Chapter Fifty-Nine
Flora marched across to the retro coffee van parked at the opposite end of the market, flustered and relieved to get away from Brodie.
It was just a few weeks ago they were chatting, laughing, painting Iris’s kitchen, swimming together in the loch and sharing kisses at the pub.
And then there was that wonderful night they had spent together, too.
They had even babysat his niece and nephew together and talked about going away together for a couple of nights.
Now he could barely look at her. What an utter shit!
She had replayed every moment of their time together wondering what she had done wrong.
What she had done to make him pull away like that.
Especially after that heartfelt kiss, that he’d initiated, on the day of the rescue.
Yet, much to her frustration, she was still drawn to him.
The effect he had on her irritated her more than she cared to admit.
She ordered herself a latte and a cappuccino for her gran and looked out across the water for a moment to gather her thoughts.
When she turned to walk back over to her stall, she was glad to see the market in full swing.
There was a warm buzz in the air along with a scent of sugar and coffee.
When she glanced across at her own stall she was relieved, yet maybe also a tiny bit disappointed, there was no sign of him.
‘Flora!’ called a voice. She looked over to see Jessica smiling and waving from the bakery stall. It had been positioned in the middle of the stalls and was already crowded with customers.
‘Oh, hi there.’ She was genuinely pleased to see a friendly face and walked over, admiring the baked goods on display.
There were golden scones, loaf cakes studded with dried fruit, huge cookies, delicately iced buns and massive slabs of traybake dusted with icing sugar which made her mouth water. ‘Wow, this all looks amazing.’
‘Thanks.’ Jessica beamed at her, clearly pleased with the compliment. ‘Let me know if you want me to put anything aside for you?’
‘Definitely a couple of bits of your rocky road. Thank you. I’ll square you up later. It looks delicious.’
Jessica set it aside in a small box. ‘How’s it going? I must nip over and have a wee look at your stuff.’
‘It’s great, thanks. I’ve left Gran in charge so I’m sure she’ll be running a tight ship over there.
She’s got the gift of the gab. You’d think she’d worked down the Barras for years,’ teased Flora, referring to Glasgow’s famous street market.
Her gran had been so subdued of late that it had been nice to see her old spark was back as soon as they’d arrived at the market and started setting up.
Jessica chuckled. ‘Oh, yes, I worked on the tombola stall with your gran at Christmastime. Let’s just say she could sell sand to the beach.
She’s very persuasive and certainly doesn’t suffer fools gladly.
In fact, I found her terrifying. She looks like butter wouldn’t melt but she was very stern and great with the crowd control.
No wonder they raise so much money at the Christmas fair.
With her and my mum and Jeannie in charge, there is no way you’re leaving that hall without signing over at least half of your life savings.
It’s impossible to say no to any of them. ’
Flora burst out laughing. ‘That sounds like Gran. She looks like a twinkly and kind old lady. But she’s like a baby-faced assassin. I bet she had her best teacher’s voice on as well?’
‘Oh, yes, she did. Even I didn’t want to mess with her and I’m used to dealing with my mum and hard-nosed lawyers who don’t give you an inch.
Anyway, listen, I’m glad I caught you as Reuben and I were thinking of having a barbeque tomorrow if the weather holds.
You fancy it? Reuben was going to ask Brodie, too. ’
Flora felt the smile disappear from her face. ‘Um,’ she stammered. ‘I don’t think I can make it, I’m afraid.’ She added hastily, ’But thanks for asking. It’s so kind of you to include me.’
Jessica looked at her questioningly. ‘Uh-oh. Have I put my foot in it? I thought you and Brodie were kind of seeing each other.’
Flora took a breath, grateful for the gentle breeze that was now cooling her flushed cheeks. ‘I should have maybe said something to you before but what with me being away for a few days and . . . We’re not actually seeing each other anymore.’
Jessica smacked the thumb of her hand off her forehead.
‘Gawd, trust me to say the wrong thing. I’m so sorry.
Oh, hold on a minute.’ She nodded at the customer behind Flora and quickly boxed up the cakes and cookies she wanted.
‘Sorry about that,’ she wiped her hands against her apron.
‘Gillian nipped to the loo and I think she’s either got locked in or is blethering to someone.
’ She shook her head. ‘Anyway, sorry, I’m digressing. What happened with Brodie then?’
Flora didn’t know what to say. That he had backed off and suggested they cool it? Which she thought was probably for the best anyway? She decided to be vague. ‘Just one of those things . . .’
‘Are you okay?’ Jessica looked at her kindly.
Flora plastered what she hoped was a convincing smile on her face. ‘Yes, I am. It was just a casual thing really so not a big deal. He needed space and anyway my trip here was never permanent.’
Jessica raised her eyebrows, giving Flora a look that clearly said she didn’t believe any of what she had just said.
‘Space? How much space does Brodie need? He lives alone in an empty flat. Men. It sounds like what you actually need is not an awkward barbeque with said bloke, but a night out with the girls.’
Flora managed a smile. ‘I would love that, Jess.’
Jessica reached over and patted her arm. ‘I’ll speak to Gillian and Lily and we’ll make a plan.’
Flora looked to her stall and groaned. ‘Crikey, I’d better get back to it. Look at the queue.’
Sure enough, a long line snaked back from Flora’s stall.
‘Your gran will be in her element. She’ll be loving it,’ laughed Jessica.
‘I just hope her coffee is still warm. And thank you. I really appreciate it.’ As Flora walked back to her gran, she felt lighter than she had for ages. Especially at the thought of a night out with the girls who were fast becoming good friends.