day today to take delivery of the kitchen units. Nick doesn’t even seem to care.”
Lexie’s heart rate sped up. “Where is Nick?”
“Fort William,” Elspeth said.
“I honestly don’t think Logan’s angry with him,” Leana said. “He’s been really good about it all. It seems to be you who’s angry.”
“Well, he shouted at me,” Elspeth said.
“He’s stressed,” Leana said. “Give the guy a break. And if Nick’s being rude to people, you know things aren’t right with him. He’d never normally have a go at anyone. Especially you.”
“I know,” she said with a sigh. “I’m worried he really isn’t coming back.”
Lexie’s eyes darted between the two of them as she struggled to figure out what was going on. All she knew was her palms were sweaty and she had a feeling of dread in the pit of her stomach.
“Why is he in Fort William?” she asked.
Elspeth sat up straighter. “Apparently he’s moving back there. He says buying the house in Lannick was the biggest mistake he’s ever made and that he’s going to sell it and quit his job. And live in Fort William.”
“He’s just upset,” Leana insisted. “Once everything settles down he’ll change his mind.”
“What?” Lexie said, needing a proper explanation. All their chatter didn’t make any sense. Nick couldn’t have left. She could understand him avoiding her for a little while, but moving a hundred miles to get away from her seemed extreme.
“Why is he moving?” she asked, the feeling of dread creeping through her whole body. Clearly, he hadn’t told them it had anything to do with her, otherwise they wouldn’t even be giving her the time of day. If anyone thought she’d driven Nick away, none of them would speak to her ever again.
“His mum had a stroke,” Leana said sadly. “He went straight back when he found out.”
A dull pain struck Lexie’s chest and radiated out from there. “Is she okay?”
“It seems like it,” Elspeth said. “I guess it was fairly mild. Nick said they caught it quickly, but he went back to help look after her. And now he says he’s not coming back.”
“That’s awful.” A lump formed in Lexie’s throat and it was a struggle to speak. “When did that happen?”
“Earlier this week. Tuesday I think. I’m not exactly sure. He called Logan yesterday morning and asked if he could be at his house when the new boiler arrived.”
“He’s not quit his job, has he?” Lexie leaned on the bar as she felt suddenly shaky.
“Not yet,” Elspeth said. “But when I spoke to him earlier today he was ranting about how he wasn’t going to come back.”
“Of course he’ll come back,” Leana said. “He’s worried about his mum, that’s all.”
Lexie probably shouldn’t flatter herself that Nick was concerned with what happened between them, given everything else he was dealing with. But deep down she had a niggling feeling that she was also part of the reason he wanted to leave Lannick.
She’d spent the past few days making excuses for her behaviour and telling herself it wasn’t really so bad. But she’d hurt Nick. He was one of the nicest people she knew. Sweet and kind and loyal. And she’d hurt him. Then she’d told herself it didn’t matter.
“Are you okay?” Leana asked.
She swallowed hard. “I’ve had a headache all day.”
“Will a medicinal glass of wine help?”
“I don’t think it will.” She blew out a long breath. “Can I have a glass of water?”
Leana had just gone to get it when Logan wandered in. He perched on the stool beside Lexie, propping an elbow on the bar. “Anyone heard any more from Nick?”
Elspeth nodded. “I spoke to him but he shouted at me. And yes, I realise he’s having a crappy time, but he shouldn’t take it out on us. I can’t believe he shouted at you.” She peered around Lexie to look at Logan. “After how much you’ve been helping him with the house.”
“He didn’t shout at me.” Logan frowned and paused to ask Leana for a pint. “It just sounded like he didn’t care about any of it. I felt quite sorry for him. It’s weird hearing him so indifferent.”
“You can’t really be angry with him for being snappy with you,” Leana said to Elspeth.
“I’m not.” Elspeth’s shoulders drooped dramatically. “I’m worried he really won’t come back. He’s one of my best friends. I hate the thought of him not being around. And Arran adores him. I have enough trouble explaining to Arran why Rory’s not around all the time. He’ll be heartbroken if