The Little Gift Shop on the Loch

by Maggie Conway

  But of course, it wasn’t only the shop that had been occupying her thoughts. It was Jack.

  She’d replayed their kiss over and over. Even through a whisky haze it had been incredible, the intensity of it still burning within her. She tried not to read too much into it but surely she hadn’t imagined its potency, Jack must have felt it too. A thrill of excitement shot through her at how it would feel to share something more with him, if that was effect a single kiss had.

  The feelings Lily had for Jack had grown into something she’d never felt before and had caused her to dissect her previous relationships. It dawned on her now how much she had kept people at a distance, always managing to steer away from emotional attachments. She had protected herself from any possible hurt by pulling back if she felt they were moving too fast or becoming too serious. But with Jack, everything had changed.

  Lily wandered over to the window, her gaze drawn outside. Soft velvety-looking clouds drifted across the sky and the sun sat low in the sky casting wintry rays of light over the water.

  In some ways it felt as if she’d come full circle, all the way back to the boy she used to fantasise about all those years ago, almost as if her heart had always belonged to him. Initially the attraction had been purely physical – after all, the man was gorgeous. But it had become so much more than that. He’d been kind, made her laugh. He made her feel safe but at the same time he made her want to live more, experience new things, have adventures. When he looked at her, she felt as if anything was possible and she wondered if this was how it felt to fall in love.

  If it was, then it wasn’t something she wanted to slip away, at least not without finding out if he felt the same. This was entirely new to her, telling a man how she felt because she’d never felt like this before. Nowhere close to it. She was going to be brave, to find the courage within her and tell him how she felt and today was feeling like a now or never moment.

  Lily startled. The taxi was here and Jack was already jumping out, waving to her through the window.

  ‘Wow,’ he said a moment later when he saw her. ‘You look beautiful.’

  He continued to stare at her for a moment and Lily smiled shyly at the effect her appearance seem to be having on him.

  ‘Thanks,’ she replied. ‘You’re looking pretty good yourself.’

  Which was something of an understatement. Wearing dark navy trousers and a light blue shirt, jaw-droppingly handsome would be closer to the mark. And when he gave her that smile, the one he was giving her now as he helped her into the waiting taxi, she wasn’t even going to pretend it didn’t affect her. How could she possibly?

  Lily was introduced to the taxi driver, a second cousin of Jack’s who pretty much spent the entire journey putting the world to rights. Lily had to stifle a giggle at Jack’s expression as he listened patiently, catching her eye with a wink.

  They were finally dropped at the distillery, their taxi just one of many that the organisers had thoughtfully arranged to be available to ferry people to and from distilleries during the festival. The distillery looked like something out of a fairy-tale like with lights blazing from every window and the distinctive pagoda roof silhouetted against the sky. Lily could smell the smoky peaty aroma filling the air as they walked along a path from the carpark, Jack pointing out some of various buildings including the still house which contained the copper stills used for distilling and the warehouse full of maturing casks.

  They passed under a wrought iron gateway displaying the name of the distillery in ornate gold lettering and through a cobbled courtyard. Just before they reached the visitor centre, Lily paused.

  ‘Jack?’ She glanced at him sideways from under her lashes. ‘You sure you didn’t mind me coming with you?’ Not having had the chance on their journey to the distillery to clarify her little niggle that she might have in some way forced herself on Jack to bring her, she needed to check.

  Jack stopped to face her. ‘Are you kidding? I wanted you to come. And besides, I really don’t mind being seen with a beautiful woman. It should be me thanking you.’

  Jack pulled open the heavy oak door, Lily unsure her legs were still working. They were met by a babble of chattering voices and a throng of people mingling in the entrance hallway. Jack seemed oblivious to everyone, his eyes fixed on Lily as he guided her through the door, the feel of his hand on her back sending a cascade of tingles down her spine.

  The main room was a grand affair with panelled in dark wood and carpeted in tartan with a fire crackling in a massive open fireplace. Paintings depicting Highlands landscapes were dotted about and a huge glass showcase displayed dozens of bottles of whisky creating a wall of golden amber.

  They weaved their way through the crowd, Lily very conscious of being seen beside Jack especially when it soon became apparent he knew a lot of people including various extended family members. Lily was having trouble keeping up. And if the number of handshakes, greetings and backslaps were anything to go by, then Jack Armstrong was highly thought of. The whole time he kept Lily close, introducing and including her in all the interactions.

  There was a mixture of people, Lily picking up on the different accents and languages being spoken and spotting a few business-looking types. Various tours of the distillery were underway while in a smaller room named The Whisky Lounge a blending workshop was in progress.

  As well as upturned oak barrels being used as tables, there was one single long table running the length of one wall which was laid out with different plates of food. Waiting staff dressed in tartan skirts or trousers and crisp white shirts were on hand, encouraging and advising people what to try.

  ‘There she is,’ Jack said, taking Lily’s hand and leading her over to a pretty girl who was clearly in charge of the buffet table. She was a whirlwind, her honey-coloured hair swinging in a high ponytail, her cheeks flushed as she moved fluidly between guests and staff, ensuring everyone’s needs were being met.

  The girl’s face lit up when she saw them approaching, her eyes swivelling to Jack and then Lily. Her distinctive green eyes were so similar to Jack’s, Lily pretty much knew right away who she was before Jack looped an arm over her shoulder and made the introduction.

  ‘Lily, this is my little sister the culinary genius, Isla.’

  ‘It’s lovely to meet you Lily, I’m so glad you’re both here!’ she enthused, turning to wave an arm around the room. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘Looks like you’ve done a good job, sis.’

  ‘You need to try something, come on.’

  She led them to the table, Lily’s eyes widening at the selection of seafood, smoked and roasted meats and cheeses, all beautifully presented.

  ‘I’ve made all the canapes to match the different whiskies,’ Isla explained, giving Lily and Jack a small plate and napkin each. ‘Basically it’s all about balance, the whisky shouldn’t overwhelm the food. See what you think of this.’

  First, they tasted some delectable smoked salmon before Isla handed each of them a small crystal tasting glass containing an 8-year-old whisky. ‘It’s a light whisky, slightly sweet with a citrusy edge which should cut through the rich oily fish.’

  They complemented each other perfectly and Jack and Lily both made appreciative noises before moving onto other Scottish-inspired tapas, all equally delicious.

  ‘And I’ve saved the best till last,’ Isla announced, producing decadent dark velvet truffles dusted with cocoa powder. ‘Perfectly matched with this full-bodied, strong, smoky whisky.’

  Isla watched, her eyes bright with expectation as Lily and Jack bit into their truffles and then followed with a sip of whisky. Lily hadn’t tasted anything like it and rolled her eyes appreciatively. ‘It’s heavenly.’

  Isla beamed with pleasure. ‘I’d love to stay and speak to you more but duty calls.’

  ‘Don’t worry about us.’ Jack grinned at her. ‘And you’re doing a brilliant job.’

  ‘Praise from my brother.’ Isla pulled a face at Lily. ‘I knew today w
as going to be a good day.’

  ‘That was lovely, Isla.’ Lily smiled back at her. ‘I really enjoyed it.’

  ‘What would you like to do now?’ Jack turned to Lily. ‘We could try more whisky tasting if you like? You seem to be acquiring a taste for it.’ Lily saw the tease at his lips, the sparkle in his eyes.

  ‘Think I might have had more than my fair share of whisky recently,’ she confessed with a rueful smile. Remembering her more private, intimate whisky tasting with Jack, she felt a flash of heat through her body. She took a small breath, letting a few seconds to pass before she spoke.

  ‘I really enjoyed the other evening.’

  ‘So did I.’

  ‘And thank you for making sure I got home okay.’

  ‘My pleasure,’ he said solemnly.

  Lily’s heart suddenly felt like a runaway train, knowing this was her moment to find her courage. She licked her lips nervously. ‘Um, actually, about that night?’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘I was wondering …’ She moved closer to Jack to be heard over the buzz of conversation. The room really was very busy. ‘Do you think—’

  Jack’s two hands suddenly shot out to catch Lily as someone knocked into the back of her, almost sending her flying.

  Jack frowned, taking her arm. ‘You okay?’

  ‘I’m fine,’ Lily replied, although admittedly the jolt hadn’t done much for her already slightly wobbly composure.

  Jack scanned the crowd looking for a quieter spot, his face suddenly lighting up. ‘There’s Adam,’ he said, his hand still on Lily’s arm. ‘Come on.’

  Lily glanced over where she could see a striking-looking man mingling and chatting, his shoulders visibly relaxing when he spotted Jack. He made his way over to them immediately.

  Lily watch them embrace each other, their easy familiarity speaking volumes. She didn’t know what it was like to have a lifelong friend but she could see the closeness between them immediately, a look that said they had each other’s back. Not only had they grown up together, they were bonded by a terrible tragedy too.

  ‘Lily, this is Adam,’ Jack said, turning to introduce them.

  Adam gave Lily a warm smile, his dark brown eye regarding her earnestly. He bent down to kiss her cheek. ‘It’s good to meet you, Lily. Welcome to Dallochmore.’

  ‘Thanks,’ Lily smiled. ‘Everything looks great, you’ve certainly got a good turnout.’

  Adam nodded, looking like a man with a lot on his mind which was hardly surprising giving the circumstances. Taking over the running of a distillery was a huge undertaking and Lily detected a slight unease in his body language as his eyes scanned the room and felt an ache of sadness for him, imagining how different this would all be for him if his wife was by his side. They stood chatting for a few moments, Jack asking a few questions about how the day was going.

  Both tall and equally broad, the two men standing side by side by made quite an impression. And judging by the number of furtive glances being aimed in their direction by the assembled female company, Lily wasn’t the only to have noticed.

  Adam turned to Lily, briefly touching her elbow. ‘Would you mind if I borrowed Jack for a couple of minutes? Just need a bit of muscle to help shift some crates.’

  ‘Of course.’

  After reassuring Jack she’d be okay for a few minutes, Lily went to find the ladies’ room, grateful to have the chance for a breather away from the throng of people. The ladies’ was as opulent as the rest of the place with marbled floor and wood panelling. Lily stood in front of the large gilt mirrors and splashed cold water on her warm cheeks and ran a quick hand through her hair. Feeling particularly relaxed and mellow after all the amazing food and drink, she headed back out, anticipating finding Jack. It was unlikely they’d be able to find a quiet spot here to talk, perhaps she could suggest they go for a stroll by the loch later.

  She walked out just in time to see Isla flying by with a tray of stacked dishes. Pushing her hip against a swing door to open it she disappeared into what was presumable the kitchen. A couple of seconds later Lily heard a crash followed by a muffled cry.

  Lily rushed over, opening the door carefully, just enough to put her head round to see the cause of the noise. Lily glanced down where the contents of the tray lay smashed in several pieces on the floor. Looking distraught and standing in the middle of the debris was Isla. ‘I knew it had been going too well.’

  Lily stepped through the door. ‘Are you all right? Did you cut yourself?’

  Isla let out an exasperated sigh. ‘I’m fine. I’m all fingers and thumbs.’ Her face crumpled for a moment, dislodging her smile from earlier. She looked about to cry and Lily could suddenly see the exhaustion on her face. ‘Sorry, its just today is so important to me.’

  ‘Looks like you need to take a breather,’ Lily suggested. ‘Let me help – do you have a brush and shovel?’

  ‘I can’t ask you to do that. Please, you’re a guest.’

  ‘Don’t be silly. Is it in here?’ Lily opened the most likely looking cupboard by the back door.

  Isla smiled. ‘Thanks.’

  As she helped tidy up, Lily took in the kitchen. Apart from a couple of modern appliances, the place looked like it was a need of an overhaul and Lily thought Isla must be a miracle maker to produce the array of dishes she had under these circumstances. She could see the amount of work that she’d done behind the scenes. No wonder she was overwrought.

  ‘There, all done.’ Lily scooped the last remnants into the bin and found glasses to pour them both some water.

  ‘So, you did this on your own?’ Lily’s brow wrinkled looking around the deserted kitchen, surprised there wasn’t a small army of staff beavering away.

  ‘There isn’t really anyone else,’ Isla said matter-of-factly. ‘When I started working here a couple of years ago Jock was still in charge and he was never really keen to expand the food side of things. I tried a few times to introduce some new ideas but he was never interested.’

  She took a long sip of water. ‘Cooking’s always been my passion, the only thing I’ve ever really wanted to do. I’m hoping now that Adam’s here, things will change. He’s naturally cautious which I understand but at least I managed to persuade him to let me run the food pairing event for today.’

  Lily was impressed. Between Isla and Beth, the entrepreneurial skills of women in the Highlands seemed in good shape and she felt a bubble of excitement at the possibility she might join their ranks if she opened the gift shop.

  ‘It seems to have been a great success, you must be delighted.’

  ‘It’s gone really well. Well, up until ten minutes ago,’ she said ruefully. ‘I just want to prove that we could do so much more. My head is literally bursting with ideas, there’s so many food and drink events we could run, cater for corporate and private hospitality—’

  ‘This is where you’re both hiding.’

  They both turned as Adam appeared at the door. ‘Everything okay?’ he checked with Isla.

  ‘Sure, everything’s fine,’ she replied quickly, Lily noticing the flush on her cheeks deepen.

  ‘I’ll leave you to it then.’ He nodded then looked at Lily. ‘Think Jack’s looking for you.’

  ‘Oh, right.’

  Isla looked gratefully at Lily as Adam left. ‘Thanks again for helping me. Wouldn’t have wanted Adam to see all that mess.’

  ‘It’s no problem.’

  ‘Right, back to it,’ Isla said, heading to the door. ‘You know, you’re every bit as lovely as Jack said you were.’

  ‘Oh.’ Now it was Lily’s turn to blush. Knowing Jack had said that to his sister made her feel a little giddy.

  ‘Since the accident he’s been so hell-bent on helping everyone else, making sure they’re all okay. He feels so guilty about Adam losing his wife, sometimes it’s as if he doesn’t think he deserves to find happiness himself again.’ Isla paused and turned. ‘You did know about the accident? With Jack’s ex and Adam’s wife?’


  Lily nodded. ‘Jack told me.’

  ‘He might be my big brother but I still worry about him. Me and my sisters, we tease him about him meeting someone but we know how difficult it is for him. It’s nice seeing him today looking more like his old self.’

  As Isla went back into the fray, Lily took herself off to find Jack, a definite spring in her step. Walking back through the hallway she stopped dead in her tracks. At first she was convinced she was seeing things. Her throat dried and her heart started to bang uncomfortably against her ribcage. She blinked, scanning a group of people in the far corner but there was no mistake. One of them was James.

  Lily seemed unable to move, her brain frantically trying to make sense of his presence here. But before she had the chance to do anything other than stand gaping, his head had turned in her direction and he’d made eye contact with her.

  For a split second he looked almost as shocked as she felt. But he recovered quickly, reminding Lily what a consummate professional he was in situations like these, his practised smile making an appearance as he strolled over to her.

  ‘Lily? I didn’t expect to see you again so soon but what a lovely surprise.’

  ‘What are you doing here?’ she stammered.

  ‘Don’t look so shocked,’ he chortled. ‘Remember I mentioned at the interview I’d be away on business for a few days? I’m here with some colleagues to enjoy the whisky festival and make some contacts. In fact, I’ve got a meeting here at Dallochmore.’

  He quirked an eyebrow. ‘What about you? I certainly wasn’t expecting to see you here.’

  Lily had never mentioned any connection to Loch Carroch or that her mother had lived here, the fact reinforcing to her how superficial all their conversations had been. She wasn’t about to start going into detail now and skirted over the details, only saying she was here to deal with her late mother’s property in Carroch.