Page 48 of Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop

“Be right back.” I crossed the small pub, which was everything I wanted it to be. Charming tartan-backed chairs, a cozy fire, stone walls with black and white photos, and twinkle lights already strung along the wood beams in the ceiling. A gleaming wood bar, backed by a wall with a mirror and glass shelves linedwith bottles, was tucked at one end, and there Alexander spoke to a pretty woman tending bar.

“So much for being my friend,” I hissed to Alexander. “You abandoned me.”

“Sorry, I panicked as soon as they brought up dating. I’ll try and be stronger next time.” Alexander grinned and then gestured to the woman behind the bar. “Harper, meet Rosie. Rosie took over the Highland Hearts bookshop.”

“Oh yay! Another American here. And on a new adventure, just like me.” Harper beamed at me, and I smiled back, enjoying her warmth and welcoming demeanor.

“You know what? I was ready for a big adventure. I’d been too settled into a boring life for too long. And what an adventure! A new country, a new store? I’m over the moon.”

Harper beamed at me, but I caught Alexander wincing. He gave me an unreadable look before turning away and clearing his throat, again. That was odd.

“Well if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. But I’ve heard the Book Bitches have already set up shop.”

“They kind of just take over, don’t they?” I laughed.

“Don’t try and fight them.” Harper shook her head, her long braid dancing behind her. “They’re an impossible force of nature. But they did help me get this pub put to rights.”

“How do you like running it?” I asked, settling on a stool.

A soft meow was the only warning I had before a cat butted its head against my arm.

“Oh, well hello, sir.” A tabby cat blinked up at me with soulful eyes before insisting on more attention.

“That’s our wee warrior kitten, Wallace. Though he’s not quite a kitten anymore.”

“What’s a warrior kitten?” I asked, scratching behind his ears. “Does he catch all the mice?”

“He’s absolutely horrible at catching mice. In fact, I think his favorite thing is to sleep all day and then terrorize us by running in laps around the flat at three in the morning.”

“Maybe he’s catching all the ghosts.”

Harper glanced to a picture frame in front of an empty stool and then back to me.

Interesting.

“What can I get you?”

“A glass of red is fine if you have it. Cab or Malbec works.”

“So you’re big on adventure, huh?” Alexander asked as Harper went to fill my drink. His voice was steady, but I got the sense that I was missing something.

“Well, this is a big adventure for me. I needed to shake my life up and I did.”

“There’s nothing wrong with a small life.” Alexander’s voice was low, and the words were pitched into his pint glass.

“I never said there was. But it was time for a change. That’s all.” I was missing some sort of undercurrent here, I wassure of it.

“What happens when you move on? To the next adventure?”

“Based on my track record, I’d say I have a good ten years or so before I consider something of that nature. Assuming I can make this bookselling gig financially profitable for me that is.”

“Here you go. First one’s on the house.” Harper beamed at me over the glass of wine.

“Aww, thank you. I’d like to invite you to my open house party I’m having this weekend. I’ll stay open later than usual, if you want to invite other people in town. I figured telling people at the pub would be the quickest way to get the word out.”

“I’ll pop over before my shift and will spread the word. It doesn’t take much to get news to people here.” Harper grinned, leaning on the bar.

“Was that an adjustment for you or do you come from a small town?”

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