Page 53 of Chasing a Highland Dream

‘Maybe,’ she said.

‘Look, I don’t suppose you fancy coming for a glass of wine next door, do you? I’d love the chance to talk to you, maybe grovel for your forgiveness a little.’ There was a glint of humour in his eyes.

Bella was determined not to let him off too lightly. ‘I’m sorry, but I have a date.’

He swallowed, lowered his head and rubbed the back of his neck as if unsure how to behave now. ‘Ah, okay. No problem. Is it with the police sergeant?’

Here we go again. ‘No! It’s with my granny. We’re watching Gone with the Wind.’

He lifted his head and smiled; relief was now evident in his brightened eyes. ‘Ah, oh, that’s good. I can’t say it’s my cup of tea, I’m more of an arty film noir person, but enjoy and maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.’

Bella shrugged. ‘Maybe you will.’

He tilted his head. ‘You’re not going to make this easy for me, are you?’

‘Nope,’ she said and with that she closed the door.

‘Was it the Black Magic man?’ Isla called. ‘Did he bring chocolates?’

‘It was and no, but he brought me flowers instead.’

Isla huffed. ‘He should have brought both. I could eat a piece of chocolate fudge. Anyway, I hope you sent him away with his tail between his legs.’

‘I did, Granny. The flowers are beautiful, though. I’ll put them in some water while you get the film ready.’

The following morning, Bella had luxuriated in her bed a little longer than normal while she searched online interior design courses on her phone, with Harris’s words about her wasted talent ringing in her head. She found several possibilities and sent for more information, although in the back of her mind she knew it might come down to a difficult choice between repairing her beloved Fifi and chasing her dream.

Her granny had taken Beau for his morning walk. Although Bella had given strict instructions she shouldn’t stay out long, as an early glance between the curtains on the way back from the bathroom told her rain was on the way once again.

‘Och, I’ll no’ wash away, you know. I’ve been out in much worse, hen.’

‘Even so, we don’t want you catching a cold. Let him do his business and come back.’

‘Yes, Mum,’ Isla had replied. Bella chose to ignore the sarcasm.

She picked up her book from the bedside table and opened it up to the last page she had read the night before. She had read a couple of lines when her phone pinged. It was a WhatsApp message from Olivia.

Hey you! Dinner tonight? Warning! I’m cooking! No need to bring anything, just yourself. Say 7pm? Love you, Liv xx

Olivia had been desperate to have a dinner party since she got back from New York but had been far too busy. Bella was keen to accept, so she hit reply right away.

Sounds great. See you then! B xx

Bella got out of bed and grabbed her robe; she went to the front door and stepped outside. Rain was lashing down so hard it was bouncing up from the ground and Isla was still not back. It had been around forty minutes since she had gone out and Bella was beginning to get rather concerned. She lit the log burner in the living room so her granny could warm up and dry off on her return and made a fresh pot of tea. She was at the point of considering heading out to look for her when the front door opened.

‘Only me!’ Isla called in a sing-song voice.

‘Thank goodness. I was starting to worry,’ Bella told her.

‘Aye, sorry about that. I got chatting to a couple who were going to the café for brunch. They have a beagle like Beau, he’s called Bailey. Nice people, lovely wee dog. I think the two of them liked each other judging by the wagging tails. Then it started raining and I didnae have my rain hat or my waterproof coat. And poor Beau wasnae happy being out in that, I can tell you. It’s getting busy again out there. The car park is filling up.’

‘Come and get warm and dry off by the fire,’ Bella told her. ‘I’ll bring you a mug of tea.’ She poured two mugs full and took them through to the living room where Isla had already taken off her coat and sat in her favourite chair. ‘There you go. Do you need a towel? Or a blanket?’

Isla waved a hand. ‘Stop fussing, hen. I’m fine. You need to stop worrying about me so much.’

Bella’s heart suddenly ached and she sat down on the arm of the chair and put her arm around Isla’s shoulder. ‘I do worry about you, though, Granny. I don’t want you getting ill. You’re precious to me.’

Isla reached up and placed her hand on Bella’s. ‘Hen, I’m not going to be around forever, that’s a fact. You cannae wrap me in cotton wool. And I’m an independent woman like you are; don’t forget where you got it all from.’ She chuckled. ‘But when my time’s up, it’s up. So, stop your fretting and live your life, eh? A bit of rain won’t hurt me.’