Page 10 of From Scotland with Love

Jean walked in and sat down beside Lori. “Who are we talking about?” She smiled and nodded in thanks as Gran poured a coffee for her.

“Michael. Apparently, he’s doing very well in the law firm.” Gran brushed some crumbs from Lori’s chin fondly.

“Oh that’s good. Might be useful to have a lawyer in the family!” Jean gave a grim smile.

“The family?” Lori tried to cover the alarm in her voice. “We’re just seeing each other. There’s no mention of marriage just yet!”

“OK OK, don't get your knickers in a twist! It just might be good to know someone in that area of expertise!” Jean looked ahead, her expression taught, and her eyes tired.

“Are things not amicable with you and Douglas anymore?”

Her sister took a long sip from her cup, considering the question. “Things were good. He would always check in on the girls when he was back on shore. But since he’s started seeing someone, he’s said he’d like to take them on holiday for a month with this new girlfriend. But they’ve got school, he doesn’t understand.” She bit her lip. “I’m just worried things are going to get worse; you know how stubborn he is.”

Lori put her hand around her sister’s shoulder and rubbed it gently. “I’m sure Douglas doesn’t realise about the school, and their grades; he’s obviously all loved-up and being a bit selfish about it all. Try to keep lawyers out of this if you can. You guys have been doing really well all this time; I thought you both came to an official agreement?”

“We did, I got to keep the girls, and he could see them whenever he wanted. But now he has that new girlfriend, I’m just worried he’s changing his mind.” Jean looked close to tears.

“Hey, hey!” Lori smoothed her hand over her eldest sister’s hair, feeling like her mother for a brief moment. “I can ask Michael if you really want me to, I’m sure it’s different law over here compared to America, but he might know someone who could give you a bit of advice.”

Jean blinked her red eyes. “Thanks Lo. You’re right, I’ll wait for now. Hopefully things will get better” She looked over to Gran who leaned against the cooker watching quietly. “And thanks for looking after the kids today Gran.”

“Of course, it’s my pleasure! I thought we’d go for a wee walk and get an ice cream by the pier. Then maybe I’ll nip into the boutique in town.”

The village of Arlochy was just ten minute’s drive from the larger ferry town of Morvaig, which boasted more businesses and schools, along with a crazy number of holiday makers in the summer months. The Robertson girls had all attended Morvaig High School, where Jean worked as an English teacher.

“You really think you’ll find something there Gran?” Lori wiped the last of her toast around her plate, gathering up any leftovers.

“Aye, I happen to know there’s a gorgeous turquoise hat there, which would go just perfectly with my fancy dress in the wardrobe.” She winked at Lori and collected the empty cups and plates.

“I wish we were all so lucky!” Jean joked. “I’ve told Tammy: no peach! I can’t stand the colour; it makes me look so washed out and old!” Jean’s hair was a slightly darker shade of auburn compared to her sisters, and she tended to stick to jeans and a jumper slightly more often than her sisters.

“Well you’re no spring chicken, Jean!” Lori cackled.

“Hey! Cheeky cow!” She punched Lori’s shoulder playfully.

“Gran, she hit me!” Lori looked up to her gran, her lip trembling deliberately.

“Och, away with you both! You think I don’t already have my hands full with the two wee ones, and now you two behaving like children!”

Lori and Jean kissed Gran and the kids goodbye. They headed off in the early morning, as a mist hung over the sea, promising a day of sun in the hazy glow behind. The car journey mainly consisted of Tammy selecting various classic tracks for the three sisters to sing along to, as Alan cringed in the driver’s seat.

“Jeezo girls, your taste in music is shocking!” He shook his head and rested his big arm on the rolled-down window.

“Come on! Who doesn’t like Shania Twain?” Tammy batted her eyelids at him from the passenger seat.

“A lot of people! Me included!” He chuckled, grabbed her hand resting on her thigh, and clasped it lovingly.

“We have to like country music; it would be a cardinal sin if we didn’t!” Jean piped up from the backseat.

“Why?” Alan yelled over the music.

“You know this, Alan!” Tammy rolled her eyes at her fiancé. “Remember Dad named us all after country and western singers!”

“Erm, I’m not sure... I don’t think you’ve ever spoke about that?” He went slightly quiet, and Lori squeezed her head in between the front seats.

“Maybe we just presumed you knew. We got teased in high school for having weird names. Well I did anyway!” Lori scoffed.

“Me too!” Jean chimed in.