Page 14 of Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop

“Ladies,” I began, needing them to leave so I could get back to my already revised schedule.

“We know you’re not open. But we’ve got Book Club starting here on Thursday, so you’ll need to get the shop back in order. We’ve brought groceries, cleaning supplies, and our charming personalities.” The three elderly women beamed at me as I blinked at them in confusion.

“I’m sorry…did the solicitor hire a cleaning service of sorts?”

The women hung up their coats one by one on a coat rack I hadn’t even noticed and only then did I see their shirts.

I have puffin to declare except my genius. Mylips quirked up at the words on one woman’s shirt with a puffin wearing glasses and reading a book.

The next woman’s shirt readMuch Ado about Puffin.

The third saidPuffin Compares to Youand had two puffins, beak to beak, with a heart.

Was this a deranged birding club? Why were they all wearing puffin shirts? Didn’t they say book club? Were they hoping we had books about puffins?

“I’m the only one that has professionally cleaned in my life, but these two can hack it. I’m Esther.” Genius Puffin shirt grinned at me. “This is Shannon and Meredith.”

“Cherise was too hungover to come by this morning, though she claims it’s cramps.”

Esther snorted. “It’s been a good twenty years since she’s had cramps.”

“Umm.” What did one say to that? I gestured at their shirts. “Puffin fans, are you?”

“One of the locals rescued one yesterday so we’re showing our support for wee Tattie as he gets back on his feet. Or on his wing, I suppose?” Esther scrunched up her nose as she thought about it.

“Tattie?” My eyebrows winged up.

“A perfect name for a puffin,” Meredith assured me.

“What’s a tattie?”

The three women gasped like I’d just threatened to slit their throats if they didn’t leave the store. Granted, I might have been thinking something along the lines, though a touch less gruesome to be sure, but I’d never outright saysuch thoughts.

“Neeps and tatties?” Shannon gaped at me.

“I don’t know what you’re saying to me.”

“Such a shame.” Esther clucked her tongue at me as she began to unpack the grocery sack. “Neep means turnip, and tattie is what we call potatoes here. You really don’t know much about Scotland, do you?”

“Unfortunately, no. I wasn’t given much notice about my inheritance, so, yeah, my research on Scotland has been a bit rushed.” Did bingeingOutlandercount as research? “Though I do hope to see some men in kilts.”

The women turned on me as one, excitement in their eyes.

“You’re single then?” Shannon rubbed her hands together, reminding me a bit of the Grinch plotting to take down Christmas. Speaking of…I’d need to start getting holiday decorations sorted since it was almost December.

“Ladies.” I raised my hands in the air to try and stop any more personal questions. “You haven’t even asked me my name yet. Let’s start there before we jump into my personal life. Also, I’m already behind on schedule soooo…” I made a big show of checking my watch.

“Well, what’s your name then?” Esther demanded.

“Rose…er, I mean, Rosie. My name is Rosie.” Excitement filled me. Finally, I could introduce myself how I wanted to be called. “Rosie Withers. Moira was my great-aunt once removed I believe on my mother’s side.”

“Welcome to Kingsbarns, Rosie. We’re the Book Bitches and we’re going to help you get Highland Hearts up and running again.”

“You are?” My mouth dropped open at Esther’s proclamation. Since when did these women have any say in my business?And did they really just call themselves bitches?“Do you work here?”

“Goodness, no.” Meredith laughed, waving a hand in the air as she took out a pile of neatly folded rags. “It’s just what we do. We got The Royal Unicorn up and running again too.”

“The Royal Unicorn?” Was this another thing like the neeps and tatties I was supposed to know?

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