Page 10 of The Rescue

“Aye, I just got distracted, is all. I was making sure Crystal had everything she needed before we opened and got busy.”

“Oh, Dylan’s friend who is making the website? What’s she like? I can’t wait to meet her.” She peers over my shoulder towards the door that leads to the cafe.

“Aye, she’s okay.”

“Okay?” Nellie looks at me with a puzzled look.

“Where’s your brother? I will take you both in to meet her.” I try to deflect the weird look Nellie is giving me.

“He just ran across the road to Bits and Bobs, I think he’s sweet on Fiona. He’s always finding excuses to go over there.”

I smile to myself because Fiona is one of my best friends, and I know poor wee David hasn’t got a chance for a few reasons. Fiona is in love with my other best friend, Hamish. Although they’ve never told each other how they feel. Another reason, Fiona would eat David alive, she’s caring and sweet but only to the people she trusts. And David is seven years younger than Fiona, he’s the same age as Nellie because they’re twins. But I’ve got to give it to the lad for trying.

David comes running round the corner, his thick ginger hair blowing in the wind.

“Sorry, I’m late. I had to pop into the shop,” he huffs.

I eye him with suspicion.

“Rabbie was just about to take us in to meet Crystal, she’s Dylan’s friend making the website for Sweet Treats,” Nellie tells her twin brother.

“Oh aye, I heard Mac talking about the small cowgirl with red hair in the Drunken Duck the other night.”

David wiggles his eyebrows, and I suddenly feel a pang of jealousy and protectiveness wash over me. I shouldn’t feel jealous or annoyed because I’ve employed Crystal to do a job, so it technically makes me her boss, and because David is a young, horny twenty-year-old who doesn’t know the first thing about women. Although, I wouldn’t be too far behind him in experience when it comes to women.

I’ve only ever had a handful of one night stands since my one and only girlfriend. I don’t do relationships purely because I think they will eventually leave me like my mum did. Yeah I know, fucked up, but it’s how I protect myself. I’ve never taken it any further than that. There are plenty of beautiful women in Crossmackie too, but I don’t like to fuck where I live. The town’s too small, and I’d rather not have the women of the town sharetheir tidbits about my personal life. And as of recently Sweet Treats has been my main focus, and I’m glad for it because it’s an excuse to not date. I’m too busy, I always tell my Nan or my friends.

Nellie rolls her eyes at her brother, they might be twins and look the same with their bright orange hair and pale blue eyes, but they’re very different people. David is young and immature. He’s a great lad, and works hard, but he has a lot of growing up to do. Nellie is an old soul, she’s gentle and caring, and can read me like a book.

They follow me through the back door of the bakery and through the kitchen. I find Crystal where I left her, working on her laptop, and sipping on her coffee. She has a slight frown on her brow from concentrating on the screen in front of her, it’s really cute. She looks up from her work, and a wide smile spreads across her face. She has the warmest smile I’ve ever seen.

“Hey.” She closes the lid to her laptop to give me her full attention.

I just stare at her and my mind goes blank, I hear a soft cough next to me. Nellie nudges me in the side. I still can find the words as I blink between Nellie and Crystal.

“Hi, I’m Nellie. Sorry I wasn’t here yesterday to meet you, I was feeling a wee bit poorly. This is my twin brother David,” Nellie introduces herself and her brother, because I’m the fool who can’t talk.

“Hi, I’m glad you’re feeling better. It’s so nice to meet you both.” Crystal smiles at the twins.

I look over at David, and he is gawking like a fish at Crystal, she must notice because a small giggle escapes her mouth. I step on David’s foot to stop him staring at her.

“Ow! What was that for?” He frowns at me.

“Sorry, David. I didn’t see your big clown feet there, come on, it’s time to get the cafe ready to open.” I usher them away from Crystal.

I turn back to Crystal and her deep green eyes look tired, I feel the need to make sure she’s okay.

“Can I get you anything?”

“I’m okay, thanks.”

“Well, if you need anything, you know where I’ll be.” I point to the kitchen.

Crystal doesn’t say anything, she gives me that heart melting smile and returns to her work.

* * *

Nellie and David open the cafe, and we’re rushed off our feet until after lunchtime. I was happy for the distraction because that meant I didn’t think of Crystal as much. Now that the cafe has quietened down a bit, I make two sandwiches, one vegetarian and one chicken salad, and I finish off the tray with a pot of tea and some biscuits.

---