‘Lewis may have mentioned that you’d been in touch about featuring the hotel in some eco-friendly TikToks.’
‘Ah, yes.’
‘I think it’s a good idea. Let me know if you need any help with footage. We’ve been implementing some new measures in the kitchen to do with food waste.’
‘Sounds good. I’ll schedule you in for a filming.’ I stroke his bare knee. ‘I don’t suppose you’d wear the kilt for it ...’
Bailey rolls his eyes. ‘What have I started?’
I just smile and clink my glass to his, ‘Sláinte.’
It’s a brand-new year—a clean slate, if you will. And with Bailey by my side (whether he’s wearing a kilt, a Christmas jumper or his birthday suit), I have a feeling it’s going to be the best year of my life.
Chapter 25
One year later
‘Are you ready?’ Bailey calls from the lounge, where he’s been setting up his laptop on the coffee table.
‘As ready as I’ll ever be,’ I mutter in the bedroom. I’ve made a start on packing, which isn’t really necessary since we’re not leaving until noon. It’s just to distract myself. I don’t really want to have this Zoom call with my foster family, but Bailey suggested it since we’re not going down to London for Christmas this year—or any year if I have my way. But I’m trying to be amenable.
‘Come on, it’s nearly ten.’
When I walk in, he’s sitting on the couch, logging in to Zoom. I sigh and plonk down next to him.Think happy thoughts. Think happy thoughts.That’s not too hard to do actually. Life with Bailey during the past year has been incredible. He’s incredible. I feel like a brand new, happier version of myself thanks to his steady TLC and the support of his loving family.
Sometimes I catch Crumpet looking at me as if to say ‘who is this girl?’
We’re now living together in my flat since he was renting in New Town and the trek over to Old Town every second day was getting annoying. It makes sense financially too. Why pay rent on two flats when we’re practically joined at the hip? That’s not a commentary on our sex life either. Bailey’s hours are unsociable, but we’ve managed to fit in around each other to make sure we spend quality time together.
Of course, there are days when I want to strangle Bailey with my two bare hands but after a McAdams tartan cushion fight to let off steam, I’m not going to lie, the make up sex is pretty fantastic.
I plump one of his tartan cushions now and steel myself for the ensuing conversation. To give Bailey credit, he’s made a real effort to get to know my foster family, in an attempt to ‘bring us closer together’ as he put it. But as I explained to him: ‘They’re not like your family, Bailey, they’re toxic and I don’t feel the need to get closer to them. In fact, it’s better for my mental health if I stay the hell away.’ But he insisted we make an effort for Christmas. So here I am.
Bailey frowns at the laptop, waiting for the connection to kick in, and I note he’s wearing the new Christmas jumper that I gave him yesterday. As soon as I saw it, I had to buy it. It’s red and has four ridiculous festive dogs across the front with ‘Merry Woofmas’ above their heads. He loved it on sight. In fact, he got a bit misty-eyed, hugged me tightly, and said, ‘It’s the best Christmas jumper ever.’ So I’m feeling pretty chuffed with myself.
We just have to get through this Zoom call, and then we’ll head to Waverley. Andrea and Kirk are meeting us there, and we’re all travelling together to Kingussie, where Allan will pick us up from the station. I can’t wait.
The screen springs into life, and my stomach tightens. Here we go. Violet appears, her kohl-rimmed eyes glaring at us like she’s got better things to do. She and I gaze at each other awkwardly. There’s no sign of the mother and father yet. They probably forgot.
‘Morning, Violet!’ chirps Bailey.
‘Morning,’ I say a lot less chirpily.
She nods at us.
‘How are you?’ Bailey asks.
Violet sniffs. ‘I’ve been better.’
‘Oh, what’s up?’
I elbow Bailey in the side. Yikes, if he asks her that, we’ll be here for hours.
My foster sister’s mouth turns downwards. ‘Not that you really care, but I hate my job, and I’ve just been ditched by one of my good friends for a goth muso.’
‘Oh, sorry to hear that.’
‘Yeah. He’s not even that famous, and it won’t last, I bet you.’ Violet folds her arms and pouts moodily. Bailey tuts sympathetically while I stay quiet.
