Chapter Thirty-One
‘Do you fancy coming to the pub tonight with me and Lily?’ Gillian had started scrubbing the worktops in the back kitchen at the bakery and she looked over at Jessica.
Jessica considered her question for a moment, automatically thinking about an excuse she could make as that’s what she’d spent the past year doing.
Then she remembered she had none. Murray, Carolyn and Lexi were settling into the cottage, and she had seen them every day since they’d arrived back in Rowan Bay last week.
She had even managed another visit to the sauna, this time with Carolyn.
It had been so nice to spend time with them and enjoy being part of a family again.
But tonight, she had nowhere else she needed to be.
She could go out and spend time with friends.
‘Sure,’ she said. ‘That sounds nice. Thanks for asking me.’
Gillian gave her a thumbs-up. ‘Great. Mum said she would babysit and it’s been ages since I’ve been out. We could even grab a bite to eat there too.’
Jessica nodded vaguely, then a fleeting thought of Reuben floated through her mind.
She hadn’t seen him since that day last week at Primrose Cottage.
She wondered for the umpteenth time why he’d suddenly backed off when they were getting on so well.
It had to have been that phone call and his either jumping to the wrong conclusion or judging her.
And if she was honest, she was annoyed. She was annoyed that he had been offhand with her and had clearly jumped to the wrong conclusion without giving her the chance to explain.
She had every intention of asking him if he had overheard her at the inn.
But given he was now avoiding her that was proving tricky.
She needed to stop ruminating over it and thinking about him.
There was no point. But that didn’t make it any easier, especially when she was so attracted to him and he’d kissed her the way that he did.
She turned her focus back to the task at hand.
She had just finished making the last batch of cinnamon buns which were now in the oven.
There was a wonderful scent of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air.
It was a smell she didn’t think she would ever tire of.
The bakery was as busy as ever and she knew she would miss this strange routine she had quickly settled into.
Volunteering in this way had given her trip back home a bit of structure and purpose, and she was hopeful that Struan was now feeling more enthused about the possibility of a community buyout.
Just yesterday he indicated to both her and Gillian that the thought was keeping him going.
‘If I could put the flat upstairs on the market in the new year and get some money for it that would be something,’ he had said. ‘It would make me feel more in control and definitely help with the cash flow. That way I could be more focused on trying to get the community bid underway.’
It was the most enthused she had seen Struan since she had met him, and even Gillian had commented on how much happier and less stressed he seemed now there was a bit of a plan in place.
It felt good to be able to help them out.
Jessica started to whistle as she drizzled the icing on the buns and stepped back to admire them.
‘I tell you what, doll,’ said Struan, who had just walked in. ‘You are giving me a run for my money with your buns. I’m not sure what we’ll do when you go. I’m sure yours are even more popular than mine. They sold out even quicker than usual yesterday. I think they’re the talk of the town.’
Jessica smiled, pleased at the compliment.
‘Yours are delicious and I’m sure they will still fly out the door when you take over again.
’ The thought of not being here felt odd and her mood deflated slightly.
Gillian, Struan and the bakery had given her a sense of comfort and friendship when she had needed it most. She was relieved she didn’t need to think about leaving quite yet.
Christmas was less than a week away and she wasn’t due back in London until the fifth of January.
So, she had just over two weeks to make the most of being here.
She was sure the novelty would have worn off by then.
* * *
Later that afternoon, Jessica had an appointment with Agata to have her hair done.
It had taken her ages to get an appointment with her as December was always Agata’s busiest month.
She had timed it nicely, especially as she was meeting Gillian and Lily at the Rowan Bar later.
Her hair was long overdue a cut and she was looking forward to having it done.
Agata always did her mum’s hair, and when she sat in the chair at the salon, Jessica felt immediately at ease.
She didn’t have to say much as Agata was happy to do all the talking while she applied honeyed highlights through her hair and then snipped and cut Jessica’s hair into a choppy bob.
‘Wow, that looks and feels so much better,’ Jessica said when she saw her reflection in the mirror. ‘It was badly needing to be done. You have transformed me, Agata. Thank you.’
Agata beamed at her as she brushed away some stray bits of hair from Jessica’s shoulders. ‘You look beautiful and all ready for a night out.’
Jessica laughed. ‘It’s lucky that I am doing the very thing tonight.’
Agata squealed. ‘A hot date?’
She shook her head. ‘Well, a hot date with two friends at the pub. That’s about as exciting as it gets.’
‘No man then?’
‘Too much like hard work,’ said Jessica.
Agata giggled. ‘I have a brother who is single and always looking for love.’
Jessica nodded awkwardly. Oh please, no. She always hated it when well-meaning people tried to set her up.
‘He’s a butcher in Glasgow and very nice.’
The image of a man covered in blood immediately formed in her mind.
She knew she was being completely judgemental and making all sorts of wrong assumptions, but the thought of dating a butcher did not appeal in the slightest. Especially as she wasn’t a huge meat eater.
In fact, the thought of going out with anyone didn’t appeal at all.
Unless it’s Reuben, said the voice in her head.
She pulled out her phone to pay. It was time for her to exit before Agata had a date all organised.
‘I’m sure he is,’ she said politely. ‘But I head back to London soon and I have no time for men.’
‘Fair enough,’ she said, walking over to the till. ‘It was worth a try. You enjoy your night with your friends. And let me know if you change your mind.’
Jessica tapped her phone against Agata’s machine. ‘I will do. See you later. And thank you for doing such a great job with my hair.’
‘You are welcome. It certainly needed it.’
Jessica couldn’t help but laugh. Agata had a way with words.
Jessica had agreed to meet Gillian and Lily in the pub at six, and although she was a bit early, Jessica decided to walk directly there and wait rather than go home.
The Rowan Bar was a small pub tucked in a corner of the high street and very easy to miss unless you knew what you were looking for.
From the outside it didn’t look at all fancy with its plain white facade and red lettering.
But as soon as you opened the door and entered, it was a sprawling and warm welcoming place with lots of tables and chairs tucked in nooks and crannies.
There was a log fire roaring in the centre which filled the room with the scent of woodsmoke and made it feel like a cosy hideaway.
She found herself a quiet, cosy corner and sat down and started to scroll through her phone.
Jessica was lost in thought when Gillian and Lily arrived together, bundled up in their winter coats with hats and scarves.
The woman with brown hair and sparkling eyes grinned at her. ‘Hiya, you must be Jessica. I’m Lily,’ she said in a soft Yorkshire lilt. She smiled warmly at Jessica as she pulled off her hat and looked towards the bar.
‘And you know me,’ said Gillian, laughing.
‘It’s lovely to meet you, Lily. Here, you two sit down and I’ll go to the bar. What would you like?’
‘A glass of red wine would be lovely, thank you,’ said Lily.
‘Same here.’
‘I’ll be right back.’ Jessica walked over to the bar and ordered a bottle of wine with three glasses and took it back to the table. ‘There you go,’ she said, filling each glass up. ‘Well, cheers.’ The women clinked the glasses together and took a sip.
‘It’s good to finally meet you, Lily. Gillian told me that you’re working at the inn. Have you been there long?’
‘I’ve been there for a couple of years.’
‘Where did you move from?’ asked Jessica.
Lily waved her hand. ‘I’ve lived all over. Up in the Highlands, in Yorkshire, over in Spain and down south.’
Jessica noted Lily’s vague answer but knew it wasn’t her place to pry. ‘And what do you make of Rowan Bay then? It must be very different to the other places you’ve stayed?’
Lily paused for a moment. ‘I love it here,’ she said thoughtfully. ‘It’s the only place I have ever really settled and felt at home.’
Jessica understood what she meant, and once again she felt a pang of sadness at the thought of leaving Rowan Bay behind. ‘It’s certainly a special place. I forgot how much I miss the loch.’
‘You work in London?’
‘I do. Although the thought of going back doesn’t appeal.’
‘I wish you could stay,’ said Gillian. ‘It’s been so good having you here.’
Jessica smiled at her friend. ‘I’ve really enjoyed being back.’
‘You must come to the Hogmanay party at the inn, if you’re still here?’ said Lily. ‘Practically the whole village comes along these days.’
The thought cheered Jessica up. ‘That sounds fun. I’m sure my parents mentioned something about it.’
Lily’s eyes lit up. ‘Of course, you’re Catriona and Angus’s daughter? They’re some of our best customers.’
Jessica smiled. ‘Yes, they’re always raving about how good the food is and how much it’s improved.’
‘I put that down to the new management,’ said Gillian with a wink, and then she waved at someone at the bar. ‘Hey, Brodie,’ she called.
Jessica looked over to see a tall, broad man with dark hair walking over to their table.
‘Evening,’ he said with a grin. ‘How’re you doing?’
‘Good thanks,’ said Lily with a smile. ‘Do you want to join us?’
He shook his head. ‘No, thanks, I’m not stopping. I’ve got loads to do before I go away.’
‘Brodie, this is Jessica,’ said Gillian. ‘Her parents live at Thistle Cottage.’
There was a flicker of recognition on his face. ‘Ah, yes, I’ve heard about you. Your brother is home soon to stay in Primrose Cottage? I’ve been helping Reuben with some stuff there.’
Jessica smiled. ‘Well, you’ve done a brilliant job.’ She noticed that he had flecks of paint on his sleeves.
He shrugged. ‘It’s just been good to help him out, you know? The place looks great. It’s all down to Reuben.’
‘You’re so modest, Brodie,’ teased Gillian.
He blushed. ‘Well, I will leave you to your drinks, ladies. If I don’t see you, have a good Christmas when it comes.’
‘Thanks, Brodie. Same to you and good to meet you,’ said Jessica. He turned and walked away and Lily looked at Jessica suggestively. ‘He’s cute, isn’t he?’
Jessica nodded. ‘He’s a good-looking guy.’
‘And he’s single,’ said Lily. ‘If you want me to put in a good word. Although it will have to wait until next year as he’s off to Costa Rica over Christmas and New Year.’
Jessica’s drink suddenly proved difficult to swallow. ‘Uh no. But thank you. He seems a nice guy but he’s not really my type.’ She wasn’t sure if she was being paranoid or whether Gillian was giving her a bit of a look.
‘What about you?’ asked Jessica quickly.
Lily shook her head dismissively. ‘Gawd no. He’s like my brother.’
‘Ah, not your type then?’
‘Definitely not. He’s the loveliest of guys but we are definitely just friends.’
‘Which is a shame,’ said Gillian, ‘as he’s very easy on the eye.’
‘I am very happily single,’ said Lily with a laugh. ‘Men are way too much hassle.’
‘Anyway, what were we talking about before Brodie arrived? Ah, yes, the Hogmanay party,’ said Jessica smoothly.
Gillian smirked. ‘I agree with Lily. You should come to the party. It’s brilliant. There’s a ceilidh band and dancing. It’s nothing like the sort of thing we used to do when we were younger.’
Jessica chuckled. ‘Remember the times we used to trail into George Square in Glasgow to bring in the bells?’
‘And try and persuade someone’s parents to pick us up? Or those stay up all night parties,’ said Gillian wistfully.
Jessica smiled and took a sip of wine. It had to beat last year when she was in bed by nine o’clock and had cried herself to sleep. The party at the inn sounded like a perfect and uplifting way to end what had been a horrible year. ‘You’re on. It’s a date. I’ll be there.’