by Lisa Hobman
Mac huffed. ‘Aye, I remember him saying something similar about my land. Shame he’s finally wrong.’
‘Yes, he can be very demanding. And to be honest I was so flattered that someone like him could like someone like me. I just didn’t seem his type.’
‘So you weren’t pretentious and snobby, it’s not a bad thing, Cassie.’
‘I didn’t see that about him back then. And honestly, he did have a sweet side. Not many people saw that aspect of him and for a while I felt very privileged to be someone who did. I guess he became arrogant though.’
Mac leaned forward and fixed her with a determined gaze. ‘My guess is he was always arrogant and you were just blinded by love.’
She smiled softly. ‘You’re probably right. I still can’t believe he thinks I’ll go back to him. Did Rab tell you what happened this morning?’
He nodded slowly and pursed his lips. ‘Aye. I’m glad my uncle showed up when he did.’
‘Me too. I’m seeing a side to Seth now that I wish I wasn’t privy to. To be honest he’s… scaring me.’
Mac reached across the table and placed his hand over Cassie’s. ‘We won’t let him harm you. You have my word on that. Just say the word and I’ll be there, Cassie. I mean it. Any time of day. Just call me and I’ll literally run to your house if I have to. I won’t have someone like him scaring my friend. I won’t have it.’
‘Thank you,’ she whispered. ‘I really appreciate that.’
Realising his hand was still on top of hers he quickly pulled it back and sat up again. ‘Aye well, we don’t need that kind of arrogant shit coming around here and spoiling the place,’ he said, trying not to sound like he had any feelings other than neighbourly ones for her. He knew he had failed.
At the end of the evening, Mac walked Cassie back up to Rose Brae. She was still limping a little, but didn’t complain about the pain she must have been in. He presumed she’d refuse a piggyback so just kept a watchful eye on her for any winces.
‘Thanks for walking me home, Mac, I really appreciate it.’
‘I really miss the days when you called me Tiger.’ He chuckled.
She rolled her eyes. ‘I can’t help it if you have an impossible to pronounce name.’
‘Guilty as charged. Well, actually my folks were.’
‘Well I suppose it’s better than being the same as everyone else, eh?’
‘Aye, there is that.’ They arrived at the gate. ‘Well, I hope you’ve had a nice evening. Regardless of the fact that Rab set us up. He’s keen to marry me off and he really likes you so I guess he put two and two together and made five, eh?’
‘It’s been a lovely evening. And I feel I know you better now. You’re a good friend, Tiger.’ She punched his arm lightly.
‘Assault! Did anyone see that?’ He grinned as he looked around him and pointed at Cassie.’
She giggled and placed a finger over her lips. ‘Shh, you’ll wake the neighbours.’
He waved his hand dismissively. ‘Nah, they all know me of old.’
Cassie looked thoughtful for a moment. ‘It must be nice to know that you really belong somewhere.’ She stared wistfully at nothing in particular.
He reached out and squeezed her arm, hoping that it came across as a friendly gesture. ‘Well you should know, eh?’
She turned her attention back to him, locking her gaze on his. ‘How’s that?’
‘Cassie, you belong here. You have from day one. You just have to realise what everyone else here already knows. Goodnight.’ He turned to walk away.
‘Goodnight,’ she called after him.
Chapter Thirty
Cassie
Cassie lay in bed replaying the night before in her mind and giggling at the best bits. It had been such fun and she had found herself relaxing and thoroughly enjoying Mac’s company. It was a little sad that she wasn’t willing to give her heart to anyone again because not only was Mac fun to be around but he was pretty gorgeous too. She had found herself transfixed on his face as he enthused about all manner of subjects. His eyes had that sparkle that had somehow been missing from Seth’s although she had never realised that until last night. Mac’s teeth weren’t straight but they wouldn’t suit if him if they were. And his mop of unruly hair just added to that ‘boy-next-door’ charm that had begun to grow on her. He was the total opposite to Seth in every conceivable way, which was a very good thing.
Mac’s wicked sense of humour had her in hysterics to the point where she had snorted fizzy wine out of her nose on one occasion, something he had found highly amusing. They had covered so many different topics and she felt as though Rab’s mission had certainly been accomplished. She definitely knew Mac—or Tiger as he’d now become known to her—much better, which meant she understood him now more than she had before. His lack of tact was something he had apparently inherited from his dad who sounded like a hilariously funny guy—she was sad that she wouldn’t get to meet him.
His mother was just beautiful. Mac had shown her a photo he kept in his wallet. She’d had auburn hair that fell in long waves and her green eyes were friendly, her expression warm. Sure enough around her neck had hung the little piece of green sea glass on a silver chain, commissioned for her by her doting son. He had a distant look of melancholy when he spoke of his parents and it was clear that they had been an incredibly close-knit family. She knew of the sadness of losing a parent but in a way, was grateful to not have the vivid memories that plagued poor Mac. She could only listen and reach out to offer his arm a gentle squeeze when he became emotional. Although he quickly changed the subject and began to bombard her with questions about her job—classic deflection, she had thought.
She climbed out of bed and tested her ankle as she had done every morning since it had started to feel better. Today was evidently a very good day—perhaps laughter was a good healer after all, there had been plenty of it the night before.
Cliff was waiting in the kitchen for her when she had showered and dressed; his little tail performing like helicopter blades. She clipped on his lead and set out towards the beach for their morning walk. She had a mountain of work to get through when she arrived back so it was going to have to be a quick one.
As she walked she saw Sally pushing her pram back from the direction she was going in—a look of deep sadness on her face. Her eyes were puffy and red, her face showing all the telltale signs of wrought emotion.
As she reached her friend she stopped. ‘Hey, Sally. Is everything okay?’
Sally’s lip trembled and tears over spilled her eyes. ‘Oh gosh, Cassie you won’t know yet.’
Cassie shook her head as her heart began to pound at her ribs. ‘Know what? What’s happened?’
Sally swiped the dampness from her face. ‘It’s Rab. He’s… he’s…’ She shook her head. ‘He’s gone.’
Cassie gasped and clutched her chest. ‘Gone where? What do you mean? Sally what are you saying?’
Sally threw her arms around Cassie’s neck and hugged her hard, mumbling, ‘Heart attack. In the night. Tadhg found him in bed this morning.’
Her own heart plummeted to her stomach and her eyes stung with tears. ‘Oh God. Poor Mac. Where is he?’
Sally stepped back again and nodded in the direction of Mac’s home. ‘Derek’s at the van with him now. He’s in bits, Cassie. I’ve never seen him like this.’
Cassie wiped at her eyes. ‘Do you think he would mind if I went to see him?’
Sally smiled through her sadness. ‘I think he needs his friends just now.’
‘Th… Thank you. I’ll take Cliff home first.’
‘Why don’t you let me take Cliff? I’m just going to pick up Jack from nursery and he’d love to see him.’
Cassie nodded and handed out the lead towards Sally. ‘Thank you. I’ll see you later.’
Sally reached out and squeezed her arm before taking hold of the lead. She nodded but didn’t speak again.
With apprehension Cassie hurriedly made her way to Mac�
�s caravan. She knew exactly where it was but had, as yet, not made it there and now she was making her first visit. She wished it was under happier circumstances.
The large gate was open slightly as she arrived and she walked through and towards the temporary structure. She considered it temporary, but she knew from their conversations that Mac had a completely different viewpoint on the polyurethane and aluminium box he called home.
She could hear subdued conversation as she closed in on the open door and paused. Maybe he wouldn’t want her there. They hadn’t exactly been close as such. Although the night at the beach had felt like they’d known each other longer than mere weeks. She sighed, unsure what to do for the best when a figure appeared at the doorway.
‘Ah, hi Cassie. Come to see Tadhg?’ Derek’s gaze was filled with compassion.
‘Yes. Although… maybe he wants to be alone?’ She hoped that Derek knew Mac well enough to advise her as she stood twisting her hands nervously before her.
He walked towards her and glanced over his shoulder towards the van before lowering his voice. ‘To be honest, I think being alone is that last thing he needs right now. It’s hit him pretty hard. He tried to revive Rab but after seeing his body it was clear to me that he’d been gone a few hours. Died in his sleep. Poor Mac. His last remaining relative gone. No… alone is something he doesn’t need to be right now. I’m only leaving because I have patients booked in. Even if you just go sit with him…’ He reached out and patted her arm. ‘Thanks for being a good friend to him, Cassie.’ He smiled and then made his way towards the gate.
Taking a deep breath, Cassie walked up the steps and into the van. It was surprisingly clean, she thought as she slowly stepped in the direction of the lounge end of the structure, not only was it tidy, but it was bigger than she expected.
Mac sat on the sofa with his head in his hands. ‘Cassie? What are you doing here?’ he asked as she approached.
‘I… I wanted to check on you. I heard about Rab.’ Her voice trembled as she spoke. ‘I’m so sorry, Mac. I really am.’
He lifted his head and she had to fight a gasp. He looked dreadful. His eyes were bloodshot and rimmed with red, his face was pale and his hair was a dishevelled mess.
He stared blankly as if in a trance. ‘I tried to revive him,’ he whispered. ‘I did all the things you’re supposed to do… but… I couldn’t save him. I couldn’t bring him around.’ He gritted his teeth and lifted his shaking hands to tug at his hair. ‘I’m fucking useless.’
Cassie rushed to his side and gripped his arm. ‘Hey, stop that. You’re not useless at all. Do you hear me? You tried your best. You did everything you could but he was already gone, Mac. It wasn’t your fault.’
He shook his head. ‘If I’d been there, Cassie. If I’d gone around sooner…’
She spoke softly, ‘It wouldn’t have made any difference. Please stop blaming yourself.’
He scrunched his brow and stared at nothing again. ‘I knew something was wrong as soon as I walked in to his house. Everything was still… you know? Lifeless. He lights a fire first thing in the morning no matter what the weather’s like. There wasn’t one. I think I knew then…’ He cleared his throat and shook his head. ‘I called out to him, “Come on, you lazy beggar! You’ve not even got the coffee on.” But there was no answer. I figured he might not have heard me so I jogged up the stairs shouting to him again. Then I spotted his bedroom door was ajar and he was still in bed. I… I tried to rouse him again but when I went to shake him he was… so cold.’ He lifted his face once more and met Cassie’s gaze with his own pain-filled expression. ‘I knew he’d been ill with him going up to the hospital a couple times but… I had no idea it was so serious. I should’ve known. Why didn’t he tell me? I should’ve figured it out. I’m so stupid. There were heart pills by his bed. Derek says it was a heart attack that killed him. But if I’d have known. If he’d told me… maybe…’ His anger and frustration at himself was evident in his self-deprecating tone but he let his words trail off.
‘Mac, you couldn’t have helped his condition. He probably didn’t want to worry you. Just being there for him was all you could do and you did that so, so much. It was clear to everyone how much you loved him and how much he loved you back.’
He closed his eyes and swallowed hard. ‘He was like my dad, Cassie. He was my best friend. We looked out for each other. Who’s going to look out for me now? I don’t have anyone else.’
Her heart ached for him and she felt tears slip from her own eyes but made no effort to wipe them away. ‘You have Sally and Derek. You have every single person in this village. You will not be alone, Mac. And… and for what it’s worth you have me.’
A pained sob left his chest and he crumpled forward as if he didn’t have the strength to hold himself up any longer. She pulled him so his head rested in her lap and he clung on to her for dear life.
She closed her eyes and bowed her head as she stroked his hair and let him cry. This poor man who had lost everyone he loved to tragedy was going to have a battle on his hands to get through this, but Cassie was determined to make sure he didn’t have to face the future alone.
Chapter Thirty-one
Cassie eventually left Mac’s van when two of his surfing buddies arrived with beer. They engulfed him in hugs and Cassie felt a sense of relief that he wasn’t going to be alone all night. She walked towards the door and turned back one last time to see him lift his chin and mouth the words ‘Thank you’ in her direction. She smiled and nodded before leaving him in the care of his friends.
They had sat in silent contemplation for most of the time she had been there apart from when she had insisted on making him a drink and a sandwich, which he had reluctantly consumed. Mac had talked a little about Rab and Cassie had simply been a willing ear, laughing at some of the stories and hugging Mac again when his emotions got the better of him.
She hadn’t got any work done at all but in the great scheme of things it didn’t matter. She couldn’t focus after eventually arriving home from having a coffee at Sally’s and collecting Cliff and so decided to open a bottle of wine and light the fire. She stared at the flames for a while as they danced up towards the chimney and licked around the logs that she had placed in there; the only audible sounds were the snoring of her little Border Terrier and the crackling of the wood as it expanded with the heat.
She walked over to her bookshelf and pulled out the photo album that her dad had compiled for her when she was younger. It contained every photograph that had ever been taken of her with her mum. Having only been three years old when her mother passed away, all she knew of her were the stories and images provided by her dad. Any memories she managed to conjure up herself were fuzzy and nothing exact—maybe a smell, or a sound, a piece of music, a taste or a familiar feeling that she couldn’t quite grasp. But when they occurred she latched onto them for as long as possible.
Flicking through the photographs now, she could understand—to a certain extent—the pain Mac was going through and she too mourned the loss of the special and kind man who she had grown very fond of since her arrival in Coldingham.
*
The following morning was dull, which matched the cloud of melancholy that had descended over her since she had heard about Rab’s death. She took Cliff for a walk and stopped by the shop to collect a tub of hot chocolate powder. It felt like hot chocolate weather and the comforting taste of melting marshmallows was bound to help—it always had when she’d been a kid.
Once she was ensconced back in her cosy home, hot chocolate made and the fire roaring, she set to work on the tasks she hadn’t had a chance to complete the day before. She had been working for around three hours when there was a knock at her front door. Cliff was too comfortable in his spot in front of the fire to even bother raising his head.
She opened the door to find a pale-faced Mac standing there. The hood on his jacket was pulled up to hide most of his face but she could see that he hadn’t slept much.
‘Hi, Mac. Come on in.’ She stepped aside and he walked by her and into the cottage. ‘Do you fancy a hot chocolate with marshmallows?’
He flipped his hood down and shook his head. ‘Oh… no, no it’s fine. I won’t keep you. I know you’re busy. I just came with some news.’
She nodded. ‘Okay well come and sit by the fire.’
They walked over the lounge area and both sat, side by side on the couch. Cliff immediately leapt on to Mac’s lap and Mac began to scratch the dog’s offered belly. ‘I… erm… I found a letter amongst my uncle’s things. It was right at the top of his drawer. He can have only written it a couple of weeks ago.’
Cassie scrunched her brow. ‘Oh? What was it about?’
He swallowed hard and rubbed his eyes. ‘The… erm… the beach hut.’
She was intrigued as to why it had anything to do with her. ‘Oh, right. What did it say?’
‘He wants us to share it. Part ownership I mean. You and me.’
She gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. ‘What? But… but he hardly knew me.’
Mac smiled. ‘Aye well, he knows how you’ve always wanted one.’
She shook her head. ‘But how did he know that? I never told him.’
‘Nah, but I did. And he knows how hard they are to come by so he wants us to get the use out of it. He thought the world of you, Cassie. I know you hadn’t known him long but you made an impression. He doesn’t openly… didn’t openly take to people often but you… he liked you.’
Her lip trembled and her eyes blurred with tears. ‘I don’t know what to say. I can’t accept such a big gift, Mac. It wouldn’t feel right. It should be yours.’
Mac turned to face her on the couch and took her hand. ‘Look, Cassie, Rab was quite insistent in his letter. Half ownership each. He’s added it in to his will too to make it official. As he’s gone to so much trouble his wishes should be granted, don’t you think? And anyway, I’m more than happy to share it with you. You helped me to get it looking just right so it’s only fair. And I know how much you’ve always wanted one. I remember your face when you told me that. So now Rab is granting that wish.’ He shrugged as he spoke so matter-of-factly like it was a done deal.
