Chapter Sixty-One
Flora was sitting outside in the beer garden of the Rowan Bar.
‘He is definitely giving you the eye.’ Lily tilted her head towards the guy at the table across from them. ‘He’s been staring at you for the past five minutes.’
‘Nonsense,’ said Flora briskly. ‘Maybe it’s you he’s checking out.
Or Jessica or Gillian.’ The Italian tourist they were referring to was very good-looking in the catwalks of Milan or the set of an expensive aftershave advert kind of way.
But he wasn’t her type. Because he’s not Brodie!
Urgh. She hated the way he still dominated her thoughts.
Gillian looked at Flora, amused. ‘Well, he is quite easy on the eye but he’s definitely barking up the wrong tree with me. And anyway, Lily is right, it’s you he has eyes for.’ She glanced over at Lily. ‘Though his pal was checking you out, Lily, when you were at the bar.’
Jessica chuckled as she nodded over at the tourists and waved. ‘The one checking you out, Lily, is Lorenzo and his friend is Marco. Just in case you’re interested?’
‘You know them?’ Lily gasped.
‘They came into the bakery earlier. They’re doing the West Highland Way. I’m surprised you haven’t seen them yet — they’re staying at the inn.’
Lily shook her head and sighed. ‘That’s so typical. They must be the best-looking guests we’ve had in an age and I’ve had a couple of days off.’
‘Do you want me to introduce you?’ teased Jessica.
‘No!’ Lily practically shouted. ‘Please don’t do that,’ she hissed.
At that point, Hamish strolled past their table. Jessica grinned broadly. ‘Hamish,’ she said. ‘Nice to see you.’
Flora watched Lily as her eyes widened and her gaze wandered to and then lingered on him. Interesting. Had Gillian and Jessica noticed? She couldn’t tell as they were looking directly at him.
‘Hi Hamish,’ said Lily quickly. ‘We’d ask you to join us but it’s girls only.’ Her cheeks flushed.
Hamish raised an eyebrow in amusement. ‘I’ll have you know that I am known for my feminist patter and sensitive approach.’
Lily smirked. ‘Feminist patter? Really?’
Hamish put his hand on his heart. ‘Don’t mock me,’ he joked. ‘You might be pleasantly surprised . . .’
Flora watched as Lily’s cheeks flushed. There was definitely a spark there.
‘Don’t worry, I’ll leave you ladies to it. Oh, by the way,’ he said, now addressing everyone, ‘the market was such a success that we’re going to run another one in September. If that goes well, too, then we’re going to make it monthly.’
‘It was brilliant,’ Flora said enthusiastically.
‘Yup. We could have sold our stuff three times over,’ boasted Gillian proudly.
Hamish smiled. ‘Well, just let me know if you want a stall again. It would be great to have you all there as regulars.’
The Italian tourists finished up their drinks and stood, winking at the women before leaving.
‘They’re certainly very charming,’ said Hamish drily, with a frown. ‘Though maybe a tad too smooth. And trying a bit too hard. I thought that was off-putting?’
‘Mm, sometimes women like a bit of smooth, Hamish. I often think it’s something you west coast blokes could learn from.’ Jessica chuckled.
‘Oh, touché. You are brutal. And I’m a sensitive type as well. I’m so hurt by that.’ He grinned. ‘And I’ll be sure to share the intel with the guys. Maybe we need to rethink our approach with the ladies. Ciao for now.’ He winked and walked off whistling.
Flora caught Lily’s eye and raised her eyebrows. Lily blinked and looked away, her cheeks quite pink. Flora wasn’t going to embarrass her so let the moment pass. She took a sip of her drink. ‘Watch this space. Maybe they’ll all start talking to us in Italian if they think it’s a winner.’
‘Aye with their kilts on, too,’ laughed Gillian. ‘That would be a hoot.’
‘Indeed,’ spluttered Lily, standing up and brushing her hands against her jeans. ‘My round. Same again?’
What was going on with Lily, who always insisted she was happily single?
The way her eyes lit up on seeing Hamish .
. . well, it reminded Flora of the excitement she’d felt when she saw Brodie.
She felt a pang of sadness. With Gillian and Jessica launching into conversation about the perfect sourdough starter, Flora’s mind drifted as she became lost in her own thoughts.
Her stall at the makers market had been a resounding success.
She had sold out everything she’d taken along and had already started replenishing her stocks.
She’d also started experimenting again with some tartan and although her efforts were by no means perfect, hopefully she would be able to launch a kilt making side to her business in the not-too-distant future.
Coming to Rowan Bay had been the best move this summer and her creative side was flourishing — even if her love life wasn’t.
Yes, she’d been dumped. She swallowed hard. But who needed Brodie Robertson? She didn’t! No matter. She couldn’t help but think Rowan Bay was where she was meant to be.