‘October?ThisOctober?’
‘Yeah. I know it’s a bit shorter notice than we planned but the deal is jaw-droppingly good and the function suite is already getting booked up for the year after next. We’d be mad not to take it, and why wait? The only thing is, we have to decide by the end of next week.’ He wiggled the bottle at her, beaming. ‘Shall we have a look and celebrate while we finish this wine?’
‘So, Sholto and the support crew arrive in John O’Groats on Thursday and the challenge starts on Friday at nine a.m.,’ Cam said, as he and Jenna ran through the final arrangements for the Kilt Challenge.
It had been a few days since Nate had dropped his triple bombshells about the house, football team of kids and a wedding in just over two months, and Jenna was glad to escape into the haven of work, while realising that work shouldn’t be the haven – home should.
‘We’re all set then,’ Cam said, sipping tea from a seal-shaped mug, which made Jenna smile. She guessed that hisnephew had given it to him – but then again, it could have been a gift from Iona.
‘Yes. For the challenge. That’s the easy part.’ She sighed.
‘What do you mean?’
‘Oh, nothing really. It’s – well, Nate and I have been discussing the new house, and ... it’s much bigger than I was expecting.’
Cam put down his seal mug. ‘How come? Surely you’ve been involved with the plans?’
‘Of course I have. The thing is that some of the additions were supposed to be turned down by the council, but Nate – um – got them through.’
‘I – er – see. And you don’t feel comfortable about that?’
‘No. I don’t.’ She smiled, feeling disloyal yet also relieved to have someone to vent to. Everyone at work knew Nate, and she didn’t feel she could say that she was anything less than overjoyed with their plans.
She checked her office door was closed.
‘Nate’s been joking about us needing a huge house for the hordes of kids he thinks we’re going to have.’
‘Let us come and live there,’ Cam joked. ‘Hannah and Lachlan would love it. My flat feels like a rabbit hutch when he’s here with a couple of friends. It’s mayhem. Mind you, there’s no way I could let him anywhere near a glass palace.’
‘It’s not exactly a palace!’ Jenna said in horror. ‘I hope it won’t be, although the locals have already dubbed it Eyesore Towers.’
‘Och. They’re probably just green with envy.’
‘More like brassed off at the way we got round the planners. Oh, look, what kind of pampered princess am I? Moaning about having to live in a beautiful house overlooking the most beautiful place in Britain.’
‘Ahem.’ Cam raised his hand.
‘OK, one of the most beautiful places in Britain.’ She grinned back at him, feeling lighter than she had in days. Glancing at the blue skies behind Cam, she bet the wild and sometimes bleak coast looked wonderful today, the sea stretching all the way to the Arctic. It would be nice to escape for a while and see where Cam lived.
‘Yeah. You see,’ she continued, ‘I’d have been just as happy to stay in my cottage, but Nate loves a project, and it is his job, and he’s always dreamed of having this huge pad. He had nothing when he was little. His mum was on her own and they had to sofa-surf and live in some pretty dire places.’
‘Then you can see why he wants the best for you.’ Cam sounded so soothing and sensible, Jenna felt guilty about moaning.
‘Yeah. He does. I’m very lucky, and this conversation can’t be about me. In fact, once again, I’ve spent our working time talking about my personal life.’
‘You know me, I’m always ready to listen. Even if I don’t have any answers.’
‘Do you talk to Iona about stuff? Problems? Only I picture you both huddled round a fire on the beach, setting the world to rights. I bet she’s a good listener.’
‘Oh, she’s that all right. She’d listen to me droning on all day if I let her.’
‘You’re lucky. Nate’s incredibly helpful, he’d always help me out – or any of the family or his friends – but he doesn’t do deep and meaningful conversations. He just likes to have an idea and get on with it. He says I worry too much.’
‘Being decisive can make life a whole lot simpler,’ Cam said. ‘I envy him.’
‘Do you?’ Jenna asked. ‘You’re so perceptive, and a good listener. Iona is lucky to have you.’
Cam looked embarrassed and clicked his pen rapidly before smiling.
