Page 54 of Chasing a Highland Dream

Bella’s throat constricted. She was absolutely not ready to talk about losing her best friend in the world. She remained silent.

‘I’ve upset you, haven’t I?’ Isla asked as she twisted in her chair to look up at Bella. ‘I’m sorry, love. I just don’t want you spending your time worrying about an old codger like me. There’s no need, really.’ When Bella couldn’t manage a reply, Isla reached up and touched her cheek. ‘I do love you. You’re the apple of my eye.’

Bella cleared her throat. ‘I love you, too, Granny. Now can we change the subject?’

‘Aye. What are you doing this evening? You should get out somewhere. Why don’t you see if Olivia and Skye are free?’

‘Actually, Liv has invited me for dinner upstairs. Is that okay with you?’

Isla nudged her. ‘Of course it is. It means I’ll get the snacks all to myself for a change when I watch my film.’ She grinned.

‘Charming. So, what will you watch this time?’

‘Ooh, I don’t know. I might watch that Fifty Shades of Grey again.’ She chuckled. ‘I like that Jamie Doorknob.’

Bella gasped. ‘Granny Isla, you will not!’ Then realisation hit. ‘And what do you mean again?’

Bella walked along the driveway in the rain to get to the bus stop that stood along the main country road. Buses were infrequent in the area, and even more so on Sundays, but she had decided to head into Inverness and have a wander around the shopping centre in the hope of buying something new to wear for dinner that evening.

Once in Inverness, the rain stopped, and Bella was able to shop without getting drenched. Eventually, shopping bags in hand, she found herself on the street where the coffee shop was that Harris had taken her to and was surprised to see it was open. She pushed through the door and went to the counter.

‘Hello, hen, you’re the young lady Sergeant Donaldson came in with, are you not?’

Bella was happy she had remembered her. ‘That’s right, Mrs Pettifer, I’m Bella.’

‘Well, it’s lovely to see you again. His table is free if you’re staying.’ She glanced at the clock and then at the door. ‘In fact, you’ve timed it right for meeting him.’ She nodded at the door as it opened and in walked Harris.

‘Bella, this is a nice surprise. I wasn’t expecting to see you,’ Harris said with a wide, handsome smile.

‘I wasn’t intending to come, if the truth be told. I’m out shopping and thought I would pop in for some delicious Victoria sponge.’

‘Me too,’ he replied. ‘Come and join me?’ He gestured to the table in the window where they had sat before. Bella nodded and Harris turned to Mrs Pettifer. ‘Two of the usual, Mrs P, please.’

‘Coming right up, have a seat.’

Bella followed Harris to the table and they both sat.

‘So, what brings you out shopping on a Sunday?’ he asked, taking off and placing down his jacket.

‘I’m going to Olivia’s for dinner tonight, so I thought I’d treat myself to something new to wear.’

‘You deserve it. Yesterday was a massive hit. Although I’m surprised you’re not working again today.’

‘Olivia made me have the day off. But even though it’s Sunday, I feel like I should be working, and I most definitely shouldn’t be buying new dresses. I need to save up to get Fifi repaired.’

Harris sighed. ‘I hope every time you see me you’re not reminded about the car. Neil said there was no rush and he meant it, so please stop worrying, okay?’

She smiled. ‘I’ll try. It was lovely to see Maeve yesterday.’

He rolled his eyes. ‘Oh aye, she wouldn’t shut up about you after we left. I reckon her and Isla have been conspiring to get us together. Anyway, I put her straight. ‘“Bella and I are friends, Mum, and that’s what we’ll remain. She has a boyfriend,” I told her.’

Bella shook her head. ‘Well, he’s not technically⁠—’

Harris continued, glossing over her attempted protestation, ‘Speaking of which, did you make up with Aiden?’ he asked as Mrs Pettifer placed cake and coffee in front of them.

They both thanked her and when she had gone, Bella said, ‘He brought flowers and apologised. I think I forgive him.’

‘Well, I bet he’ll be on his best behaviour tonight.’