber, author and broadcaster. Someone had placed a red bunnet on his head.
‘I’d completely forgotten that was there,’ said Jessica, nodding at the bronze statue. ‘I remember when it was unveiled. How long ago was that?’
‘Hmm, over ten years ago now, I think. Apparently, it’s very popular with visitors.’
‘I can understand why. It’s a bit of a talking point.’ Jessica shoved her hands deep in her pockets.
Reuben was thoughtful as they made their way along the narrow winding path which led them around the side of the loch. It was quiet and there was something lovely about walking in silence with Jessica by the shoreline. But he couldn’t shake the feeling something had changed since the weekend. Had he read the situation wrong and Jessica didn’t want to continue whatever had started with the kiss? Or had he not explained the Belinda situation properly? He hoped it was the latter and, giventhe fact he didn’t often open up about these things, he knew he should probably say more about Belinda turning up. And make Jessica see that the more he thought about the kiss the more he wanted to do it again. But before he could speak Jessica broke the silence.
‘This is beautiful,’ she said softly. ‘I forgot how lovely the sound of silence is. It makes me realise how often I am surrounded by noise.’
The path weaved through patches of woodland and on to the white gravelly beach again and Reuben glanced over at her. ‘How’s it going at the bakery then? Are you enjoying it?’
A smile lit up her face which stirred something in him. ‘I love it. It’s hard work and I don’tlovethe early starts. But I love the simplicity of what it is and the rewards it brings. I can just absorb myself in baking — which I had forgotten how much I enjoy — and then knowing someone will come and buy one of the loaves makes me happy. We’ve been trialling some festive loaves with cranberries and they’ve proved a hit.’
‘Quite different pace to what you’re used to then?’ He smiled at her. ‘Your mum always said you worked too hard in London.’
‘Just a wee bit . . .’ she said drily. ‘But here I like that I can leave work at the door. When I leave the bakery, that’s the end of the shift.’ She exhaled loudly. ‘I didn’t realise what a workaholic I’ve become.’
‘I suppose it’s easy though just to get used to your routine and your way of life,’ said Reuben. ‘Especially when you’ve got such a demanding job. You’re working for one of the top firms, aren’t you?’
She nodded. ‘That was something I used to be proud of. As though I had made it. Now I realise it doesn’t mean a thing.’
‘It’s difficult to forget that having balance is important,’ he said carefully, aware there was more to what she was saying. He wondered what had made her fall out of love with her career.
‘I agree. I think that’s something I need to work harder at.’
‘It must be hard, though, living in London and working in your kind of profession. I assume you need to be available when the clients say jump?’
She nodded. ‘Yes. And even the short time that I’ve been back home has given me a bit of perspective. Work isallI do. And I don’t even enjoy it much any more. It feels a bit . . . meaningless . . .’ Her voice trailed off.
‘Which is why you’re enjoying working in the bakery?’
‘Exactly. It just feels like I’m doing something worthwhile.’
‘But I’m sure you must make a difference with your work and helping those out who need it? I thought employment lawyers existed to help those who’d been unfairly treated.’
‘Yes, you would think, but not so much in my line of business. It tends to be more about the wealthy clients who are having issues with staff. So it doesn’t always feel that rewarding. You did say you wanted to pick my brains though. So, ask away!’
Reuben stopped to admire the view of the water and scuffed his foot on the ground now wishing he had addressed the Belinda situation with Jessica earlier. ‘It’s Belinda,’ he said and immediately could sense Jessica edging away.
‘Ah I see.’ She kept her voice even.
‘But it’s not what you think,’ Reuben rushed to speak. He was doing this all wrong. Why had he just not called earlier? He was such an idiot.
‘Look, we’ve been separated for more than a year. She had an affair with a man at her place of work in Dubai.’
There was a silence before Jessica eventually spoke. ‘I’m sorry, Reuben. I didn’t realise. That must have been tough.’
