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“As in Lewis McIntyre, Ally’s brother?”

“Aye. The pair of them were inseparable growing up, the same way me and Ally were. Everyone thought they’d end up together—it seemed inevitable—but instead they’re barely even friends now. I’m sure something happened between them to cause a rift, though I’ve no idea what. Iona and I talk about a lot of things but not relationships. She doesn’t want to know who I’ve been sleeping with, and I don’t pry into her love life.

“Anyway, what about you and David? Having a twin is a pretty special connection, isn’t it?”

Grace nods and sets aside her chopsticks, done with her food. “It is. As a child, I was never lonely because my brother was my friend. We’ve always been close. I doubt many people would move back in with a sibling in their late twenties, but that’s what David and I did almost two years ago, and it worked well. When he moved to Bannock, it was a massive change, and I really do miss him.”

Grace talks a while longer about David, happy memories mainly, although she confesses her mother has always been harder on her than him, and that has come with its challenges.

“That’s why I haven’t rushed to tell her, even though David is constantly on at me, saying I need to. It’s like, in Mum’s eyes, David can do no wrong, but I can never do anything right. I can already picture her disappointment when she finds out. She’ll make me feel awful—I know she will—so . . . it’s easier to keep it a secret. Of course, I’ll have to tell her at some point, but right now I don’t need negativity and judgement. Pregnancy is hard enough without her making it harder.”

“Shit. I’m sorry.” For a moment, I hesitate, then I reach out and squeeze her shoulder.

I half expect her to slap my hand away or at least tell me to keep it to myself. Instead, she accepts the gesture as it was intended, as an offering of support.

“Well, seeing as you’re to become a father, let’s talk about dads. Mine has never been a part of my life. How about yours?”

“Och, I grew up with my da, but he’s now in Inverness with his new woman and my half-brother, Archie.”

In a matter-of-fact tone, I tell her about how Archie was born while Da was still living in Bannock with me, Maw, and Iona. None of us, I say, had any idea Da was keeping secrets from us.

That’s not quite true, but I rarely share the whole story. I decide to keep a few details to myself, at least for now.

Yawning, Grace comes out of the bathroom in fluffy pink pyjamas that match her slippers, plus a silk headscarf.

It’s only just gone nine, but Grace is tired, and I had to get up at the arse crack of dawn to travel down from Bannock. We agreed to hit the hay early.

I tugged off my jeans and socks while Grace was brushing her teeth, and now her gaze trails from my T-shirt down to my boxer briefs.

“Jesus, Aidan! Don’t you have pyjamas?”

“Hey, I’m trying my best to be proper here.” I scratch my arm. “Normally, I sleep naked.”

She pulls a face. “How considerate of you. But really, come on, they don’t leave much to the imagination.” She waves in the direction of my crotch.

“Are you being serious?” I laugh. “Sorry I’m not some genital-less Ken doll! And I don’t think I’ve worn pyjamas since I was twelve, but maybe I’m missing out. Yours look cosy.” I hold out my arms. “Night-time hug?”

“Nope. That bulge isn’t going anywhere near me, thank you very much. We agreed this would be platonic.” She grabs one of the pillows off her bed and throws it my way. “For you. And here, have these too.” She takes a couple of thick blankets from a cupboard and drops them on the floor.

“Cheers.” I sort them into a makeshift bed then settle into it. I try to get myself comfortable, but I’m not sure that’s going to be possible. Her floor is cool and hard.

“Will you be all right down there?” There’s a crack in Grace’s voice, a hint of concern.

“If I say no, do I get to jump in with you?”

“Forget it. Night, Aidan.” She switches off the light.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

GRACE

The darkness of my flat is interrupted only by a faint sliver of light sneaking in through a gap in the curtains from a lamppost outside. I don’t know how long I’ve been lying here on my bed, but I’ve still not slept. On the floor, Aidan changes position yet again.

“Will you stop tossing and turning?” I whisper. “You’re keeping me awake!” I held my tongue for as long as I could, but I can’t take it anymore. I’ve got work tomorrow.

“Oh, shit, sorry,” he murmurs. “I thought you’d fallen asleep ages ago.” More quiet shuffling. “It’s just . . . I can’t get comfortable. And it’s cold down here.”

I don’t reply straight away. Eventually, I say, “Please don’t misinterpret this, but it is a double bed. You can come in, so long as you understand it’s only to sleep. Nothing else, all right?”