Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
IONA
Now
When I get back to Maw’s, I find her and Richard in the living room, sipping cups of tea and chatting away to one another. Richard looks completely at ease—he’s made himself at home in no time at all.
Maw beams up at me. “Well, how was the first day at the new job?”
“Good, thanks, although I could do with a wash.” While I love farm visits, I always have a good scrub when I get home, especially after performing intimate bovine examinations. A power shower and some nice-smelling soap are ideal, but I’d take industrial-strength detergent and a pressure washer in the garden if that’s all that were available.
“You go upstairs and freshen up, but don’t be long. Dinner is in the oven and it’ll be ready soon.”
Once I’m clean and changed, I head back down, finding Richard already seated at the dinner table. “Did you enjoy your first day as a wind turbine technician?” I rest my hands on his shoulders then lean down and plant a quick kiss on his lips.
“It was really great.” Enthusiastically he fills me in on what he got up to. “Oh, and one of my new colleagues says he went to school with you. Joe Campbell?”
“Aye, I remember Joe. He’s a nice guy. He’d take the bus in each morning from one of the surrounding villages—Auchenford, I think. How is he?”
We chat for a few minutes and then I call into the kitchen, “Maw, is there anything I can help with?”
“No, you sit down. That’s me ready to serve now.”
I settle into the chair beside Richard, and moments later Maw enters, expertly balancing three plates—something I’d never dare try, given my uncanny ability to turn the simplest of tasks into a slapstick routine. She sets them down, and as one, Richard and I let out a satisfied sigh. Fresh salmon grilled to perfection, with buttery new potatoes and steamed spinach—yum!
“This looks amazing, Elspeth,” Richard says.
“It really does,” I agree, the sight and smell of the food awakening my appetite and reminding me how long it’s been since lunch. “Oh, I should have said earlier, but I’ve got cake for after—a Victoria sponge.”
A nostalgic smile brightens Maw’s face. “Remember when Lewis used to bake for you?”
“He made this one,” I admit.
“Oh, that’s lovely. That lad bakes almost as well as Morag at the bakery. Maybe now you’re in Bannock again, you and Lewis can go back to how you once were. You used to be inseparable.”
Richard raises an eyebrow. “Inseparable, eh?”
“Yes!” Maw’s eyes twinkle. “They did everything together, even coordinating Halloween costumes each year. My favourite was when they dressed up as Shrek and Fiona—I’m sure I’ve got a snap of that in one of the photo albums. We can have a look for it after dinner.”
“Actually, Maw, I’d prefer if we didn’t go through old photos, thank you very much.”
“I don’t know,” Richard says. “I’d like to see it.” He takes a mouthful of food, swallows, then turns to me. “It’s funny, when I introduced myself to Joe today, he told me that everyone at your school was sure you and Lewis would end up together. I knew your family and the McIntyres were close, but I hadn’t appreciated you and Lewis shared such a... special bond.” He pauses, studying me. “Did you two ever date?”
I chew on a piece of salmon, trying to decide how to respond. Before I can, Maw jumps in.
“Nope! I kept waiting for it to happen, but it never did. I suppose they just saw each other as friends.”
That’s not entirely accurate, but I’m not about to correct Maw. I will, however, need to have a private conversation with Richard later to set the record straight. I’ve never told him the full story about me and Lewis because, frankly, I try to think about Lewis as little as possible. I don’t see why that man should impact my life any more than he already has. But I also don’t want to lie to Richard. He deserves the truth—just not in front of Maw.
The conversation moves on to safer topics, and before long, our plates are cleared.
“That was delicious,” Richard enthuses. “Iona and I aren’t too skilled in the kitchen, are we? We can do a few basic dishes, but normally we’re so knackered after work all we have the energy to do is bung a ready meal in the oven.” He pats his stomach. “I could get used to home cooking like that. If you’re not careful, you won’t be able to get rid of us, Elspeth. Why would we want to move into our own place when we can dine like royalty here?”
Although clearly meant as a joke, this comment pokes at something raw inside me. As much as I love Maw, the idea of staying with her indefinitely is stifling. After nine years away, I’m used to my own space. Richard better not get too comfortable.
Brushing aside these thoughts, I stand and gather up the plates. “That really was brilliant, Maw,” I agree. “I’ll go cut us all a slice of cake.”