Later, I tell myself. Answers can wait. All that matters is making sure he’s okay.
I head through to the salon. Sheila takes one look at my face and says, “Ainsley? What’s happened?”
“It’s my da. He’s had a bad fall, and my mum’s in bits. They’re on their way to the hospital in Inverness, and I need to go too.”
“Oh my God,” Ruby says.
“Sheila, can you call my remaining clients? Ask them to reschedule?”
Sheila’s already ushering me to the door. “Don’t you worry about that. Ruby and I will cover everything. You go see your da.”
“But you were supposed to finish early?—”
“Never mind that! We’ll manage. Family first.”
“Thank you.”
Out on the pavement, I break into a fast walk and try Blair on my phone. Lily finishes at three. If Blair can collect her?—
No answer.
I try again.
Come on, Blair. Pick up.
Nothing.
I’ll have to bring Lily with me. An hour and twenty minutes in the car each way, plus however long we’re at the hospital. She’ll be exhausted and confused and asking questions I don’t have answers to?—
I round the corner at speed and slam straight into something solid.
The impact jolts through me, and I stumble back, gasping. Strong fingers catch my upper arm.
“Whoa, easy?—”
I look up into golden-brown eyes.
Struan’s.
“What’s wrong?” No sign of the easy smile. He’s studying my face, concern sharpening his features.
“My da—he fell off a ladder. He’s on his way to the hospital in Inverness. My mum’s with him but she’s panicking. She’s hopeless in situations like this.”
“Right.” His voice is calm, and his hand stays steady on my arm, warm and solid. “What do you need?”
I take a breath. Then another.
“I need to get Lily from nursery, then get to Inverness.”
“I’ll pick up Lily. I can look after her till you’re back.”
“What? No, you’re working, I can’t?—”
“It’s fine.” No hesitation. No fuss. “What time does she finish?”
“Three, but?—”
“I’ll get her at three. You go.”
