Page 49 of From Scotland with Love

Lori glanced at her sisters for an explanation, but was confronted with shrugs and confused expressions.

She knocked on Gran’s door and a small voice from the other side called: “Come in.”

Gran was perched on her bed, and with a tissue in hand she wiped her eyes.

“Gran, do you need a hand with undressing?” Lori had been told by the nurses that it would take a while for her grandmother to get back to her usual self.

The old lady sighed heavily, and the tears fell from her eyes more freely.

“I’m sorry Lori!” Gran’s shoulders shook and the emotion erupted from her, like nothing Lori had ever seen before. Gran was usually the strongest one in their family, but Lori put an arm around her shoulder, it was now her turn to be strong, and give comfort.

“Don’t be daft, why are you sorry?” Lori stroked her gran’s white hair and rubbed her shoulder gently.

“That... you feel you need to stay and look after me.” Gran sniffed, and Lori produced another tissue from a pouch that she always kept on her person.

“No, I don’t Gran.” She scratched her head then turned to face her. “OK, maybe I feel you need help, and I’m here to do it.”

Gran shook her head. “I can’t be the reason you’re leaving your life in New York. You have your fiancé, and your wonderful job.” She dabbed her eyes. “It’s not right!”

“Oh Gran.” Lori could have easily started crying herself, but knew she must remain calm and collected to convince her gran that everything was for the best. “I don’t have any of those things any more, actually. I am wanting to start my own business here. And Michael, well - I realised we weren’t right for each other pretty much as soon as he tried to convince me I should stay on the plane, and leave you to your fate! I’m so unbelievably glad I found that out before it was too late!”

Gran gently tapped Lori’s hand. “Oh sweetheart, I’m so sorry. You’ve been going through a lot recently haven't you?”

They sat in silence for a few moments, Lori rubbing her gran’s shoulders as she composed herself.

“You want to start your own business?” Gran sniffed abruptly, only just processing Lori’s declaration.

Lori nodded and smiled. “Aye, I've made a business plan.”

“Of course you have.” Gran laughed and tucked the tissue up her cardigan sleeve. “I just want to make sure you’re not coming home simply to look after me.” She spoke in a more alert tone now.

“No Gran, I imagine you’ll be on your feet in no time. You can’t sit still, there will be yoga and coffee mornings galore to come, but just for now, I will help you get to that point again.” Lori smiled. “I have ideas Gran, so many ideas floating around my head. I even thought about maybe doing something with the other rooms in the house. Maybe a B&B? I’ve also seen an empty shop in Morvaig - I want to sell handmade clothing. My own little boutique.”

Gran chuckled. “If your garments are anything like that cape you made me,” she pointed to the tweed garment hanging in the wardrobe, “I’m sure you’ll have people queuing out the door! As for this B&B idea, you’ll need to show me what you’re thinking. I'm not sure about our home being opened up to strangers – not just yet.” Gran bit the inside of her mouth.

“Gran don’t worry, there’s plenty of time to go over things so everyone’s comfortable. And I’d never disrupt your life in any way and make things difficult for you – family comes first! For now, just you focus on getting better.”

There were murmurs in the garden, the after-dinner party was still going strong, so Lori made coffee for the guests, and laid out some tablet her gran always kept stored in the fridge. Amen for tablet, Lori thought. It was one of Gran’s specialities, a sweet treat that would make your head spin from the smallest of morsels. Lori made a mental note to learn some baking skills from Gran, and to make time to share them with her nieces too. She stepped over a sprawled-out Bracken, and walked out into the garden of twinkling lights and laughter.

28

Lori opened the empty shop and walked around in the echoey cold. In the corner of the room, was an old fireplace, its tiles of swirling patterns reminded her somewhat of Rennie Mackintosh, a pretty feature, purely decorative however. There was a small back room, which had a sink and little else, judging by the size, she was sure she could fit in a little fridge there too, and maybe a cooker. At the far side of the smaller room was a compact bathroom, and back door that led out onto a tiny patch of grass. A wooden fence sheltered the space, but the view ahead was not obstructed, they were right on the harbour, looking out onto the ferry port. Lori couldn’t help but jump for joy and cheer loudly over the sound of seagulls and boat horns. She had spoken to the owner, and thanks to her gran’s sterling local reputation, he had welcomed her offer to lease the shop. She had big plans for this space. Her imagination conjured up window displays for winter - fairy lights draped over tree branches, and mannequins showcasing red woollen jackets. Lori would be inside, sewing and welcoming people with cups of mulled wine as they browsed the clothing rails. There would be a lot to do, but she relished the challenge to make something fully her own and almost skipped outside the door as she locked up. Nothing would bring her down today, even as droplets of rain fell on her head, she looked up to the dark clouds and welcomed the shower. Unable to suppress her happiness, Lori smiled to herself and headed in the direction of Callum’s shop. She dashed in through the door just as the downpour and flashes of lightning ensued. Karen was there, packing boxes on the desk.

“Lori! How are you?” Karen came over and hugged her. Lori felt at ease instantly; her warm manner was so infectious that just a few moments with her would make anyone feel calm and focused.

“What’s going on?” Lori looked from Karen to the boxes. “Are you having a big clear-out?”

“Yes.” Karen bobbed her head side to side. “Well - sort of.” She pursed her lips together and clasped her hands. “You don’t know then?”

“Know what?” Lori’s heart skipped a beat.

“I thought Callum had told you? Our lease is coming to an end.” Karen went over to the desk, removing boxes from the chair to make more room.

“No, I didn’t know.” Lori sat down on a spare chair, confused. She had imagined Callum and her would reconnect, especially since he was to be on the same street as her new venture. But everything was changing for him, just as Lori was starting to get her life in order. “But your job, Karen? What are you going to do?”

Karen nodded. “I knew it was coming, and I’ve made plans. I’m thinking of going back to college.”

“It’s so sad, you guys had a great partnership.” Lori looked down. “What is Callum going to do?”