Page 68 of Fireworks
Mum’s eyes widened. “And has he been good to you?”
“Oh, he’s been good. Very, very good.” Harper smirked. Eiley wondered how much damage a child’s pumpkin carver would do if plunged into someone’s arm.
“We’re too different,” she said firmly. “It would never work.”
Mum pouted, and it made Eiley wish that she could sit here and say something else: that she’d met the right person, somebody who adored her and her children, somebody she could count on. She knew it was all anyone wanted for her.
But she and Warren were just too volatile – her own fault as much as his, if not more. He’d met the worst version of her, and she was beyond being able to fix that now, just as he couldn’t take his own words back. She shredded a piece of grass between her fingers, trying to hide her oncoming tears.
“You don’t know that, Eiley,” Harper said softly. “The way he looks at you, the way he gravitates towards you no matter where you are …”
“If Sky took a shine to him, he’s done something right,” Cam agreed. “Maybe I am a bit pro-fireman. If we must bring another man into this family, I suppose it should be someone the kids like. And someone who’s good in emergencies.”
Eiley shook her head. “Doesn’t matter. It’s over. We already agreed. He’s dating other people.”
“Well, that’s a wee shame, but maybe it’s good to focus on yourself and the kids at least until you’ve sorted this Finlay thing out.” Mum stood up with a pained groan. “I’m going to make us some dinner. I think we all need some comfort pasta tonight.”
Eiley couldn’t help but be surprised. That was it? No more lectures about how she was making the wrong decision?
She must have jinxed it, because Cam tugged on her hair, just hard enough for Eiley to frown. “Be careful with Finlay, aye?”
“I can handle him. I’m stronger than I used to be.” It was true, even if she’d only now realised it. If Finlay had shown up on her doorstep this time last year, she might have already taken him back, desperate to keep their family intact even if it meant sacrificing her own peace.
She knew, now, that he would need to put a hell of a lot of work in if he wanted to make things right. She would never, ever let him break them again.
“I know that. We all do.” Cam wiped her pumpkin innards on an orange-stained tea towel. “I’ll go and help Mum.”
Which left only her and Harper. Harper sighed, concern wrinkling her freckled face. “I really wish that giving you what you need didn’t mean lying to the man I love.”
“I know. I’m sorry for putting you in this position. I just … I know you get it more than anyone.” Harper had her own bad relationships, and she knew how difficult Fraser could be when he got too worked up about things. He’d become unrecognisable when Harper had gotten hypothermia in the loch last year – but Eiley had been there to support him even when he’d self-sabotaged. Didn’t she, for once, deserve that same grace?
“I do.” Harper shifted closer, the two of them bumping knees. “I was thinking of going home next weekend, anyway. I think Mum’s a bit lonely with Dad working so often. I’ll take him with me. Keep him out of your way.”
“Thank you, Harper.” Eiley squeezed her hand. “I just need to do this on my own.”
“What about Warren? Do you really not want to give him a chance? I’ve never seen you as happy as you were at theautumn festival after the two of you disappeared into the woods. And even when you were fighting, you lit up.” Eiley had filled Harper in on most of their shenanigans during their “bed-rotting era”. Harper’s easy way of listening meant she’d even been comfortable enough to talk about the S-E-X … to an extent. She’d left out the wildest details.
“Aye, but it’s too complicated, and all this back and forth isn’t fair on either of us.” She smiled sadly. “He made me realise that I do want to try a new relationship again one day, but I think I need to be able to trust again first. Finlay damaged my faith in other people a lot more than I thought.”
“It’s understandable. And you don’t just have your own heart to think of, either.” Harper glanced lovingly over at her niblings, as much their aunt as Cam now. “If you need anything, you will call, won’t you? We’re all here to beat Finlay up if he hurts you. Fraser made me that sword for my birthday.”
Eiley chuckled. She was never not grateful for the people around her, but now more than ever, she needed them: not to fight her battles or tell her whether she was right or wrong. Just to sit with her while she figured it out for herself.
She rested her head on Harper’s shoulder.
Harper squeezed her tightly, and together, they watched the sun set over the leaf-strewn garden, the world feeling safe again if only for a night.
30
Warren could pretend, for a moment, that he was back to his old self when he arrived at the restaurant with Blair. He’d opted for a cosy haunt on the edge of Loch Eil – an oversight on his part, one that had him cursing as he drove past the sign and saw half ofhername. The place was aglow with candlelight bouncing off well-polished glasses, offering an ethereal shine that complemented Blair’s shimmery makeup and silky dress. With the deep green hugging her curves, he wasn’t sure how she was still single. Two months ago, he would have been delighted if she even looked his way.
Of course, he was delighted now. Just … also distracted. As they were led to their seats by the window, he pulled out her chair, the smell of her perfume overtaking his senses – enough to make him sneeze, just like in Mrs. Crumpsall’s classroom.
“Bless you!” Blair handed him a napkin as he took the chair opposite. As he blew his nose, her shadowy eyes slid to the view of the loch outside, the still surface reflecting the moon and the dark forest. “Wow. What a stunning view. Thank you for bringing me. I’m glad you finally reached out.”
“Aye, sorry about the delay in getting back to you.” He scratched his head gingerly, wondering why he felt oily for even being here. He wasn’t doing anything wrong. In fact, he was giving Eiley the space she clearly wanted and trying to move on, which would be beneficial for both of them. “I’ve been busy.”
She picked up the laminated menu, scanning over the list. He supposed he’d better do the same. When had he gotten this rusty? It was like he was being pulled on strings, a marionette waiting to be led. “The perks of teaching: half-term came just when I needed a break.”
