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“Oh my God, you’re blushing just thinking about him!”

“I feel like such an idiot,” Jenn admitted. “Nothing’s happened. He’s probably not even remotely interested. But jeez—I practically lust after the guy.”

“And our Spanish lothario didn’t help with that at all, did he?” Vivi said, eyes sparkling with the smug certainty of someone who already knew the answer.

“Not even slightly. Poor Javi. He was the perfect summer fling, but… no comparison to the handsome, inscrutable, emotionally elusive Ruairidh. And every time I saw him over the summer, there was yet another lassie looking interested in him.”

“Hmm. But you don’t know if he’s actually interested in them. Or just being nice.”

“That’s true. And Màiri keeps saying he’s definitely single. I think she wants us to get together but doesn’t want to come right out and say it. And honestly, I really don’t want to mess things up with her. We’ve become so close.”

“Hmm. Tricky. But let’s just see what Halloween brings, eh?” Vivi said, eyes glinting.

Chapter 23

Auntie Peigi was driving Vivi and Jenn to get changed at Cathy Ann’s, the little hatchback humming along the winding road as the harbour lights glowed in the distance. Vivi had arrived armed with half a suitcase of things the girls had begged her to bring. They were all going as fairies—loosely speaking.

Since Vivi had arrived, she and Jenn had been in full catch-up mode. Auntie Peigi had joined in too—no surprise, really. Vivi was her favourite of all the family friends.

“Well, I know you girls will have an absolute ball. I want to hear all the gossip on Sunday.” Auntie Peigi beamed. “Although you’re a good girl these days, Vivi, aren’t you? All settled now. No chance of an island boy sweeping you off your feet tonight!”

“Oh yes.” Vivi laughed. “I missed my chance to become the rock star’s wife, didn’t I? Guess we’ll just have to focus all our efforts on Jen-Jen here.”

“You must,” Auntie Peigi declared. “I need a Hellisay lad to marry her quickly, so she stays here with me forever!”

“You two are dangerous together.” Jenn grinned—though there was one Hellisay lad she wouldn’t mind knowing better.

“Oooh, it’s all changed!” Vivi exclaimed as they turned onto Harbour Road. “That’s the restaurant you mentioned?” Vivi asked, pointing to a sleek building.

“Yup—Seilie. Eilidh and Paul’s place,” Jenn said. “Next time you’re up, we’re going.”

“And here’s Beira’s Bazaar—Cathy Ann’s place,” Jenn announced as Auntie Peigi pulled up. “And just up there is MacWongs, where we’re getting our takeaway from.”

“Wow. It’s practically civilised now! I could actually live here.” Vivi laughed.

“Oh, Vivi—yes! Any time, any time!” Auntie Peigi and Jenn chimed together.

“Can you imagine Charles?” Vivi scoffed. “This is his actual nightmare. He’d probably try to buy all the hotels and turn them into luxury spas with golf courses. And there’d be a CrossFit gym here within twenty-four hours.”

Jenn smothered a laugh. Charles was lovely—but undeniably pampered, and far too fond of the good life. It didn’t help that his family owned a string of high-end hotels, which Vivi pretty much ran behind the scenes. Charles was safe, predictable. Exactly her type.

They hugged Auntie Peigi goodbye and stepped towards the glowing, candlelit shopfront of Beira’s Bazaar.

“This is unbelievable,” Vivi breathed, eyes wide, jaw slack. “And she actually makes a living from this?” Her brow furrowed, half baffled. Ever the businesswoman was Vivi.

“It’s the candles,” Jenn said, nodding at the rainbow of shapes and sizes arranged in the window. “Tourists go mad for them. Plus, you wouldn’t believe the folklore hunters that this place attracts. It’s mental!”

“This place has changed so much,” Vivi said, turning in a circle and taking in the street. “I’m so happy for you, Jenn. I know I keep saying it, but I really am.”

“Thank you, Vivi. It’s definitely taken me by surprise. But yeah—the island’s in the 21st century now… sort of. Still has that community vibe, though. Mind you, ask me again in winter when the ferry doesn’t come and I’ve got no bread or milk!”

“Pfff, you’ll just go bake your own bread and milk some cows, you big teuchter!” Vivi teased.

“Haha—that’s what Auntie Peigi actually does.” Jenn grinned, looping her arm through Vivi’s. “Come on, let’s go meet some more of the girlies.”

Entering Cathy Ann’s flat was like stepping into a luxurious Bedouin tent. Fabrics draped from nearly every surface, Moroccan-style lamps cast a warm glow, and the air smelled spicy and pumpkiny—probably one of her signature candles. Plush sofas, rich wooden furniture, trinkets from her travels… it was pure indulgence.

Jenn glanced at Vivi, whose usual aesthetic was far sleeker and more neutral—but her eyes were sparkling with excitement.