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The Beiradale itself sprawled across two floors, its white façade and big windows angled towards Beira’s Beach. Right now, the famous view was swallowed by darkness, but you could still hear the waves crashing against the shore, wild and restless.

Ruairidh reached for her hand as they walked to the entrance, his fingers warm and confident around hers. Jenn’s heart thumped so hard it was a miracle he couldn’t hear it.

Inside, The Beiradale had that comfortable, slightly weathered charm Jenn remembered. Wooden floors and blue-and-white walls gave it a beach-hut feel, with nautical prints, marine wildlife photos, and seashells.

Ruairidh led her through to The Brig, and Jenn was relieved to see it was quiet. No familiar faces, apart from the barman who gave Ruairidh a quick hello and wave. They settled into one of the secluded booths.

“So, what can I get you?” Ruairidh asked.

“Just a beer, please.” Jenn could feel excitement fizzing under her skin, but she kept her tone even.

“No problem. Do you fancy anything to eat—especially after your class? We could share some chips?”

Always so considerate.

“That would be nice actually, thanks.”

As Ruairidh headed to the bar, Jenn let herself take in the room.

The Brig leaned into its nautical theme—dark, polished wooden floors, wall panels to match, and booths upholstered in deep red velvet. Pictures of grand sailing vessels lined the walls, while storm lanterns gave off a soft, golden light. The base of the bar boasted ship’s wheels, and an anchor with coiled rope sat artfully in one corner. Tourists must go mad for this place, she thought with a smirk.

Ruairidh returned from the bar, sliding into the booth across from her. “Chips shouldn’t be too long.” He raised his bottle of alcohol-free beer. “Well… slàinte! Thanks for coming tonight.” There was a flicker of something shy in his expression.

“Slàinte!” Jenn clinked her bottle against his. “Thanks for asking me.” Maybe she wasn’t the only one with butterflies.

The next few hours went by in a warm, intoxicating blur.

Even though Ruairidh sat across from her, their knees brushed under the table now and then, each accidental touch sending a little shiver up Jenn’s spine. Every so often, she’d catch him watching her over the rim of his beer, his eyes lingering just a beat too long, the corner of his mouth curling into a smile that made her stomach flip. And yet, he never pushed. He was the consummate gentleman—relaxed, attentive, endlessly easy to talk to. They chatted, laughed, and traded stories, weaving from travel adventures to ridiculous island childhood memories. Jenn hadn’t expected to feel this… comfortable. Like they’d slipped into some natural rhythm without even trying.

“I still think it’s funny that we didn’t meet until this year,” Ruairidh said, his tone thoughtful.

“I bet your dad and Eachann deliberately avoided each other when we were out on the boats.” Jenn smirked. “Eachann never liked sharing islands when we were exploring and camping.”

“You’re spot on. That was exactly my dad.” He chuckled, shaking his head.

Jenn hesitated, wanting to share more but not sure if she should.

“But I like that we’ve met now,” Ruairidh added, leaning back slightly, his gaze steady on her. “We’re both older and wiser. Well… older, at least.” He gave a self-deprecating laugh.

“Speak for yourself, grandad,” Jenn teased, though her cheeks were warming again. They both laughed at that.

“But really, it’s interesting, isn’t it? We’ve both ended up back on Hellisay. Both… rethinking things.”

The honesty in his voice was disarming. No pretence, no bravado. Just him. Vivi would tell her to just go for it, Jenn thought. Stop overthinking.

She took a breath. “Yes. These last few months have been huge for me. I’ve had to put my big-girl pants on.”

“Me too—well, boxers,” he teased, giving her a cheeky wink.

They both laughed, the sound soft and easy between them.

“I never thought I could carve out a life doing the things I enjoy,” Jenn continued, surprising herself with her openness. “And I think I’ve always focused too much on big adventures. Vivi says life is ninety percent the little, everyday things—and that’s what you need to get right, not just the few weeks of holidays each year.”

“She’s a wise woman, that Vivi.” Ruairidh nodded thoughtfully. “I guess that’s why I’ve been home more lately. Trying to figure out what my everyday life should look like. Donnie and I can’t live together forever. We’d kill each other if we tried.”

Jenn chuckled, warmth settling in her chest. She understood that sibling dynamic well.

“Well, let me know when you figure out your everyday life,” she teased lightly, “and maybe help me with mine.”