Chapter Fifteen
Brann
‘ T ea break time again?’ Ophelia marched through the door of the cottage kitchen, and Brann looked up from his phone with a start. Harrison almost cracked his head from under a base unit.
‘Well, you’re the boss,’ Brann said. ‘If you’ll just grab my tools, I’ll get off.’
‘Oh, gross.’ Harrison cringed under the base unit, and Brann laughed.
Ophelia held her hand over her mouth. ‘Oh, ha-ha. I just thought it was very quiet in here.’
Shaking his head, still grinning, he replied, ‘We’re not naughty little school kids. If it suddenly goes quiet, it doesn’t mean we’re hiding in the corner plotting to burn the house down.’
‘So what are you doing?’
‘What does it look like?’
Ophelia scanned around, and Brann held his breath. Joinery was his real love, and he took pride in it. He called himself a builder because he worked on bigger projects now and had contracts with other trades, but when he got back to working with wood, his hands and his heart worked together. He’d brought the designs to life, and her scrutiny made him uneasy.
She smiled. ‘It’s looking good.’
‘Phew.’ He ran the back of his hand across his forehead in an exaggerated fashion, pretending to let sweat drip off it. ‘You had me panicking there.’ Joking, yeah, but partly true.
‘So, what’s the timeframe looking like?’ she asked. ‘When can I expect to move in?’
‘Well, the plumbers are here tomorrow. They’ll connect the water and finish the bathroom. Once we’ve got everything in, the electrician will come back and do the final fittings. That should be by the end of the week. You can decorate it after that, but it’ll be ready to move in. If there’s any snagging left, I’ll come down next week and finish it.’
‘Great. I can’t wait to tell Jacinta. She’ll be thrilled to get rid of me.’
‘Bet she misses you.’
‘Ha. Bet she does not.’
Brann smirked as Ophelia left and returned to work. A message from Caitlin caught his eye before he put his phone away.
CAITLIN: It’s Take Your Child to Work Day next week on Tuesday. Can I come with you? I went with Mum the last time.
Brann half closed his eyes. He didn’t mind her coming with him, but he wasn’t sure he wanted her to witness his interactions with Ophelia… Harrison was bad enough.
brANN: Sure you can. Remember Mum’s got a new job though. It won’t be the same as last time. Happy for you to come with me if you want but be prepared to work!
CAITLIN: I’m prepared. Still got the pink hammer you gave me for Christmas once.
Brann laughed, and a little bubble of pride swelled in his chest.
Work was done on the cottage by the end of the week, as he’d anticipated. Ophelia had gone to Edinburgh for a meeting, but emailed him to say she’d be back on Tuesday and would take a look with him to see if anything still remained. Great. The same day he was bringing Caitlin with him.
‘This place is so cool,’ Caitlin said when they rocked up at the boathouse. ‘I want to live here.’
‘Yeah, it’s cute,’ Brann agreed. ‘We need to crack on. We got a bit side-tracked doing up that cottage.’
‘For the heiress,’ Harrison said.
‘Is she like dead posh?’ Caitlin asked.
‘Oh yeah. Speaks in that plummy way. And she’s got the horn for Dad.’
‘Harrison, shut it,’ Brann said.
‘Are you serious?’ Caitlin pulled a disgusted face. ‘Isn’t she like really young?’
‘I’m not that old.’ Brann put his hands on his hips; he was in better shape than a lot of guys younger than him.
‘But you’re not seeing her or anything?’
‘Of course not,’ he said. Caitlin’s panic about him having relationships bubbled to the surface again. How to get over this? He didn’t want to be single forever, but it scared him to think if he moved on, she might harm herself. ‘She’s way out of my league and she’s marrying some posh man.’
‘Is she actually?’ Harrison said. ‘She doesn’t seem that into him… But you…’
‘That’s enough.’ Brann glanced at Caitlin. Her face was white and her eyes wide. ‘I’ve got a job for you.’ He led her into the side room. ‘This room is getting plasterboarded, but you see this corner has a tricky little section. Can you make me a template?’
‘Um, how?’
‘With this.’ He held out his universal measuring tool. ‘Use it to make the angles and cut a template from this card. Then I’ll use it to cut the plasterboard.’
‘Ok. I’ll give it a go.’
Brann left her to it and returned to the main room. ‘Don’t scare her,’ he muttered to Harrison.
‘I wasn’t. I just said it like it is.’
‘Well, don’t. I admit it, we’ve done some stupid flirting, but you know as well as I do nothing is going to happen there. Caitlin panics about stuff like that, so no need to worry her for nothing.’
‘Yeah. Whatever.’
Brann went out to the van and breathed in the earthy scent of the air. The lochan rippled in the breeze and everything was quite serene. Across the water, where the trees were dense, was a large shape. He squinted. Was it that man again? Then it moved, and he saw it was a deer. It made him smile. This was like something from his imagination. He watched it for a while, his eyes roaming around. The leaves were starting to turn. Some yellow had crept in. The summer had almost passed.
The sound of an engine on the track ruined the perfect peace. A flash of red in the September sun announced the coming of Ophelia in her scarlet beamer.
‘Morning.’ She jumped out.
‘You’re back, I see.’
‘Indeed, I am. How’s work?’
‘I only just got here. But it’s fine.’
‘Do you have a minute to come to the cottage with me? I had a look around and there are a couple of things I need to ask you about.’
‘Yeah, sure.’
‘I’ll have a nose in here first though, if you don’t mind?’ She led the way inside and Harrison turned around. He threw Brann an I-told-you-so look and let out a snort.
‘I heard on the radio on the way here it was Take Your Child to Work Day,’ Ophelia said to Brann. ‘I see you followed the brief.’
‘Actually, about that…’
The side door opened and Caitlin came through. She stopped dead as her gaze landed on Ophelia.
‘Oh,’ Ophelia said. ‘Are you actually taking part in Take Your Child to Work Day?’
‘Yup,’ Brann said. ‘I am. This is Caitlin, my daughter.’
Caitlin’s lips barely twitched. ‘Hi.’
‘Pleased to meet you.’ Ophelia gave her a little wave. ‘I’m Ophelia.’
Caitlin gave a brief nod, then glanced at Harrison, who shook his head, still with that annoying know-it-all smirk.
‘Have you done the template?’ Brann asked.
‘Yeah,’ Caitlin said. ‘I think so.’
‘Good. I’ll have a quick look, then I need to go to the cottage and check the snagging. You can make a template for the other corner and help Harrison while I’m gone.’ Brann went into the side room with her.
‘Is she going to the cottage too?’
‘Yeah. She owns it.’
‘What are you going to do there?’
‘Check everything is ok. Why?’
She shrugged. ‘I dunno.’
Christ . He had to behave himself. Both his kids suspected him of misbehaving… Exactly like he had done. Cringe .
He left Caitlin in the side room and headed out with Ophelia, fully aware as soon as he left his kids were likely to start talking about him.
‘Let’s go in my car,’ Ophelia said.
‘Am I allowed in it?’ Brann dusted off his work trousers.
‘I have seat covers.’
He snorted. ‘You’re well prepared.’
‘I have a horse. I often get messy.’ She drove off down the track towards the workers’ cottages.
‘Next week, the guys are coming in to put on the extension to the boathouse,’ he said. He’d ordered it so it would be delivered ready-made. They just had to put it up and clad it. Nice and easy, all wood, and a perfect blend for its surroundings, just as the plans had stated. Whoever had done them was fantastic. They’d been so detailed and clear he hadn’t run into any issues.
‘Oh, wow. Things are really moving now. It’s exciting.’
‘Is cash flow any better?’
‘The livery is pulling some money in.’ Ophelia steered one handed, her other hand on her lap, displaying her immaculate nails. ‘So, that’s eased the pressure a bit, but a lot of it’s gone on paying Dagmar.’
‘You realise it’s completely outrageous that she was working for free?’
‘Of course I do. That’s why I paid her out of my own pocket.’
‘You did what?’
‘You heard me.’
‘Well, now I’m furious on your behalf. Why do you put up with this shit?’
‘For a long time, I didn’t. That’s why I left, but look what happened while I was away. The whole place has fallen apart.’
‘Then dump them and leave them to fix it themselves.’
‘I can’t. My grandparents went to great lengths to ensure I was allowed to inherit. If I abandon Glenvorneth, their effort was for nothing. They wanted me to do this and I have a lot of respect for their wishes. They were good people and had big ideas for the estate, but they both died too young and before they could properly enact their plans. My father and Jacinta are clueless and resistant to everything, but if I want this place to succeed, I have to work with them.’
Brann put his hand over hers, and she took an audible breath. ‘What happened to your grandparents?’
‘My grandmother died first. Cancer. My grandfather went just over a year later from a heart attack, though it was more like a broken heart. He couldn’t live without my grandmother.’
‘That’s sad. I’m glad you’re here to honour them, but I really wish you didn’t have to deal with so much shit on your own.’
Ophelia raised a finger and linked it with his. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered. ‘You’re actually ok sometimes.’
‘You’re obviously not yourself today. I think you need a long lie down.’
She pulled a pout like she was trying to stop herself from smiling.
Aye, with me, if you like, Princess. Any time. He squeezed her hand.
She raised her eyebrow and smirked. Yeah, she understands.
They got out at the cottage, and Brann followed her inside. ‘So, what are the issues?’
‘Nothing big. The box around the pipes in the living area doesn’t look right, and can you look at the sealant around the bath? Is it meant to be like that?’
‘I’ll take a look.’ She was quite right. The boxing wasn’t finished properly, and the plumbers had been sloppy with the sealant. ‘I need to come back and fix them both. I’ve got stuff in the van.’
‘I’ll give you a lift back.’
She stuck close to him as they went to the car, and he had a weird sensation like she needed him beside her. What was even stranger was how he felt it too, like his soul was only relaxed when it was close to her. This wasn’t the same as those times they’d lusted over each other; it was much more profound. He touched his hand to her lower back as they reached the car, before they split to go to either side, and her lips twitched in a gentle smile.
‘If the kids are ok, I’ll nip back straight away and sort those two things,’ he said as she drove him back.
‘There’s no rush. I’ve not got all my furniture yet. I’ll be there though. I’m heading back to do some work.’
As soon as he got into the boathouse, he checked Caitlin and Harrison were still busy.
‘Yeah, we’re fine,’ Harrison said.
‘I’ll take the van back to the cottage,’ Brann said. ‘Shouldn’t take me long. Be back in an hour or two.’
Outside the cottage was Ophelia’s car and an old-fashioned silver Jaguar parked behind it. He pulled in and cranked on the handbrake.
Three women got out of the Jaguar as Brann popped his belt. He recognised two of them. Barbara and Jacinta. The third one appeared around the same age as them but was wearing a somewhat wacky, bright fuchsia outfit.
He jumped out behind them as Ophelia opened the cottage door. She frowned and folded her arms. ‘What’s this? A deputation?’
‘Hello, Ophelia,’ Jacinta said. ‘I’ve brought a visitor. You’ll be very excited about this.’
‘Will I?’
‘Indeed. This is Camilla Woodcroft,’ Jacinta continued.
‘The mad artiste,’ Camilla added with an over-the-top flourish of her hand.
Ophelia took a step back, and her eyes met Brann’s. He tried not to smirk as Camilla beamed; she radiated like a neon light in a pool of candle-lit roses. Completely outré in a bright floral kaftan flowing in the wind. And Christ , it was shockingly see-through. A black-lacy thong wafted in and out of vision. Brann averted his eyes.
‘Camilla needs a place to stay,’ Jacinta said.
‘I’m doing some new paintings.’ Camilla mimed waggling a brush in mid-air. ‘I might try to exhibit at The Gallery. I’ve done some kinky pieces for them before. They like that sort of thing, but I’m not in the mood right now. I was inspired a while back – I had this man; god he was sex on a stick. We bonked like rabbits. It really got my creative juices flowing, but now it’s all dried up.’
Brann didn’t know where to look.
Jacinta cleared her throat. ‘This cottage might help inspire you.’
‘Hang on.’ Ophelia held up her hands. ‘This cottage?’
‘Yes.’ Jacinta blinked, all innocence. ‘Barbara tells me we need to make money where we can and this cottage is ready now, so we can start renting it immediately.’
‘I’m living here.’
‘Let’s discuss this inside and not in front of the builder,’ Jacinta said. She and Camilla went inside directly, but Ophelia blocked Barbara from going in and Brann was stuck behind her, unable to get past.
‘What is going on?’ Ophelia said.
‘Sorry, so sorry. She thinks she’s helping. You know what she’s like.’
‘I do, but I paid for this. This was for me to stay in while I’m working here. Now, she’s swanning in and snatching it.’
‘I’m sorry, I really am. I tried to talk her out of it. Let me try again.’ Barbara gave her a commiserative look and headed inside.
Ophelia’s jaw set and she glanced up at Brann. Her eyes seemed a little glossy. Was she going to cry?
‘What do you make of this?’ she said.
‘It’s out of order, if you ask me, but I doubt they’ll care what I think.’
‘This is the story of my fucking life. I just want to go back to Edinburgh, where I have friends. I used to love Glenvorneth so much, but now…’ She held her hand to her lips.
The urge to reach out and hug her burned strong, but he resisted. Flames licked his chest, and he balled his fists. Must stay professional. He couldn’t risk anyone coming out and seeing them.
‘Do you still want me to do the repairs?’
‘Maybe better wait until they’ve gone. This could get messy.’ Her phone buzzed, and she pulled it out. ‘And what’s this?’ she groaned. ‘James.’
‘Are you and him dating now?’
She rolled her eyes. ‘We’re going on our first date this Friday.’
‘Right.’
‘We arranged it together, so we wouldn’t have our parents around micromanaging every second. Let me listen to his message.’ She raised the phone to her ear. Brann shoved his hands into his pockets, trying not to listen, but it was impossible not to hear it.
Hey, sorry. I’m not going to make it on Friday. Something’s come up, but you keep the tickets. Take someone else, if you want. And, Ophelia, maybe we should take this as a sign. You and I aren’t really going anywhere. I don’t think we really like each other in the right way. Don’t get me wrong, you’re a nice person, but I don’t think we’re compatible.
Ophelia slapped the end message button and lowered her phone. ‘Did you hear all that?’
‘I did.’
‘That’s a first. I’ve been dumped before we even went on a date. Well, I better not tell Jacinta. She thinks after Friday night I’ll be engaged.’
‘Then tell her. Let her be disappointed. She deserves to be pulled down a peg or two, especially after this.’
‘Actually, you’re not wrong.’
‘Where were you meant to be going?’
‘A charity dinner dance at Scone Palace. It sounded like fun, but not something I want to go to alone. I even brought my favourite dress back from Edinburgh to wear.’ She gave a sigh. ‘Oh well, no ball for Cinders. No house either, by the looks of things.’
‘How about I go with you on Friday? I won’t be as suave as Mr Pink Trousers but I like dancing and food… and you.’
She stared at him. ‘Brann, have you lost your mind?’
‘Clearly. I’ll take that as an emphatic no.’
‘Take it as a yes. Just don’t tell anyone.’
He smirked and saluted her. ‘You got it, Princess.’
So much for behaving professionally. Well, he’d never been any good at behaving, had he?