Effie shook her head. ‘I’m scared of going out there.’
‘Then don’t go. It is a long way. I’m sure he’ll understand,’ said Liv.
Effie bit her lip. ‘I’m scared of going anywhere. Not just Burkina Faso.’
‘Why’s that?’
‘My dad was killed in a car crash three years ago, and I’ve only been as far as the dentist’s since then. I just can’t…’ She looked agitated just at the thought of it.
Liv held her hand. ‘I’m so sorry, Effie; that must have been so hard for you.’
‘I’m lucky really. I’ve got Granny here and Fraser came back from Barcelona.’ A few things started to make more sense to Liv. ‘But I’m worried I won’t ever be able to leave here.’
‘Maybe starting off with short trips is the answer. You’ve been to the dentist so that’s a start. Perhaps you need to plan small outings and each time go a little further. I’m sure there are lots of people who would come with you and support you.’
‘I guess.’ Effie didn’t look sure. ‘Would you come with me?’
‘Um, well,’ began Liv as Effie fixed her with big puppy-dog eyes. ‘Has the snow thawed?’ asked Liv.
‘Ooh let’s see,’ said Effie, thankfully easily distracted. She dashed to the window and Liv followed her. Oddly her tummy felt tight. She was apprehensive, unsure what she wanted Effie to find. Effie pulled back the curtains and they both looked out. The hills were breathtaking, the morning sun highlighting the dips and curves of the land and scattering a sparkle on the loch. There was still a lot of snow, but there were patches of colour where it was melting. ‘Aww, the snow’s thawing,’ said Effie sadly. ‘Maybe there’ll be more later. Shall we get breakfast?’
‘Err, yeah okay.’ Liv wasn’t sure how she felt as she got dressed and made her way downstairs. Was this her last meal at Lochy House Hotel? she wondered as she was overtaken by Jock’O with a sock in his mouth. Belatedly she realised it was one of hers. ‘Hey!’ she called. The dog ignored her but Robbie turned in her direction.
Robbie was pacing the hall as he spoke to someone on a walkie-talkie. ‘My civilians need to be a priority,’ he said giving Liv a firm nod. She responded with a weak smile.
She was going home. That was a good thing, she told herself. She’d missed her mum and sister and their usual madcap pre-Christmas festivities such as wrapping, shopping for the stuff you only bought at Christmas like shelled nuts, brandy butter and the extra strong indigestion tablets.
It also meant that the moment she could rant at Fraser, and lay the ghosting debacle to rest, was fast approaching. It had seemed like a good idea when she was driven by anger and hurt and had a fire in her belly. Now she was full of Fraser’s good food and her own couldn’t be arsed-ness it was a lot less appealing. There was also the niggle in the back of her mind that none of it really added up. But she couldn’t really go home without saying something, otherwise what was the point of the whole trip? And what would she say to her mum and sister? She could hardly confess that she’d been won over by a lump of hard fudge so had let him off.
There was an amazing smell wafting from the kitchen. On the stove was a big pan that smelled delicious. ‘Is this mulled wine?’ she asked.
‘Yep,’ came the clipped response from Fraser.
‘Mulled wine for breakfast. I’m starting to like Scotland,’ she said. It struck her that she really did like it, despite everything, and soon she would be leaving.
‘It’s not for breakfast.’ He gave her a frustrated look. ‘Dolly wants us to help these freeloaders enjoy their stay so I thought…’ He went back to what he was doing.
‘Good idea,’ said Liv.
She helped with breakfast and joined the others in the dining room where excited chatter filled the air. Aaron and Kacey were eating their breakfasts with one hand so that they could hold hands under the table; Shanie was discussing books with Dolly and getting recommendations of her favourites. Robbie strode in. ‘If I could have everyone’s attention please.’ The chatter stopped abruptly and everybody turned to look at Robbie who seemed to swell with the authority he now held. ‘I am pleased to inform you that the snowplough has been through from Fort Augustus to Fort William.’ It meant nothing to Liv but the others seemed pleased. ‘There’s a tractor on its way to recover your vehicle.’ He pointed at Aaron. ‘And you are on the list of emergencies with the local garage,’ he said pointing at Liv.
‘Oh I’m not an emergency,’ she said and surprised herself that she felt that way. It was a surprise to her that she wasn’t already skipping up the driveway but she wasn’t.
‘That’s good,’ he said with a wince, ‘because there are quite a few ahead of you on the list.’
‘No problem,’ said Liv. ‘Thanks.’ It looked as if her departure wasn’t imminent and she was relieved. At least it would give her time to get her final speech straight in her head.
‘You’re welcome,’ said Robbie. ‘I’ll let you know when the tractor arrives,’ he said to Aaron.
‘Is there a charge for that?’ asked Aaron.
‘It’s local goodwill,’ said Robbie. ‘But perhaps a charitable donation to a local cause might be a nice gesture.’
‘I did you a morning roll,’ said Effie, presenting Robbie with a brown paper bag. ‘I know you’ve been up a few hours so I thought…’ She shrugged as she handed it over.
Robbie looked like he’d been presented with a prestigious trophy. ‘Goodness. I don’t know what to say. He clipped his walkie-talkie onto his uniform, took the bag and peeped inside. ‘It smells divine.’
‘It’s nothing really,’ said Effie going coy.
