Chapter 22
22
IVY
Ivy locked her Mini and pulled her mobile from the pocket of Ross’s coat, clutching Grizzle’s parcel in the other hand. She’d visited the post office in Christmas Village earlier to pick up Grizzle’s eBay purchases and had decided to visit him now – she was feeling too jittery about Ross’s conversation with Simon to wait in Snowman Chalet alone.
Would their meeting go well? What would happen if Simon mentioned Ivy’s deal with Miriam? Then again, Ross’s brother was unlikely to know about it because Simon and his grandmother had fallen out. Despite that, anxiety churned in the pit of Ivy’s stomach as she checked the pin in her Google map, which Ross had told her would lead to Grizzle’s house. It told her to turn right now.
It would just be easier if I told Ross everything , she grumbled to herself. Only, he might not understand. Overcome with indecision, she followed the directions and wandered carefully along an icy pathway, stopping to examine a couple of bushy shrubs poking through the blanket of sparkly snow.
Ivy took in deep breath and smelled balsam fir and had to look over her shoulder to check she couldn’t see Ross. Her mobile pinged suddenly and she checked the screen. It was her coaching app. Perhaps this morning she’d get some useful advice? After spending the night with Ross, she was feeling more confused than ever. What did she want, he’d asked. She shook her head because she was so confused.
‘Sometimes the wrong turn can take you to the right place.’
‘What’s the right place?’ Ivy groaned, irritated that she never understood what the messages were supposed to mean. Was this a sign that the path she was taking was the wrong one? Ross seemed to think so. But he’d walked away from his family’s expectations, an option that wasn’t open to her, no matter how much she wanted it to be.
She owed her mother, Ivy reminded herself. Faith had raised her when there’d been no one else, and Ivy wouldn’t be responsible for worrying her into another heart episode. She shut the app and her mobile immediately started to ring.
‘Ugh.’ Ivy had been expecting Miriam to call asking for an update, and didn’t particularly want to give her one now. But she had to keep her boss happy – besides, it was the right thing to do.
‘Hi,’ she said, picking up as she stood staring into the trees.
‘What’s happening with Ross?’ Miriam immediately shot back in her most irritated tone. ‘I’ve been expecting an update for a few days, Ivy. I’m surprised I haven’t heard anything from you. Surely you’ve got something to report? If you haven’t, I might have to come to see him myself. You’ve got work piling up here.’
‘You don’t need to come here.’ Ivy gulped. ‘I’ve spoken to Ross,’ she quickly confessed.
‘Good,’ Miriam snapped. ‘So when’s my grandson planning to come to the castle? Why hasn’t he contacted me yet?’
Ivy pulled a face. She wasn’t sure if either of those things would happen, although she knew Ross was softening towards the idea.
‘Well?’ Miriam pressed, impatient now.
‘He’s meeting with Simon today,’ Ivy blurted, immediately regretting sharing the information as soon as the words left her mouth. Perhaps Simon and Ross wouldn’t want their grandmother knowing they’d spoken? Then again, there was no reason to keep it secret, surely? The fact that the brothers were reconnecting was a good thing. She waited while her boss digested the information.
‘Well that’s good news,’ Miriam said finally, her voice oddly satisfied. ‘I couldn’t have planned that better myself. Well done, Ivy. I’d say you’re very close to starting your new career. All you need to do now is to get Ross to agree to return.’
‘Oh, well…’ Ivy’s stomach felt as if a bag of stones had been dropped into it.
‘Text me an update as soon as you can,’ Miriam demanded before hanging up.
Ivy stood staring at the mobile, feeling uneasy. She couldn’t think about Ross now – and she wasn’t going to think about the job in London either. She’d just try to enjoy the moments that were left at Christmas Resort while she could.
Ivy clicked back into Google Maps and continued on a few more metres until she heard a shuffling sound in the undergrowth. She spun around, almost jumping out of her snow boots when she spotted a small figure in the far distance. The woman waved and Ivy waited as she approached. When she was a few metres away, she realised it was Mairi Gibson.
‘Ach, lass, I’m glad I spotted you,’ Mairi said as she drew closer. She was wearing a dark blue coat and a knitted hat, gloves and scarf. Swung over her shoulder was a bulging carrier bag. ‘I’m looking for Grizzle McGregor’s house.’ The older woman stretched her neck, trying to see behind Ivy. ‘I’ve been searching for a wee while – Bonnibell gave me directions but I really don’t think they were correct.’ Her forehead bunched. ‘I never understood why the old man chose to live in the middle of nowhere.’ She tried to look behind Ivy again.
‘Are you here to visit him?’ Ivy asked, eyeing the large bag.
‘I’ve made him a couple of casseroles and a cake – I hear Ross Ballentine’s been cooking for him.’ She shuddered. ‘If that’s true, it’s a wonder Grizzle’s still alive.’
‘I’m on my way to see him now,’ Ivy said, pointing to the parcels. ‘I have to drop these in – would you like me to deliver the food too?’ If Mairi spoke to Grizzle, the fact that Ross and not Mairi had been cooking for him might be exposed. The older man might be angry so she’d try to avert them meeting if she could.
‘Nae, I’ve been wanting to see his house for a long time,’ Mairi said, tightening her grip on the bag. ‘I’ll just follow you.’ Her expression tensed, as if she’d guessed Ivy might try to persuade her not to go.
In the end, Ivy shrugged, checked the map again and pointed right. ‘It’s this way, but he’s not always welcoming to visitors,’ she warned.
‘Ach, that’s no surprise. I’ve known Grizzle McGregor for most of my life and he’s been contrary the whole time. Nothing he says is going to scare me off – not this time,’ she said firmly.
‘Okay,’ Ivy said as she directed them around a large tree, still following the map, and spotted Grizzle’s cabin in the far distance. ‘We’re getting closer,’ she advised as she heard a bark and the patter of paws, then Bowser sprang from behind a cluster of trees.
‘Ach, it’s the bonnie dog,’ Mairi gushed, bending to stroke the pug’s head. Bowser leaned into her, and Ivy let out the nervous breath she’d been holding in. ‘Let’s get you inside,’ the older woman said eagerly, overtaking Ivy as they approached Grizzle’s cabin.
The door was half-open as they reached the decking and Ivy tentatively knocked – waiting, even as Bowser charged ahead into the sitting room with Mairi following close behind.
‘It’s just me, Ivy Heart,’ Ivy called out. ‘Um, and you’ve got another visitor,’ she added as she entered the room too. She was pleased to see the Christmas decorations that she and Ross had hung the day before were switched on and the fire had been lit too, making the space warm and cosy.
Grizzle rose from his seat by the fire. ‘Ivy,’ he said, sounding delighted. Then he squinted and his face fell as Mairi approached. ‘What are you doing here?’ he challenged, taking a small step back.
‘I brought you some food,’ Mairi said, her voice matter-of-fact. ‘Where should I put it?’
‘Ach lass, don’t pretend you don’t know that already,’ Grizzle snapped. ‘And I don’t want any more of your meals.’
Mairi shook her head, her eyes flashing. ‘This is the first time I’ve cooked for you. We’ve barely spoken in forty years,’ she said, dryly. Then she turned full circle until she spotted the fridge in the opposite corner of the room and went to unload her bag. ‘There’s not much in here,’ she muttered, gazing at the empty shelves. ‘No wonder you’re so skinny.’
‘I picked up your packages from the post office.’ Ivy quickly changed the subject, stepping closer to Grizzle who was wearing his thick black glasses again. He was squinting at Mairi and wearing the oddest expression.
‘Where’s the lad?’ he finally asked, still trying to see beyond Ivy.
‘Meeting with his brother at Christmas Lodge,’ Ivy admitted, offering Grizzle the two parcels.
‘Ach.’ Grizzle sucked air between his teeth. ‘Well, it’s about time they made up.’
In the corner of the room Mairi made a snorting sound.
‘Thank you for collecting these, lass,’ Grizzle said, as if he hadn’t heard. He opened one of the parcels and pulled out a pair of sunglasses before putting them on. ‘Well they’re about as useful as a waterproof teabag,’ he complained, tugging them off and throwing them on the table before opening the other package. The glasses inside had royal blue frames that had been decorated with a variety of sparkles and hearts. Grizzle pulled them on, looked around, and beamed. ‘They’re perfect, lass. I knew I’d get it right in the end.’
His smile dropped as Mairi stepped closer and he took a good look at her for the first time.
‘I brought you a Dundee cake I baked this morning,’ she said briskly, heading towards the kitchen.
He cleared his throat. ‘I’m not hungry.’ He watched as she suddenly stopped in her tracks as she took in the mantlepiece.
‘I can’t believe you kept this.’ She reached out to pick up one of the frames Ivy had noticed when she’d first visited Grizzle. ‘This is us, when we took that day trip to Inverness,’ Mairi said. ‘I think that was a week before you broke up with me.’ Her face grew sad. ‘We look so happy; I never understood…’
The older man sniffed. ‘I’m not sure I remember that,’ he said breezily, although Ivy guessed he was lying. There was none of the usual irritation in Grizzle’s voice, instead he sounded sad too. ‘Besides, you married someone else, lass, less than a year after.’
‘Well you didn’t want me,’ Mairi snapped back.
‘Shall I put the kettle on and make some tea to go with that cake?’ Ivy asked, quickly. She tracked across to the kitchen, wondering what Ross would make of Mairi’s visit – or the strange way his friend was behaving.
‘You should really get your eyes tested,’ Mairi said, pointing to the blue sparkly glasses as she walked past while carrying the cake, her eyes scouring the furniture and knick-knacks as she drank in the surroundings. ‘I work in the optician’s part-time.’
‘Aye,’ Grizzle said, dryly. ‘I know, lass. Why do you think I haven’t been?’
Ivy raised an eyebrow, listening intently. Now things were beginning to make more sense. Although what had happened between the couple was still a mystery.
‘I could book you an appointment,’ Mairi offered, ignoring the older man’s comment as she placed the cake on the sideboard in the kitchen and began to rummage through the drawers.
‘These will do me fine. I’ve sorted it myself,’ Grizzle said, patting the glasses as he looked around as if he were seeing his house for the first time.
‘Da used to say you were too independent,’ Mairi said, continuing her search, and Ivy noticed the older man frown. ‘Where do you keep your knives?’ she asked.
‘I’m surprised you don’t know that already,’ Grizzle answered, wrinkling his nose at her. ‘You’ve been sneaking into my house for enough months, leaving food, moving things.’
‘I’ve no idea what you’re talking about, old man,’ Mairi shot back, shaking her head as she continued to look. ‘Found one!’ She suddenly waved a cake slice in the air. ‘Now I need to find plates.’ She knelt so she could open a cupboard door.
‘I’ll find them,’ Ivy offered as she finished making the tea, and got out three side plates, forks and a large plate for the cake. ‘I’ll take them through to the sitting room?—’
‘I’ll take them,’ Mairi snapped before her forehead creased. ‘I’m sorry lass,’ she said, scratching her head. ‘That was rude. Someone told me last year that I should try to be nicer to people – but I’m not sure I’ve practised enough.’
‘You were never particularly amiable – it was part of your charm. Don’t change now,’ Grizzle snorted as he made his way over to his chair, sinking into it and rocking backwards. ‘There’s no need to cut that cake for me. I’ll not be eating any,’ he said, sourly.
‘You’ll try a piece,’ Mairi challenged. ‘I’ve nae come all this way for you to refuse – and I’ll not be leaving until you do.’ Her expression was mulish.
‘Give me a slice then, woman,’ Grizzle ordered as Ivy set a mug of tea beside him and Mairi handed him the plate. ‘After I’ve forced some down, you should return from whence you came.’ He waved a palm.
‘Might do,’ Mairi said, sounding happier as she dropped into the chair beside him and nibbled her cake. Ivy wandered into the kitchen so she could check on Grizzle’s plants. She watched the back and forth between the couple as they continued to bicker and found herself smiling. There was history there – chemistry too, judging from the bright look in their eyes. She wondered if either of them would ever admit it. It was good to see the older man enjoying fresh company. Ivy would’ve loved to know what had happened between them. She ate a piece of the Dundee cake, raising an eyebrow as she chewed – it was mouth-watering.
Grizzle must have agreed because he let out a sudden whoop. ‘Ach lass, what did you do?’ he gasped, gazing at Mairi, his eyes wide. ‘This is delicious,’ he said, taking another swift bite. ‘Shame I can’t say the same about your casseroles and pies.’
Mairi shook her head and finished her slice as she gazed at the picture on the mantle. ‘I can’t understand why you’d choose not to see me again – but would keep a picture for all these years.’ She sounded bemused.
Grizzle flushed and stared down at his plate.
‘Unless, as my Mam told me – you made a mistake and were too cowardly to right it.’ She turned and skewered Grizzle with her grey gaze. ‘It takes a brave person to risk love, and a stupid one to think they’d be happier without it.’
‘Rubbish,’ Grizzle said, his tone mild.
‘Aye.’ Mairi nodded, sagely. ‘Perhaps those new glasses of yours will help you to see things properly. I’ve got things to do back at the resort, so I’ll be off…’
‘Already?’ Grizzle asked, a look of disappointment flickering across his face. Then it vanished and he wagged a finger. ‘Bye then. I won’t miss you, lass.’
Mairi gave the older man a thoughtful look. ‘I’ve got a new cake recipe – I’ll be back tomorrow so I can test it out.’
‘I’m not a guinea pig,’ Grizzle grumbled, as he polished off the rest of his slice. ‘Make sure you leave the rest of the Dundee cake.’ He watched Mairi put on her coat.
‘Do you need me to show you the way back through the woods?’ Ivy asked as Mairi pulled on her gloves, scarf and hat too.
‘Nae, lass,’ Mairi said loudly, as she opened the door and walked onto the decking. ‘I’ll be able to remember it from now on.’ With that she shut it again.
‘Old friend?’ Ivy asked as Grizzle sat in silence.
‘Not really,’ he said, gazing at the picture on the mantlepiece as the room fell silent.
Ivy watched him for a few moments, then she heard a noise outside. ‘I wonder if Mairi’s lost?’
‘Ach, I’ll show her where to go,’ Grizzle muttered, rising eagerly from the chair just as Ross breezed in carrying a casserole dish.
‘How did it go with Simon?’ Ivy asked, blushing when he immediately strode over and pressed his lips to hers, making them tingle.
‘Aye.’ Ross smiled as he pulled away, his eyes sparkling. ‘It was good to see him. I told him I’d go and see Miriam with him tomorrow at Hawthorn Castle.’
‘About time, lad,’ Grizzle said from where he was sitting. ‘No good hiding away from your feelings.’ Ross caught Ivy’s eye and his cheeks went up in flames.
Ross grasped her hand, looking awkward. ‘We wondered if you’d like to come. Since Miriam sent you to persuade me to return, we thought, Simon and I thought…’ He cleared his throat.
‘Of course I’ll come,’ Ivy said. ‘Are you happy about going? I don’t want you to feel pressured.’ She might have started this whole thing, but it was important Ross did what he wanted.
‘I want to go,’ Ross said, fixing her with a warm look that melted her insides. ‘It’s past time – I realised that today. I can’t avoid my family forever. I need to face up to my past.’
‘Aye,’ Grizzle said as he stared at them both, frowning. ‘I suppose if you don’t it will catch up with you anyway.’ His eyes shifted to the door before they rested on the casserole dish Ross was carrying. ‘What’s that?’
‘Another meal from Mairi,’ Ross said lightly, turning and walking towards the fridge.
The older man rose and folded his arms. ‘I should have known,’ he growled, shaking his head. ‘All this time…’
‘What?’ Ross widened his eyes and looked at Ivy.
‘Mairi visited this afternoon,’ she explained, pulling a face as Ross paled.
‘Turns out the lass is an excellent cook,’ Grizzle said. ‘Seems she’s got it into her head that I need looking after though.’ His gaze grew heated.
Ross winced. ‘I’m sorry for—’ His shoulders sagged. He put the dish onto the table and scratched his head. ‘I was?—’
‘Interfering?’ Grizzle growled, then he rubbed his temple and his body relaxed. ‘Perhaps I can understand why.’ His mouth pinched. ‘But you all need to stop trying to take care of me. I’m a grown man.’
‘Everyone needs somebody,’ Ivy said, ignoring the ache in her chest.
‘Aye, they do.’ Ross reached out and squeezed her hand.
The older man adjusted his glasses as he considered them. ‘Aye, perhaps I’m beginning to see that now,’ he said.
Ivy drew in a breath as the men nodded at each other. Everybody did need somebody – but would she ever be lucky enough to find out how that felt?