Page 94 of The Rescue

She sniffles into my chest and I know she’s crying. I give her a second to compose herself before breaking the hug. She gently wipes away a tear, and smiles at me.

“This is all I’ve ever dreamed of, is making things right with you. Next is nan, but I’m terrified. I’ve hurt her in so many ways, I don’t know if she’ll ever forgive me.”

“She’s a stubborn old thing that’s for sure, but you’re still her daughter she’ll always love you. Maybe we can have a drink together at the launch party tomorrow night, it could be a good ice breaker.”

“Aye, that would be lovely,” she picks up the sponge to resume the washing up.

I pick up my inventory list to double check over the ingredients I need to order, when I hear screams coming from out the front of the cafe. My heart drops, and I rush towards the door leading to the front of the cafe when the girls come barging in, shouting and yelling. Crystal collides with my chest and Nellie collides into Crystal. They are both talking over each other, and I can understand what is going on.

I look back over at my mum and she looks just as confused as me. I try to get a hold on the situation.

“Woah, what’s going on? You scared the shit out of me screaming like that. I thought we were getting robbed.”

Crystal brushed her red hair out of her face and pats me on the chest. Her warm hands steady my beating heart.

“Rab, we found them!” Crystal smiles.

“Found what?”

“The tips!” Nellie holds up the jar and shakes it.

I look between the girls, and the relief on both of their faces makes me feel light and happy.

“They were at the back of the shelf behind the extra teapots. I must’ve put them there and forgotten about them,” Nellie smiles.

“I told you they would turn up. I’ll put them upstairs where they won’t get lost again, and I’ll add the tip money to your wages and Christmas bonus.”

Nellie hands me the tip jar with a large smile on her face, and I’m glad that stress is off her shoulders.

“We’re all going to the pub to have a drink after that ordeal.”

Everyone laughs as I head upstairs to put the money in a safe spot.

35

Rabbie

I’m pacing the living room waiting for Crystal to finish getting ready.The evening of the launch party is here, and I’m a mixture of emotions. It’s bittersweet because this has come to an end but it’s also the start of something new. My business is heading in the right direction and it wouldn’t be possible without the support from everyone in my life, and of course Crystal for creating a beautiful website.

Crystal leaves in two days, and I’m a ball of nerves to ask her to come back. What if she’s changed her mind, and she doesn’t want to? I’m racking my brain on how to approach the situation as Edie circles under my feet. The skin around my nails have been chewed down from the nerves. I’m too entwined in my thoughts that I don’t hear Crystal approach behind me.

“Ahem?” She clears her throat.

I turn around to see her in the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. We decided to make the launch party a little formal, itseemed appropriate for the time of year. Crystal’s dress is a deep purple that makes her green eyes pop. The long slit up the side shows off her beautiful legs, and the bodice fits in all the right places. Her long red hair is curled and styled to look effortless. Her make-up is her signature look, winged eyeliner and pink rosy lips. It’s perfect, it’s her. And of course, I didn’t expect anything less, her little cowboy boots peak from underneath her dress.

She doesn’t even need to try, she’s just naturally beautiful. I’m lost for words, when she looks down at her feet and fidgets with the strap of her dress. I close the gap between us and run my hands over her smooth shoulders.

“You’re so beautiful, mo beag.”

Her green eyes pop up to meet mine, and a smile spreads across her lips.

“How did I get so lucky to have someone as smart and beautiful as you?”

Her face blushes and it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

“Thank you, you scrub up well yourself. Good job Dylan and I went shopping in Inverness, I didn’t bring anything close to formal with me.” she winks as she straightens my tie.

I’m wearing my kilt tonight, it only seemed right to wear it. The tie feels unusually tight around my neck as I struggle to find the words to tell Crystal how I really feel about her. It’s choking back the words. Edie purrs between our legs, I look down at her and then back at Crystal, and I realise that this is all I need in my life. I’m one hundred percent content with how my life is. I wouldn’t change a thing.

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