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“Absolutely not. I wouldn’t have it any other way. But . . . why don’t we watch an episode of something before getting back to it?”
I sigh. “Okay, fine. But I’m not watching some hour-long programme—put on something short. I want you again soon, Lewis.”
He sits up, gives me a sweet kiss, then winks. “Understood.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
LEWIS
I’m checking through recent online reviews of the hotel—all pretty good, thankfully—when Emily wanders into the office, carrying Ru and Callie, one on each hip. They’re both now seven months old. She sets Ru down in the playpen that sits in the corner of the office—a new addition to our workspace—then takes a seat and bounces Callie on her lap. Ru immediately reaches out towards Callie with tiny, curious hands, and in response Callie giggles and kicks her legs.
It’s impossible not to smile at the pair of them. They already seem to be developing a sort of friendship. Of course, they remind me a lot of me and Iona. We became friends as babies, and our maws were best friends before us—just like Emily and Grace are. Even though it’s a silly thing to think given they’re so wee, I can’t help but wonder if, in his teenage years, Ru might find himself developing certain feelings for Callie, just as I did for Iona.
“Was there a good turnout for Grace’s yoga class?” I ask Emily.
Emily and Grace have an arrangement where they help each other out as working mothers. Emily looks after both babies whenever Grace is running a class in our function room, while at other times Grace cares for them when Emily needs to get things done around the hotel.
“Yeah,” Emily confirms, her voice a little flat.
Her usually vibrant eyes seem duller today, and she’s clearly distracted. I’m aware that being a mother to a young baby can’t be easy, and there must be days where she feels utterly exhausted. But having now worked with Emily for eighteen months, I know her well enough to be confident something else is up.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Oh, nothing.” She forces a smile but it’s unconvincing.
“Bullshit. You can tell me.” I stand. “Can I make you a tea? Coffee?”
She shakes her head and waves me back into my seat. “No, I don’t need a drink. It’s just . . .” She sighs. “Can I ask you something? In confidence? In other words, you won’t tell Ally?”
I frown, surprised by the question. “Aye, of course. Is . . . everything okay?”
“Oh, it’s nothing to do with your big brother—he’s perfect. In every way. It’s just . . .” She blows out. “Do you ever feel this is all a bit . . . much?” Cradling Callie with one hand, she gestures vaguely with her other. “Working here, living here, no separation between home life and working life?”
“Er . . .” I scratch my head. “Honestly? I grew up in the hotel, so it’s all I’ve ever known. I’m used to having guests around constantly—I feel pretty relaxed around them. But for someone who didn’t grow up the way we did, I can see that it might be a bit . . . draining to constantly feel like you need to be on your best behaviour.”
“That’s it exactly!” Emily says. “It’s draining. Don’t get me wrong—I love the hotel and I love working here with you. Moving to the Highlands is the best thing I ever did. But . . . whenever I go to Grace and Aidan’s adorable little cottage by the river—or David and Johnny’s, just a few homes along from them—it’s hard not to feel a little envious. I wouldn’t mind living in a place where I can nip to the kitchen to sort Ru a snack without having to make polite conversation with a guest or answer a question.”
From the playpen, Ru is now stretching his wee arms out towards me, so I lift him up then place him on my knee. I bob him up and down, occasionally tickling his tummy to elicit adorable wee giggles.
“I can see where you’re coming from,” I say to Emily. “And the truth is, Ally is probably like me on this. It’s what he’s always known so he might not appreciate how difficult it is for you. I reckon you should just talk to him. I can’t imagine him being upset with you about this. You know how he dotes on you.”
This time, Emily’s smile is genuine. “You’re right. I suppose the only reason I’ve not brought it up with him is because this isn’t just any building—it’s his childhood home.”
I glance down at Ru, checking he’s comfortable, then return my attention to Emily. “Since you opened up to me, can I confess something to you?”
“Sure.”
“Well . . . even though Ally isn’t responsible for the hotel anymore, he still likes to give me his thoughts on things every now and again, and I think that’s because he still lives here. He just can’t help himself.”
“Yeah, he does do that, doesn’t he?”
“It’s not a big deal. I don’t mind, really. But the other thing is . . . hmm, how to put this? Er, let’s say you and Ally have more kids. I’m not sure what your plans are! I’m just talking theoretically. Equally theoretically, and I know it’s pretty early to be talking about such things, but . . . let’s say Iona and I have kids at some point.”
At this, Emily’s tired eyes light up with a spark of excitement.
“Not any time soon!” I hurriedly add. “I’m talking somewhere down the line. Maybe. Or maybe it’ll never happen and Iona will just get a puppy. Like I say, this is all theoretical! The point I’m trying to get to is about . . . space. I mean, it seems incredibly unlikely, given his personality, but even Jamie might find a lass one day. If so, would she move in here with him? And Cat is in Wick at the moment, but she’s determined to get a job closer to home next year. Is she going to be moving back into the hotel? And what if she meets someone?
“Do you see what I’m getting at? This place was a great family home for my maw and da and four young children. But as we McIntyres start to fall in love and have children of our own . . . well, there just isn’t space for all of us, unless we convert all the guest rooms into family rooms, but then there’d be no business—and that’s how you, me, Elspeth, and Jamie make a living. Of course, I’ve no more right to this building than Ally, Jamie, or Cat, but . . .”
